Customer Reviews

Dutiful Daughters: Caring for Our Parents As They Grow Old

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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I wrote one of the pieces in this book about my own mother, and her death. It was cathartic and helpful to write it, but I can still not read it through without shedding tears. While your aging parents are alive and a burden, it is sometimes difficult to be patient, and to savor the last of their life with them. Aging is difficult to bear for both parties. Your parent becomes your child. Reading this marvelous, rich book will help you know what a fortunate thing it is to be able to offer your love and your support to those who gave you life. I was lucky to have my "story" included in this wonderful book.

A friend of a freind of a friend passed this book to me. I was so pleasantly surprised. The book is not just for those who are caring for elder parents or grandparents. It is beautiful literature. The story called Margie's Discount was beautifully written, insightful, and moving. (This is the second thing I have read by BK Loren, but cannot find a book by this author.) Though it was so different, I also liked To Kill A Deer. It was funny and sad and right on target about parents. I recommend this book as general reading. I do not have aging parents, but if I did, I would think this book would be essential. I think it is essential already, as just the stories are beautifully told.

We have read this book and find it suitable for future, present and past experiences. An excellent reading for those still healing from the care of elderly relatives.

This is certainly a strong collection of nonfiction about daughters and their parents. "Taking Care of Charlie," by Cathleen Calbert, is gripping, with some humor too. And "Chocolate," by Mary Anne Maier is the most moving piece of all. I admire it for its content and impeccable form, and I reread it periodically. Maier takes us with her on a quest to come to terms with her mother's death, but along the way we are given insight into the author as a daughter and as a human being.

This collection of stories is just what is needed for the " Nelson Family " generation. There is too little know about how those over 50 deal with ageing parents. Many of the stories are mirrors of our lives. Thank you Jean Gould.

There is something about the writing of BK Loren. As I read through the story of her and her mother, my heart and mind filled with emotions. As I think of what she wrote while I write this, tears return to my eyes. This is when you know that an author is good. She makes you feel what she feels and leaves you knowing that the world is a good place although it is hard. I really look forward to her next novel. SHE IS GREAT!

I bought this book for 2 reasons: (1) I have aging parents; and (2) I am a hospice social worker, so I encounter a lot of "dutiful daughters" in my professional life. This book is a collection of accounts written by a wide variety of women, and it is well-edited: some of the stories are of wonderful parents being cared for by devoted adult daughters, but many of the stories recount less-than-perfect situations as well -- e.g., parents who were emotionally distant, highly critical, or even abusive to the daughters now trying to care for them. So, while I could not personally relate to every single scenario, I think most women would find SOMETHING to relate to in this book, and it helps normalize the diversity & complexity of family relationships. And, from a professional standpoint, it helped me get inside the minds of some women who reminded me of challenging clients I have had. So I think that mental health professionals might find this book informative also.

Just wanted to let you know, since you mentioned looking for a book by BK Loren, that her first book, The Way of the River, will be published in May 2001.

I have read only one essay from this book. It was reprinted in a magazine called The Sun, and I was so impressed with the story, and could relate so well to some what was said, that I am going to order the book to read the rest.