The Gift Of An Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
This one has a lot of interesting reflections regarding midlife, kids growing up and going off to college, and some big changes in Kenison's life at the time of this writing. I enjoyed reading many of these reflections as well as the handful of insightful, spiritual quotes sprinkled throughout the book. Mitten Strings for God is so far my favorite Katrina Kenison book as it relates so well to my current life, raising young children and constantly trying to find ways to make the fast pace of our lives slow down a little. This is a book for mothers facing the empty nest years, and all the upheaval that they bring in their wake. It is encouragement and inspiration for that journey, almost like traveling with a friend! I was surprised to find myself in these pages, over and over again. There is a certain comfort in learning that you are not alone in your struggle! If you have teenagers or young adults in your house, you probably know the pain and anxiety that comes with all the changing and the launching, even with the best of relationships. This tends to coincide with our own mid-life "issues" as women. Katrina Kenison experienced all of these unsettling things, along with some big life-changes (a job loss, a move, and financial strain), and in sharing her story she befriends her readers, inviting community, understanding, and validation. The book does not offer pat answers or simple, quick fixes for any of the problems that come with mid-life; rather, it is a gentle memoir that explores themes of acceptance, quietness, solitude, peace, and simplicity in the midst of "real life" in "the real world." Mrs. Kenison does not advocate "escape," but instead she invites us to discover what "makes for your own peace" right where you are. The book is also a beautiful picture of motherhood, when the days are long but the years fly by... and the effort of remembering what a gift it all is is good for the soul.
What do You think about The Gift Of An Ordinary Day: A Mother's Memoir (2009)?
I feel like I've come full-circle with Katrina Kenison. I read "Mitten Strings for God" when my children were younger. Now with one out of the nest, one nearly there and mid-life staring me in the face, I read this beautifully written book. As much about mid-life as nearly-grown children, her words spoke to the places in my heart having similar struggles with mid-life and what's next. The journey towards the end of high school and college searching made me smile in solidarity and anticipation.
—JAM7x1
I got to be honest. I only made it half way before I lost interest. I have it 3 stars based on what I read but I read multiple reviews that said it got monotonous a little more than half way through. I decided I would stop while I was a head. It is a great book for those who have teenagers or are having a midlife crisis. I still gave little ones so I didn't connect as much with it, but I am interested to read her first book that is about that stage of her life.
—mp13
Great in the beginning but then became monotonous. Hard to stay focused.
—UA615
I loved it. This was the second time I've read this book.
—mishi
