I love this book. I read it as a child and I have been looking for it for my own child to enjoy. I told her about the book and we looked for it in the library. They didn't have it. I am so thankful to be able to find it here. Thank you Amazon.

This was one of my favorite books as a child. I recently re-read it, and--unlike other favorite books I have revisited--I found it still fresh, engaging, and very touching. The lead character goes through some tough times with family members, and the observations ring true. The author is extremely adept at bringing you into Toby's world without any trace of moralizing or false sentimentality. Highly recommended. Parents can read it too and enjoy it, and then talk about it with children.

This is the first book of nonfiction by the author of six wonderful novels -- including some bestsellers -- and a longtime writing instructor. It's a warm and encouraging book by a warm and generous writer (she contributed to my own book on the creative process, Writing in Flow, and I was impressed at that time by her articulateness) about how and why to get involved in a supportive writing community. Rather than fall into an existing group, perhaps composed of wannabes who don't know how to critique usefully or who will feel competitive with each other, you might take Wolitzer's advice and take charge of rounding up like-minded others. She includes rich detail about how to operate such a group, plus lots of concrete advice and suggestions from other authors on the actual writing: dialogue, sex scenes, setting, much more. Smoothly written and enjoyable to read. Marvelously inspiring.

I received a copy of this book from my daughter who was about to celebrate her 33rd birthday. The Amazon gift wrap was lovely. And she wrote and told me this was a gift for giving life to her and more. And I began to read the essays and the letters and the poems. And although each author had a different mother, there seemed to be a universal theme....love. And in some cases, lack of love. These are letters and poems that one can read and re-read and share with friends because there is so much thought and insights into that special unique relationship between mother and daughter. To have received this book from my daughter makes it all the more special....but the collection is filled with words that make my memories spin and I am happy that my daughter has always told me what she has meant to say...Mothers can send this book to their daughters. Daughters should send this book to their mothers. And if any man wishes to know why the relationship between mother and daughter is so very special, he can read this book too. Thanks to the editor who compiled the various works! This book is a keeper!

This is a great book about a 10 year old girl, named Shirley Braverman. Shirley loves to spell, and hopes to win the spelling bee. This book is very interesting and well witten. This is one of my favorite books ever! I wish there were a sequel to this book.