Still Happy: Includes "The Book of Homer"

by Elizabeth Berg

"Still Happy" is Elizabeth’s second collection of Facebook posts. Her first, "Make Someone Happy," did indeed make many people happy, and so, due to popular demand, she has put together a second volume, which includes “The Book of Homer,” a tribute to her beloved dog who recently died. "Still Happy," like "Make Someone Happy," exemplifies Berg’s gift, as the Boston Globe said, “in her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, the remarkable in the everyday.”

Genres: Nonfiction, Essays

201 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2017

About the author

Elizabeth 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.

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of Facebook posts by author Elizabeth Berg. I'm not on facebook so I'd never read any of these but I thought they were sweet and life-affirming. Maybe I'm a little biased as I met Berg once when she was a featured speaker in our library and I found her to be charming and engaging. Some of her posts are about everyday life, often about cooking (a subject I have NO interest in!) and the best of the best are about her dogs. A good portion of the book is about losing her old dog Homer to cancer and old age. It's a tear jerker but one that tugged at my heart.
I needed a happy book and Berg came through.

[Leshawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of Elizabeth Berg!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it. will probably buy a couple copies for gifts. mainly a collection of short, mostly fun, essays, with a few good recipes thrown in for good measure! love her style.

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last of the Berg postings books that I had yet to read--I loved it. Her thoughts & musings & recipes are just what everyone needs to feel good when everything else is going wrong. From discovering that we treasured the same perfume when we were young (Friendship Garden) to the loving & heartbreaking stories about her rescued Golden, Homer, & his happy life with her to the moment when she knew it was time to let him go (which reminded me so much of saying goodbye to our Jake), every post was a delicious slice of care & happiness. I love her writing.

[Annie Carrott Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read any of this author’s novels but I think I may give one a try. This was a delightful series of musings from her FB page that she turned into a book. Her outlook is uplifting! I also loved her telling of the life and then downward spiral of her beloved Golden. It reminded me so much of our first Golden, Emily, who was such a tough cookie in the beginning but turned into the most lovely wonderful dog.

[Gail Mower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find A Cozy Spot

I loved this book. I've been a fan for decades, lol. I fell in love with "Talk Before Sleep" many years ago. I've read every book, some several times . Her characters are so real, so human..
Reading "Still Happy" is like sitting outside in a warm shady yard and having the most incredible visit ever with your best friend. And Homer, sigh . . .

[Marnie Bebej · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. I love Elizabeth Berg. Her writing is like an old friend. So I added this book to my online library. When I find it in a store I will buy it for the recipes and "the book of Homer". I recently lost my 12 year old boy (dog) and I felt like she was writing my story. I cried and wanted to hug her.

[Cindi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely light read

Like talking with a friend you have known forever. You may disagree with what she says but you enjoy the conversation. If you've ever loved and lost a dog, her outpouring of grief and joy over the life and death of her dog, Homer, with resonate with you.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

How I love this woman....the friend I always wanted.

Pick up any Elizabeth Berg book and you will be her captive audience. I sit and wait for the next one.
Thank you Elizabeth
Just thank you

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading Elizabeth’s Facebook posts during this crazy time of the Covid virus. Her observations are very comforting. So I tried this compilation of earlier posts. If you want to escape into a simpler, kinder world, this would be a good book. And have a tissue for the Book of Homer.

[Diane]

I love reading these entries. I hope Elizabeth Berg releases another book of her newest ones. I've read all 3 books that are already out and have enjoyed all of them. Get out the tissues for The Book of Homer in this one!

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say? I read these little blurbs in the tub and they make me happy. And, yep, I cried along with Homer's journey just as if he was my own. Berg knows how to get to the heart of all of it.

[Sheila Boyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet

As usual, Ms. Berg makes your heart dance for joy at the wonder of life. Easy to read as time allows.

[Adrienne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love elizabeth berg's writing- period.

[Jo Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Elizabeth Berg and follow her on Facebook, so I love these posts she's posted!

[Karen Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very happy book

[Robyn Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

More words of wisdom and life observations from my favorite author. A book that you can open to any page and read a short snip-it when you need a pick-me-up.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

😢😢😢❤️❤️❤️

[Christin · Rating 4 out of 5]

lovely, light, entertaining and hopeful

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as charming as the first book

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

These lyrical posts are lovely little gems. The book of Homer will make any dog lover weep and smile.

[Kris Caceci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a gem

[Kelly Parmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful, descriptive writing with a few good recipes to warm the soul!! Elizabeth's love for her dogs Homer and Gabby will make you smile. The end had me in tears, which reminds me to cherish every moment of love and snuggles with my beautiful English Springer Spaniel, Brittany! Loved this book.

[Betsy Gonwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed listening to this audiobook, especially before bed. Very nice way to be read to sleep.

[Dannielle Insalaco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it but sobbed through The Book of Homer!

[booksandcarbs]

This collection of Elizabeth Berg's Facebook posts was just lovely. The last section, "The Book of Homer," was just what I needed to read right now. Now I need to track down the first collection of her posts.