What readers think of Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake, plus links to write your own review.

Anna Quindlen's book of memoirs and observations is fascinating. I have always enjoyed her writing and certainly hope there is more on the way. She talks about times and attitudes that I have many times felt but couldn't seem to articulate. The fact that she "had it all," marriage, children and a career is more than many of us can attain, but she lets us know it's possible.

With Anna Quindlen being one of my top favorite writers, I was so eager to read this book. It was not chronologically written but, rather, separated into various core subjects. I was not on her wave length initially, but as the book progressed I got more into the groove. I preferred the latter part of the book because I'm in my 60s and the subjects of aging and assessing life (our own and in general) were most interesting to me. I loved learning more about Anna Quindlen, her viewpoints, and some of her life events through her always intelligent and beautiful phrasing. I prefer her novels, but I'm very glad I read her memoir. Thank you BookBrowse for the opportunity!

Beloved author Anna Quindlen has written another book reminding baby boomers what is truly important in life, i.e. people not things. It is written from a woman's point of view but certainly would appeal to both sexes over fifty years old. Each essay chronicles a passage of life told in Quindlen's warm, heartfelt manner. Subjects include raising children, friendships, working mothers and more. Reading Anna Quindlen is like having coffee with a girlfriend - it is definitely good for the soul.

In 10 years, Ms. Quinden, you can write "the rest of the story". I have been there, done that just as you have and totally enjoyed your re-counting of life's stages or rather the process of growing older that all of us women have or will pass through. I totally enjoyed your book and recommend it to all women 50 or older. Those who are younger will not be able to relate to it yet. So,my thanks to all that your generation has accomplished for women which will make life just that much easier for my daughters and grand-daughters.

This insightful book of life's lessons, is really a series of essays in book form. That is not a bad thing; rather makes it easier to pick a chapter that may touch you on any given day. She writes with such understanding of our feelings in this late middle life, that this may be a generational book. It may be a little dry, but the thoughts and feelings that she puts on paper will amaze you.

The best books are ones that leave you thinking. This is the case with Anna Quindlen's memoir. She reflects on the important events of her life and the times in which she lived. I got me thinking about what important events that were responsible for shaping my life and the decisions that I have made along the way.

There are many things with which I identify in Quindlen's musings about family, girlfriends, relationships, control, solitude, loss. Some observations are humorous...attributing Kevin Bacon, the good news is that the eyes and the face go at the same time so you can't see how you look. Others more pithy...old is where you haven't gotten yet.

Everyone has a perspective on aging, but I can't help wondering what Quindlen's (not quite 60) will be when she's 75.

I am in my mid 40’s and I really wanted to read this book and think that the best was yet to come. I looked for ideas such as dealing with disappointments (things didn't out as planned), losing those you love, long term marriage skills, and difficulties in late teen/early adult children – to name a few of the issues that I am starting to face. I don’t feel I got much of anything from the book – besides maybe envy of life the author has lead. She has had her struggles working as a female in a male dominated field, which is something that I can relate to and possibly this alone would have made for a more interesting memoir. As far as a memoir on a more personal level, I had a hard time relating to a woman that has two homes, obviously no shortage of money, and seemingly the perfect husband and three perfect kids. I think a very select few book clubs would find this book would spark great discussions.