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The Gift of an Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir Audiobook
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(3.01) - 1,446 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The Gift of an Ordinary Day is an intimate memoir of a family in transition, with boys becoming teenagers, careers ending and new ones opening up, and an attempt to find a deeper sense of place—and a slower pace—in a small New England town.
This is a story of mid-life longings and discoveries, of lessons learned in the search for home and a new sense of purpose, and the bittersweet intensity of life with teenagers—holding on, letting go.
Poised on the threshold between family life as she's always known it and her older son's departure for college, Kenison is surprised to find that the times she treasures most are the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life, the very moments that she once took for granted, or rushed right through without noticing at all.
The relationships, hopes, and dreams that Kenison illuminates will touch women's hearts, and her words will inspire mothers everywhere as they try to make peace with the inevitable changes in store.
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"As a new mother, it was interesting to look ahead and read a 'mother's memoir' as she entered the next phase of her life - an empty nest. How she picked up the family and moved into a home located on land and away from hectic suburbia fascinated me, and tugged at my own heartstrings. This book is an easy fast read for anybody who is considering what their own memoir might read like someday."
— Astin (4 out of 5 stars)
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“An honest, graceful book that every parent will appreciate. In the thick of challenging changes, emotional troughs, and tender realizations, the reader will find comfort and guidance. Here is a fine writer, a dedicated mother, and a spiritual seeker speaking intimately to parents in search of wisdom.”
— Thomas Moore, New York Times bestselling author of Care of the Soul and Writing in the Sand -
“If you are lucky you’ll read this lovely, wise book before your children go off to college. If you read it after they’ve flown the coop you will likely find much that is familiar in this warm, poignant, and gracious story.”
— Jane Hamilton, New York Times bestselling author of A Map of the World and Laura Rider’s Masterpiece -
“Many of us have had a stressful year, but few of us could write about it so lyrically…You can’t miss her love of family, empathy with her two very different teenage sons, sensitivity to nature, and optimism as they’re revealed in this very personal journey.”
— AudioFile -
“[A] gentle reminder to mothers to slow down and savor the joys of the quotidian…Kenison’s wise comments on what she calls ‘the humble business of life’ are often a pleasure to read.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
Kenison writes so beautifully and clearly about what is most important in family life.
— Jane Hamilton, author of A Map of the World and Laura Rider's Masterpiece -
An honest, graceful book that every parent will appreciate. In the thick of challenging changes, emotional troughs, and tender realizations the reader will find comfort and guidance. Here is a fine writer, a dedicated mother, and a spiritual seeker speaking intimately to parents in search of wisdom.
— Thomas Moore, author of Care of the Soul and Writing in the Sand -
The Gift of an Ordinary Day is much more than a memoir of motherhood; it is an inspired and inspiring meditation on midlife. What Katrina Kenison gives mothers-her gift-is the promise of reinventing ourselves as our kids grow up and we grow older, and the assurance of an invitingly abundant landscape on the far side of parenthood.
— Lisa Garrigues, author of Writing Motherhood -
How I admire this mid-life mom, who writes with strong contemplative spirit and a heart wide open to change. Her memoir is a courageous and generous contribution to deepening American family life.—Nancy Mellon, author of Body Eloquence
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This eloquent book is ...about longing and fulfillment , taking stock of failures and achievements, a search for the elusive "something more" of one's existence-and a reminder that life's seemingly mundane moments are often where we find beauty, grace and transformation.—Family Circle Magazine
The Gift of an Ordinary Day Listener Reviews
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" Wonderful book that was just what my mothers' heart needed to read. Every ordinary moment, and ordinary day are gifts. LOVED it!! Every mother should read this book. "
— Marci, 2/19/2014 -
" Oh, how I loved this. "
— Annagrace, 1/24/2014 -
" Being in the process of sending my oldest off to college gave us many similarities with which to connect. enjoyable. "
— Elsie, 1/23/2014 -
" LOVED this book. Perhaps because I could relate so easily... "
— Shannon, 1/12/2014 -
" Must read for parents of teenagers as a reminder to cherish this time together. "
— Laura, 1/8/2014 -
" I really would have liked to give this a 3.5, as I felt like it was better than a 3 but not quite a 4. I really enjoyed the beginning of the book, but found myself putting the book down for long periods towards the end. The reading became more monotonous, and it seemed like her focus was not in the same place. She talks so much about her oldest son and not much about her youngest. That bothered me for some reason... "
— Kristi, 1/8/2014 -
" I'm about 60% percent of the way done with this book. Although I adored "Mitten Strings for God", and this book is beautifully written, I'm having a hard time finishing it. Katrina Kenison seems to be expressing the same sentiments multiple times in multiple ways. . "
— Kirsti, 1/6/2014 -
" It was a good book, but very slow in some parts. She is extremely detailed. "
— Lisa, 12/22/2013 -
" I enjoyed the message of the book, just didn't care for the author's "wordiness". Could have been greatly condensed for my taste! "
— Robin, 12/14/2013 -
" I enjoyed some parts in this book but others I couldn't get into. I don't think I am in the right part of my life or motherhood to truly appreciate all she writes about. "
— Kari, 12/2/2013 -
" Too self indulgent. She is really a spoiled woman. I think her husband must be a saint! "
— A., 11/22/2013 -
" I loved this book. I felt so much more grounded and centered every time I read this book. And even though I don't have grown children (yet), this made me appreciate my little one and all our simple moments that much more. "
— Jessica, 11/13/2013 -
" A very thoughtful read...slow because you want to read and think about each word and idea. Meaningful to me because have two teenage boys to! "
— Donna, 9/30/2013 -
" Any mother watching her children grow up and get ready to leave home will breathe a sigh of relief that someone so perfectly articulates the struggle and feelings that go with the experience. "
— Diane, 9/22/2013 -
" Very open and touching mommy memoir. "
— Sarah, 4/19/2013 -
" I enjoyed this book and read it quickly. As an editor herself, the author would have benefited from a bit of tightening--there were places where certain points were made for too long--but that wasn't enough to put me off of this warm and fuzzy read, threaded with "be here now" Buddhist yarns. "
— Miranda, 10/28/2012 -
" This book was pretty good. It certainly taught me a few things, but sometimes she was over the top and it read more like fiction than non-fiction. "
— Cathy, 1/23/2012 -
" Never before has a book spoken to me the way this one has. "
— Kim, 1/9/2012 -
" Perfect read for those who have boys going from childhood to teenager. "
— Nikki, 12/23/2011 -
" Enjoyed this book. Simple thoughts from a mom who enjoyed being a parent.I even highlighted some of the passages. Reminded me of why I became a mom. "
— Paula, 12/9/2011 -
" I enjoyed the book. Again, it's a story of a mother facing challenges of a special needs child and her journey into the "middle years" of her life. I identify with the age of the author and found it a compelling read despite feeling a little bit unsatisfied at the end of the read. "
— Elana, 11/25/2011 -
" Beautifully written and insightful. "
— Susan, 6/13/2011 -
" Katrina Kenison's first book, Mitten Strings for God, is my favorite mothering book. This book, written 10 years later, is very different. It is not as inspirational as her first, but contains some very good, honest descriptions of parenting teenagers. I am, unbelievably, on the brink of this. "
— Rebecca, 5/23/2011 -
" Loved this book. First time I read anything by this author. Great life lessons on change and letting go! "
— Trish, 5/16/2011 -
" Memoir of raising two boys,and their transition to college life. I was amazed by the parallels to my own life. She's a free lance writer living in rural New England with boys who have the identical interests to my own, even her dog is similar to my own. A comforting read at the perfect time. "
— Heidi, 5/13/2011 -
" This book is so beautifully written, and I can't believe Kenison pulled off what feels like little more than a meditation while keeping her reflections intimate, spiritual, and fresh. "
— Jana, 5/12/2011 -
" maybe on a different day in a different mood i would enjoy this book but 25 pgs in and it is all over the place and just boring "
— Samantha, 5/4/2011 -
" This is a wonderful book that every mother should read. Our children are only on loan to us and time goes so fast. Seeing Perry get ready for college after next year is so exciting and makes my heart ache to think of him leaving us. Treasure every stage! "
— Marnie, 4/29/2011 -
" Very easy to identify with Kenison. I can see myself going through a similar journey when my kids get close to leaving our nest. This books helps you appreciate the "ordinary days" with your little ones while they are still young. "
— Michelle, 4/28/2011 -
" Enjoyed this book thoroughly, but sometimes felt the need to skip through some of the details. <br/> "
— Patty, 4/24/2011 -
" The book is a great fit for parents raising teens. I have found myself practicing the fine art of guiding my young men into adult life and letting go. I recommend this book for anyone in this stage of their life. "
— Tamara, 4/11/2011 -
" I enjoyed the message of the book, just didn't care for the author's "wordiness". Could have been greatly condensed for my taste! "
— Robin, 3/31/2011 -
" It was OK.. little dull "
— Joanne, 3/25/2011
About Katrina Kenison
Katrina Kenison has been the annual editor of The Best American Short Stories since 1990. Along with John Updike, she edited The Best American Short Stories of the Century, a New York Times bestseller. Also the coeditor of Mothers: Twenty Stories of Contemporary Motherhood, she has written essays that have appeared in such publications as Redbook and Ladies’ Home Journal. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and their two sons.