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Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Anne Tyler is a total game-changer when it comes to family dramas. It's a story about Maggie and Ira, a couple who've been married for years and are still figuring out life together. They face challenges with humor and love, and it's honestly really inspiring. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll probably think about your own relationships in a whole new light.
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summarizeEditor's Summary
I just finished reading 'Lessons in Breathing' by Ann Tyler, and I'm still reeling from the experience. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is a must-read for anyone who's ever navigated the ups and downs of family life. With its witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking themes, this book is a true gem. I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. The author's writing is engaging, and the story is both humorous and heart-wrenching. I loved how the characters' relationships were portrayed, and the way the author explored the complexities of adult relationships. If you're looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read, look no further than 'Lessons in Breathing'.
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Kararİyi
HikayeDönemi7/10
HikayeKalitesi8/10
KarakterGeliştirme9/10
Hello there!
I stumbled upon the book 'Lessons in Breathing' by Ann Tyler here on the website, and I'm really glad I did.
As someone who's been married for a good number of years, the topic of adult marriages and the 'empty nest syndrome' really resonates with me.
It turns out the book is quite renowned - it won the Pulitzer Prize, received critical acclaim, and has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide.
After reading it, I formed my own opinion on this global bestseller.
Book Summary
Maggie's impulsive and direct, while Ayr is more measured and thoughtful. Maggie's prone to making mistakes, but Ayr's not. They've been married for 28 years, and their life is ordinary, peaceful, and... dull. On a somber day, they embark on a road trip to attend a friend's funeral, but things take a surprising turn when Maggie hears on the radio that her ex-fiancée is getting remarried. The trip becomes a mission to save their son's marriage. This heartwarming, ironic, funny, and poignant account of Maggie and Ayr's day is a deep dive into the essence of family relationships, a comedy infused with drama.
About 'Lessons in Breathing'
Maggie and Ayr are a married couple with a solid 28-year history together. Their kids are relatively grown - their son lives separately, and their daughter is about to leave for college.
Maggie works at a nursing home, caring for the elderly, and she's always full of compassion, empathy, and a willingness to help others, not just her family but strangers too. She's also a dreamer and absolutely adores her 7-year-old granddaughter, whom she hasn't seen in a while - her son and his wife, Fiona, are separated, and contact has been cut off.
Ayr, on the other hand, is practical and skeptical, speaking his mind directly, and making thoughtful decisions, unlike Maggie. As he's not clouded by his own fantasies, he sees things more broadly and deeply than his wife.
The book takes place over just one day, but through that day, we can see the entire span of their marriage, from start to finish, because this particular day was incredibly eventful. And the events that unfolded in it somehow connected with Maggie and Ayr's past.
One of the days, my sister Maggie and her husband Ira planned to attend a friend's funeral. After that, Maggie thought she'd swing by her ex-daughter-in-law's place. The reason she wanted to visit was a snippet of a radio show she overheard, where the ex-daughter-in-law announced she was getting married. Maggie decided to stop by, offer to watch the grandkids while they were dealing with wedding chaos, and also try to work out some unfinished business between the ex-daughter-in-law and Maggie's son. Apparently, the ex-daughter-in-law confessed on the radio that she still loved her first husband, and was only marrying her second out of necessity.
Throughout the drive and at the funeral, the pair kept reminiscing about the past, which gave us a clear picture of how their family came to be, the relationships between spouses and their kids, and other relatives.
We finally understood the situation with the grandkids and the backstory behind the complicated relationships between Maggie's daughter-in-law and her mother-in-law.
At the same time, the events of the present began to unfold, gradually leading us to the conclusion of this eventful day, but by no means the end of this family's story...
My impression of the book
I want to say upfront that this book has a clear target audience, and it's unlikely to interest young people. As you get older, your perspective on life and the world around you changes with each passing year.
This isn't the kind of book you can get lost in, reading page after page without a break. In some parts, I found it a bit too slow-paced and drawn out.
But the main life events did grab my attention, and made me draw my own conclusions. Some of these conclusions I'd already come to, but reading the book just reinforced them.
I have to admit, one of the biggest takeaways for me was the idea that our adult kids need to live their lives on their own terms, not according to our own expectations. It's inevitable that we'll eventually come to terms with the fact that they need us less than they used to, and it's up to us to let go and not suffocate them with unnecessary care.
The book showcases a stark example of a mother-in-law's good intentions gone wrong, driven by her own ideas and biases. It's a scenario that plays out all too often in real life, and I genuinely hope I can resist the temptation to interfere in my adult kids' lives.
Relationships between long-married couples and their aging parents are a big part of the book, and it felt relatable and authentic.
It's worth noting that the book tackles some heavy themes, but it does so in a way that's both thought-provoking and easy to digest.
Overall, the book struck me as a helpful resource that uses a fictional family to illustrate some key points about family dynamics and psychology. However, I think it would be more suited to experienced readers rather than newcomers.
Final Verdict
I'd highly recommend 'Breathing Lessons' by Anne Tyler with a rating of 5 stars. It's a unique and thought-provoking read that I'd definitely look for more of her work in the future!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What is the main theme of 'Lessons in Breathing'?
The main theme of 'Lessons in Breathing' is the complexities of adult relationships, marriage, and motherhood. The book explores the ups and downs of family life and the ways in which relationships can be both humorous and heartbreaking.
Who is the author of 'Lessons in Breathing'?
The author of 'Lessons in Breathing' is Ann Tyler, a renowned American novelist known for her thought-provoking and engaging writing style.
What awards has 'Lessons in Breathing' won?
'Lessons in Breathing' has won the Pulitzer Prize, one of the most prestigious literary awards in the world.
Is 'Lessons in Breathing' a easy read?
Yes, 'Lessons in Breathing' is a relatively easy read, with a clear and engaging writing style that makes it accessible to a wide range of readers.
What is the book's tone?
The book's tone is both humorous and heart-wrenching, making it a relatable and engaging read for anyone who's ever navigated the ups and downs of family life.
What is the book's length?
The book's length is approximately 320 pages, making it a substantial but manageable read.
Is 'Lessons in Breathing' a good book for book clubs?
Yes, 'Lessons in Breathing' is a great book for book clubs, as it offers plenty of discussion topics and themes to explore.
What is the book's genre?
The book's genre is literary fiction, with elements of comedy and drama.
check_circlePros
- •A relatable and poignant account of marriage and motherhood
- •Well-developed characters with unique personalities
- •Thought-provoking themes that resonate with readers
- •Witty dialogue that adds humor to the story
- •Engaging writing style that keeps readers hooked
- •A true gem of a novel that explores complex adult relationships
- •Portrays the complexities of family relationships in a realistic way
- •Explores the ups and downs of marriage and motherhood in a thought-provoking way
cancelCons
- •Some readers may find the pacing a bit slow
- •The characters' motivations can be unclear at times
- •The story can be emotionally challenging to read
- •Some readers may not connect with the characters' relationships
- •The book's themes can be heavy-handed at times
- •The writing style may not appeal to all readers
- •Some readers may find the characters' relationships too complex
- •The book's length may be a deterrent for some readers
