Wednesday, January 05, 2011

I have a dear friend Relyn who loves books as much as I do and is a huge fan of Elizabeth Berg and before Christmas she said that she often starts out the year reading this book and now I see why.

It is a wonderful book about life and enjoying it the good,bad and ugly.

The book starts out with Betta driving cross country and finding a house in a small Ill. town where she befriends a small boy and two college age kids and reconnects with her friends from her college days.Betta is dealing with losing the great love of her life and wondering how she will go on without him.

I found this book as I do most of Berg's writing to be applicable to life in all it's facets. I think Mrs. Berg understands us humans with all our imperfections and she encourages us to look for the good and give kindness to those around us.

The title comes from a passage in the book where Betta's friend is talking about her own loses and encourages Betta to maybe make this her Year of Pleasures.She reminds Betta that the pleasure that we as humans most enjoy are those found in simple things.

I am going to take Betta's advice and try to make this my Year of Pleasures and try to find something that makes me happy in each new day and be thankful for it.
It can be something as simple as listening to my lab snore which makes me smile because I love that dog so. That is my pleasure of the day.What is yours?

"I always think incipient miracles surround us, waiting only to see if our faith is strong enough. We won't have to understand it; it will just work, like a beating heart, like love. Really, no matter how frightened and discouraged I may become about the future, I look forward to it. In spite of everything I see all around me every day, I have a shaky assurance that everything will turn out fine. I don't think I'm the only one. Why else would the phrase "everything's all right" ease a deep and troubled place in so many of us? We just don't know, we never know so much, yet we have such faith. We hold our hands over our hurts and lean forward, full of yearning and forgiveness. It is how we keep on, this kind of hope."
— Elizabeth Berg (Talk Before Sleep)

23 comments:

Farm Girl said...

As always, your writing blesses me as does your comments, have I told you how much I love that you are a reader. It makes me so happy. I have a bunch of Elizabeth Berg books, I love her writing and laugh at it but so often I find it hard to read her when I am going through a hard place. Kinda like reading Anne Lamont, it makes me think about places that are still too tender. You know one time I decided to keep a thankful journal, I began writing down all of the little things that God did for me each day. After a little while I stopped, you know why? Because I got scared because there were so many. :)
Thank you so much for being you and sharing from you heart, you know, I think you write like Elizabeth Berg.
Blessings to you, my dear friend.

Paige said...

Now that sounds like a great read to begin the new year with. I haven't read anything by Elizabeth Berg yet, thanks for sharing!

Paula said...

Sounds good and I love the cover. (Yes, I do judge a book by it's cover ~ lol) I have a dear friend who loves Elizabeth Berg as well and has loaned me a book or two after she was done. So far I haven't read one that has really grabbed me, but this one actually sounds better than the couple I've read.
Reading, and really enjoying, "The Lost Recipe for Happiness" that you sent. Thanks much!
My pleasure today has been in my dog as well. I brought him a new toy home tonight and he has been like a littl kid with it. So darn funny!

Mickle in NZ said...

What a beautiful thought to start the year with. I hope 2011 is very kind to you,

sending care and huggles, Michelle and a sleeping (but not snoring for once!) Zebby Cat,

xxx and purrrumbles

Jayne said...

Looking forward to checking this one out. Thanks for the recommend Yolanda. :c)

Catherine said...

There is nothing better than being curled up with a warm blanket and a good book.

Happy reading!
xo Catherine

Char said...

a great recommendation. that is one i've been meaning to read

Tracy said...

Oh, I love the works of Elizabeth Berg, one of my favorite writers too! There is such wisdom in her books, such every day-ness we can all relate to, so much heart. Wonderful post, Yolanda! Here's to great reading in the new year. :o) Happy Days, my friend ((HUGS))

Melissa Campbell said...

Thank you for sharing Yolanda. The quote is beautiful, like your wish above. I will have to look this book up. Blessing on your new year.

Tiffanee said...

Sounds likw a good book. I have been looking for something good to read. Thanks for inspiring me.

karen said...

Sounds like a great book. I will have to check it out. thanks.

nicole said...

Ok, I want to read that book!

tea time and roses said...

Happy New Year dear Yolanda! The book sounds wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing this. I have not as yet read this author, but you have so inspired me to do so. This time of year is so perfect for curling up with a blanket, tea and a wonderful book.

Continue to enjoy a lovely week.

Smiles♥

Beverly

Janna Leadbetter said...

Well, Berg is my favorite author, and while I've only considered this particular title so far, now I know I have to read it. Buy it, for sure.

Thanks, Yolanda!

Relyn Lawson said...

I love this post (of course) and am SO glad you loved the book. Thank you, too, for the linky love. That made my day. Guess what I'm reading next? Happy new year, my friend. May it bring you everything you dream of.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

As women, wives and mothers , seems we always put our pleasures on the back shelf...then close the door.

This sounds like a good read and your review was wonderful.

God bless ya and have and awesome New Year sweetie!!! :o)

Carolynn Anctil said...

I like this concept. I usually count my blessings, but sometimes even that becomes somewhat rooted in routine and is unintentionally under appreciated. I know that sounds terribly contradictory.

What pleases me today? The warmth & sureness of my cat sleeping next to me, sharing my pillow every night.

Blessings,
Carolynn

Michelle DeRusha said...

I love Elizabeth Berg, but I don't think I've read this one. I have to say, a Year of Pleasures sounds awfully good to me -- both the read and the concept!

Desiree said...

I am going to have to buy myself a copy of this book - you have certainly given a very good introduction to it and, as other readers of your blog here have already commented, it certainly seems to be a great book to read at the start of a new year.

My first pleasure, every single morning upon awakening, is enjoying a cup of Earl Grey tea with my husband and looking out of my bedroom window at the garden we created from scratch. It's how I begin each and every day and it sets the tone for the rest of the day :)

Hugs,

Des xo

Connie said...

One of my favorite authors...I have not read this one...thanks for the tip :) and Happy New Year to you.

Unknown said...

here's to leaning into the year with you Yolanda.

I have never read her books, you do make this sound intriguing.

pleasure today were the birds that are starting to come to the seed I've been putting out in the backyard. It's a simple pleasure but I'll take it.

and that my oldest daughter has an unusually long break from U.

and the last of the Lindor chocolates.

susanna said...

Ooh, this does sound like a good book. I also enjoy reading Relyn's Goodreads emails and reviews. I haven't read any of Elizabeth Berg's books before so I'll have to jot that down for the next library visit.

I like your idea of making 2011 your Year of Pleasures. Great idea! And yes, I can see how listening to your lab snore can me a simple pleasure. Labs always seem so joyful, don't they? As for my pleasure of the day - definitely the scent of my morning coffee. Ahhh...when that little Starbucks bag is opened and I measure out 2 1/2 tsp of caffeine goodness...mmm....!

Jayne said...

I am halfway through this book now and am enjoying it immensely Yolanda. Thank you so much for recommending it. Looking forward to reading more of Ms Berg's work.