Hello!

Average Ratings (from 21 ratings)
Overall star Rating
Did you enjoy this book?
Would you recommend this to a friend?
Would you read more books from this author?
Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) - Simon & Schuster book review :
3.71 out of 5 based on 21 reviews.

Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) by bestselling author and screenwriter Delia Ephron.

In Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) Delia Ephron brings her trademark wit and effervescent prose to a series of unforgettable, moving, and provocative essays. The emotional linchpin in this collection is the author’s stirring, eloquent response to the death of Nora Ephron – Delia’s older sister and frequent writing companion. In “Sister,” Ephron deftly captures the love, rivalry, respect, and intimacy that made up her relationship with her sister in a way that is at once deeply personal and comfortingly universal.

Other essays in this collection run the gamut from a hysterical piece about love and the movies – how one romantic comedy completely destroyed her twenties, to the joy of girlfriends and best friendship, the magical madness and miracle of dogs, keen-eyed observations about urban survival, and a serious and affecting memoir of life with her mother – growing up the child of alcoholics. Ephron’s sparkling wit and humanity is present on every emotionally resonant page.

Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc), written by Delia Ephron, is a brand new release from Simon & Schuster.

Available where all good books are sold in paperback for $22.99  Also available as an ebook for $13.99.

Find out more about Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) here.

 

 


Published 4th November 2013


  • So far so good

    Ok so im only at the start of the book, so far so good, really enjoying it, but don’t want too let out oo much at the moment. If i didn’t have 3 kids i probably would have read it all by now, can’t wait to finish too let you all know how it goes 🙂

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I think it a girly book I love to read them

    I am going to give my book to my friend so she can read it she is a big reader and I think she is going to love this book too.
    the author got it going on .
    I like to get more of her books

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister mother husband dog

    The way she writes about her family and the way they have shaped her life. She seems to have become stronger for what life threw at her. Her humour certainly was born out of parents life style and I could almost imagine growing up in that family. Her experiences in life are real ones like the the trouble with buying gifts on the internet. The hassles involved if things go wrong.
    A great read and hard to put down at times, I really enjoyed it. Will be buying my own copy as this one was borrowed.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Very realistic and relatable.

    The bond between the characters is unremarkable. It’s an interesting protective on some ones life.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • sister mother husband ect

    i have just finished the book and cant wait to give it to a friend,it was a great book and really made me like about family and the way we are with them. funny and sad but all over a good book

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Interesting but slow in parts.

    After seeing the reviews for this book decided to go buy it myself to read it. I found this book was interesting in some parts yet rambled on in others. Like Delia got side tracked on to something else. Love learning different things about her and how she is not that different from most people who have families that are not completely normal. Feel sorry for her dad and her mother did have an interesting life at times, a pity it did not stay that way.
    If Delia has been honest it must had been hard at times to write some of these and what memories that came with it.
    Would tell my friend and family if looking for a book that can be read a bit at a time this is great as you do not have to read it all unless you really want to know what she got up too.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • A moving but witty read.

    In this memoir Delia Ephron shows us through her unique witty eyes some of her life and the way she has built her relationships. I particularly love the way she talks about her friendships and how they came to be. I think we would all love to have friends like Delia. I love that some of the essays are about inocuous observations that she has made. The chapter about ‘Upgrading’ many of us could relate to with the fast pace of technolgy and the changes we have to keep adapting too.

    For an light and fun look into the mind of a writer I would recommend this book “Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog (etc)” .

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • enjoying the book, can relate to much of it

    Almost through the book now, funny how i can relate to much of , made me think about my own family relationships as well and what we have been through. have really enjoyed the book.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I Have Made Up My Mind Now

    I wasn’t that sure about this book to start with. I found it was rambling and hard to keep my concentration. I persisted though. Now I am really starting to like it. If you do start to read this book and just can’t get into it I recommend you keep going because it does get better. Some of the stories are quite amusing, some emotional and some everyone will be able to relate to. Delia has been honest in the telling of her story. It has been wonderful to be given the opportunity to read this book otherwise I might not have bothered.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • love the short stories

    Just recieved the book yesterday,have only just started the book, loving it so far, love the short stories great when you only have short reading time which with 3 kids is pretty much a given. The book is set out well and i look forward to getting into it more. just wanted to make a post saying im looking forward to reading more.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Truthful, honest writing that includes the funny bits too

    I am a sucker for a book of personal essays, I enjoy dipping into people’s lives and how they make sense of what happens to them. I related to Delia losing her older sister as I have a bossy older sister too and I am a big fan of Nora Ephron. Her writing is light even though her subject matter isn’t. I also love that she writes about her life when there was no technology invading our lives completely – seems like another era! It’s light and easy to put down and pick up from where you left off before (so great if you are a busy Mum).

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Worth a go

    This was a very slow read & quite hard to get into. It does however bring emotions to the forefront & get you thinking. I was disappointed by the rambling style & in parts I had no idea what Delia was trying to get across. Worth a read if you are familiar with Delia but you really have to persevere.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Interesting but slow in parts.

    After seeing the reviews for this book decided to go buy it myself to read it. I found this book was interesting in some parts yet rambled on in others. Like Delia got side tracked on to something else. Love learning different things about her and how she is not that different from most people who have families that are not completely normal. Feel sorry for her dad and her mother did have an interesting life at times, a pity it did not stay that way.
    If Delia has been honest it must had been hard at times to write some of these and what memories that came with it.
    Would tell my friend and family if looking for a book that can be read a bit at a time this is great as you do not have to read it all unless you really want to know what she got up too.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • A moving but witty read.

    In this memoir Delia Ephron shows us through her unique witty eyes some of her life and the way she has built her relationships. I particularly love the way she talks about her friendships and how they came to be. I think we would all love to have friends like Delia. I love that some of the essays are about inocuous observations that she has made. The chapter about ‘Upgrading’ many of us could relate to with the fast pace of technolgy and the changes we have to keep adapting too.

    For an light and fun look into the mind of a writer I would recommend this book “Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog (etc)” .

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Bit slow for me

    I have almost finished the book, I must say it has been a battle to keep reading as it is a bit slow. A lot of rambling on about movies and books I’ve never heard of. I did enjoy moments of the first chapter which did make me think about loved ones and how we don’t express our love enough when we have the chance. I really think the ramblings could have been edited down (and it’s already a short book) however you can see the meaning in it and I’m glad I gave it a go 🙂

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • sister mother husband ect

    i have just finished the book and cant wait to give it to a friend,it was a great book and really made me like about family and the way we are with them. funny and sad but all over a good book

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • enjoying the book, can relate to much of it

    Almost through the book now, funny how i can relate to much of , made me think about my own family relationships as well and what we have been through. have really enjoyed the book.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I Have Made Up My Mind Now

    I wasn’t that sure about this book to start with. I found it was rambling and hard to keep my concentration. I persisted though. Now I am really starting to like it. If you do start to read this book and just can’t get into it I recommend you keep going because it does get better. Some of the stories are quite amusing, some emotional and some everyone will be able to relate to. Delia has been honest in the telling of her story. It has been wonderful to be given the opportunity to read this book otherwise I might not have bothered.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • FINAL REVIEW OF SISTER, MOTHER, HUSBAND, DOG ETC.

    Wow this book has been a good read. It is something completely different to the types of books I usually read. It was like a collection of memoures from Delia. Some were very heart felt others were fanatical and some were easily relatable.At the end of the day this book really does get you thinking about your own life. I can see that this book will either be very much liked or not liked at all by the way it is written. I would definitely recommend it to family and friends. I believe there is nothing wrong with different. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful book. 🙂

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Very realistic and relatable.

    The bond between the characters is unremarkable. It’s an interesting protective on some ones life.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • sister mother husband ect

    just started reading it only a few pages in but so far so good

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister mother husband dog

    I’ve tried to get into this book but it has been quite slow not some thing I’d recommend to my friends sorry

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Haven't made up my mind yet.

    I have really tried to like this book and I will keep reading it but it just seems to go on and on without getting anywhere. I can relate with the story but I find it rambling a bit. I might need to read more during the day instead of late at night to fully comprehend the story. I will keep reading it I have a feeling as I get into it more I will come to enjoy it more.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • A real chicks book

    Not finished yet but find this book very close to personal things that have happened in my own life so feels quite strange reading it but will pass it on to my girl friend for sure. Has touched my heart in so many ways so thanks for the chance on reviewing this book!!

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • I think it a girly book I love to read them

    I am going to give my book to my friend so she can read it she is a big reader and I think she is going to love this book too.
    the author got it going on .
    I like to get more of her books

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister mother husband dog

    The way she writes about her family and the way they have shaped her life. She seems to have become stronger for what life threw at her. Her humour certainly was born out of parents life style and I could almost imagine growing up in that family. Her experiences in life are real ones like the the trouble with buying gifts on the internet. The hassles involved if things go wrong.
    A great read and hard to put down at times, I really enjoyed it. Will be buying my own copy as this one was borrowed.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Its only early days...but enjoying it so far

    I started reading straight after the postman delivered it….It is a series of auto-biographical short stories that have so far struck a cord with me and I think it will with many people…the first, a story about the death of Delia’s sister and their relationship explored some interesting dynamics and made me look at my own relationships with my sisters…. looking forward to reading on

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • So far so good!

    I’m only a small way through this book & finding it really full on! It got into things really quickly! Looking forward to finding out how the story unfolds!

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog etc.

    I received the book yesterday and I was eager to start reading it. So far from what I have read I am really enjoying it. Emotions are high in this book and I predict some tissue will be needed to get through the whole book. It’s a great style of book to read when you have a busy life with kids, school and being a carer to a disabled child. Can’t wait to finish this book to see where it takes me. This book really makes you think about things in life.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?


  • love the short stories

    Just recieved the book yesterday,have only just started the book, loving it so far, love the short stories great when you only have short reading time which with 3 kids is pretty much a given. The book is set out well and i look forward to getting into it more. just wanted to make a post saying im looking forward to reading more.

    Did you enjoy this book?
    Would you recommend this to a friend?
    Would you read more books from this author?

Click here to post a review

Reviews on this page have now been disabled.

To register for reviews that are not open yet and for future reviews, enter your email below and we'll send you an email as soon as a review is open for application.

Summer beach and pool days are core childhood memory creators, but getting the kids out the door, not so much! From wrestling wriggly toddlers into rashies to arguing with teens trying to dodge sunscreen and cramming half the house into the car, the exhaustion can kick in before we’ve even set foot on the sand!

But there are some very clever tips that will make even the most stressful summer days smooth sailing – and the Mouths of Mums community know them all! Which is why we asked our mums for their hints, hacks and tips – from sand removal to stress-free sunscreen application (we’re going to introduce you to the fabulous new Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Sprays that will make your life so much easier). 

You’ll want to take note before you next hit the beach or pool!

Pack Smart, Not Big

Do you feel like you take waaayyy too much when you head to the beach or pool, and then you seem to forget a couple of key things that would have made life so much easier?

Our Mouths of Mums community swear by this fab list of essentials which should be in every mum’s beach kit, and

  • A plastic bag for wet towels and bathers
  • A dry bag for clothes
  • A bucket or basin to wash off sandy toys
  • A ‘clean zone’, sand-free blanket or mat for eating and changing
  • A pop-up tent for changing
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Talcum powder to get sticky, wet sand off little feet. Just pop it on and brush it off – it’s magic!
  • A hand-held car vac for quick sand cleanups!

“The amount of times my kids have gone home in wet chafing swimming costumes because they didn’t want anyone to see them changing is unbelievable! Our pop up tent has been life changing! We all drive home comfy and cosy! Lastly, a sand proof picnic blanket is so perfect for a sand reprieve! The sand literally falls right through them!” – MoM Member

Get Safety Sorted Before The Fun Starts

It’s pretty hard to get the kids’ attention once you’re at the beach or pool, so the safety talk should really start at home. Our mums recommend chatting to the kids about:

  • Swimming between the flags at the beach
  • Setting a meeting spot in case anyone gets separated
  • Sunscreen: Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes before heading outdoors. And set alarms to reapply every two hours throughout the day. Reapply immediately after swimming or using a towel. 

Applying sunscreen at the start of the day and regularly throughout is so important, but it usually causes the most arguments. Kids don’t want to stop, teens assure you they ‘did it already’.

That’s where Banana Boat’s new SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ actually makes a difference. The iconic sunscreen brand has just launched its newest product, which turns sunscreen time into something simple and fun. It’s an easy and convenient way to tick off sun safety – which isn’t always easy when it comes to kids!

Why Banana Boat SmartMist Sunscreen Spray makes sunscreen easier

  • The Smart Control Spray gives you the choice of a short spray for tricky spots or a long spray for larger areas like those wiggly little legs, making application simple and convenient. It also sprays from any angle – just spray, rub in and you’re ready for playtime.
  • Clear, lightweight formula that absorbs fast and with no greasy feel.
  • SPF50+ broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and 4-hour water resistant.
  • Kids SmartMist™ is mild and gentle for kid’s sensitive skin, fragrance free and contains Aloe and Vitamin E.
  • Sport SmartMist™ features high-performance Powerstay Technology™, designed to stay on through sweat and water.

Banana Boat SmartMist makes those important sunscreen stops much easier and effective and is perfect for active Aussie families this summer.

Prep & Time It Perfectly

There’s nothing worse than kids itching to get to the beach while you’re trying to remember everything you need to pack – it makes everyone frazzled. So get prepped early – even the night before. And time your departure to minimise the amount of time in the car (and the amount of times the kids ask ‘are we there yet?!’.

“Packing the car the night before, always a huge help getting the bucket, cabana, and bag of spare clothes/towels in the boot. We usually leave straight after breakfast to avoid heavy traffic as the beach is an hour away.” – MoM Member

Pack Smart Snacks

Snacks are a must, but it can be tricky to know what’s going to survive a hot, Aussie summer day – and what’s good for hungry tummies. Here’s what our mums recommend:

  • Chopped fruit
  • Crackers
  • Boiled eggs
  • Drink bottles that have been frozen overnight

“We have a few allergies/intolerances, so being prepared with food is helpful and saves us the search and some money. I pre-chop carrots, cucumber, apples, boiled egg, in a handy separating container, a packet of chips, dip, and bring water bottles. If it’s a longer day planned at the beach I’ll bring lunch too.” – MoM Member

A chaos-free beach day. Yes please!

You don’t need a military-style plan to enjoy a sunny day out. A beach trolley, some prep, and an easy sunscreen like SmartMist™ are enough to help things run calmly – or at least calm-ish!

New Banana Boat Sport SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ 200ml and Banana Boat Kids SmartMist™ Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ 200ml (RRP $28.00) are available now at leading pharmacies, supermarkets and online retailers nationwide. 


Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Wear protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses in addition to sunscreen. Reapply frequently every 2 hours or more often when sweating and immediately after swimming or using a towel. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure.

Mouths of Mums is proudly working with Banana Boat to bring you this article.

  • So happy to share the magic of baby powder after a messy day at the beach or park! It’s been a game changer for us.
    Not quite as elaborate as the pop up tent, but a large towel with a hood has been great to discretely change out of bathers! It’s my husband’s go to now haha

    Reply

  • My biggest tip is to be very clear who’s watching the kids, especially when they’re in the water. Like, actually verbally hand over and make sure it’s acknowledged if you’re going somewhere (like to the bathroom). That can definitely save lives, but also save panics about lost kids in crowded spaces.

    Reply

  • Some really good tips here! I had no idea about the talcum powder hack – who would have known! That is amazing and I will definitely try it next time we go to the beach! It is definitely worthwhile getting things ready the night before though, especially if you want to leave before midnight lol.

    Reply

Post a comment

To post a review/comment please join us or login so we can allocate your points.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join