• The Gift of an Ordinary Day

  • A Mother's Memoir
  • By: Katrina Kenison
  • Narrated by: Katrina Kenison
  • Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (66 ratings)

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The Gift of an Ordinary Day  By  cover art

The Gift of an Ordinary Day

By: Katrina Kenison
Narrated by: Katrina Kenison
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Publisher's summary

The Gift of an Ordinary Day is an intimate memoir of a family in transition, with boys becoming teenagers, careers ending and new ones opening up, and an attempt to find a deeper sense of plac - and a slower pace - in a small New England town.

This is a story of mid-life longings and discoveries, of lessons learned in the search for home and a new sense of purpose, and the bittersweet intensity of life with teenagers - holding on, letting go.

Poised on the threshold between family life as she's always known it and her older son's departure for college, Kenison is surprised to find that the times she treasures most are the ordinary, unremarkable moments of everyday life, the very moments that she once took for granted, or rushed right through without noticing at all.

The relationships, hopes, and dreams that Kenison illuminates will touch women's hearts, and her words will inspire mothers everywhere as they try to make peace with the inevitable changes in store.

©2009 Katrina Kenison (P)2009 Hachette

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What listeners say about The Gift of an Ordinary Day

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Life's moments.

Thank you for reminding how simple ordinary events are precious to our existence! Much appreciation!

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

read my mind

hearing her thoughts on raising teenagers and letting go; finding new meaning in our lives...it was like she was reading my mind and expressing all those feelings in my heart that i didn't yet have words to express.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful reflections and lessons

I really enjoyed this book. I feel like a dear friend, watching on the side as this family grows, moves, changes and matures.
I heartily recommend the audible version.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

slow

Neat mom, but really slow and drawn out.......not too interesting.

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1 person found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Disappointing all around

A friend recommended this so I stuck with it, hoping it would improve, but it didn’t. The author comes across as selfish, untrustworthy, and thoughtless. She drags her family along as she swings between urges and regrets in a self-centered narrative. She is controlling and manipulative, self-satisfied, and blissfully ignorant of her enormous privilege. A few nice descriptions tucked in with very ordinary prose.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Love this book!

I am so glad that I picked this book when I was facing challenges with my teenage child. I cried as I listen to chapter 9 because it was as Mrs. Kenison was narrating my current story. It was so refreshing to hear that I was not the only person who was facing the struggles of parenting but most of all the struggles of those teenage years.

I love that the author narrated the book, because I can listen to her for hours. Her voice, tone, pitch are just on point.

Thank you so much to Ms. Kenison for writing this book!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Thought provoking book!

The book was overall great. Perfect for all moms in all stages of parenthood. The author really knows how to paint the perfect picture in your mind!!!

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Such a peaceful soulful book

The authors warm steady voice as she reads the beautiful story of her family was like a balm. The story is not at all preachy as she fully shares the good days and the bad, her parenting failures and triumphs. I wanted it to go in and on.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Impressive insights

Beautifully written insights into motherhood. I will breathe in the ordinary days with ease after taking in this book. It is written by a mother who is telling us all to pay attention so we will not miss our children's daily lives. It is the little things that truly matter when we look back on our lives with them. Great book. I would recommend it to all mothers.

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