Full Moon at Noontide: A Daughter's Last Goodbye by Ann Putnam

About the Book:

This is the story of my mother and father and my dashing, bachelor uncle, my father’s identical twin, and how they lived together with their courage...more This is the story of my mother and father and my dashing, bachelor uncle, my father’s identical twin, and how they lived together with their courage and their stumblings, as they made their way into old age and then into death. And it’s the story of the journey from one twin’s death to the other, of what happened along the way, of what it means to lose the other who is also oneself.

My Opinion:

Full Moon at Noontide is a beautiful book about a woman who loses her parents and uncle, and the trials they go through along the way.  This wonderful look at the end of life, is a beautiful tribute to her parents and a stark reminder to all of us who live in the "Sandwich Generation" of what is important, our family and the love we all share.  Ann Putnam was able to put into words exactly what it's like at the end, when you're having to take care of your parents and make sure they have those they love around them, and leave this world with dignity and grace.

I remember when my grandparents passed away.  The years building up to it, the hospital visits, the surgeries, the pain, both physical and emotional that my mom and our entire family went through.  Those were tough times, and I was just a teenager.  Now, my own mother is turning 70 this year, and her health isn't as good as it once was.  I worry about her all the time.  Reading this book made me feel just a little better, knowing that I'm not alone in dealing with these issues as my mother gets older, and that we will be able to get through it, no matter what happens.

This book is beautifully written and will make you cry in many spots.  It will also make you smile as you see some humor and a lot of love within these pages.  Whether you have already lost your parents, or are taking care of them now, this is definitely a book that you'll want to read.  It won't necessarily be easy to read, but it's worth it!  I highly recommend this book to anyone with parents.  Although it's this is definitely a book for the more mature reader, college age and above is who I would say this is best for.

My rating: 4.5 stars