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The Habit
by
Susan Morse
There is an unmistakable gleam in Ma's eye, and her absolute composure both appalls me and rips my heart from its root. I burst into tears. The gauntlet is thrown.From the time she was conceived, Susan Morse was her mother's "special" child. For Susan, special translated into becoming her incorrigible mother's frazzled caretaker, a role that continued into adulthood. Now s...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
November 8th 2011
by Open Road E-riginal
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Reading "The Habit" was like sitting at a cozy café with a good friend, drinking coffee, sharing our souls and lives and laughing our asses off. The book begins and ends within the span of one year, but Susan Morse's narrative on her life, and that of her mother's, covers 150+ years, which gives this very personal account its heart and soul. It was difficult to put "The Habit" down to eat, sleep and care for my family. Ms. Morse's writing style is reminiscent of David Sedaris and Nora Ephron, ye...more
You might appreciate this book if you are the daughter of a difficult and narcissistic mother, and your filial sense of responsibility means that you are the person who is primarily responsible for helping wade through the shark-infested waters of insurance issues and medical appointments when your elderly mother becomes ill. I identified with the author who was trying to juggle family and work responsibilities while really trying to help her mother deal with a life-changing illness. Some people...more
Huh. This is a wildly zany memoir from the daughter of a woman who becomes an Orthodox nun in her 80s. Obviously written from the perspective of someone who is not Orthodox, I was intrigued by how things that make sense to me, or I understand were perceived and I thought it added an interesting dimension.
However, this is truly a small part of the story. The bulk of the story is the sandwich generation and how women (and men, but that's not the focus) juggle being a parent and child at the same t...more
However, this is truly a small part of the story. The bulk of the story is the sandwich generation and how women (and men, but that's not the focus) juggle being a parent and child at the same t...more
The sandwich generation will appreciate this memoir. Loved the fact this is not a sentimental sappy story. Fighting insurance companies and finding long term care are enough of a hurdle without adding old childhood anxieties to pile on the frustration. Plus your teenage son needs help with his homework and dinner and is learning to drive so when your heart attack happens he can save your life! I literally laughed out loud like I do when reading David Sedaris.
This was a fun memoir, but I came to believe the author was very funny and maybe a bit nuts, the way she imagined herself being when she was busy advocating for someone dear to her. I could relate to the sandwich generation and actually liked her take on the medical/residential choices available for elderly and how our system is not very clear or supportive. I enjoyed the final comments from her mother too. "No one dies," a very spiritual message.
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Morse’s strong-willed, quirky mother becomes a nun at the age of eighty-five. She ends up being the principal caregiver of her mother and writes about her struggle with their relationship while she frantically attempts to balance her own busy life.
Many reviews raved about how humorous and poignant this book was. I couldn’t get past Morse’s neurotic, obsessive nature. For me, the book was more annoying than enjoyable, and definitely not funny.
Many reviews raved about how humorous and poignant this book was. I couldn’t get past Morse’s neurotic, obsessive nature. For me, the book was more annoying than enjoyable, and definitely not funny.
The Habit is the story of a woman who becomes a nun in her 80s. She has tried and been fanatical about several religions in her life before she becomes a Greek Orthodox nun.
When I selected this book, I missed that it was non-fiction. I mean - who really becomes a nun at that age?
It is an interesting look at the balance of caring for your aging parents and managing your own family. I didn't relate to it all that well.
When I selected this book, I missed that it was non-fiction. I mean - who really becomes a nun at that age?
It is an interesting look at the balance of caring for your aging parents and managing your own family. I didn't relate to it all that well.
I thought this book was about an 85 year-old-woman who becomes a nun (which could make a great story), but this is really a story about the author's having to take care of her aging mother as she battles cancer. What a whiner! There were a few humourous parts when Susan Morse was dealing with the HMOs, but mainly she talks about how difficult her mother was (which I couldn't see from the examples she gave). She complains about her Mother's spirituality, when really her spiritual community gave h...more
It's about how we see and understand our mother when we are an adult, especially when roles start to reverse as they age and need help during an illness. The author makes peace with some bad memories and forgives her mom as she recognizes similar traits in herself. It's a wonderful book that you find yourself laughing and crying with at unexpected moments. I hope the author writes more books...
I thought this book about a daughter and her aging mother were delightful. This is a memoir and I think because of my age and the aging parent situation I was able to relate well to this story. A fast and funny read. There were many laugh out loud moments. I liked the writing you could feel the frustrations as well as the triumphs.
Call me crazy (crazy!), but I usually rely on the book's synopsis to tell me what the book will be about. This was a case of false advertising by the synopsis. It's not about her mother's spiritual journey and her 6 attempts to become a nun in different religions. Rather, it was about 10% about when the mother finally becomes a nun and 90% about Morse's elder care for her mother and her mother's medical issues.
Although Morse's writing is witty, I found all the medical and HMO ordeals to be stre...more
Although Morse's writing is witty, I found all the medical and HMO ordeals to be stre...more
Hello all, The Habit, by Susan Morse is being released on Tuesday, Nov 8th. Get it on Kindle, Nook or paper back and hard copy. First time author, this is Susan's true story of taking care of her mother through illness and back. Written with good humor and insight, in that inbetween place daughter, mother, wife and juggling responsibilities life gives to us.
very nice, about an interesting family. lots of local (philadelphia) color. a little ranty in the middle, but it's about the health care system so who can really complain?
This is a quick read about a daughter caring for her mother. I met the author and greatly enjoyed getting more of the back story.
An interesting memoir about a daughter and her mother. I liked the little stories and the way the author wrote but it seemed very scattered while reading it.
Amusing reflection on dealing with an aging parent with a strong mind of her own.
topic that is timely
Finished in less than a week warrants an "excellent" rating.
I keep reading on, but am finding the overall memoir a little boring after awhile. Sometimes I crack a smile...
I did not finish this book.. Just didn't keep my interest.
I did not finish this book.. Just didn't keep my interest.
Just not my cup of tea. I think the description is misleading, as the mom becoming nun is such a small part of book. There were funny moments, sweet ones too...but overall this book fell flat to me. I don't want to be mean or political, but it came across as a liberal woman whining and complaining while blaming everything on everyone else...especially Republicans.
Laugh out loud funny at times..... Seemed to drag in the middle. Enjoyed the way she looked a things. Made me appreciate my mother!
Got better as it went along. Humorous writing with some laugh-out-loud moments. Thought provoking re: aging with grace........
Ugh! First of all, I struggled to even get 1/2 way through this book. Secondly, who speaks so openly negative & disrespectfully about their mother!?! And "laugh out loud funny"...not so much. My last and final gripe...very scattered writing, she jumps from one thought to another so quickly and what's with all the Gaga's!?! Two thumbs down!
Parts of this book are hilarious. Since I am currently living this woman's life I could relate completely. I had to read in small amounts because her life in addition to mine was completely overwhelming at times. Anyone taking care of an aging parent while balancing other responsibilities should read this book.
It was okay !
Jun 17, 2013
Shawna
marked it as to-read
Jun 16, 2013
Josephine
is currently reading it
Jun 15, 2013
Kay Vavrina
marked it as to-read
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