The Year of Pleasures

By: Elizabeth Berg

Narrated by: Sandra Burr

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

Betta Nolan moves to a small town after the death of her husband to try to begin life anew. Though still dealing with her sorrow, Betta nonetheless is determined to find pleasure in her simple daily routines.

Among those who help her in both expected and unexpected ways are the ten-year-old boy next door, three wild women friends from her college days with whom she reconnects, a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world, and a handsome widower who is ready for love.

Elizabeth Berg's The Year of Pleasures is about acknowledging the solace found in ordinary things: a warm bath, good food, the beauty of nature, music, and art. Above all, The Year of Pleasures is about the various kindnesses people can provide one another. Betta's journey from grief to joy is a meaningful reminder of what is available to us all, regardless of what fate has in store. This exquisite book suggests that no matter what we lose, life is ready to give bountifully to those who will receive.

©2006 Elizabeth Berg (P)2005 Brilliance Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Berg is a true women's writer whose latest exploration of one woman's joys and sorrows will not disappoint." ( Bookmarks magazine)
"Sandra Burr brings genuine expression to this remarkable story of a woman's adjustment to widowhood. Her clear and easy narration beautifully captures the diverse feelings experienced by protagonist Betta Nolan." ( AudioFile)

Changes are scary.

I am going through some monumental and unexpected changes and her story gave me the courage I needed. Thank you,

True love

I’d always hoped for a bond such as the one
The woman shared with her man in this book. I had forgotten how to hope until reading this. It was so honest and beautifully written , that I am going to start it over...and feel it all once again.

Beautiful book

Such an enjoyable experience to listen to this book. One that I come back to over and over again.

Very enjoyable

I have wanted to try one of Elizabeth Berg's books for some time, but when I have listened to many of the samples, it has always been the author narrating her own books -- a fundamental mistake I believe, unless the author is also a trained actor. Ms. Berg's voice is very off-putting to my ear, so I have avoided her stories.

Happily, I finally realized one of her titles was narrated by someone else, and Sandra Burr does an excellent job of telling this lovely, thoughtful story.

Please, Ms. Berg: stick to writing and let professionals who narrate for a living, bring your stories to life.

Disappointing

I wanted to like it, but I found Berg's main character to be annoyingly naive and indecisive. Some of the things she does just feel implausible. Also, I got really annoyed at Berg's penchant for long lists as description. Does she always do this? It's as if "if 3 is good, 9 is better."

The Year of Pleasures

I love Elizabeth Berg’s writing and the lessons here are great. But it seems like in later books there’s more detail and allowing the reader to infer the lessons from the story. I didn’t feel as involved in this one. Just my opinion.

A Book on Grief

This book was not what it said it was! The ENTIRE book was so sad as Bette navigated life after the loss of her husband.

Book Review: The Year of Pleasures

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I wasn't really planning to read this book, but I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the way Betta tentatively made new friends and opened her heart and life to new and old friends.

If you’ve listened to books by Elizabeth Berg before, how does this one compare?

I have not listened to other books by her.

Do you think The Year of Pleasures needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I think it would be interesting to read about the store and have the customers take up part of the story.

Wonderful

Beautifly written, as always, and, as always, ending too soon....for I enjoy the books Elizabeth Berg writes so much, I wish they would never end.

Loose Ends

The book overall is good, but many things are unresolved. It has a “to be continued” quality. That disappointed me. However there were some smiles along the way.