Sister Mother Husband Dog: Etc.

I loved this book, it is sincere and heartfelt. It was my first Delia Ephron book - which is strange - being a hard core fan of Nora E. since many years back.Reading this book I got very nostalgic about Nora’s death and I loved to hear about the relationship with her sister as well as their work collaborations.It is an honest and witty book that will make you laugh and also - at least in my case - cry.

Delia Ephron is an eloquent speaker and writer. Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog: (Etc.) was a good read, for me, albeit too short. Delia has mastered “and that’s all I have to say about that” true Forrest Gump fashion of establishing parameters, never over killing her ideas, and always leaving room for the reader to enter.I liked Bakeries best! Life hurls crap by full shovels. Aimlessly grazing across town seems a welcome stillness, a personal retreat, a diversion; and if the confections are decadent then there’s gratifying, liberating therapy in every bite. Can’t remember the last time I was a foodie. Overdue!Five stars might come from readers who do not listen to podcasts. I bought this book because I love hearing Delia promote her work but far too much of this book was said in interviews. Too often I felt robbed of the read.Yes, I will continue to purchase this fabulous author’s work. She’s a treasure.

Perhaps Delia was overshadowed by her sister Nora, and it's a shame. She misses Nora as much as we do but she has her own story to tell and it's wonderful. I am still a lover and user of hardcopy books and I take this particular one with me everywhere. I'm disappointed when my doctor is on time for my appointment. I'm not happy that the oil change in the car was done so quickly. Reading this book is like having a long, heartfelt chat with a girlfriend. In these days of isolation, the book is a godsend.

If you're at all on the fence about buying this book. Don't hesitate a moment more. Buy it.Delia Ephron has a voice of her own. It sounds a little like Nora's; and if you miss Nora from the planet, as I do - it will comfort you to know that someone else can conjure up ironic, quirky little twists to both the most banal and meaningful moments we trip across in life. There is someone else out there like you. And it is comforting. Validating.But Delia's voice, while perhaps a little more knobby in its polish, is more honest in its gaze. More powerful. More personal. She's a truth teller in a way Nora never was.Nora told you about her neck, but she didn't tell you about her real fears. Delia lays it all out - like ingredients of a granola she's about to bake. The chewy parts, the sweet - and, of course, all the nuts. In all their gnarly glory.By fearlessly showing you things you might want to turn away from, she reveals so much more compassion, loyalty, and real love. And that's when an author is also a teacher. That courage of hers is imparted to us. There is so much more character than we get to see in most authors who delve into their own lives for content. I was touched and impressed -- and I wanted more. Turning to Amazon to find another memoir or a book of her essays, I found novels and children's books. And I promise to try them too. But - please Delia - more personal takes on life and love and family and work and dogs and parents and friends and baked goods - and anything else you want to share. Just - more Delia.

Delia seems to be forever in Nora's shadow. She's a fine writer of her own right, but reviews always reference Nora in some way. Sadly, I'm going to do it as well.The format of this collection of essays isn't all that different than those of her sister. Often random topics. However, Delia usually has a point, or deeper subtext attached. Her love of bakeries turns into people always wanting more while overlooking happiness with less. Facebook upgrades highlighting that social media doesn't allow anyone to shed high school beliefs and hang ups. Delia seems more honest than Nora, who always seemed to be hiding any real feeling behind snark, humor and bossiness.I get the impression that Nora was very much like their mother, rather domineering, my way or the highway, little nurture and somewhat angry. She was passive-agressive. i.e. I'm demanding my way but at the same time sending you beautiful roses or fantastic baked goods that I know you'll adore.I enjoyed Delia's collection more than Nora's "I Remember Nothing" or "I Feel Bad About My Neck" and I'm glad she's concentrating on novels. Very much looking forward to reading more.FYI Delia - In Word, use ctrl B, ctrl I, ctrl u, etc. : )

This is a easy read and if your anything like me - I will go back and 're-read' pieces of this book - watch: 'Sleepless in Seattle; Michael; You've Got Mail; It's My Life; Hanging-Up; Heartburn and maybe even read pieces of Nora's - Crazy Quilt and other novels. I never got to see 'Lucky Guy' - but would have loved to. This book is about relationships between two sisters who loved each other - despite the differences they had. I appreciate Delia more now because I like her am a 'middle child' and could relate to all the problems & joy that comes with it. I would give my eye-tooth to have been a fly on the wall during all those movies - because those are all some of my all-time favorite movies. I also would love to write a children's book but never had the courage...yet. I did write a family cookbook and I am proud of that... and I always loved the recipes Nora included in her books. We all have stories to tell... and Delia does a wonderful job here - even the stories she didn't quite know how to... I really get that. Great job! I will recommend this to anyone who has aspirations of writing books or screen plays.

I loved this book.

Coming shortly after the death of the author's famous sister Norah, this book focuses to some extent on the author's family, but to a much larger degree on the movie industry - particularly the script writing business. But although many people and events make their appearances, it is obvious that the author is not interested in them per se. Her obsession is with her own reaction to them - which gets a bit tiring after a while. There is also a very strong subtext. This being that her far more famous and accomplished sister Norah couldn't have achieved what she did without Delia's selfless cooperation and help. The witty and accomplished prose barely conceals the smell of sour grapes. But an enjoyable and easy read none the less.

Bought this for my mother, having read and heard some good reviews. I didn't get a chance to read it before wrapping it up, but she admitted later to being disappointed by it. Apparently Delia comes off as very self-involved, and there weren't as many heart-warming moments (especially concerning sister Nora) as we'd expected.

Delia Ephron is a very good story teller

Delia as well as her sister Nora just get it. They write what you think. Funny and sad but really worth reading.