The House on Crash Corner ...And Other Unavoidable Calamities

by Clinical Psychologist and Psycho-Oncologist Mindy Greenstein, David Brooks (Foreword)

THE HOUSE ON CRASH CORNER and Other Unavoidable Calamities is about the sad, hilarious and meaningful ways we deal with the crises in our lives. You can't spell joy without the oy. True stories range from growing up in Brooklyn as the Yiddish speaking daughter of Holocaust survivors, to my work with cancer patients, to life as a mom of two young boys, to becoming a cancer patient myself.

Genres: Memoir, Humor, Nonfiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2011

Reviews

[Richa Bhattarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

This started out as a funny & touching look at growing up a daughter of Jewish immigrants - & evolved into so much more ! Reminded me afresh how precious life is, & how I must eat that cake & regret nothing. Not top-notch literature, but will make you grateful for your life. I could so relate to her plea to enjoy the little blessings before life leaves us.

Many times I would feel a tear sneak up as the writer muses on mortality and the future - things I worry about all the time, too !

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest and amusing autobiographical essays by a psycho-oncologist cancer survivor whose parents are holocaust survivors with gambling problems. Seriously!

I can't figure out why this wasn't picked up by a major publisher. Blue Bookcase Review here: http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...

[Gregory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not normally huge on memoirs, and so I was wildly unprepared for how quickly and deeply these essays sucked me in. The House on Crash Corner overflows with sharp wit, tender heart, and raw wisdom. Ms. Greenstein has a knack for finding potent humor in some of the most horrifying situations (which is, after all, when we need it most). That brand of comedic absurdity prevents this boldly honest and thus frequently dark book from ever becoming too depressing. That's not to say I wasn't deeply saddened by the myriad woes the author and her ensemble of family members, friends, patients and even acquaintances had to endure. But the point is that, in the end, Ms. Greenstein's genuine compassion and invaluable insight remind us that our existence on this planet--in all of its transience and pain and horror and suffering--is not just 'worth it,' but in fact an amazingly precious chance to partake in the miraculous festival called human life. Which is, if I think about it, not just a reminder: it's a gift.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had the description of this book been complete, I might not have picked it up. It is much more than essays about the author's relationship with her Holocaust-survivor parents. It's about surviving cancer, mothering newborns, pondering denial, and "life at both ends." And at times, it's very funny. It is one of the most powerful books I've ever read. I recommend it highly.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few essays Mindy's written in the past. We're in for a treat!

Many laugh out loud moments, sprinkled through life's challenges, and the lessons they can hold for us.

[JoAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining and heart-warming, often very funny but hits some tender spots too. Love those dysfunctional family tales.

[Darlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book (memoir) of a psycho-oncologist tells of events in her life as she grew up in a family with Jewish parents that are both survivors of camps during World War II. She shares many funny stories as well as heart wrenching one about patients and he own struggles. Enjoyable read with situations I could certainly relate to.

[Karen Bergreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and so readable. I read this book when I was dealing with a bunch of unpleasant life issues and Greenstein's own experiences made me stop feeling sorry for myself. she isn't preachy--in fact she's funny and self deprecating and after reading it, you want to be her bff.

[Mgehlhoff · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine, an okay book.

It did suffer from those BIG TURNING point moments that only seem to happen to authors. I do not find it believable that seeing a pregnant woman in an elevator leads to BIG THINKING. and leads to another baby. It seems so contrived.

[Ree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only a couple of chapters in, like it so far. This was not what I thought it was going to be but I liked it just the same. People raved over it. I thought it was good but..

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was good. The younger years were my favorite years with stories of immigrant parents and living in Brooklyn. It was a quick read.

[Karen Fiandaca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting compilation of essays covering her parents who are Holocaust survivors, her work as an oncology psychotherapist, her role as a mother and her own experience with cancer.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and easily read memoir covering concentration camps, cancer and career, two of which I have survived myself.

[Michelle Weinfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great read, tying in elements of humor with Jewish anecdotes. Would highly recommend!

[Page Poston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book delightful. It reminded me somewhat of Anne Lamott's work.