Confessions of Joan the Tallis an extraordinary memoir that recounts a year in the life of author Joan Cusack Handler. In a seemingly simple style, Joan Cusack Handler manages to capture the anxiety she felt over her perceived lack of piety and her way above average height.
Read more at She Treads S...
Handler perfectly captures the angst of being twelve; the uncertainty, the need to please your parents, the desire to fit in with other students and have friends, to be just like everybody else. The funny thing is, no one ever was like everybody else. Reading it brought all those feelings right back...
“Nothing is perfect, nothing can be, but Joan was able to put a bit of humor on it and the innocence of a young child growing up amid the trials of being good, staying good, and being surrounded by a good family to do it in.”
Visit A Catholic Mom Climbing the Pillars for the full review
I really enjoyed this book because even though times have changed, the topics still ring true. Joan, despite being teased and ridiculed, has a good heart and experiences many of the same things as we do. She is a funny, thoughtful girl that makes me laugh with her ramblings and worries. We can see...
I liked reading about Joan’s journey towards self-acceptance – it’s not an easy one, but hopefully we all get there! I was also interested in reading about her faith. While I’m not a religious person now, I attended church as a child and when I was around Joan’s age I found myself questioning what I...
Last Thursday was Thanksgiving and we, the Handlers–Alan, David, Marlene and I– spent it with our favorite family –best friends, Carol and Fred Snyder, and their sons, their wives and children. And their friends. And their children. Usually Marc, David’s best friend, accompanies us; when...
This story is a delightful read at nearly any age as it provokes memories for some and lets others know they are wearing similar shoes. It is delightful, witty and a shining pathway to bring us all home to a level play ground, or in Joan’s case the opportunity equalizer of a swim.
To read the full review,...