What is it like to be a mother, a working woman, a feminist*, a baby boomer* ...or someone who’s aging, who is at the end of their life with little options? What is faith*, marriage, friendship, love, life, or death? What in our life are not necessary or important?

    Reading the book is like talking with a friend who knows you, warts and all*, and still loves you. In this memoir*, Anna Quindlen offers her observations* of a well examined, well lived life.

    At 60, Quindlen has already had plenty of candles and birthday cake, but she wants more. Her own mother died in her early 40s, when she was just 19. That early loss has made her thankful for every additional year she gets that her mother didn’t.

    She seems surprised at how lucky she has been. She has reached an age where she can look back. She reviews the ambition* and serendipity* that allowed her to “have it all” in terms of marriage, motherhood, career, and friendship.

    A woman her age will of course enjoy reading these essays. But other readers will also find them interesting. She always shares observations and wisdom that are universal.

    Reading the book, you will like her spunk* and honesty.

    “Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake” renews and restores our zest* for life. As Anna Quindlen puts it, “All I can say for sure is that I want more.”

    Quindlen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist* and famous writer. (SD-Agencies)