Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane

I love books that remind me of the intertwined nature of our lives, our families and our actions. Less than halfway in, I was expecting a predictable conclusion with Peter and Kate’s reunion, but the novel delivered so much more – an extraordinary tale of mother/son love in Ann and Peter’s relationship. It shows life with all its ups and downs and in this case, severe complications, but in the end it’s an expose of forgiveness and acceptance with love as the victor.

Saturday’s Child: A Daughter’s Memoir by Deborah Burns

This memoir really touched me with its theme of the ties between mothers and daughters the stretch forward and backward for generations. I listened to the audio narrated by the author which was really powerful. As an only daughter, I related to this story in a number of ways and it’s beautiful unfolding brought me in. It is a personal story yet universal and timeless.

Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner

Overall, I enjoyed the themes and prose in the novel. I am a fan of books that span decades and generations and books with strong female protagonists. The first chapter set me up to think a conflict needed to be resolved between the sisters and I was anxious to see what that would be. Regardless- worth reading for the female characters and witnessing what they must bear as they age. I wondered if the names of the sisters – Jo and Beth- were allusions to Little Women?

Signs: The Secret Language of the Universe by Laura Lynne Jackson

I am no stranger to signs and strong intuitive pulls. What Laura Lynne Jackson provided for me in this book was validation and a pathway to go further. We are all mediums. Written with wonderful anecdotes and a prescription for readers to experience and appreciate the ways in which we are all connected. I found this such a validating and uplifting book.

Permission to Fly: A Memoir of Love, Crushing Loss, and Triumph by Layng Martine Jr.

Written with an incredibly authentic voice, Permission to Fly is a testament to a life charged with curiosity, courage, and spirit. In its pages we meet kind, special characters in Martine’s mother, his boarding school mentor, and early employers who helped to shape this special soul. And of course we meet Linda, the love of Layng’s life…. and we watch as they live the life they choose – with or without anyone’s permission. I love the lessons this book teaches – life is so short and precious and we should all have the courage to make our own path, and to never judge the paths our children may wish to follow.