Recently, Amy Abbott, one of my friends, gave me this autographed copy of her first book, “The Luxury of Daydreams.”
It’s kind of a sticky situation when you receive a book from a friend. What if I don’t like it? What do I tell her?
Well, there was no problem with that. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book! In these 30 essays Amy takes us from her experiences growing up in a small Midwest town to dealing with difficult adult struggles including raising a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, handling a midlife job loss, loving her aging parents, and dealing with an empty nest. With all of these stories, she weaves in her wonderful humor, raw honesty, and undying hope.
What I love about this book is even though it’s about Amy and her family, I can relate to these stories. Although I didn’t grow up in a small town or have some of her experiences, when I read this, it brings back my own memories.
Calling bingo at the local senior center for cranky seniors who didn’t appreciate her jokes brought back memories and laughs about my sixth grade volunteering gig where I led the rosary for the nursing home residents.
In “The Trip to Rowena” Amy shares watching her mother with dementia slip into the past, and her father at his wife’s side providing 24-hour care. Amy writes about the small things her mom can’t do anymore – things that she misses. Her experiences remind us to appreciate those small things.
Her “Blue Bowl’ essay reinforces that these are not just things – they connect us to those loved ones.
This is a fast and easy read. It’s a book to pick up when you want to laugh or want to feel hopeful again. After reading this you may want to get out your pen and paper and write some of your memories. Or maybe you’ll look at some of those little things or actions a bit differently.
This is definitely not Amy’s last book. I know she has much more to share and teach through her insights. This book published by WestBow Press can be purchased here. Check out what others are saying about this book on her book website. You can also follow her on her blog here.
Sounds interesting and I like the cover-striking.
Bev, She had a friend paint that painting just for her book cover.
Lynda