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Don’t Sing at the Table

November 10, 2010 by Jennifer

I’ve never read any of Adriana Trigiani’s fiction, but I’ve heard that she writes lovely novels. However, after reading her memoir Don’t Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers, a sort of tribute to and history of her grandmothers, I feel a kinship with her.

Trigiani shares stories of Lucy’s and Viola’s years as young wives in the 1940s, their uncharacteristic careers, and lessons that they taught Adriana by their examples. The chapters alternate from one grandmother to the other, and are divided into chapters which cover such topics as work, security, finances, beauty, marriage, and motherhood.

Trigiani’s respect of her grandmothers is obvious. They are basically ordinary women, but the way she writes about them prove that we can all be extraordinary through the eyes of those who love us.

I couldn’t help but think of my own grandmothers, Opal “Mammaw,” who died shortly I got married, and Evelyn “Mimi,” who just celebrated her 90th birthday this summer. They are both definitely women I admire. Their personalities are so different, but they both lived through the Depression and World War II, and were career women (both schoolteachers). Especially being able to have the love and support of Mimi as I am a wife and mother myself has been incredible. Her thinking isn’t always clear anymore, but I know that she loves me, and what’s interesting is that even though she might be hazy on something I just told her, she remembers the 30’s, and 40’s, and 60’s like they were yesterday.

If you enjoy the 1940’s, appreciate the role of special women in your life, or love Adriana Trigiani’s fiction, I know you’ll love this book.

Please leave a comment if you’d like to win a copy of Don’t Sing at the Table: Life Lessons from My Grandmothers (U.S. shipping addresses only). We’ll announce the winner on 11/24.

Find out more at the Facebook Fan page for the book and I’ll be mentioning other blog tour stops @5M4B on Twitter.

  • The winner of Solid is #15, Holly.

Check out our current giveaways. Subscribe to our feed. Follow us @5M4B on Twitter.

Jennifer Donovan frequently tells her own children not to sing at the table. Learn her other parenting methods by reading her blog Snapshot.

Filed Under: Jennifer, Memoir, Non-Fiction

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Comments

  1. Barbara H. says

    November 10, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    This sounds like something I’d love to read. Thanks for the giveaway — I’d love to be entered!

  2. Julie says

    November 10, 2010 at 1:49 pm

    I added this book to my goodreads.com queue recently. I love the 1940’s era – such a simpler time in so many ways. Love your site as well.

  3. Carly Kendall says

    November 10, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    This author is new to me too, but this book sounds fantastic. Please enter me to win a copy. Thank you very much.

  4. Benita says

    November 10, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    I’d absolutely love to read this book. Please count me in.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

    • Jennifer (5 Minutes for Books) says

      December 6, 2010 at 8:32 am

      I forgot to draw this winner because of the Gift Guide, but you won this book!

      Please send me your shipping info.

      Jennifer

  5. Jenna says

    November 10, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    I love memoirs, this looks great
    [email protected]

  6. Ruthie B says

    November 10, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    I would love to read this…love her.

    [email protected]

  7. Jen E says

    November 10, 2010 at 5:17 pm

    I would love to win a copy of this book!

    mommablogsalot at gmail dot com

  8. christine hexom says

    November 10, 2010 at 5:21 pm

    I have read Viola In Reel Life by Adriana Trgiani and enjoyed it. I would love to read this book.

  9. Linda Kish says

    November 10, 2010 at 7:20 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

  10. Pamela says

    November 10, 2010 at 11:36 pm

    I followed someone’s link to get here–books are my “thing.” Almost every gift I buy includes a book. The 5 Minute books looks like books that would be good for gifting.

  11. Jessica T says

    November 11, 2010 at 12:29 am

    I’d love to read this! Thanks !

  12. DarcyO says

    November 11, 2010 at 8:07 am

    Don’t Sing at the Table reminds me of my mom. I would love to read it. Thanks for the chance.

    dlodden at frontiernet dot net

  13. anne says

    November 11, 2010 at 10:22 am

    I am captivated by this wonderful story and your post today was extremely interesting and lovely. Thanks for this great giveaway.

  14. Rita says

    November 11, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    I am from the 1940’s; I revere the role of my grandmothers; I am grateful for special women in my life; and I would like to read Adriana Trgiana.

  15. Some Lucky Dog says

    November 12, 2010 at 3:25 am

    My grandma was the most important person in my life when I was growing up. I’m a grandma now and still miss her! I hope my relationship with my grandson will be just as important to him!

    someluckydog at gmail dot com

  16. Lori says

    November 12, 2010 at 1:20 pm

    This book was already on my wish list, but your review makes me want to read it sooner!

  17. edj says

    November 12, 2010 at 5:41 pm

    I love memoirs and this sounds like a really fun one. Pick me! 🙂

  18. Carolyn says

    November 12, 2010 at 9:18 pm

    What a beautiful tribute! I’d love to win!

  19. Gail says

    November 12, 2010 at 9:21 pm

    I have read some of her fiction and really enjoyed it! This would be fun to read too I think.

  20. Katie Schroeder says

    November 17, 2010 at 11:48 am

    Sounds wonderful! Sign me up!

  21. Beth C says

    November 18, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    This sounds so like my grandmothers. I’d love to be entered. Thanks!
    pbclrk(at)netins(dot)net

  22. Debbie says

    November 20, 2010 at 4:26 pm

    I’m a huge Adriana Trigiani fan. Her books are such a nice read.

  23. Wendy Mahaney says

    November 20, 2010 at 10:59 pm

    I would love this. I have really enjoyed reading several books based in the 40’s lately and this sounds great.

  24. Christina says

    November 21, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    My mom and I love memoirs and this sounds wonderful.

Trackbacks

  1. 52 Books to Remove from my TBR List « bekahcubed says:
    December 30, 2011 at 7:47 am

    […] Don’t Sing at the Table by Adriana Tragiani (The Review that Hooked Me) […]

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