Kitchen Privileges, Mary Higgins Clark. (Hardcover 0743206053) Book Reviews, Used Book available for Swap

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Kitchen Privileges
Author: Mary Higgins Clark

In her long-awaited memoir, Mary Higgins Clark, America's beloved and bestselling Queen of Suspense, recounts the early experiences that shaped her as a person and influenced her as a writer. — Even as a young girl, growing up in the Bronx, Mary Higgins Clark knew she wanted to be a writer. The gift of storytelling was a part of her Irish ancestr... more »y, so it followed naturally that she would later use her sharp eye, keen intelligence, and inquisitive nature to create stories about the people and things she observed.

Along with all Americans, those who lived in New York City's borough of the Bronx suffered during the Depression. So it followed that when Mary's father died, her mother, deciding to open the family home to boarders, placed a discreet sign next to the front door that read, FURNISHED ROOMS. KITCHEN PRIVILEGES. Very shortly the first in a succession of tenants arrived: a couple dodging bankruptcy who moved in with their wild-eyed boxer; a teacher who wept endlessly over her lost love; a deadbeat who tripped over a lamp while trying to sneak out in the middle of the night...

The family's struggle to make ends meet; her days as a scholarship student in an exclusive girls' academy; her after-school employment as a hotel switchboard operator (happily listening in on the guests' conversations); the death of her beloved older brother in World War II; her brief career as a flight attendant for Pan Am (a job taken after a friend who flew with the airline said ever so casually, "God, it was beastly hot in Calcutta"); her marriage to Warren Clark, on whom she'd had a crush for many years; sitting at the kitchen table, writing stories, and finally selling the first one for one hundred dollars (after six years and some forty rejections!) -- all these experiences figure into Kitchen Privileges, as does her husband's untimely death, which left her a widowed mother of five young children.

Determined to care for her family and to make a career for herself, she went to work writing scripts for a radio show, but in her spare time she began writing novels. Her first, a biographical novel about the life of George Washington titled Aspire to the Heavens, found a publisher but disappeared without a trace when the publisher folded. (Recently it was rediscovered by a descendant of the Washington family and was reissued under the title Mount Vernon Love Story.) The experience, however, gave her the background and the preparation for writing Where Are the Children? which went on to become an international bestseller. That novel launched her career and was the first of twenty-seven (and still counting!) bestselling books of suspense.

As Mary Higgins Clark has said when asked if she might consider giving up writing for a life of leisure, "Never! To be happy for a year, win the lottery. To be happy for life, love what you do."

In Kitchen Privileges, she reflects on the joy that her life as a writer has brought her, and shares with readers the love that she has found.

ISBN-13: 9780743206051
ISBN-10: 0743206053
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 224
Rating:

Currently 3.7/5 Stars.

100

3.7 stars, based on 100 ratings

Publisher: Simon Schuster
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

Harlean G. (rockytopp) reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 1/31/2007 + 57 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

A very interesting story of the life of Mary Higgins Clark. She had an interesting and colorful life. I enjoyed this very much.

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Wanda J. (jazzymom) - , reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 1/28/2007 + 35 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

This was a very enjoyable book about the growning up years of Mary Higgins Clark.

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katzpawz reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 6/12/2007 + 281 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 3

I swear - this woman has more facets than an over-cut diamond! Her brain must be a wonderful place to live. Our experiences make us what we are - hers have made her - and let her show us! Very interesting woman

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SuAnn O. reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 7/30/2006 + 44 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

Clark tells about the challenges she faced growing up during the depression in the Bronx and how her hopes of becoming a writer eventually turned into reality. This book was interesting, especially if you're a fan of M. H. Clark.

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Karen W. (Karen88) reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 11/19/2005 + 102 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Heartwarming quick read. I've never been a big fan of her books, but I really enjoyed this poignant memoir of her life.

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Karen S. (MKSbooklady) reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 9/5/2023 + 989 more book reviews

A short, sweet look into the early life of author Mary Higgins Clark. Family photos are sprinkled throughout, and they help bring all of the characters to life. An enjoyable read, a very pleasant way to pass the time.

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Donna T. (realtrgrl3) reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 1/22/2012 + 77 more book reviews

Outstanding memoir. Humor, hardship, love. A snapshot of growing up in the Bronx long ago. Marrying her sweetheart. Facing life as a young widow of 5 children. Working hard. Losing many she loves. Includes how to be a good writer, how to win friends and influence people, how to look on the bright side.... Highly recommended, and I'm not even a Mary Higgins Clark fan.

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Rebekah (dancing-angel) reviewed Kitchen Privileges on 3/7/2010 + 53 more book reviews

This was the first book by this author that I have read. I couldn't put it down! It was a great book that talked all about what her life was like from the age of three up until she had five children of her own. I definitely recommend this book. I'll have to read more of her novels!

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