Customer Reviews

A Mother's Kisses

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I read this back in the early 60's when I was about 14 or so. I am still laughing. You will not believe the way this guy writes.It is indescribable. If you are lucky enough to come upon a copy, buy it. You will be so glad you did. Bruce Jay Friedman is a national treasure. His take on life is at first glance quite askew..but, upon further reading, you will find that he "writes" like you "think." I've never experienced this with any other writer. Check out his other books, as well...especially the Lonely Guy's book of Life.

I first read this in the late 1960s and laughed aloud at its funny and subtle humor. Every turn is unexpected and yet makes sense. Friedman's memoir is called "Lucky Bruce" in reference to Kinsgley Amis's "Lucky Jim" and the book is in Lucky Jim's class, completely memorable after 40 years.

Not every funny book is as funny as you would like it to be, and not every funny book makes you happy inside. There are kinds of funny books which in opposite make you feel that your pleasure is empty, and that you after you have laughed yourself out feel sadder.
This is the way I remember ' A Mother's Kisses' a funny book but something whose irreverence made me feel a bit not alright. It was not in any case one of those books that I put aside, and told myself I must reread, simply because it was so so enjoyable. "The Catcher in the Rye" Or "Portnoy's Complaint"
This was for me an amusing book , and one well worth reading and enjoying. But not more.