Zoe Fitzgerald Carter's Imperfect Endings isn't the feel-good novel of the year, but it's a novel full of feelings experienced by every Boomer with aging parents.
The story hits home in a lot of homes.
After living with Parkinson's disease for 20 years, Carter's mother decides to commit suicide and have her three daughters by her side when she does it. It's not your typical Leave it to Beaver episode and this family ain't The Waltons. This is real life served up straight with a twist.
Carter's poignant story has all the makings of a soap opera, but never ventures into soap territory. It's a Boomer everyman's (woman's?) tale of being caught in the sandwich generation and dealing with love, loss and long-distance relationships.
The book swings between an accounting of the final days of her mother's life, through childhood flashbacks and sibling rivalries and tales of an alcoholic, cheating father. It's a toxic cocktail that would prove lethal in the hands of a less-gifted writer. Carter handles it all with a style that's intoxicating and difficult to put down. Some parts are tough to read (especially the Chapter, "Night of Morphine").
It can be dark, but Imperfect Endings illuminates an important subject. A subject that Carter covers with unapologetic frankness and a very big heart.
Author: Zoe Fitzgerald Carter
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Penned: March 2010
Time Out: The 272 pages are a quick read. You'll be drawn into this family with all of its complexity and drama and won't put it down until it reaches its own imperfect ending.
Beach Worthy: Sure, if the beach is rocky (think Maine) and you like to watch the waves crash to shore.
Available: $16.50 from Amazon.com (hardcover)
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
