Owens...writes candidly ... She is at her best and most engrossing when writing about three major life events: losing a close friend during the 9/11 attacks, becoming a mother and connecting to her readers about motherhood, and falling in love with her second husband. Missing is the reverential treatment of books that Owens is known for. It peppers the pages and even the titles of each chapter but, alas, appears little in the overall narrative. Still, this is an endearing memoir reflecting on a woman’s defining moments in life that will likely resonate with Owens’ fans and also readers who enjoy stories about writers with a New York City backdrop.
Zippy ... Even at its most brisk, Owens’s infectious enthusiasm radiates with charm, as do her earnest reflections on motherhood. Bibliophiles will breeze through this.
Her insights into dealing with grief are touching, and readers experiencing loss may find solace in her story. Though Owens approaches the immense privilege she has enjoyed all her life with tact and honesty, it may still alienate some readers ... The author’s candid voice is approachable, but she is prone to clichés ... The author’s genuine voice and sincere storytelling are marred by clunky prose.
