Book reviews are tricky. You don’t want to give away too much of the book, but you want to pique the interest of the would-be-readers. There are some books that can be described in a few words or a pithy byline. Then there are books you’d like to just re-type word for word so everyone can see what you see!  by Barbara Graham is one of these books. I was captivated at the first word and was crying before I even got to the first chapter!

Barbara Graham is a woman surprised by her new role of “Grandmother”. In an effort to hear more Grandmother-experiences, she collected essays and stories from a group of outstanding writers. They each share their experience in becoming and being a grandmother in our modern world. But it’s not just a look-how-cute-my-grandkids-are tale.  Each author, in her own style, shares a secret part of her heart. They vulnerably lay bare the emotions that have surprised them and overtaken them as grandmothers!

I let my mom glance at the book before I did this review because I have seen how becoming a grandmother has changed her. Not just the “Sure, have a cookie and jump on the bed!” sentiments, but the unabashed love that she showers on my children. My mom reluctantly handed the book back to me because in just a cursory glance, she identified with these women. Women from every background who want the same thing, “grandchildren to grow up happy and safe…” but to see their own “spiral helix of talents and quirks, bones and wit, to tumble across time.” (Mary Pipher)

Honestly, I wish I could quote more of the book for you…from the broken heart healed by a “step-grandson” to the mother jealous her daughter had been stolen away by this new grandchild to “Facebook Grandma”. So many breathtaking stories to learn from. I’ll be giving this book back to my mom for Mother’s Day. I think you should do the same!