Woman’s Writer
Touted solely as a woman’s writer by some, Elizabeth Berg fearlessly tackles the tougher moments in life. She grabs hold of your heart by touching on topics that we all can relate to such as: infidelity, loss, death and divorce.
Often termed sentimental, Berg draws an accurate picture of grief – “the doubts, the dailiness, the decisions, the daring to dream again”.
While some reviewers feel that Berg has a tendency to write scenes that are a little bit far fetched with predictable textbook characters, they still praise her eye for detail, simplicity, and beauty.
Two people, having read the same book, can come away with opposite opinions of its characters, plot and setting. I suggest you decide for yourself by sampling one or more of Berg’s books listed below. Happy reading!!
Durable Goods
(1993), 12-year-old Katie, struggles with the loss of her mother while being dragged from town to town by her abusive father.
Discussion Questions here.
Talk Before Sleep
(1994), a nurse caring for a good friend slowly dying with cancer.
Discussion Questions here.
Range of Motion
(1995), deals with the experiences of a comatose man
Discussion Questions here.
The Pull of the Moon
(1996), Nan’s story, as she travels cross-country seeking to reinvent herself.
Joy School 
(1997), a continuation of Katie’s story, as she tastes romance for the first time.
Discussion questions here:
What We Keep
(1998), a girl’s abandonment by her mother.
Discussion Questions here:
Until the Real Thing Comes Along
(1999), a woman’s love for a gay man.
Discussion Questions here:
Open House
(2000), after the departure of her husband and a spending spree at Tiffany’s, Sam must reconstruct a life for herself and11-year old son
Discussion questions here.
Never Change
(2001), a nurse treats a childhood acquaintance with an incurable illness.
True to Form
(2002), a revisit with Katie’s during the coming of age process.
Say When
(2003), the damaging effects of infidelity on the marriage of Ellen and Griffin written from the husband’s point-of-view.
The Art of Mending
(2004), a family reunion forces a 50-something “quilt artist” to face some long-standing secrets.
Discussion questions here.
The Year of Pleasures
(2005), a Boston widow fulfills her dying husband’s dream of starting a new life in the Midwest.
Discussion Questions here:
We Are All Welcome Here
(2006), together a polio victim and her 13-year-old daughter work miracles in the summer of 1964
Discussion Questions here.
The Handmaid and the Carpenter
(2006), inexperienced teenagers, Mary and Joseph, struggle to honor family tradition despite unusual circumstances.
Dream When You’re Feeling Blue
(2007), three Irish Catholic sisters keep the home fires burning for their young men fighting in WWII.
Discussion Questions here.
Home Safe (2009), suffering from writer’s block, a popular and prolific author struggles with her husband’s sudden death.
Discussion Questions here:
The Last Time I Saw You
(2010), former classmates reconnect with one another—and themselves—at their fortieth high school reunion.
Which is your favorite and why?
