As Good as I Could Be: A Memoir about Raising Wonderful Children in Difficult Times

by Susan Cheever

Book Overview

Having children transforms us -- through the amazing power of our love for them and theirs for us, through the anger they can provoke, and because being good parents means we must accept that we are no longer children. In As Good as I Could Be, bestselling author Susan Cheever chronicles with passion and courage her own imperfect transformation, offering inspiration for other parents doing the best they can.
By relating the trials and...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671034987
• ISBN13: 9780671034986
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Washington Square Press
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Mothering with empathy

This book is warm, encouraging and very funny. She demonstates that having had a difficult childhood does not mean that one cannot be a terrific parent. I enjoyed the way she wrote aobut her children; so much respect, empathy and love. This is not a "how-to" book or even a book of advice. It is more a memoir of parenting. If you are looking for parenting information, try one of Penelope Leach's or Terry Brazelton's excellent books.

a moving account of motherhood

Susan Cheever is unafraid to share her failings, her strengths, and her almost frightening love for her children. Her story is deeply personal, and yet, it shines a light on the double-edged sword all mothers are eventually nicked (and often cut) by -- devotion and rage towards one's children, the great humor and tragedy of parenting, feelings of wisdom and of utter bewilderment. A beautiful, funny book, and a tribute to the two children who have helped her grow up.

As Fabulous As She Could Be

This is Susan Cheever at her eloquent, incisive, sweet-rhythmed best. She writes that her children are the center of her world. Lucky children. And lucky us to be the recipients of her loving, hilarious, honest report back to the outer reaches.

Susan Cheever is a great writer and a wonderful parent!!

"Real me" is my favorite of all the chapters but all of them are fantastic!!! Cheever has shown us the funny side of parenting, this is not a "boring how-to-guide" but more sharing of cheever's experence, strenght and hope!!!! Moving, funny, witty and revealing!!!!

Buy this book!

"ON Christmas Eve we all go to church to watch the Christmas Pageant, a thrilling performance involving some real baby sheep and a live donkey who once bucked off the Virgin Mary in a fit of holy exaltation." I was unprepared when I picked up this book for how funny it would be. I also hadn't expected it to be so shrewd in its cultural appraisal. But it is--it's funny and startling, beautifully written. And so smart on the subject of raising children. I really loved it.