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Ordinary Life: Stories
In this superb collection of short stories, Elizabeth Berg takes us into pivotal moments in the lives of women, when memories and events come together to create a sense of coherence, understanding, and change. In “Ordinary Life,” Mavis McPherson locks herself in the bathroom for a week, shutting out her husband and the realities of their life together—and no, she isn't contemplating a divorce. She just needs some time to think, take stock of her life, and to arrive, finally, at a surprising conclusion.
In “White Dwarf” and “Martin's Letter to Nan,” the secrets of a marriage are revealed with sensitivity and “brilliant insights about the human condition” (Detroit Free Press) that have become trademark of Berg's writing. The Charlotte Observer has said, “Berg captures the way women think as well as any writer.” Those qualities of wisdom and perception are everywhere present in Ordinary Life.
Ordinary life: A love story --
Departure from normal --
Things we used to believe --
Caretaking --
Sweet refuge --
Take this quiz --
Martin's letter to Nan --
What stays --
White dwarf --
Matchmaker --
One time at Christmas, in my sister's bathroom --
Regrets only --
Thief --
Today's special
In “White Dwarf” and “Martin's Letter to Nan,” the secrets of a marriage are revealed with sensitivity and “brilliant insights about the human condition” (Detroit Free Press) that have become trademark of Berg's writing. The Charlotte Observer has said, “Berg captures the way women think as well as any writer.” Those qualities of wisdom and perception are everywhere present in Ordinary Life.
Ordinary life: A love story --
Departure from normal --
Things we used to believe --
Caretaking --
Sweet refuge --
Take this quiz --
Martin's letter to Nan --
What stays --
White dwarf --
Matchmaker --
One time at Christmas, in my sister's bathroom --
Regrets only --
Thief --
Today's special
192 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
359 people are currently reading
2706 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Berg
69 books5,017 followersElizabeth Berg is an American novelist.
She was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and lived in Boston prior to her residence in Chicago. She studied English and Humanities at the University of Minnesota, but later ended up with a nursing degree. Her writing career started when she won an essay contest in Parents magazine. Since her debut novel in 1993, her novels have sold in large numbers and have received several awards and nominations, although some critics have tagged them as sentimental. She won the New England Book Awards in 1997.
The novels Durable Goods, Joy School, and True to Form form a trilogy about the 12-year-old Katie Nash, in part based on the author's own experience as a daughter in a military family. Her essay "The Pretend Knitter" appears in the anthology Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting, published by W. W. Norton & Company in November 2013.
She was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and lived in Boston prior to her residence in Chicago. She studied English and Humanities at the University of Minnesota, but later ended up with a nursing degree. Her writing career started when she won an essay contest in Parents magazine. Since her debut novel in 1993, her novels have sold in large numbers and have received several awards and nominations, although some critics have tagged them as sentimental. She won the New England Book Awards in 1997.
The novels Durable Goods, Joy School, and True to Form form a trilogy about the 12-year-old Katie Nash, in part based on the author's own experience as a daughter in a military family. Her essay "The Pretend Knitter" appears in the anthology Knitting Yarns: Writers on Knitting, published by W. W. Norton & Company in November 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
April 10, 2017
This collection of short stories mainly deals with relationships, especially in marriages. There were also several mother/daughter stories that I especially enjoyed. Another story that I found touching was a coming-of-age story about a young girl helping an immigrant woman learning to speak English.
I had read the novel, The Pull Of The Moon, about a woman having trouble dealing with aging when she turned fifty, and going off on a trip by herself to sort things out. Her husband's response to the letters that Nan sent him on her trip is one of the stories in this collection, "Martin's Letter to Nan."
Overall, this was an enjoyable book about how ordinary people relate to each other.
I had read the novel, The Pull Of The Moon, about a woman having trouble dealing with aging when she turned fifty, and going off on a trip by herself to sort things out. Her husband's response to the letters that Nan sent him on her trip is one of the stories in this collection, "Martin's Letter to Nan."
Overall, this was an enjoyable book about how ordinary people relate to each other.
June 4, 2009
There were several good stories in this collection, but my favourite was Martin’s Letter to Nan. This short story was written in response to readers who had read The Pull of the Moon, and wondered, as I did, how Martin felt when menopausal Nan suddenly took off on a trip by herself, leaving Martin a note to say she didn’t know when she’d be back. As his wife never let him know where she was, The Pull of the Moon was one-sided in its focus on Nan’s letters to Martin, and the journal entries she makes throughout the novel.
I would recommend Ordinary Life for this one story alone. Perhaps some men might not find it realistic; I’d be curious to know. But for me, it struck a chord so deep, I read it several times. I found much truth in what Martin had to say; truth that wasn’t always easy to accept.
And once you’ve read that story, you’ll want to read and enjoy the rest of Ordinary Life.
I would recommend Ordinary Life for this one story alone. Perhaps some men might not find it realistic; I’d be curious to know. But for me, it struck a chord so deep, I read it several times. I found much truth in what Martin had to say; truth that wasn’t always easy to accept.
And once you’ve read that story, you’ll want to read and enjoy the rest of Ordinary Life.
October 30, 2019
Digital audiobook narrated by Laura Hicks.
4****
This is a collection of short stories exploring the role of women and their relationships in contemporary America.
Berg writes wonderfully about these women. I understand their frustrations and share their hopes, empathize with their pain and disappointments, and celebrate their triumphs and joys. There are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny, and moments that quiet my soul and cause me to reflect. Some scenes are almost unbearably tender, and a few made me feel uncomfortably like a voyeur.
Her characters are familiar; we all know (or actually are) women like this. Their lives may be “ordinary” … the stories, and this collection, are NOT.
I could not help but think of my late friend Sally, who first introduced me to Berg years ago. I can picture her sitting on my patio during book club and exclaiming, “You haven’t read Elizabeth Berg!?!” Thank you, my friend; I miss your recommendations, but at least I have plenty more of Elizabeth Berg’s books to read.
The audiobook is performed by Laura Hicks, who does a marvelous job. She really brings these characters to life.
4****
This is a collection of short stories exploring the role of women and their relationships in contemporary America.
Berg writes wonderfully about these women. I understand their frustrations and share their hopes, empathize with their pain and disappointments, and celebrate their triumphs and joys. There are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny, and moments that quiet my soul and cause me to reflect. Some scenes are almost unbearably tender, and a few made me feel uncomfortably like a voyeur.
Her characters are familiar; we all know (or actually are) women like this. Their lives may be “ordinary” … the stories, and this collection, are NOT.
I could not help but think of my late friend Sally, who first introduced me to Berg years ago. I can picture her sitting on my patio during book club and exclaiming, “You haven’t read Elizabeth Berg!?!” Thank you, my friend; I miss your recommendations, but at least I have plenty more of Elizabeth Berg’s books to read.
The audiobook is performed by Laura Hicks, who does a marvelous job. She really brings these characters to life.
August 3, 2008
There is some really beautiful writing in these stories. I love Elizabeth Berg. I suppose some people would consider her chick lit, but she has so much more depth than that. She has a way of capturing everyday feelings and thoughts we all share but don't know how to express.
February 5, 2017
The stories in this book are about relationships: what a pain in the hind end they are, how often full of drudgery, and how we want to quit all of them at one point or another, although perhaps slightly less so the ones with the crazies who raise--or are raised by--us. I could relate to so many little details in the stories, but they're not the sorts of things one wants to own up to in a review; they're embarrassing, intimate. Berg nailed it: the ordinary life-thing, or at least, my ordinary life. Mostly I read along thinking I'd give the book four stars, in part because I've been a little generous (loose, even) with stars, lately, but there was a story toward the back that made me do this ugly sort of gasping thing in the tub, where I was reading, and I thought: well, that's five stars, dammit. I'd tell you which story; again, it feels too intimate. But if you know me at all and read the book, you'll probably figure it out right away.
March 27, 2018
I like short stories and appreciate how a writer can get in a mood/setting/characters so quickly. But forewarned, if you haven't been married a long time or over a certain age, these may not appeal to you.
In some of the stories, the women talk about clothing such as nylons, slips and girdles--such historical artifacts now! I sure didn't like washing slips and always questioned why I needed to (until that photo of Diana in the sunlight, before her marriage) but I can still remember one with pink rosebuds and chiffon ruffles.
In some of the stories, the women talk about clothing such as nylons, slips and girdles--such historical artifacts now! I sure didn't like washing slips and always questioned why I needed to (until that photo of Diana in the sunlight, before her marriage) but I can still remember one with pink rosebuds and chiffon ruffles.
December 6, 2017
Onvan : Ordinary Life: Stories - Nevisande : Elizabeth Berg - ISBN : 812968131 - ISBN13 : 9780812968132 - Dar 224 Safhe - Saal e Chap : 2001
February 14, 2022
As much as i love the books by Elizabeth Berg, this particular one fell flat for me. I think the reason is because of the short story format. I blame it on my preference rather than the writer.
April 1, 2012
This is a collection of short stories. No story is longer than 12 pages, and most are significantly shorter. But typical of Elizabeth Berg, she packs a great deal of honesty and emotion into each of her stories. Three stories in the beginning are shadowed by cancer. "Departure from Normal" gives a realistic description of how surreal a cancer diagnosis feels. Many of the stories are about marriages -- how they endure and survive in the midst of the tediousness of daily life. The stories from the husband's points of view ("Martin's Letter to Nan" and "White "Dwarf") made me consider how much consideration I give my own husband/marriage (not enough). The opening story ("Ordinary Life: A Love Story") illustrates that each us needs our own space at times, but that ultimately we are created for relationships that are committed and enduring.
March 20, 2017
As with many short-story collections, my rating is an average. Individually, some would have gotten more...some less. Overall, this collection gave me an appreciation for her writing. I'm not sure I would take the time to actually read one of her novels (already too many others on my want-to-read list), but I'd like to find one as an audio-book.
August 22, 2018
One of my readers gave me Ordinary Life: Stories, and mentioned that the themes in the book reminded her of my collection Dust of the Universe, tales of family. I'm so thankful for this gift.
Each story in this collection reflects exactly what the title says, ordinary life. So simple, yet so deep, these stories touch on the exquisite moments we all experience and can relate to. Elizabeth Berg reawakens us to the small things that make us human, make life worth living. She reminds us to be grateful for the routine and commonplace events that give us comfort, delight, and yes, magic.
The opening and closing stories in this collection are perfect bookends to the theme. In the opening piece, “Ordinary Life: A Love Story,” a woman of 79 takes a week-long timeout from her husband to reflect on her life. The memories and images of people, possessions, and family milestones tumble out in a free flow of association. At this stage of her life, she wonders where the time went and what’s next. “How could she have known that ordinary life would have such allure later on?”
The closing story, “Today’s Special,” is about how good it feels to eat in a diner. Is there anything more mundane? It’s an extraordinary piece of writing! The author tells us in the afterword that this is one of her earliest stories, a reflection on what she might tell a friend who is suffering from depression. It’s a wonderful description of the comfort food and the people in the diner, along with a list of other everyday images, ending with this: “Isn’t it those small things that add the necessary shape and meaning to our lives? And don’t we miss seeing them if we look too hard for big things?”
Many of the relationships in these stories have suffered a gradual erosion from the tedium of everyday life. This is something we all struggle with. Underlying the weight of years is the yearning for something BIG, the revelation of a grand plan. Habits and patterns of behavior become ingrained and hurtful to others. “We all return to what’s familiar to us… Even if it’s not so wonderful, it’s what we know,” a man tells his wife, who struggles with the anger she feels toward her emotionally distant, verbally abusive father. (I love the name of that story: “One Time at Christmas, in my Sister’s Bathroom”!)
The story that really hit me was “Take this Quiz.” It concludes with a metaphor that’s a bit too obvious, but its placement at the end and the truth it reveals runs deep. The implicit message is clear and applies to every relationship, whether casual or intimate: Once the words are out of your mouth, it’s too late to take them back.
Each story is a compact little gem with a lesson to learn or a nugget for inner reflection. The stories move toward something. In their struggles with interpersonal relationships, Berg’s characters always make a transition toward self-knowledge, acceptance, or revelation.
Each story in this collection reflects exactly what the title says, ordinary life. So simple, yet so deep, these stories touch on the exquisite moments we all experience and can relate to. Elizabeth Berg reawakens us to the small things that make us human, make life worth living. She reminds us to be grateful for the routine and commonplace events that give us comfort, delight, and yes, magic.
The opening and closing stories in this collection are perfect bookends to the theme. In the opening piece, “Ordinary Life: A Love Story,” a woman of 79 takes a week-long timeout from her husband to reflect on her life. The memories and images of people, possessions, and family milestones tumble out in a free flow of association. At this stage of her life, she wonders where the time went and what’s next. “How could she have known that ordinary life would have such allure later on?”
The closing story, “Today’s Special,” is about how good it feels to eat in a diner. Is there anything more mundane? It’s an extraordinary piece of writing! The author tells us in the afterword that this is one of her earliest stories, a reflection on what she might tell a friend who is suffering from depression. It’s a wonderful description of the comfort food and the people in the diner, along with a list of other everyday images, ending with this: “Isn’t it those small things that add the necessary shape and meaning to our lives? And don’t we miss seeing them if we look too hard for big things?”
Many of the relationships in these stories have suffered a gradual erosion from the tedium of everyday life. This is something we all struggle with. Underlying the weight of years is the yearning for something BIG, the revelation of a grand plan. Habits and patterns of behavior become ingrained and hurtful to others. “We all return to what’s familiar to us… Even if it’s not so wonderful, it’s what we know,” a man tells his wife, who struggles with the anger she feels toward her emotionally distant, verbally abusive father. (I love the name of that story: “One Time at Christmas, in my Sister’s Bathroom”!)
The story that really hit me was “Take this Quiz.” It concludes with a metaphor that’s a bit too obvious, but its placement at the end and the truth it reveals runs deep. The implicit message is clear and applies to every relationship, whether casual or intimate: Once the words are out of your mouth, it’s too late to take them back.
Each story is a compact little gem with a lesson to learn or a nugget for inner reflection. The stories move toward something. In their struggles with interpersonal relationships, Berg’s characters always make a transition toward self-knowledge, acceptance, or revelation.
September 21, 2022
I'd like to try the game of turning license plate letters into phrases.
July 22, 2010
Ordinary Life is a collection of short stories by one of my favorite contemporary authors, Elizabeth Berg. The first story alone, "Ordinary Life; a Love Story" is worth the price of admission. It captures the small moments that really make our lives, as Mavis locks herself in the bathroom for a week and takes out her memories to thumb over. So many of those memories spoke to me - being young and sharing a bed with a sister, sitting and talking with that same sister later when you are married and dealing with so many things, all the belongings we used to have - pink bras, colored mixing bowls. Ms. Berg paints these lovely, exquisitely select pictures, and brings our own emotions into focus.
"Caretaking" is a sad but touching story of a mother fading away into Alzheimer's. "Martin's Letter to Nan" is the rebuttal to one of Ms. Berg's earlier novels, "The Pull of the Moon", which I really loved because I felt it was the one unfinished part of that novel and reading this short story made the novel feel more complete. It also said a lot of honest things. "One Time at Christmas in My Sister's Bathroom" almost handed me my past on a platter, except my own story with my own father did have a more satisfying resolution. Each of the other stories in the collection were enjoyable to read, some are bound to touch you more than others.
As always, after reading one of Ms. Berg's works, I feel spiritually lifted, more able to see important truths in small things. I'm glad to be able to read her words.
"Caretaking" is a sad but touching story of a mother fading away into Alzheimer's. "Martin's Letter to Nan" is the rebuttal to one of Ms. Berg's earlier novels, "The Pull of the Moon", which I really loved because I felt it was the one unfinished part of that novel and reading this short story made the novel feel more complete. It also said a lot of honest things. "One Time at Christmas in My Sister's Bathroom" almost handed me my past on a platter, except my own story with my own father did have a more satisfying resolution. Each of the other stories in the collection were enjoyable to read, some are bound to touch you more than others.
As always, after reading one of Ms. Berg's works, I feel spiritually lifted, more able to see important truths in small things. I'm glad to be able to read her words.
April 11, 2017
Ordinary Life: Stories, Elizabeth Berg's collection of short stories, will speak to those of us who have experienced marriage, disappointment, child-rearing, joy, despair, childhood, fear, illness, humor, disillusionment and enduring love . . among other emotions evocative of the human condition.
There was not a single story (of the fourteen) that I couldn't relate to - in one way or another. Ms. Berg is another author I "stumbled upon" - only to find that I'd found a gifted wordsmith with an amazing ability to paint (amazing!) pictures with her words.
Ms. Berg's short stories revolve around "everyday/ordinary" people . . we all have family, friends and neighbors who will come to mind as each story unfolds.
This was a short read . . almost too short, simply because I enjoyed them - one and all. Highly recommended.
There was not a single story (of the fourteen) that I couldn't relate to - in one way or another. Ms. Berg is another author I "stumbled upon" - only to find that I'd found a gifted wordsmith with an amazing ability to paint (amazing!) pictures with her words.
Ms. Berg's short stories revolve around "everyday/ordinary" people . . we all have family, friends and neighbors who will come to mind as each story unfolds.
This was a short read . . almost too short, simply because I enjoyed them - one and all. Highly recommended.
September 26, 2013
Elizabeth Berg is one of my favorite authors. I have commented on all of these stories on my blog posts 365 Short Stories at http://sydneyavey.com/blog. In her last story, Today's Special, every scene depicts what is special about the ordinary. Want comfort for your body and soul? Head to your locally owned diner where “Gossip isn’t sharp or malicious—it’s necessary, human reporting, and we listen with ears far more sympathetic than critical."
As a writer, I study Berg for the way she introduces characters as people we would like to know. She is a writer I trust to leave me feeling better about humanity, not worse.
As a writer, I study Berg for the way she introduces characters as people we would like to know. She is a writer I trust to leave me feeling better about humanity, not worse.
January 31, 2013
At first I was frustrated by the short story format -- I would get really caught up in a character and then it was over. If I was still teaching creative writing, it would be a great example of character stories to build on.
Author's note -- "Martin's letter to Nan" is the answer to What was Martin's response? to The Pull of the Moon novel about 50 yr old woman dealing with menopause and aging. It's a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Women say they keep it by their bed. Need to read The Pull of the Moon.
Author's note -- "Martin's letter to Nan" is the answer to What was Martin's response? to The Pull of the Moon novel about 50 yr old woman dealing with menopause and aging. It's a story of self-discovery and self-acceptance. Women say they keep it by their bed. Need to read The Pull of the Moon.
September 2, 2014
3.5 STARS
"In “Ordinary Life,” Mavis McPherson locks herself in the bathroom for a week, shutting out her husband and the realities of their life together—and, no, she isn’t contemplating a divorce. She just needs some time to think, to take stock of her life, and to arrive, finally, at a surprising conclusion. In “White Dwarf” and “Martin’s Letter to Nan,” the secrets of a marriage are revealed with the sensitivity and “brilliant insights about the human condition” (From Amazon)
Not every author is adept at writing short stories, thank gawd Elizabeth Berg is! A great collection.
"In “Ordinary Life,” Mavis McPherson locks herself in the bathroom for a week, shutting out her husband and the realities of their life together—and, no, she isn’t contemplating a divorce. She just needs some time to think, to take stock of her life, and to arrive, finally, at a surprising conclusion. In “White Dwarf” and “Martin’s Letter to Nan,” the secrets of a marriage are revealed with the sensitivity and “brilliant insights about the human condition” (From Amazon)
Not every author is adept at writing short stories, thank gawd Elizabeth Berg is! A great collection.
January 10, 2014
I loved the book,of short stories by Elizabeth Berg, my favourite one? well it would have to be,Ordinary Life, where Mavis,locks herself in the bathroom, complete with food, blankets, pillows books, orange juice.
Elizabeth s books, have the wonderful dream like quality, that grabs you,and doesn't let go, is it one I would reread? Hell yes!
Elizabeth s books, have the wonderful dream like quality, that grabs you,and doesn't let go, is it one I would reread? Hell yes!
January 24, 2015
I liked a lot. It is a tribute to daily life and how our relationships make our lives worth living.
April 21, 2018
This is a collection of short stories. I probably have not read a short story since college and actually found it to be something I've missed. My rating is an average of the individual stories. Some were good and a few were excellent. My favorite was "Martin's Letter to Nan". Since reading it, I have found that is story is in response to a full length novel that Elizabeth Berg has written and of course, I feel like I must read that now. But this story in particular was so raw and honest, I had to reread it again. I hope to find another collection of short stories and not wait so long to read them.
April 10, 2017
A book of short stories. Loved it, read it in a day. There's one short story where this husband writes his wife a letter. I have to admit, I asked my husband something that was mentioned and he said, "yeah, I agree"......with the husband in the story. Anyway, there's one story about Alzheimer's and I cried. But all in all, it was just the best reading!!
November 11, 2019
A wonderful collection of short stories for you to reflect on. Ordinary People is a great title, because, as E.B. stated, “ordinary people are the most interesting people.” These stories are a finely tuned reflection of the things we feel, the ways in which we communicate with those around us and a good reminder that we are all Ordinary People in the most beautiful way.
May 9, 2020
I was in the mood for a short story collection and had read another one of Berg’s a long time ago. I think short story writing is difficult but she manages to pull me in with just enough information to picture the scenes and know the characters.
December 24, 2020
Ordinary Life by Elizabeth Berg is a collection of short stories. To me, Berg’s simple & spare writing is like walking past the old Christmas windows at Marshall Field’s - you get a glimpse into a scene from someones journey.
My favorites were “Ordinary Life” where 79-year old Mavis McPherson takes snacks & magazines into her bathroom for a week-long retreat to contemplate her life, and “Martin’s Letter to Nan” where a husband gives his side of the story. 3.5 stars
My favorites were “Ordinary Life” where 79-year old Mavis McPherson takes snacks & magazines into her bathroom for a week-long retreat to contemplate her life, and “Martin’s Letter to Nan” where a husband gives his side of the story. 3.5 stars
July 23, 2019
Some really good short stories centred around relationships. I enjoyed them.
January 19, 2021
Most of these stories are melancholy but so very real and riveting in an everyday kind of way. I still think Berg is one of the most talented authors out there.
January 11, 2023
Wonderful book of short stories about relationships- husband/wife, mother/daughter, father/daughter, friends!
August 25, 2022
This is a book of short stories, each one unique and wonderful. Elizabeth Berg novels are among my favorites, and I wondered if her short stories would have the same magic. They do!
November 27, 2023
This was a pleasant bedtime reading experience- nothing heavy or dramatic.
August 24, 2018
Fantastic short stories. Poignant and they ring true to life. I think I’ve found a new author to love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews