This book blew me away. It's an unsettling exploration of the relationship between two very different women. You will never forget this story or these characters. (Plus there's a dog who plays an important role, as well.) … [Read more...] about The Door

We’ve all been on the receiving end of criticism or in a position to give it. Either way, it can be tricky, and, at times, ugly. I think of the times I’ve taken my kids out on the tennis court to to give them some coaching. When we walk back through the door, my husband immediately knows that a good time was not had by all. In my defense, I was just matter-of-factly telling them how to improve their strokes, and what they heard was “You think I’m not good enough,” or “You don’t appreciate me for … [Read more...] about Thanks for the Feedback

I remember picking up my third grade daughter one day from school. On this particular day, her usual happy smile was gone as she slid open the van door, plopped in her seat and immediately burst into tears. She blubbered: “Mom, am I weird? Some girls in my class keep calling me weird. (Blubber, blubber.) Am I weird?” My heart sank, and like any good mother, I immediately began plotting my revenge. I was pretty sure I knew who “those girls” were and I was going to ma
ke them SUFFER! Ok, not … [Read more...] about How To Be A Person In The World

Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler is a stunning new coming-of-age novel about a young woman who leaves her small hometown for NYC where she lands employment at one of the poshest restaurants in town. The author poetically describes food as an accompaniment to and metaphor for the story. The book begins:

“You will develop a palate. A palate is a spot on your tongue wher you remember. Where you assign words to the textures of taste. Eating becomes a discipline, language-obsesses. You will never … [Read more...] about Sweetbitter