Jenny Walton's Packing for a Woman's Journey

by Nancy Lindemeyer

Based on the author's story-and-recipe feature in Victoria magazine, written under the name Jenny Walton, the story recalls growing up under the loving eye of her grandmother in a small town in New England

203 pages, Hardcover

First published March 31, 1998

Reviews

[Relyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you know Nancy Lindemeyer? She was the editor-in-chief of Victoria magazine during the glory days of magazines.

Oh how I loved magazines! At one point I had subscriptions to 23 different magazines. Magazines were the original internet for me. And, Victoria was my first grown-up, home-focused magazine love. I discovered it while I was still in high school at one of my best friend's homes. Her mom had made their Signal Mountain stone cottage competely lovely. It was beautiful and cozy. It was not pretentious at all, but really beautiful, welcoming, and comfortable. There was a sunroom that was kind of her mom's special place and she had a few copies of Victoria magazine sitting out. I read one and swore to myself that when I grew up, I would create a cozy, comfortable, beautiful home and that I would live well in it - just like Nancy's mom, and my own mom, did.

You know, I did just that. And, Nancy Lindemeyer was a part of that personal journey. So. These essays were a real treat for me.

[Dorise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice quality, very charming, small hardback book that makes a sweet gift for the right person. It reminds me of the Sarah Ban Breathnach Simple Abundance book. It’s about the simple pleasures in life, and the family bonds that help to shape a person. It’s a slow, pleasant read…a bit boring for me at times. It does jump around a bit as far as sequencing, so it’s more of a collection of essays then a linear memoir. It’s a cozy book with a consistently positive, nostalgic tone.

[Cindy Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not exactly sure why I loved this book so much, but it was warm and comforting and I didn't want it to end. Now I want to find old issues of Victoria magazine! Anyone who loves domesticity, family connections, and small towns will find themselves carried off to another time and place and wishing they could stay there. Definitely a good book to read in these stressful times!

[Anne Slater · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bed-time book. Short chapters, semi-unlinked memoir essays

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read in short spurts because each chapter is a little vignette. The author seems like a kind person who is very family-oriented. Well written.

[Joy O’Toole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A series of essays full of family stories, beautiful memories, and timeless truths.

This book stands up to rereading. I enjoyed it just as much this time around.