One of Barbara Byer's "Favorite Places to Visit"
www.ellenblumbarish.com/columns
Ellen writes about my favorite subjects -- motherhood, family and life. Her new book Views from the Home Office Window contains a collection of her insightful essays written over a several year period. You'll find compassion and wit in her pages and on her web site.
--Barbara Byer at www.burntchocolate.blogspot.com
Letters from Readers
I just finished reading
your book. It was a delight. And even though I have not had your
experience as a mother, your words gave me insight into a mother's
life... Your husband and daughters are blessed to have you in their
lives... Cheers on this warm, deeply human journal.
Marian Bohen
Chicago, IL
It’s
quite remarkable, personal prose that captures transcendent sentiments:
the power of friendship; the bulge in the psyche; as well as body, that
comes with pregnancy; the tender ache of watching one’s children grow
less dependent; the slow acceptance of middle age.
Dinah McNichols, Former Managing Editor
Tribune Media Services International
A truly delightful read! Your words of wisdom really touched me.
Rebecca Weston
Chicago, IL
The
compilation of essays contained in this jewel of a book represent a
broad range of issues that often comprise the fabric of our lives as
women. I ventured to the Book Stall in Winnetka for a heart-warming
reading by the author. I don't think anyone present left without
purchasing at least one copy of Barish's book. I alone bought eight as
Mother's Day gifts for family and friends. Although Barish encouraged
readers to savor one essay a day, I finished the book in one sitting
Sunday night. She has an uncanny ability to capture a core issue in
everyday life and to analyze it from several angles, all in three to
four pages! As a social worker, I have been conducting parent education
and networking groups in local communities for more than 20 years. I
will be recommending BarishÕs new book for fathers as well as mothers
because of the way she is able to capture the questions, concerns and
joys that parents experience on what is perhaps the most amazing
journey of life: parenthood. I encourage all who missed out on
Sunday's treat to check out Barish, a Skokie resident, at the Barnes
and Noble in Old Orchard at 7:30 p.m. on June 5th. I'll probably see
you there because after finishing the book I thought of several other
friends who
would love to receive an autographed copy.
Kate Mahoney
Evanston, IL
Last
night I read your essay on "What I've Learned From People Without
Children" and I thank you for acknowledging what people [without
children] like myself can contribute to family life. The idea that I
remind friends that they need to take time to care for themselves
really resonates with me. I have been enjoying my reading of the
vignettes and find that while the stories might begin from a mother's
perspective, they really reveal life lessons for us all.
Judy Bowman
Chicago, IL
It's
a wonderful collection. The individual columns all grab attention.
They are readable, clear, forthright, and wise. I admire your ability
to convey the everyday in a way that sparks instant recognition and, at
the same time, adds a layer of depth and symbolism.
Helen Luey
San Francisco, CA
Your articles in the Toledo Area Parent News
are always the first I read. I have two daughters too and can always
identify with what you are saying. Thanks for always enlightening us!
No matter what your topic, it always fits so perfectly with my own life
issues. And I need to thank you for bringing the issues to light in
such a positive and pleasurable fashion. I hope you can know how
helpful this can be for others searching for understanding from your
same era. Great work.
F. Song,
Toledo, Ohio
As
often as not, I find your maternal insight useful in my role as a
father. My wife and I have two daughters, ages four and eleven.
Intervention is the rule at this time, unfortunately, and time to sort
through difficult parenting issues is rare. Usually our attempts at
commiserating on a problem are so disrupted that they fall apart. Your
column frequently serves as a surrogate for my wife’s motherly
feelings. Additionally, “involved” dads sometimes find a mother’s
sensibility useful in developing our own perception and strategy. Those
of us with daughters, especially, need a little female insight.
Bryan Roth
Perrysburg, Ohio
I just wanted to thank you for your thought-provoking and meaningful column in the Ann Arbor Family Press.
I look forward each month to reading this…I agree with you that being a
mother has made me question everything from what’s for dinner to my
belief in God. Thank you, again, for putting on paper your memories as
a child and the way that they affect you as a woman and a mother now. I
can relate and appreciate.
Tori Garrett-Field
Ypsilanti, Michigan
|
