While there was a mixed response from the group (a couple of women did not like reading about "fishing")most agreed that this book did provoke thoughts on life and aging and that the simplicity of the writing is one of Hemingway's strengths.

This is a book that I will read many times. I was very moved by the book when I read it over a year ago. I found it equally engaging when I read it again last week prior to our meeting. Ms Didion conveys the depth of her grief upon losing her husband and yet there is nothing "sentimental" about the narrative. It is a wonderful tribute to their marriage and parenthood. I recommended that our book club read the book in spite of protests that it would be too depressing. I did not find the book depressing but rather descriptive of a universal experience and perhaps offering anticipatory guidance. Ms Didion expresses her unique experience and emphasizes that it is unique and that mourning doesn't follow any "fast rules". In a sense she "gives" permission to express the many emotions that follow the death of a loved one and to be less concerned about what "others" might think. I did not think that there was much "self pity" rather that there was a moving forward with life but life in a different way and with a tremendous loss of support.