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.
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 :)
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.
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
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.
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)" .
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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)" .
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 :-)
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
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.
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.
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. :)
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.
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!!
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.
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
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!
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.
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.
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Article
‘Trust Your Intuition’: How To Advocate For Your Child In Hospital
Mother’s instinct is a funny thing. At home, we trust it without question. But put us in a hospital setting with an unwell child, surrounded by doctors, nurses and monitors, and suddenly we start doubting ourselves.
What if I’m overreacting? What if I’ve got it wrong?
So we stay quiet, even when we know something just isn’t right with our child. I’ve been there myself – when my usually ‘tough’ son was doubled over with stomach pain. I was told in the emergency department that it probably wasn’t his appendix. But I knew he wouldn’t have begged me to take him to hospital unless it was serious. Because I know him better than anyone. Turns out, it was appendicitis.
It’s a really common place for parents to land. You’re grateful for the care your child is getting, but at the same time, you feel this huge responsibility to speak up if something doesn’t feel right.
Here’s the thing though: that instinct you’re feeling? It matters more than you might think.
Why your gut feeling matters more than you realise
According to Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital, Leticia Jackson, parents bring something to the hospital that no test or machine ever could.
“Parents often say they ‘just know’ when something isn’t quite right with their child, and in a hospital, that gut feeling is incredibly valuable,” she explains.
Leticia Jackson, Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager, Canterbury Hospital
While medical teams rely on observations, tests and equipment, parents know the little details. The way your child usually smiles. How they react when they’re tired. What’s normal for them.
So when something feels “off”, even if everything looks okay on paper, it can actually be an early warning sign.
“When parents trust those instincts and speak up, this creates a powerful partnership that can sometimes catch a problem before it becomes an emergency,” Leticia says.
Worried about speaking up? You’re not alone
A lot of parents hesitate about advocating for their child.
You don’t want to come across as difficult. You don’t want to question the people caring for your child. And sometimes, you just don’t feel confident enough to push the issue.
Leticia gets it.
“It is completely understandable for parents to feel hesitant,” she says. “No one wants to be seen as difficult or to second-guess the hardworking people caring for their child.”
But here’s a helpful way to look at it: you’re not challenging the medical team, you’re helping them.
Parents are the constant. Staff change shifts, care for multiple patients, and rely on snapshots of information. You’re there the whole time, noticing the subtle changes.
“Our medical team doesn’t view a concerned parent as overreactive, but as a partner,” Leticia explains. “Your voice matters.”
Remember, we know our children better than anyone.
What to do if you’re worried: the Raise It process
If you’re in a NSW public hospital or health service and you’re worried about you or your child’s condition getting worse, there is a clear process you can follow called Raise It.
Raise It is designed to help patients, carers and family members get help fast if they’re worried about a change in their loved one’s condition.
Here’s how it works:
Talk: Start by speaking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Ask: Still worried? Ask to speak to the nurse or midwife in charge and request a Clinical Review.
Call: If you’re still concerned, you can escalate further using the Raise It process to get urgent attention from a senior health worker.
You don’t need medical knowledge. You don’t need to be certain. If you feel something isn’t right, or your child is getting worse, Raise It. You just need to speak up.
What should you actually look out for?
Sometimes it’s not one big, obvious sign. It can be small, subtle changes that just don’t sit right.
Things like:
Changes in breathing (fast, laboured or noisy)
Skin looking pale, mottled, or developing unusual rashes
Your child being unusually drowsy, floppy, or hard to wake
Confusion or behaviour that’s out of character
Pain that isn’t improving with treatment
Or simply that feeling that your child is getting worse
And sometimes, it’s just that gut feeling you can’t explain.
That’s enough.
“You are helping us, not bothering us”
If there’s one message Leticia wants parents to take away, it’s that you aren’t bothering the medical team, you’re helping them.
“In my years as a Nurse Unit Manager, I can say with absolute certainty that many critical changes in a child’s condition have been identified first by a parent. While our clinical staff are highly skilled at performing regular observations and interpreting data, parents are the only constant presence who truly know their child’s baseline behaviour, personality, and what is normal for them.
“I have seen numerous instances where a parent’s insistence that their child is “just not themselves” – despite vital signs appearing relatively stable – has prompted a deeper clinical review that uncovered everything from early signs of sepsis to a life-threatening respiratory crisis.”
The Raise It process exists because healthcare teams know how important parents are in keeping children safe.
“Speaking up doesn’t mean you don’t trust the team,” she says. “It means you’re partnering with us to make sure nothing gets missed.”
And if you’re still worried about being judged?
“Whether your concern turns out to be something or nothing, your instinct to raise it is always valid.”
Even as a healthcare professional, when I took my soon to the ED when I was concerned, I felt awkward about speaking up, worried I was making a big deal out of nothing (even though i would never tjink this about a patient’s family if the roles were reversed). The message in this article is so important. Always stick to your guns. Always speak up and advocate for your kids – they can’t do it for themselves.
And honestly, some medical staff are idiots. I vividly remember the night two doctors huddled over my son’s lung x-rays. I hadn’t been allowed to accompany him to have them taken as I was pregnant. They finally told me solemnly that they were preparing to do emergency surgery as there was something in his lungs – “we don’t know what it is, but it’s definitely man made”. I took one look at the x-rays and asked if they’d taken off the battery packs for his cochlear implants, which were pinned to the back of his shirt, before the x-ray. And of course they hadn’t, and of course that’s what appeared to be in his lungs. Honestly!
I have learned many times to always listen to your gut and speak up when you don’t think something is right. This article was a great read, our kids are our world and if we don’t feel they are getting the right help, and we feel it, we need to speak up.
You should never second guess yourself when it comes to yours or your childs health- or anyones for that matter. Go with your thoughts. It is natural to want to protect a loved one especially when it comes to health situations, and the feeling you get when you think you didnt do enough to advocate or fight for them…it is not a kind or nice way to feel. Many people have ended up being heartbroken and picking up pieces for years because of feeling they didnt do enough.
A very good and informative article. I have read so many stories about mums just knowing when things are not right and demanding second and third opinions until they got the right answer. Sometimes mums just know. It is our job as care takers of our families. Listen to your gut!
Years ago, I spoke up for my 14-year-old daughter, but my concerns weren’t fully listened to. I’ve always wished I had pushed harder. She was sent home without much testing, and two days later, she passed away.
So, if you ever have concerns—no matter how minor—please speak up and keep advocating. Trust your instincts; they are there for a reason.
This is so important for parents to know how to raise it further if they don’t think their child is receiving the medical support they need! I know this article refers to the NSW system but other systems have similar procedures just with different names. I know in QLD it’s called Ryan’s Rule.
It’s so important to follow your gut instincts and express your concerns indeed. I have never hesitated to advocate for my children in various situations and I don’t care what other people think about it. Not all doctors and medical staff appreciate it when you question them, I’ve experienced that it may result in angry indignant responses.
How true this is! While nurses and doctors are the medical professionals doing their job on the daily, we know our children better than anyone and what is ‘normal’ for them. I would always speak up if I had noticed any changes in my child’s health and encourage other parents to do so too. No question is silly!
This really is such an important issue and a good topic to discuss with people, I am often surprised that people are worried about being judged. This is not something I care about; the priority is for the care and health of everyone is my family. Parents know their children and need to work with health professionals for the best outcomes for their children.
This is such an important issue to raise, and no one should ever feel ashamed, nervous or that they are being OTT for advocating for their kids, themselves or loves ones in hospital. In QLD we have Ryan’s Rule. A three step process where your concern will be escalated if they believe the patients condition isn’t improving or is worsening.
I have never been afraid to advocate for my children and partner and extended family and also friends. It is so important to listen and to trust intuition. When people have not listened, I have persevered and kept on with insisting on care and making sure they truly listened and took action.
12:14 pm
So far so good
10:59 pm
I think it a girly book I love to read them
the author got it going on .
I like to get more of her books
2:03 am
Sister mother husband dog
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.
1:35 pm
Very realistic and relatable.
3:30 pm
sister mother husband ect
10:31 pm
Interesting but slow in parts.
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.
2:20 pm
A moving but witty read.
For an light and fun look into the mind of a writer I would recommend this book "Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog (etc)" .
7:11 pm
enjoying the book, can relate to much of it
2:47 pm
I Have Made Up My Mind Now
9:31 pm
love the short stories
3:18 pm
Truthful, honest writing that includes the funny bits too
8:29 am
Worth a go
10:31 pm
Interesting but slow in parts.
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.
2:20 pm
A moving but witty read.
For an light and fun look into the mind of a writer I would recommend this book "Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog (etc)" .
9:55 pm
Bit slow for me
3:30 pm
sister mother husband ect
7:11 pm
enjoying the book, can relate to much of it
2:47 pm
I Have Made Up My Mind Now
4:58 pm
FINAL REVIEW OF SISTER, MOTHER, HUSBAND, DOG ETC.
1:35 pm
Very realistic and relatable.
12:11 am
sister mother husband ect
8:17 pm
Sister mother husband dog
3:35 pm
Haven't made up my mind yet.
9:23 am
A real chicks book
10:59 pm
I think it a girly book I love to read them
the author got it going on .
I like to get more of her books
2:03 am
Sister mother husband dog
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.
5:16 pm
Its only early days...but enjoying it so far
9:41 pm
So far so good!
9:11 pm
Sister, Mother, Husband, Dog etc.
9:31 pm
love the short stories
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