Sister Mother Husband Dog

By: Delia Ephron

Narrated by: Meg Ryan

Publisher's summary

In Sister Mother Husband Dog, Delia Ephron brings her trademark wit and effervescent prose to a series of autobiographical essays about life, love, writing, movies, and family. In "Sister," she deftly captures the rivalry, mutual respect, and intimacy that made up her relationship with her older sister and frequent writing companion, Nora. "Blame It on the Movies" is Ephron's wry and romantic essay about becoming a writer and finding a storybook ending to her twenties, though it was just the beginning of a lifetime of taking notes. "Bakeries" is both a lighthearted tour through her favorite downtown patisseries and a thoughtful, deeply felt reflection on the dilemma of "having it all." From keen observations on modern living, the joy of girlfriends, and best-friendship, to a consideration of the magical madness and miracle of dogs, to haunting recollections of life with her famed screenwriter mother and growing up the child of alcoholics, Ephron's eloquent style and voice illuminate every moment of this superb and singular work.

Recorded by arrangement with Blue Rider Press, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC. Stories previously published in the New York Times: "Name-Jacked" (originally titled "Hey, You Stole My Name!"), "The Banks Taketh" (originally titled "The Banks Taketh, But Don't Giveth"), "Hit & Run," "If My Dad Could Tweet," "Your Order Has Been Shipped" (originally titled "The Hell of Online Shopping"). Previously published in the Wall Street Journal: "Upgrade Hell."

©2013 Delia Ephron (P)2013 Brilliance Audio, all rights reserved.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Trina Waites on 11-21-23

Warm, Profound, and Funny

Meg Ryan’s narration makes this the wonderful listen that it is. Engaging from the start, it is almost like sitting down to a long lunch with an old friend. I expect to listen to it many more times as I enjoyed it so much!

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5 out of 5 stars

By Allene Nelson on 09-15-19

Finished in two pieces.

I can tell I will have to read more about all the women in this book. Many of the movies I love were books that they wrote, movies one or more were screenwritten by or they did both both. Collaborated on others.
When I bought this book I was amazed that I recognized the voice, if only I could pin it down who? It didn't take long. Meg Ryan is probably my all time favorite actress since I first was charmed by her in "Top Gun."
When she teamed with Tom Hanks they became my favorite as they complimented each other's talent. Every one of their movies is what my Bro-in-low calls a clicker stopper (TV remote). But "Sleeper in Seattle" my all time favorite movie. It actually supplanted the movie featured in this book. So two 5 star features in this audio book. The book itself and Meg Ryan narrating it!

The book kept me glued to my smartphone. It is funny, sad,seems too short and very well-written.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Susan F. on 02-20-24

Great voice honest wisdom

Loved it but needed more humor to balance the sad parts
But overall great. Loved the reading by Meg Ryan!!!’n

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5 out of 5 stars

By Julia McMurtry on 05-02-16

Just what the doctor ordered...

Written with heart and warmly delivered. I savored every single word. These beautiful, lasting words were perfectly delivered by Meg Ryan.

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5 out of 5 stars

By cpandza on 12-27-20

Delia and Meg - A Winning Combo

I love this book. It’s funny and touching and wry and true. I will forever imagine Delia Ephron sounding like Meg Ryan - wonderful collaboration. Listen to it and then read the actual book over, especially your favorite parts, and hear the voice in your head.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Erica Sevilla on 01-12-24

Like having coffee with a friend

I loved this book and the authors reflections on everything from family dysfunction to sibling rivalry to love - romantic and of dogs. So relatable for such a seemingly unique, talented family. Feels like conversations a girlfriend and I might have over coffee.

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5 out of 5 stars

By tooonce72 on 11-10-13

AHHHHHHH - Just wonderful!!!

Just what I needed.

I love love loved it. I remember the moment that I heard that Nora died. I was on vacation with friends and one of them looked at the news burp on their phone to report it after a gasp. I had no clue who she was. I found out from the lengthy discusssion afterwards. Because of Delia's last name I took a chance on this book and boy oh boy am I glad I did.

Here is the skinny - 1) It's four and a half an hours long and 2) Meg Ryan reads it to you. Which can be bad and good if you are expecting hours of bang for your buck. It's exceptionally good and fabulous if you need a book to get you through 5 hours that will make you feel confident, chatty and fun at the end. It's a real mood elevator.

This book is chatting with your best friend - reliving heartbreak with a friend - hearing all your friend's funny stories and clucking your tongue at life with a friend. It's good company.

I ended up spending a lot of time googling Delia's entire family throughout the whole book. Imagine their parents, who wrote many of my most favorite movies, being so different from the characters that they created. That was mind boggling to me.

I've read over 80 books this year and Delia is the only one of those authors that I have joined facebook page with so I can keep track of them. When she writes her next novel or movie - I want to know about it. I am going to be there the first day.

Meg Ryan is, of course, like listening to angels.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Lindsey on 11-01-13

Enjoyable, even if not a big fan of Nora Ephron

What made the experience of listening to Sister Mother Husband Dog the most enjoyable?

I didn't know much about Nora Ephron, and much of the story does discuss the author's relationship with her, and their lives. However, I still found the book very interesting, and inspirational, and a lovely listen.

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5 out of 5 stars

By Evelyn on 04-21-15

Nearly Perfect

Delia Ephron shares many, many things....this book is pure gold
It did, though, fail miserably in its main goal....I'd purchased it because, at the time, wanted a comfortable, familiar voice to read me to sleep with words I knew I'd enjoy. Instead, I listened, attentively to the whole book, finally drifting off nearly five hours later, smiling.
As a bedtime story, I'd have done better with Dame Judi and Winnie the Pooh, but if you want something to make you smile, to make you evaluate where you are in life and to realize what you've learned about WHO you are, read comfortably (not over-enunciated by a reader who has come annoying close to sounding like Siri) and read naturally, this is it.

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4 out of 5 stars

By Marty Noble on 12-13-13

Meg Ryan is too perky of a narrator

Would you consider the audio edition of Sister Mother Husband Dog to be better than the print version?

No

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sister Mother Husband Dog?

I couldn't finish it. Got tired of the perky narration

What three words best describe Meg Ryan’s performance?

too lighthearted

Any additional comments?

I listened to Delia Ephron being interviewed on Fresh Air which is what sold me on buying her book. I think she would have been a better narrator. Meg would do well narrating children's books of a lighthearted or silly nature.

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