Learn More

Review Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) – Simon & Schuster book review

Sister Mother Husband Dog (etc) – Simon & Schuster book review
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.
Post your review

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

Share this

  • 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.

Article Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

Buon Appetito! A Busy Mum’s Guide To Memorable, Simple Summer Entertaining

I fondly remember slow, summer afternoons with family and friends gathered around a table of delicious finger-food during my childhood – the adults chatting and laughing, the kids pretending they understood the jokes. My parents had continued their Mediterranean traditions long after settling in Australia – and the simple joy of an effortlessly elegant gathering was one of my favourites.

What I don’t remember is my parents ever being stressed about the gatherings. It all just seemed to ‘come together’. Ah, how times have changed!

There’s something about the Italian style of entertaining that’s still so alluring in our fast-paced family lives. The idea of La Dolce Vita: a sweet life surrounded by family, friends, food and minimal fuss. Which is why we’ve enlisted the help of the entertaining experts at Sandhurst to share easy tips for elegant, memorable summer get-togethers.

We also asked our community of mums to share their tried and true, easy summer entertaining ideas, and we can’t wait to share them with you!

Euro-Inspired Entertaining

Sandhurst

Before we dive into the delicious world of sumptuous, simple summer entertaining, it helps to know a little about the inspiration behind our guide. And that’s the concept of Italian entertaining – where time is taken to lovingly grow ingredients, before enjoying them with those you love.

Established in 1988, Sandhurst was born from the time-honoured traditions of generations of the family behind the brand – a proud Italian Australian family passionate about quality produce sourced from world’s best growers.

At the helm of Sandhurst are brothers Mimmo and Ray Lubrano, who live and breathe the impeccable ingredients that become the centrepiece of so many gatherings in Australian family homes.

“Tradition is what we stand for. We’re custodians of Italian values,” explained Mimmo. “When we go to Italy we see it in our grandparents, our parents came from Italy in the 50s. The tradition is a set of values: honesty, teamwork, participation, family – all the things you would associate with Italian family are the values.”

And it’s these beautiful values that make summer gatherings in Australia an extension of the European table.

Easy Summer Entertaining Starts With … Time Saving Secrets!

Sandhurst

A sweet summer of entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful. In fact, it shouldn’t be. It’s a chance to spend time with loved ones. To press pause on life and make memories. And it can be simple! So here are some really easy tips for making your home the place where everyone wants to gather this summer.

Create An Entertaining Kit

Whether it’s pre-planned or you’ve had friends or family drop-in, having a few things ready to go immediately melts away any stress. Here are some things to include in a summer entertaining kit:

  • A red table cloth: It instantly says festive!
  • Some platters and serving dishes
  • Candles
  • Some quality antipasto ingredients that simply need to be decanted and enjoyed!

Many Hands Make Light Work

As mums, we tend to be our own worst enemy when it comes to delegating tasks. But remember, a summer of entertaining is about creating memories – not perfection. So let the kids help, and accept offers from your guests who’d like to bring something along to share.

“It can be overwhelming, so just delegate, and prepare. I do one dish prep per day and pop them in the freezer. Then they just need to be heated up. Let the kids do the decorating for you – plus keeps them busy!” – MoM Member Kirsty

Decorate With Happiness

There’s no need to pull out your finest crystal to pull off an elegant get together. Take a look around your home and garden to see what will bring your table to life. A bowl of lemons is a gorgeous addition, as is a bunch of gum leaves. Keep it simple and understated.

Sandhurst

Finger Food For The Win

Nothing says simple summer elegance more than a charcuterie board (or three!). When my friends and our families get together, it’s our go-to – every family is asked to ‘bring a board’. Some do savoury and some sweet, so we’re covered for a long afternoon of catching up.

“Food wise, I keep it simple by doing cold deli meats, cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies.” – MoM Member

But just because boards are easy to put together, doesn’t mean they can’t ooze elegance. And that comes down to including quality ingredients. Choosing Sandhurst products is the easiest way to guarantee the highest quality ends up on your table. We love the premise behind the brand: from our family to yours – it invokes that nostalgic feeling of shared stories, history, gatherings and family.

How To Put Together A Charcuterie Board 

Sandhurst article image

There are no right or wrong ways to create a charcuterie board, but to ensure a balance of textures and flavours try to include:

La Dolce Vita!

A summer of sophisticated entertaining doesn’t have to be hours and hours of work. We don’t want it to be! By grabbing some beautiful ingredients to fill your pantry next time you’re shopping, you’ll know that at a moment’s notice you’ll have everything you need for a Euro-inspired gathering. No fuss, but plenty of substance and style!

Sandhurst

Ready to host your own summer gathering? Choose Sandhurst’s quality produce and look for the red lid.

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

Share this

  • I’ve really needed some inspiration this year for Christmas and this is great! I Love a good charcuterie board and I think I may do one this year for the family as well as all the regular Christmas trimmings. I have 6 kids and all the extended family coming to entertain and feed!

    Reply

  • I’m loving all the ideas here in the comments and pictures above! I love to be able to just look at what others have done and straight up copy it. Takes all the thinking energy out of entertaining!
    Such a good and trusted brand to purchase over the silly season! You know you are faring great quality and value!

    Reply

  • We often have homemade pizza nights aka fakeaway night! And my pizza is always on a low carb Pizza base with roasted and sundried tomato and capsicum. My fav combo with grilled chicken and a swirl of peri peri mayonnaise! Making our own is always better than takeaway versions and healthier!

    Reply

  • Sandhurst products are my go to for great healthy and tasty snacks, especially after school.

    Reply

  • Great information! Loved it. You can see https://reminiiapp.com/

    Reply

  • Looked so good I couldn’t wait – Dove in off the end of my bread baton and swirled around in a couple of cheesy dips only to finish up at the Sandhurst stackers and sun-dried olives, who needs a Holiday when there is one in the kitchen, I can take any day.

    Reply

  • I have been buying Sandhurst Kalamata Olives, Sandhurst Semi-Dried Tomatoes, Sandhurst Baby Capers, Sandhurst Sicilian Green Olives for years as our kitchen staple adding that extra flavours to our dishes. I buy Sandhurst products for Gift Baskets as presents for family and friends and they love this idea as I add a chopping board and a knife and crackers and cheese for a celebration of flavours.

    Reply

  • Great ideas for entertaining guests and love that brand I buy it all the time

    Reply

  • i buy this for family they love the brand and the taste of sandhurst and the different flavors and range to choose from and i find it great value for money, i re-use the jars when im done with for small items in the house.

    Reply

  • I have been a purchaser of Sandhurst goods ever since they first appeared on supermarket shelves and still buy it to this day. The Sandhurst brand is the best without a doubt. This year I have not been able to find the Sandhurst cheese stuffed baby capsicums anywhere. I have tried to get on the Sandhurst site, but no luck with what they make. Help – these are such a wonderful addition to a salad.

    Reply

  • Fantastic Article

    Reply

  • I Love a good charcuterie board. I Love all the different options all on the one board. I love to do a chocolate board when we have guests over, it’s a fun way to do dessert after dinner. The kids love seeing everything layed out so they can pick and choose.

    Reply

  • This is great for the grandchildren they love them as they use them as finger food and make up their own meal and use plenty of ingredients including meat and cheese on the dips and crackers. We keep it simple with the Sandhurst’s products as it is a meal in every jar and the kids love them.

    Reply

  • This looks like the perfect relaxed way to have a picnic! I am loving the idea of this! Just bring along lots of fillings and plenty of cheeses and breads and of course a little alcohol and you’re all set. This sounds like the perfect way to catch up with friends!

    Reply

  • I hate being taken to a third party page to enter comps.

    Reply

  • Certainly most welcome for summer, and would be wonderful for the festive season. I can see this platter on the table Christmas Eve, when we get together with our neighbours.

    Reply

  • Love the look of the olive on creamy fetta

    Reply

  • This is timely and helpful, thanks – I aspire to entertain more and tips to make it less stressful are very welcome.

    Reply

  • Charcuterie boards are the absolute best! We do these so often in the warmer months because there’s something for the whole family. People pick and choose what they like and there’s no complaints because there’s so many different options to choose from, everyone is happy. It’s such a simple stressful way to make dinner.

    Reply

  • I absolutely adore finger food and this style of feeding people when we have family and friends at our home; or when we go out for a picnic, bbq or get together. These types of food are so easy to source and to buy and to prepare and to happily eat.

    • Yes I agree, finger foods are easy and yummie ! And you can assemble a healthy enough plate (certainly when you add salads, cheeses, nuts, fruits, boiled eggs, olives and rustic breads) that it can certainly can replace a meal (either lunch or dinner). Everyone happy and no hours of preparation in the kitchen 🙂

      • Also; the other bonus is less mess to clean up when cutlery is not needed. Finger food is the best for laid back and relaxed get togethers. There is always such a clam and relaxed feel to a finger food meal without the need for any fancy and stuffy table settings.

    Reply
Post a comment

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

Join Login

↥ 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