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The Enlightenment of Angeline
“I should explain a bit, lest you think that I just despise my children for no good reason.” – Angeline
Angeline Sims is no shrinking violet. She’s tough, opinionated, bossy, and she’s got a bone to pick with nearly everyone in her life.
Set in the fictitious Eastern North Carolina small town of Shelbington, Angeline has been given a terminal diagnosis, with mere months left to live. Upon learning of this news, her adult children and grandchildren come home for one last visit. There is no love lost between any of the family members, and they all have secrets that they voluntarily or involuntarily reveal throughout the course of the novel, culminating in an explosive family dinner at which the biggest bombshells are dropped.
Told in first-person narratives by the main protagonist and other characters, the story uses humor to touch on a number of hot-button issues, from race relations and racial profiling to LGBTQ issues, to the #MeToo movement, and to the subjugation of religion for profit.
As Bette Davis once said in the 1950 movie All About Eve, “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night!”
Angeline Sims is no shrinking violet. She’s tough, opinionated, bossy, and she’s got a bone to pick with nearly everyone in her life.
Set in the fictitious Eastern North Carolina small town of Shelbington, Angeline has been given a terminal diagnosis, with mere months left to live. Upon learning of this news, her adult children and grandchildren come home for one last visit. There is no love lost between any of the family members, and they all have secrets that they voluntarily or involuntarily reveal throughout the course of the novel, culminating in an explosive family dinner at which the biggest bombshells are dropped.
Told in first-person narratives by the main protagonist and other characters, the story uses humor to touch on a number of hot-button issues, from race relations and racial profiling to LGBTQ issues, to the #MeToo movement, and to the subjugation of religion for profit.
As Bette Davis once said in the 1950 movie All About Eve, “Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night!”
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2020
713 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 18, 2021
Doesn't deserve even one star
This is easily the most insufferable book I have read in a long time. The main protagonist is so despicable, I had to strongly fight the urge to abandon the book multiple times before I actually did in the middle of chapter 14 (there are a total of 28 cringe-worthy chapters).
The book is titled "The Enlightenment of Angeline". Angeline, contrary to her name, is a narcissistic monster who only knows how to give grief to everyone around. After having led a life full of disasters and drama on which she thrives, she's now diagnosed with cancer and is going to die in six months. Her three grown-up, understandably damaged kids have come to be with her in her final months. In all the 14 chapters that I painstakingly read, I didn't find any hope of enlightenment or even basic evolution for the protagonist. That's when I stopped pushing myself with this book. She is so bitter, mean and shallow, she would put Karan Johar to shame.
The writing is such that it made me wonder if the author was expecting his readers to find other people's misery to be hilarious. The characters are of such low-consciousness - they are wicked, insecure, dishonest, holding grudges forever and don't believe in talking it out. No matter what the circumstances, you just need to get away from such a family if you want to be sane at all - which is what the 3 kids did, but they made the mistake of coming back. I found nothing funny in this book - not the cancer patient's sliding down the banister, nor her naked body sprawling on the bathroom floor, nor her abusing just about anyone.
The author also seemed to be confused about how he wanted to present the book. All the chapters are first-person narratives by the protagonist and other characters. But would the narratives be live commentary (using the present continuous tense) or would they be descriptive of the past (using the simple past tense). Take this example: "... now that the first of my family will be arriving this afternoon, I'll have to change into something more suitable. I walked over to the closet and put on a navy-blue dress." The same for the description of the dining room.
Also, the characters are not supposed to be aware that the other characters also have been talking to the reader. And yet one of them, who has her first monologue with the reader, says - "I think you already know that by now." How does she know that the reader knows??
Then there are problems with editing and proof-reading. There are oddly-constructed sentences such as - "My power of attorney knows full well not to go signing any forms." and usage of both however/though, but/though, also/and in the same sentence, and several other grammatical issues. There was also a page missing in chapter 8.
All these simply point to the author's poor attitude towards their debut. I refuse to read any more of their works because I prefer content that's not shallow, full of spite and dripping with meanness. I think even "Schitt's Creek" characters evolved beautifully, but this book is hopeless.
This is easily the most insufferable book I have read in a long time. The main protagonist is so despicable, I had to strongly fight the urge to abandon the book multiple times before I actually did in the middle of chapter 14 (there are a total of 28 cringe-worthy chapters).
The book is titled "The Enlightenment of Angeline". Angeline, contrary to her name, is a narcissistic monster who only knows how to give grief to everyone around. After having led a life full of disasters and drama on which she thrives, she's now diagnosed with cancer and is going to die in six months. Her three grown-up, understandably damaged kids have come to be with her in her final months. In all the 14 chapters that I painstakingly read, I didn't find any hope of enlightenment or even basic evolution for the protagonist. That's when I stopped pushing myself with this book. She is so bitter, mean and shallow, she would put Karan Johar to shame.
The writing is such that it made me wonder if the author was expecting his readers to find other people's misery to be hilarious. The characters are of such low-consciousness - they are wicked, insecure, dishonest, holding grudges forever and don't believe in talking it out. No matter what the circumstances, you just need to get away from such a family if you want to be sane at all - which is what the 3 kids did, but they made the mistake of coming back. I found nothing funny in this book - not the cancer patient's sliding down the banister, nor her naked body sprawling on the bathroom floor, nor her abusing just about anyone.
The author also seemed to be confused about how he wanted to present the book. All the chapters are first-person narratives by the protagonist and other characters. But would the narratives be live commentary (using the present continuous tense) or would they be descriptive of the past (using the simple past tense). Take this example: "... now that the first of my family will be arriving this afternoon, I'll have to change into something more suitable. I walked over to the closet and put on a navy-blue dress." The same for the description of the dining room.
Also, the characters are not supposed to be aware that the other characters also have been talking to the reader. And yet one of them, who has her first monologue with the reader, says - "I think you already know that by now." How does she know that the reader knows??
Then there are problems with editing and proof-reading. There are oddly-constructed sentences such as - "My power of attorney knows full well not to go signing any forms." and usage of both however/though, but/though, also/and in the same sentence, and several other grammatical issues. There was also a page missing in chapter 8.
All these simply point to the author's poor attitude towards their debut. I refuse to read any more of their works because I prefer content that's not shallow, full of spite and dripping with meanness. I think even "Schitt's Creek" characters evolved beautifully, but this book is hopeless.
December 6, 2021
“I should explain a bit, lest you think that I just despise my children for no good reason.” - Angeline
This book is a rollercoaster ride! I absolutely enjoyed the antics of Angeline, her children (Charlotte, Mary Beth, and Clay), as well as other members of their small North Carolina town Shelbington. I laughed out loud so many times while reading this that my husband asked me what was going on in this book.
Angeline has terminal cancer and her 3 children have come home to “help her in her time of need”. The antics that ensue during this one week they are home trying to patch up their relationships with their mother and each other are hilarious. Anyone with any kind of dysfunction in their family will be able to relate to this book. Bottom line: I loved this book!
This book is a rollercoaster ride! I absolutely enjoyed the antics of Angeline, her children (Charlotte, Mary Beth, and Clay), as well as other members of their small North Carolina town Shelbington. I laughed out loud so many times while reading this that my husband asked me what was going on in this book.
Angeline has terminal cancer and her 3 children have come home to “help her in her time of need”. The antics that ensue during this one week they are home trying to patch up their relationships with their mother and each other are hilarious. Anyone with any kind of dysfunction in their family will be able to relate to this book. Bottom line: I loved this book!
January 17, 2021
This book is great for anyone in or that have grown up in a dysfunctional family. It is hilarious while still making several points about life. We have all had a rough year but this book picked me right up and I could see the humor in my own family.
The mother in the book says some very mean things to and about her children. She denies that she is saying things in a mean way but down deep she knows exactly what she is doing. She would see upsetting situations but did nothing to divert it so she could sit back and enjoy it.
This author has a wonderful way of including the reader. He gives each child a chance to see their side of things. It makes you realize that people try to do their very best even though it gets misunderstood sometimes.
I am so glad I read this book. I almost didn't since I lost my father last April and many family secrets came out at that time.
The mother in the book says some very mean things to and about her children. She denies that she is saying things in a mean way but down deep she knows exactly what she is doing. She would see upsetting situations but did nothing to divert it so she could sit back and enjoy it.
This author has a wonderful way of including the reader. He gives each child a chance to see their side of things. It makes you realize that people try to do their very best even though it gets misunderstood sometimes.
I am so glad I read this book. I almost didn't since I lost my father last April and many family secrets came out at that time.
May 23, 2022
Not a fan.
I don't really care for male authors writing for females.
Her humor was rude not funny.
The family dynamics was sad not funny.
I stuck with the story thinking it has to get better.
Guess what? It doesn't.
I won't be reading this author again.
I don't really care for male authors writing for females.
Her humor was rude not funny.
The family dynamics was sad not funny.
I stuck with the story thinking it has to get better.
Guess what? It doesn't.
I won't be reading this author again.
January 11, 2021
An enlightenment to all readers
This book was recommended to me by a friend who thought it was a comedy. As I continued reading it was indeed more of a tragedy. I loved it because it made you think. I was pleasantly surprised that it all worked out in the end, sad as the story was, the children reconnected with more love than they had ever experienced in their life . Great read and good points on judging people.
This book was recommended to me by a friend who thought it was a comedy. As I continued reading it was indeed more of a tragedy. I loved it because it made you think. I was pleasantly surprised that it all worked out in the end, sad as the story was, the children reconnected with more love than they had ever experienced in their life . Great read and good points on judging people.
May 17, 2021
Wonderful book with great family wisdom for the soul. I loved the laughs and tears it brought. I could not put it down. Definitely a must read.The author was fantastic. Read Read Read It! I am sure glad I did************
Wonderful book with great family wisdom for the soul. I loved the laughs and tears it brought. I could not put it down. Definitely a must read.The author was fantastic. Read Read Read It! I am sure glad I did************
Wonderful book with great family wisdom for the soul. I loved the laughs and tears it brought. I could not put it down. Definitely a must read.The author was fantastic. Read Read Read It! I am sure glad I did************
July 17, 2020
Very Entertaining Read!
The Enlightenment of Angeline kept me enthralled until the very end. It was so entertaining, I hated to see it end. The author has a knack for keeping his readers entertained in very unexpected ways. Would love to read more books by this author.
The Enlightenment of Angeline kept me enthralled until the very end. It was so entertaining, I hated to see it end. The author has a knack for keeping his readers entertained in very unexpected ways. Would love to read more books by this author.
August 26, 2021
I enjoyed this book -- although at times I got a little irritated with Angeline's attitude/demeanor/remarks, etc. But the author stayed true to that character throughout.
August 20, 2021
Outstanding!!
A masterful work of writing art! The characters were well- developed and believable, and the story, as it unraveled, was fascinating to read. I could say a lot more about the book, that would spoil it!
A masterful work of writing art! The characters were well- developed and believable, and the story, as it unraveled, was fascinating to read. I could say a lot more about the book, that would spoil it!
June 19, 2022
A well written, funny book! Could not wait to read what Angeline would do or say next!
June 23, 2021
I went in to reading this book with no expectations at all, I even got it for free from Amazon, but what a laughing-crying out loud experience. I’ll be brief, it’s simply marvelous!
June 24, 2021
A fun little trip into the world of the humor of the older generation. Lighthearted read, and a bonus that it was written by one of my former students! So proud!
July 25, 2022
I always have a current read near me. A review for this book caught my attention and broke my promise to myself to read at least 5 of the books on my 6 shelves of unread books before ordering another. So glad I did ! I became completely caught up in the story and enjoyed the book very much. An easy read which is realistic with an often amusing narrative. I followed with another of Berkov’s book, The Nasty Librarian of Shelbington, a short but enjoyable story. Currently reading The Enlightenment of Esther which I am completely enjoying also. Looking forward to his 2 others which I just ordered. I also had a very enjoyable chat on line with Joshua. Definitely looking forward to future works.
January 13, 2022
How One Woman’s Choices Effected Her Children.
This outspoken feisty grandmother, Angeline, is very amusing until reading more you realise that her bad life choices have made her bitter and the only way that she has coped is to take it out on her children. They are all a let down in her eyes and not until a disastrous dinner does Angeline have her eyes opened as to the real reasons that her children do not want to visit her.
This outspoken feisty grandmother, Angeline, is very amusing until reading more you realise that her bad life choices have made her bitter and the only way that she has coped is to take it out on her children. They are all a let down in her eyes and not until a disastrous dinner does Angeline have her eyes opened as to the real reasons that her children do not want to visit her.
June 17, 2021
Funny! Irreverent!
The author has written a terrific book! It's a treat to read a book with witty dialogue, a family that thrives on dysfunction! A matriarch who had a tough life with a cheating husband that influenced her outlook and behaviors towards her children and anyone else who came in the line of fire. The topic of dying is difficult but this mother and her daughters took it to new heights with sarcasm and one upmanship! Think of a mother and children embroiled in a "War of the Roses" mentality! Uproariously funny at times! It's a book that I couldn't put down! I read it in one sitting! I will probably be rereading it soon!
The author has written a terrific book! It's a treat to read a book with witty dialogue, a family that thrives on dysfunction! A matriarch who had a tough life with a cheating husband that influenced her outlook and behaviors towards her children and anyone else who came in the line of fire. The topic of dying is difficult but this mother and her daughters took it to new heights with sarcasm and one upmanship! Think of a mother and children embroiled in a "War of the Roses" mentality! Uproariously funny at times! It's a book that I couldn't put down! I read it in one sitting! I will probably be rereading it soon!
July 1, 2021
3.5 At first I thought aging, ailing Angeline was funny. Then I thought she was rather mean, especially towards her children. Then I thought that the grown children were awful! The children's reunion with their mother (when they think she is on her deathbed) results in an explosive, nasty, insult-slinging dinner party. But then... the more they share, the more they start to try to mend their fences. Overall I liked it, but throughout I grew tired of Angeline's constant belittling of her children. The story needed a little more time spent on the reconciliation and healing, as the journey getting to that point is quite a bumpy ride!
September 17, 2023
I really loved this book. It addresses so many hot button issues, and does it in a very gentle way. It also had a lot of humor and family issues mixed up within it. It definitely kept your interest and all of the revelations throughout the novel were both interesting, and in some ways not horribly surprising. You kind of got the drift of how things are going to go, but not the whole draft if you know what I mean. Just an inkling really and a suspicion. But the story was great and the characters were wonderful and I really enjoyed the writing style. I’m looking forward to reading other books by this author.
November 2, 2025
This book is sometimes funny and sometimes heartbreaking. Angeline is an elderly woman that has terminal cancer. She does not get along with her children, who are all coming back home to see her (much to her consternation). She did not have a happy marriage as she married for status and money rather than love. This reflects in the relationships she has with her children. She eventually makes amends with them after a revealing dinner party (and some brownies with an extra ingredient). Each of them has been holding things back from each other, including some of the guests. Love conquers all even if it takes some inhibition reducing desserts!
January 31, 2021
Joshua Berkov's book, The Enlightenment of Angeline, is a hoot! Angeline says things that we would like to say but are too polite or timid to do. Never a dull moment. I enjoy reading books whose authors have a sense of humor. One would not think that a story about a woman who has 6 months or less to live would be that funny. Joshua's keen insight paints perceptions of everyone involved with various twists, leaving us with a surprise ending. No karma left untouched. Thank you for making me laugh!
June 1, 2021
As they say.. puts the fun in dysfunctional... starts out with the story of what appears to be a nasty old biddy who is dying of cancer... the story progresses as her adult children return home to "help" her through her final days... children whom she has no real relationship with and with struggles of their own.. none of which who had bothered to visit her after the death of her husband and their father three years prior. Aha... but there are twists and subplots in the story to be divulged and now it gets really interesting.. enjoy the read!
March 30, 2023
I would actually give this book a zero. Worse book ever written! I read an ad and thought it would be funny. Is cliché based writing style even a thing? The old fashioned clichés in this book were ridiculous and awful. I was so angry reading this drivel! The 3rd person style was off putting. The characters were insufferable. Angeline's character was mean and spiteful and not funny at all.
I tend to stick with a book to try to get something out of it but not with this book. Horrible! Would not read another book by this author.
I tend to stick with a book to try to get something out of it but not with this book. Horrible! Would not read another book by this author.
November 22, 2023
epitome of a defunct family
Reviews I read said this book was funny, sharp-witted, sarcastic humor. I found it biting and degrading. It felt the author tried overly hard to add sarcasm, but I couldn’t enjoy a story of such disregard and disrespect. Fiction, yes. I didn’t find it entertaining; I rarely am so negative about a book, but the attitudes in this story are not what we would want our children to strive for. While the author tried to make all well with the world in the end, it felt contrived after the diatribe throughout the majority of the book.
Reviews I read said this book was funny, sharp-witted, sarcastic humor. I found it biting and degrading. It felt the author tried overly hard to add sarcasm, but I couldn’t enjoy a story of such disregard and disrespect. Fiction, yes. I didn’t find it entertaining; I rarely am so negative about a book, but the attitudes in this story are not what we would want our children to strive for. While the author tried to make all well with the world in the end, it felt contrived after the diatribe throughout the majority of the book.
July 27, 2025
Enlightened for Sure!!!
My emotions were traveling through many. I love the realism of each character. The book hits on many topics, some that are controversial and needed.
While reading I felt like I was one of the family. I was happy with brother or sisters and at times furious.
It shows karma will kick ya in the butt in the end and secrets can destroy within and outwardly.
I found myself big time surprised, belly laughing at times and actually shed a tear or two.
I highly recommend The Enlightenment of Angeline!!!
My emotions were traveling through many. I love the realism of each character. The book hits on many topics, some that are controversial and needed.
While reading I felt like I was one of the family. I was happy with brother or sisters and at times furious.
It shows karma will kick ya in the butt in the end and secrets can destroy within and outwardly.
I found myself big time surprised, belly laughing at times and actually shed a tear or two.
I highly recommend The Enlightenment of Angeline!!!
October 21, 2021
This book had more twists and turns than a roller coaster ride! Sometimes Angeline’s remarks got on my nerves, but she eventually mellowed out. And I knew that eventually things would smooth out in the end. Joshua Berkov allowed everyone’s side of the story be said, except for Bill’s, and he was a creep.
The audiobook was well worth listening to. Perhaps I’ll wind up listening to another audiobook by this author.
The audiobook was well worth listening to. Perhaps I’ll wind up listening to another audiobook by this author.
January 25, 2024
I laughed out loud, and I'm not a laugher
This book begins with a horrible woman. I didn't like her. I didn't find it funny ...until I did! I found myself laughing and even reading excerpts to my favorite husband. Although I didn't like the main character I was compelled to keep reading because the story was so interesting. Then it got hysterically funny. It reads quickly. Read it and have fun!
This book begins with a horrible woman. I didn't like her. I didn't find it funny ...until I did! I found myself laughing and even reading excerpts to my favorite husband. Although I didn't like the main character I was compelled to keep reading because the story was so interesting. Then it got hysterically funny. It reads quickly. Read it and have fun!
March 24, 2024
This book makes "dysfunctional" hysterical. Angeline is a sharp-tongued elderly woman with basically nothing to lose and she's wasting no time letting everyone know exactly how she feels about everything. I laughed so hard while reading this book with the prayer at the dinner table and the ride on the banister being two of my favorite parts. The author has done an excellent job weaving humor, wit and sarcasm into a seemingly unending number of tough subjects.
June 18, 2025
Great book , and excellent series !
I found this book because I had read ,Adulting at the Moto Lodge, I really enjoyed it so I checked out the author. Well, I have not been disappointed at all. I have read several of his books and all of the enlightenment series and absolutely love them all !! They will make you laugh and cry a little too, you will absolutely love the character !!
I found this book because I had read ,Adulting at the Moto Lodge, I really enjoyed it so I checked out the author. Well, I have not been disappointed at all. I have read several of his books and all of the enlightenment series and absolutely love them all !! They will make you laugh and cry a little too, you will absolutely love the character !!
November 4, 2020
I loved this book.
I was looking for something to read and seen the picture on the cover reminded of one my Aunts started reading . And so glad I did. The story made me laugh,cry and sometimes a little angry. It is well worth the read. I can't wait to see what else the writer comes up with. 😁
I was looking for something to read and seen the picture on the cover reminded of one my Aunts started reading . And so glad I did. The story made me laugh,cry and sometimes a little angry. It is well worth the read. I can't wait to see what else the writer comes up with. 😁
December 2, 2020
I chose this book because it takes place in my home state of North Carolina. The main character could have been one of my female relatives easily and I pretty much grew up in the fictional town of Shelbington! The book is an easy read but touches on some social issues with a sense of humor. I enjoyed this book.
July 24, 2023
Good book
This book is quite the roller-coaster ride! I loved all the characters with their many secrets and faults. Their were a lot of laughs and craziness! Angeline, the matriarch of this family is dying of cancer. She sets out on her end of life journey, only to realize that all the mistakes she made with her children are finally coming to home to haunt her!
This book is quite the roller-coaster ride! I loved all the characters with their many secrets and faults. Their were a lot of laughs and craziness! Angeline, the matriarch of this family is dying of cancer. She sets out on her end of life journey, only to realize that all the mistakes she made with her children are finally coming to home to haunt her!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews