Book Review: Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake By Anna Quindlen

LOTS OF CANDLES, 
PLENTY OF CAKE

By Anna Quindlen

Published April 24, 2012

****

In this irresistible memoir, the New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Pulitzer Prize Anna Quindlen writes about looking back and ahead—and celebrating it all—as she considers marriage, girlfriends, our mothers, faith, loss, all the stuff in our closets, and more.

Anna Quindlen is an American journalist and opinion columnist whose New York Times column, Public and Private, won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary in 1992.

She began her journalism career in 1974 as a reporter with The New York Post. Between 1977 and 1994 she held several posts at The New York Times. She left journalism in 1995 to become a full-time novelist. She currently writes a bi-weekly column for Newsweek and is known as a critic of what she perceives to be the fast-paced and increasingly materialistic nature of modern American life.

This is a delightful memoir that had me crying, laughing, reflecting on my own life, and nodding my head along with Quindlen's experiences.  I sadly have to admit, this is my first book I've read by Quindlen, but you can bet I will be reading more of her novels.  If she can write so eloquently about her own life, I can't imagine how well she can create lives for others.

I had so many pages marked up from this book; things I want to remember with my children, quotes I want to write down, perspectives I want to rethink.  I usually pass on my books to the local library after I am done reading them, but this one I will be keeping.

I think my favorite part of the book was the very beginning where Quindlen talks about the things she would tell her 22-year old self about life.  I thought for a bit about that myself.  What would I tell my 20 year old self as I am turning 40?  What do I wish I had known then?  That may be a post for later, but it would definitely include taking risks, savoring relationships, and having hope.

My second favorite part of the book includes Quindlen's take on conquering a headstand.  How she physically didn't think it was possible, but was determined to build up her strength and finally, flipping her body into a complete headstand.  It made me wonder, what is my "headstand"?  What am I afraid to accomplish, do, conquer?

If you haven't figured out, I truly enjoyed this memoir, even not being familiar with the author.  The book will encourage you to reflect on your own life, whether you are 22, 42, 62, 82, or somewhere in between.  I guarantee you will leave with life lessons, wisdom and full-blown honesty.

If you are looking for a quick, enjoyable read, check out this book.  If you are also new to Anna Quindlen's work, check out her website, HERE or like her FACEBOOK page, HERE.


I received an ARC of this book from Random House.  I was not compensated in any other way for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.  I only review products that will benefit me or my family.