We Are All Welcome Here
May 29, 2006
I haven’t read any of Elizabeth Berg’s other novels but I’ve seen them on many lists. We Are All Welcome Here was interesting. The idea for it came from a fan of hers. She says in the foreword that she never takes story ideas from fans but the story of this woman’s mother impressed and intrigued her and she couldn’t stop thinking about it. While Paige is inspired by a real person, it is fiction.
The story is mostly told from Diana’s perspective. A 14 year old who struggles with all the normal 14 year old stuff with the added responsiblity of helping care for her mother, Paige, during the nights. Paige can’t move any part of her body below the head.
It’s an interesting and sweet read. I was afraid it would end up being heavy and serious. There are serious subjects raised but Diana’s innocence keeps things from getting too heavy.
(I’ve decided not to read My Lucky Star – I’m just not feeling at the moment and I have other books on my shelf that I really want to get to.)
June 1st, 2006 at 11:25 am
I love Elizabeth Berg, although I haven’t read this book yet. If you are going to try a few more of her books, I’d recommend The Art of Mending and the Year of Pleasures as my two personal favourites. There’s nothing better than finding a new author that you love and realizing she/he has written a whole bunch of books that you haven’t read yet. Enjoy!
June 1st, 2006 at 4:42 pm
This is the first of her books that I’ve read. I have Year of Pleasures on my list of books to read sometime.