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jr2234's review
2.0
To start with what I did enjoy, the illustrations in this are lovely and vibrant. It was the writing I didn’t enjoy. The author was reflecting on what seemed a profound experience for her, but it wasn’t necessarily unique in the way she reflected on it.
I was disappointed that the author’s reflection lacked any semblance of empathy for other individuals. There are many examples, but to give one, near the book’s end, the author requests a seat next to her “grands” on an airplane despite not having reserved the seat. The man already seated refuses to move and the author immediately assumes him to be self-centered and rude. Could there be another explanation? Perhaps this man had a bad hip that made it hard to move. Perhaps he was having a bad day himself or wasn’t feeling well.
The author’s default, in this and all other situations, from the beginning of the book to the end, is to assume her situation is the most difficult and that others are selfish and rude. Her writing, I think, would benefit from stepping outside that lens.
I was disappointed that the author’s reflection lacked any semblance of empathy for other individuals. There are many examples, but to give one, near the book’s end, the author requests a seat next to her “grands” on an airplane despite not having reserved the seat. The man already seated refuses to move and the author immediately assumes him to be self-centered and rude. Could there be another explanation? Perhaps this man had a bad hip that made it hard to move. Perhaps he was having a bad day himself or wasn’t feeling well.
The author’s default, in this and all other situations, from the beginning of the book to the end, is to assume her situation is the most difficult and that others are selfish and rude. Her writing, I think, would benefit from stepping outside that lens.
bibliobrandie's review
3.0
I've read all of Knisley's books and this one sits right in the middle for me. I enjoyed her approach to traveling with her grandparents, some of the scenes were really heartbreaking.
jess_mango's review
4.0
Sad but sweet travelogue/memoir about the 20-something author chaperoning her 90-something grandparents on a cruise. This is the 3rd or 4th book that I've read by Knisley and I've enjoyed them all.
tildahlia's review
5.0
Beautiful, funny and heartbreaking. This was a great book to follow Being Mortal and just touched on so many of the realities, frustrations but also joys of connecting with, and caring for those who are older. It's very unvarnished (I love how she didn't shy away from revealing everything she found irritating and maddening about the trip) but her love, care and concern for the 'grands' shone through. The labour of caring is something that is so poorly understood. Fantastic illustrations, I will be seeking out more Knisley!
alicebme's review
4.0
As my family members experienced more serious health issues this year, I found this book to be a timely read.