Helpful Score: 5
This is one of the best books I have ever read. There is so much description and detail on every page, you cannot help but transport your mind to be with them and care about what is actually happening to Ruth. If this doens't make you appreciate the friends that you do have, nothing will.
This one will make you cry..........
This one will make you cry..........
Helpful Score: 3
The funny, sad, bittersweet story of a woman dying of cancer and the friends who care for and support her.
Helpful Score: 3
Elizabeth Berg does a good job of relating how women deal with the illness, in this case cancer, of a dear friend.
Helpful Score: 3
One of the best books I have ever read. Very touching, will stick with you for a long time.
Helpful Score: 3
Great, loved it. I don't think I've ever laughed and cried so much throughout a book. I will be getting more of Elizabeth Bergs books!
Helpful Score: 2
This is a laugh-out-loud and cry-out-loud book. it is a testimony to the importance of friendship and the strength of women in general.
Helpful Score: 2
I appreciate Elizabeth Berg's talent in portraying what felt like "real friendships" in her book Talk Before sleep.
I found myself thinking that I wish I had a friend like Ruth~for her honesty, dry wit and clarity. It was also a realistic view of the dying process both psychologically and physically. I would recommend this book.
I found myself thinking that I wish I had a friend like Ruth~for her honesty, dry wit and clarity. It was also a realistic view of the dying process both psychologically and physically. I would recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 2
Definitely don't read before bedtime like I did. I love Ms Berg's books so much - I read this in 1 1/2 hrs and cried all night. It is very touching and loving as it concerns a friend who is trying to die doing what she wants, and her friends who want her to die the way they want.
Helpful Score: 1
This book is touching, sad, funny and so real.My sister died in January of cancer.and this book says so much that needs to be said to those you love-important stuff, silly stuff, laughing together.
Its a good book that touched my heart and shows true emotions, and great love.
Its a good book that touched my heart and shows true emotions, and great love.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book very engrossing, and read it in one sitting. The story of women and their relationships both with each other and the men in their lives was both touching and humorous. These are the kinds of friends you want by your side.
Be sure to have tissues handy, you will need them!
Be sure to have tissues handy, you will need them!
Helpful Score: 1
This is an exceptional book. Get the tissues. This is what true friendship is all about!!!
Helpful Score: 1
"What do you say when you know you don't have forever? Ruth has been Ann's closest friend for years---her confidante, her solace, her comic relief, her tutor in life's mysterious ways. So when Ruth becomes ill, Ann is there for her without question. After all, it is Ruth who encouraged Ann to become who she is, Ruth whose rebellious, eccentric spirit provided the perfect counterpoint to Ann's conventional, safe outlook.
And so the friends go on as they always have...gossiping, consoling and sharing intimate secrets---but with the knowledge that each shared evening could be their last.
Acclaimed author Elizabeth Berg has created a searing novel about the strength and salvation of women's friendships. Deeply moving and surprisingly funny, TALK BEFORE SLEEP is an intimate, uncensored portrait of love and loss, struggle and resilience."
A book that is tender and irreverent by turns, funny and heartbreaking as well. It will remind you of the very best, warmest, closest friendships you have ever had which is the special kind only women can (and do) share. These are women you will recognize and feel comfortable with immediately.
If this is an example of Elizabeth Berg's writing, I can't wait to read her other books. I can understand why she is so popular. This is the first of her books I have read, but based on rave reviews I have read, I have purchased four others. Now that I have become a fan, I am looking forward to reading and sharing her other works. You would too.
And so the friends go on as they always have...gossiping, consoling and sharing intimate secrets---but with the knowledge that each shared evening could be their last.
Acclaimed author Elizabeth Berg has created a searing novel about the strength and salvation of women's friendships. Deeply moving and surprisingly funny, TALK BEFORE SLEEP is an intimate, uncensored portrait of love and loss, struggle and resilience."
A book that is tender and irreverent by turns, funny and heartbreaking as well. It will remind you of the very best, warmest, closest friendships you have ever had which is the special kind only women can (and do) share. These are women you will recognize and feel comfortable with immediately.
If this is an example of Elizabeth Berg's writing, I can't wait to read her other books. I can understand why she is so popular. This is the first of her books I have read, but based on rave reviews I have read, I have purchased four others. Now that I have become a fan, I am looking forward to reading and sharing her other works. You would too.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. This is the second time I have read it. It is such a wonderful depiction of the friendship of women in dire times. Each personality brings such an interesting perspective of love to the story. The book centers around a woman who is dying of breast cancer and the frienships she has made over the years who are now going out of their way to support her as she reaches her last days. It is touching and sometimes fun, and sad and just written so well. I think anyone will enjoy it!
Helpful Score: 1
This is the story of Ruth. Of Ann and all of us who wonder what we'd say if words were not enough.
Helpful Score: 1
Don't think just because this is about cancer that it is all sad and yucky... there is plenty of laughter and a big dose of reality as only Berg can do it. Great bonding story of women and friendship when you need it most.
Helpful Score: 1
Another great Berg Book!!
Helpful Score: 1
I've read the "Katie series" ("Durable Goods," "Joy School," and "True to Form"). When I was checking one of the Katie series out at the library, the librarian commented how Elizabeth Berg was one of her favorite authors. I enjoyed the Katie series and decided to read some of Berg's other books. "Talk Before Sleep" was published a year after "Durable Goods." "Talk" doesn't really have a plot (although the same perhaps could be said about the Katie books). The story is about the relationships a group of women have with their friend Ruth, who is in her early 40s and is dying from breast cancer.
As some Amazon reviewers have noted, the Ruth character was unlikeable--self-centered, rude, insensitive, and apparently without moral scruples. Hard to care about someone like that. Ann, the narrator, recalls her first interaction with Ruth. Ann describes Ruth as drop-dead gorgeous and someone who doesn't care what people think about her. As I was reading, I kept thinking that Ruth's personality seemed to fit someone who was 20-30 years older. I also found it hard to believe that Ruth had such a devoted group of friends who would take care of her given how unlikeable she seemed to be.
The characterization of "LD," Ruth's lesbian friend was very much a stereotype--a large, masculine woman who wore flannel shirts and denim.
Many of the one- and two-star Amazon reviewers of "Talk Before Sleep" state that this is not Berg's best work so I won't give up on her (yet).
As some Amazon reviewers have noted, the Ruth character was unlikeable--self-centered, rude, insensitive, and apparently without moral scruples. Hard to care about someone like that. Ann, the narrator, recalls her first interaction with Ruth. Ann describes Ruth as drop-dead gorgeous and someone who doesn't care what people think about her. As I was reading, I kept thinking that Ruth's personality seemed to fit someone who was 20-30 years older. I also found it hard to believe that Ruth had such a devoted group of friends who would take care of her given how unlikeable she seemed to be.
The characterization of "LD," Ruth's lesbian friend was very much a stereotype--a large, masculine woman who wore flannel shirts and denim.
Many of the one- and two-star Amazon reviewers of "Talk Before Sleep" state that this is not Berg's best work so I won't give up on her (yet).
Helpful Score: 1
I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It is sad, happy, and "real". Another winner by this author, as usual. Loved it, GinaK
Helpful Score: 1
For women with cancer who have found their fire, and for those who are still searaching.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book. It is one of the best books about friendship that I have read in a long time. Very touching and emotional....
Helpful Score: 1
I found this to be a deeply moving book. It accurately portrays the power of friendship, and the way women think, and talk. The voice of the book was very true to me. The story of the dying Ruth and the friends who stay with her until the end touched my heart, and is not one I will easily forget. Keep the tissues handy you will need them. Although I cried I did not find the book manipulative in trying to elicit tears, it just felt true.
Helpful Score: 1
This is the story of Ruth. Of Ann. And of all of us who wonder what we'd say if we knew we didn't have forever!
Helpful Score: 1
Elizabth Berg is a wonderful writer who leaves you both laughing and crying.
Wonderful book.........sad.......but wonderful!
Sad, funny, heart-wrenching - and all around GREAT read.
great story about friends learning to deal with another friend who is dying of cancer
A four hankie story tender and irreverent by turns.
This is sure to bring tears to your eyes.
One of the best books I've read in a very long time.
this is a really great book! i cried at the end of it... makes you realize how important our relationships are. :)
About the power of women's friendships.
Great read...sad, but very touching.
Another excellent novel by Elizabeth Berg. A story of true friendships. A winner! This is a second copy (I have my own "library collection") that I wanted to share.
A painful, gripping story about two best friends, Ann and Ruth, and Ruth's ultimate death of cancer. The women met when they both were in their late 30s, and for the 4 or 5 years of their friendship, Ann has been the follower and pupil to Ruth's exhilarating and thought-provoking leadership and teaching. Ruth has forced Ann to examine her comfortable life with her husband and child by her example of freedom and independence. She seems to be everything Ann is afraid or unable to be-beautiful, artistic, appealing to both sexes, and self-confident. Her love life thrives and her times with Ann provide excitement and challenges. When Ruth is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Ann, once a nurse, becomes the mainstay of the small group of women who surround their friend, but feels little in common with them. Readers realize, along with Ann, how important relationships can be, and how important it is to communicate feelings and be honest. Ruth is the catalyst for self-discovery on the part of each of the figures, and her own discoveries are satisfying.
They met at a party. It was hate at first site. Ruth was far too beautiful, too flamboyant. Not at all Ann's kind of person. Until a chance encounter in the bathroom led to an alliance of souls. Soon they are sharing hankies during the late showing of Sophie's Choice, wolfing down sundaes sodden with whipped cream, telling truths of marriage, mortality, and love..secure in a kind of intimacy no man could ever know. Only best friends understand devil's food cake for breakfast when nothing else will do. After years of shared secrets, guilty pleasurese, family life and divorce, they face a crisis that redefines the meaning of friendship and unconditional love. This is the story of Ruth. Of Ann. And all of us who wonder what we'd say if words were not enough.
This was a great read!!! Loved it!
Wonderful story about friendship, love and loss.
from the back of the book:
"I didn't think a book about a dying friend could make me laugh out loud. But Talk Before Sleep did. It also made me cry and think about life and death and how much I treasure my friends and family. Tal Before Sleep was a miraculous combination: a book that was good to read that was also good for me"
Elizabeth Crow,
Editor in Chief, Mademoiselle
"I didn't think a book about a dying friend could make me laugh out loud. But Talk Before Sleep did. It also made me cry and think about life and death and how much I treasure my friends and family. Tal Before Sleep was a miraculous combination: a book that was good to read that was also good for me"
Elizabeth Crow,
Editor in Chief, Mademoiselle
Great book, just read it in a couple hrs. A womans friendship book with sadness and loss yet happiness and joy too.
Another winner by Berg. Good, insightful writer.
A very good friend is dying of cancer. The story of her last few months.
Very moving.
A good book that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of women's friendships.
WOnderful book, about friends who care for a love one during her death from cancer. Humorous and touching, you will weep while you cry.
This was a really sad book
Great Book about friendship.
About the story:
The book is about two best friends (adult women) who cope with everyday life while also pondering the "bigger picture" after one is diagosed with cancer. Irreverent, some strong language, insightful to the point that you think surely (like almost all of Berg's books) this is autobiographical.
My opinion:
First of all, I am a bit prejudiced toward Elizabeth Berg in that I have loved almost all of her books. That said, this one is a favorite of mine. It is a quick read and it's a good thing because I didn't want to put it down. In my list of favorite E. Berg books, this ranks in the top three.
The book is about two best friends (adult women) who cope with everyday life while also pondering the "bigger picture" after one is diagosed with cancer. Irreverent, some strong language, insightful to the point that you think surely (like almost all of Berg's books) this is autobiographical.
My opinion:
First of all, I am a bit prejudiced toward Elizabeth Berg in that I have loved almost all of her books. That said, this one is a favorite of mine. It is a quick read and it's a good thing because I didn't want to put it down. In my list of favorite E. Berg books, this ranks in the top three.
Very compelling book - couldn't put it down.
I could NOT put this book down!
Wonderful!.. I cried my eyes out!
Great characters one minute you are laughing ,the next you are crying
A wonderful book that explores the bonds between women, even as the main character is dying of cancer. It is beautifully written, touching, heartrending and at times I caught myself laughing out loud. All of us should have a group of friends like the women in this book. I finished it in two days and highly recommend it.
Beautiful story of friendship.
This is such a wonderful book. I love everything I've read from Elizabeth Berg, but this one touched me in a very personal way. I hated to see it end!
The subject matter of this book is heartwrenching. It's the story of a woman who is dying from cancer. I usually am a big cry baby but this book is so lovingly written that I only cried at the very end. These women seemed so real and likable. I would recommend this book to anyone who might be going through a difficult time with a cancer patient. What a way to go!
I liked the story. A lot of the bad language I could have done without. Good book, makes you think.
Nice story. Quick read.
This book was hard for me to get into but I liked the characters and how their lives intertwined. The rating is a three because it took me so long to read it.
Great quick read about the power of friendship, love, and family through loss.
Made me think about how important friends are to us.
I thought this was a very deep, very well-written book. This book takes you on a journey of true friendship as well as acceptance of inevitable circumstances. The main character has breast cancer which gives us insight into this disease which so many have had to deal with. A very tender, sad and often times funny book which delves into the wonderful friendships that women have.
Great book
Very easy read, enjoyable!
What do women talk about when they know they don't have forever? They talk about what they have always talked about, only they go deeper and are more honest; with outrageous humor they try to mitigate pain. Intimate and uncensored sharing, the kind of connection women prize, is at the heart of this deeply moving novel about the grit and power of female friends.
Ann and Ruth have always talked as only great friends can-honestly, and about everything: husbands and marriages, sex lives and children, their work, their hopes, their disappointments, and their dreams. For Ann, cautious and conventional, her closeness to the outspoken and eccentric Ruth brings about discovery and liberation, a chance to say whatever she wants, and, most important, under the insistent tutelage of Ruth, to become herself. Over the years, the women have shared recipes, quiliting patterns, child care, delicate and dangerous secrets. Each rests secure in the knowledge that they will be friends forever. Then Ruth is diagnosed with cancer, and everything changes; the women begin to share something more profound than either of them might have predicted.
Ann and Ruth have always talked as only great friends can-honestly, and about everything: husbands and marriages, sex lives and children, their work, their hopes, their disappointments, and their dreams. For Ann, cautious and conventional, her closeness to the outspoken and eccentric Ruth brings about discovery and liberation, a chance to say whatever she wants, and, most important, under the insistent tutelage of Ruth, to become herself. Over the years, the women have shared recipes, quiliting patterns, child care, delicate and dangerous secrets. Each rests secure in the knowledge that they will be friends forever. Then Ruth is diagnosed with cancer, and everything changes; the women begin to share something more profound than either of them might have predicted.
Different cover and year...mine is 1994.
