The Habit

On the surface The Habit, a memoir by Susan Morse, is a story of mother-daughter relationships.  As you settle down into the story you are sure to discover other relationships as well; children, siblings, grandparents, friends, spouse, and God. 

The range of emotions is equally diverse.  I texted my sister during the first chapter to say "you've got to read this--it is so funny".  It is funny.  It is also sad, heartwarming and scary.  Morse reminds us that as people live longer many of us have become part of a sandwich generation splitting our time between our children and our parents.  Unfortunately often there is no time for oneself which can result in a melt down.

Morse does melt down on more than one occasion, especially when dealing with HMO's, health care, assisted living, and cancer.  She comes out the other side enjoying the quality time she has gained with her mother and learned a few things in the process.   

When the book begins Susan is trying to cope with the religious journey her "Ma" has begun.  While not everyone has a mother who has decided to become an Orthodox Christian nun we can identify with accepting changes in family members as they age.

The Habit will stay with me for a very long time.  I hope that the lessons Morse had learned will save me from stumbling on some of them for myself.  It is a new year, treat yourself to a book that will entertain and perhaps prepare you.

Currently Reading.....

I just finished Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay for book club this Friday.  Amazing, I will tell you all about it after our discussion.  (I harbor a hope that when they have time my book buddies are following this blog.)

Now I am reading The Habit by Susan Morse. This is a funny, sometimes too true memoir of a mother-daughter relationship.

My current non-fiction is Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time.  Author Brian Tracy writes, lectures and speaks on time management.  I should be done with this short read very soon. 

Now, what are you reading?  Feel free to comment on this post with the title and author of your current read.