(Steeplechase) They May Not Mean To, But They Do by Cathleen Schine, 4.5 stars

[Holly R W]

I'll never remember the title, but I will remember the book. It is about an 87 year old woman named Joy Bergman and her family. When the novel begins, Joy is living in NYC, still working as a conservationist in a small museum, and caring for her ill husband. He has both cancer and dementia. Don't ask me how she manages this - she's amazing. Her grown children (Molly and Daniel) love her and their dad and worry endlessly about both of them.

How can a novel with such heavy themes be funny? The author pulls this off handily and (I believe) is writing from her own experience. I found myself laughing after reading certain passages. My own parents are deceased now, but I remember going through many of the same struggles with them that Joy and her children experience. The children want to help, but sometimes come off as too bossy and just plain wrong.

The story has a lot of heart and truth in it.

[Susan]

Oh, thanks for your review. This sounds like something I might like right now. I've just DNR'd two books need something funny but not too frivolous. Sounds like this could be it! Now, let's hope the library has it...

[NancyJ]

This sounds like something I could go for now too. Thanks.

[Holly R W]

Susan and Nancy, I hope you both like it.