Doces Recordações

by Ellen Greene

Durante vinte anos, Ellen Greene foi tomando nota de tudo o que de mais carinhoso, divertido e comovente o seu marido, Marsh, dizia e fazia. Registava esses momentos felizes em segredo e, depois, partilhava-os com ele em cada São Valentim. Nessas ocasiões, ofereciam-lhe um postal com excertos retirados da sua lista de «Doces Recordações».
Tendo-se casado e divorciado quando era muito jovem, Ellen criou sozinha os seus dois filhos. Depois de mais uma relação fracassada aos trinta e poucos anos, jurou que não voltaria a relacionar-se com quem não lhe desse o devido valor. E foi então que conheceu Marsh Greene, o homem que lhe devolveu a felicidade.
Nesta sentida homenagem a um homem e a um casamento feliz, Greene intercala excertos de «Doces Recoradções» com lembranças dos anos que viveu com Marsh.
Escrito com ternura e sinceridade, Doces Recoradções transmite a gentileza, o sentimento de partilha, o humor, o afecto e o profundo amor que caracterizavam o casal Greene e leva-nos a valorizar o que há de bom na vida, mesmo nas mais pequenas coisas.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Marriage, Biography, Romance, Grief, Relationships

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 21, 2009

Reviews

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of a marriage and the transformations of two people, with some wonderful traveling thrown in. Easy to read and a good reminder to appreciate our loved ones for the very reasons we chose to be with them.

[laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2. I listened to this book. Initially narrators voice, but I came to realize that fit her personality and ultimately really enjoyed it. This is a memoir. Primarily of a woman who had 2mediocre relationships. She met and married The man of her heart. Remember the sweet things, is an extended love letter written over 20+ yr marriage. Tender, humorous, great reminder to enjoy the little things and count your blessings.😘

[Angie Fehl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greene's memoir describes how she & her husband kept the love and fun in their relationship throughout their 20 year marriage, even through major struggles such as her husband's cancer & Parkinson's disease diagnoses. Much of this is done through lists that Greene writes up for her husband, made up of little things he's done throughout each year that might seem largely insignificant but were really meaningful to her. A clever way of making your spouse feel appreciated :-) I admit, there's a pretty sweet love story here, and I liked reading about their adventures, especially the part where she talks about their attempt to live on a boat full time. I also appreciated that when discussing her husband's fight with Parkinson's, she talks about Parkinson's related dementia & hallucinations, something I don't see mentioned that often. While I enjoyed these parts, there were a few cons for me.

There were times where some of the descriptions of their romantic gestures -- for me anyway --- were a little sickeningly sappy, some just even straight-up ick for me. Other parts suffered from the "humble brag" IMO. Also, I was a little turned off by the part when she talks about some pretty important things -- home & car repairs, property taxes, veterinary appts. -- she allowed to lapse after her husband's Parkinson's progressed rapidly, because those were usually her husband's duties and she didn't enjoy them. She admits that these things were only addressed after a couple years when the seriousness of the financial situation really hit her. I just found it off-putting that she could go on and on about how good her husband was at pampering her and yet when she was really needed to reciprocate and step up, her initial reaction was "well, it wasn't my thing." The message of the memoir, the sentiment of truly appreciating your spouse and going above and beyond to express that to them, is an important one no doubt, but I didn't find the book as a whole as impactful as I had hoped.

[Margarida Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uma autêntica preciosidade. Não encontro outras palavras para descrever este pequeno, mas ao mesmo tempo grande, livro! A verdade é que é pequeno em tamanho, mas grande na mensagem que nos transmite.

Ellen Greene faz-nos acreditar que o amor verdadeiro não existe apenas nos contos de fadas ou nos romances de ficção que lemos no dia-a-dia. Ele existe na realidade. E a autora viveu-o como num lindo conto de fadas, contando-nos as suas experiências mais românticas, os gestos mais carinhosos que o companheiro lhe ofereceu, bem como os incontáveis momentos de ternura que os dois partilharam.

Um livro delicioso, que chega a causar-nos aquele estranho nó na garganta quando queremos conter as lágrimas que teimam em cair. Acho que é uma história, acima de tudo, maravilhosa que acaba até por ser uma eficiente receita para renovar a vida de muitos casais: anotem os mais pequenos gestos de carinho, ternura, amor. Anotem os mais deliciosos momentos que passaram, as melhores coisas que oferecem um ao outro no dia a dia. Recordá-las é reviver. Para Ellen, recordá-las era provar ao marido o quanto ele era importante na sua vida. Era, todos os anos, no dia de S. Valentim, dar o passo para mais um ano cheio de amor, amor verdadeiro.

Uma história tremendamente marcante, que não vou esquecer tão cedo. Vou-me lembrar de Ellen e da sua história sempre que encontrar um obstáculo na vida. Afinal, os contos de fada existem. Nós é que não os vivemos, pois ignoramos aquilo que de mais belo nos oferece o amor: pequenos gestos, como sorrisos e gargalhadas, e certas palavras que por vezes são abafadas pelo ruído do stress e da responsabilidade.

[Marnie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I got this recommendation out of the now defunct Hallmark magazine. I feel badly giving it 2 stars because it is a true story and it is a very sweet and endearing one about a couple who found each other after both had been married, had kids, and divorced. Watching them truly appreciate each other was refreshing. The takeaway of appreciating someone and making sure to take note of it is worthy of 5 stars. I was just bored for most of it.

[Dest · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very sweet book. Maybe a little too sweet, but it certainly took the edge off of rush hour traffic. I listened to the audiobook--speaking of which, the narrator pronounced "Vallarta," as in Puerto Vallarta, VA-LAR-TA and it drove me crazy. I actually yelled at the CD "VIE-YAR-TA! VIE-YAR-TA! God bless it!" multiple times. Other than that, I enjoyed it.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know the author of this book, which made it even more fun to read. I think she did an excellent job of being honest about herself as well as her husband. She really inspired me to take stock of the good things in life, before they are gone!

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

A non-fiction tale of two soul-mates who genuinely cherished each other. Wonderful premise but overall the book was boring. In a sentence, jot down the kind things your loved one does for you so you never forget to cherish those moments.

[Michael Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read "Remember the Sweet Things: One List, Two Lives, and Twenty Years of Marriage" back in 2008. Ellen Greene tells a wonderful and very moving history of her life, failed first marriage and trials of raising her two children on her own until she finally finds the love of her life in Marsh Greene. What follows is a touching account of their early relationship, married life in New England, shared adventures sailing half-way around the world on their small yacht, move to Shanghai, China for 3 years, and relaxing retirement life in Mexico until Marsh is stricken with Parkinson's Disease. As her story ends, the reader is left knowing that Widow Greene will certainly grieve for a while, but her will is strong and she will rise up and, hopefully, love again when the time is right. Keeping a list of the sweet things that happen in one's relationship is a wonderful idea and I wish I had thought of it myself years ago. Congratulations and thanks for your terrific book, Ellen.

[Jessi Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellen Greene did it. Finally a love story that moved me to tears, both happy and sad. A romance that wasn't so cliché and predictable. A story of a beautiful couple and their beautiful lives all rolled in with traveling and family hardships. Her and Marsh's relationship was one to aspire to and her sweet things list is inspirational as well. I might start one for all my closest friends and family! I loved the way it was written. I loved the message it taught. I loved the characters. Parts of rhe story broke my heart while others warmed my heart.

[Kris · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

It's a love story, and I feel bad rating someone's else's story, but it felt a little trite in places, and the fact that they had the financial means to travel everywhere, buy several houses, take off work for a year...I don't relate to this at all.

I'm glad this couple found happiness. I just don't need to ready any more about it.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Very informational

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreaking book that you would cry over it if you have ever seen your family or friend suffering from dementia..

[Christina]

You know, I really tried. But this simply was boring. The same concept over and over again. Start off by reading about 20 pages. Skip ahead 20 more. It's all the same.

[Susannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. ❤️ imperfect, but rounded up because it was such a delightful reading experience all told. non-fussy, evocative and tender memoir writing.

[Molli927 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet little book & a good reminder to appreciate the little things.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was a somewhat sweet memoir, but lack storytelling.

[Mishel Forte · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Remember the Sweet Things" is really a list that Ellen started when she first married her husband. Marsh didn't do extraordinarily sweet things on a daily basis, but Ellen found most things he did were in fact endearing and sweet enough to jot down. Each year she would then share her list in a Valentine's Day Card for Marsh to read.
The book then goes into detail about Ellen's life before Marsh, how the two met, their marriage, and life after "happily ever after". It is obvious that Ellen loved her husband deeply and while reading along I could easily see why. Not necessarily my type of guy, Marsh was still a man to love and admire. I know I came to care about him and his personality. It was like watching an adventure unfold as Ellen re-told her story of a truly loving marriage, filled with both ups and downs.

Ellen included many excerpts from her "Sweet Things" list at the end of each chapter and I wanted to share a few in hopes of generating some smiles from you all:
Getting home from his trip to Eastern Europe and recounting his frustration with delays on the last leg because "they cut into my time with my wife". (87)

His response to his best friends calling him pussy whipped: "I know. I like it." (88)

Coming home with a rose and a sweet note, after I'd told him about my hard time with my hard time with my boss. (89)

The excitement of his home leave after two months and meeting him at Logan; people smiling at a sixty-year-old man and a forty-five-year-old woman flying into each other's arms and kissing with abandon. (120)

A vacation in Bali; Jennifer's disappointment at not finding a nice shell on the beach; his buying one and planting it for her to "find". (121)

Opening the last peanut or spreading the last cracker or dipping the last chip, and always offering it to me. (191)

On his hands and knees, next to the pool with Lola, his face in the water, demonstrating how to bob for the tennis balls she'd lost there. (225)

My torn knee ligaments on the mend after a fall on the street; his impatience with me when I tried to help myself: "Call me!" "I'll do that!" "Go sit down!" (226)

Telling me that he considers it a little gift each time that he wakes up and finds himself being held by me." (251)
As you can see, most of what Marsh does is small, sweet, and kind every day things that I'm sure many men (and women) do for their significant others. Reading through them made me think of my other half and how much I miss the little things he did for me. However painful it may be for me I can always hope that I still have a shot for my "happily ever after". I highly recommend giving this beautiful book a try.

[Penny Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored thus book. I just wanted to share my letter to the author. Great, easy read, a wonderful gift for newlyweds. Ellen Greene

Ellen,
Rarely does a book impact my life as much as yours has, with the exception of the Bible. I have purchased 20 copies of your book to give to our 2 daughters, ages 25 and 19, as well as many other dear friends. If I could locate more copies, I would purchase at least 30 more. God's provision had it that I would find you book at the Dollar Tree, while searching for a good summer read. I,too, am a teacher, entering my 31st year. Your book will help me to find balance in my life, to put my marriage first, over my job.
My husband and I just celebrated 30 years of marriage, he has been disabled with CFIDS/ME for the past 12 years. He was a commuter pilot for many years. Your book touched my life in so many areas. I was deeply moved by your partnership with Marsh, your easy give and take; I hope John and I can mirror your servant love for each other. I have begun my mental list of "the sweet things" and mention them to John often. "That's going on your list!" Thank you again for a life-changing book. You have inspired me to write a book, a memoir of sorts as I was a preemie, weighing 1 lb. 11 oz in 1961, adopted and at 18 found my birth family as both of my adopted parents passed away early in my life. My apologies for rambling; I feel like we are friends!
Thank you again for sharing your precious story with the world. God really did have a perfect plan for your life. I look forward to following your blog, perhaps even reading your next novel! God bless,
Penny 1Thes. 5:11

[Ines Norton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gostei, leitura leve para o Verão e uma história de amor como qualquer mulher desejaria viver. A maim tocou-me mais a conviência com o cuidar de uma pessoa que se ama e cuja mente se degenera rápidamente, pois convivo com isso na pessoa da minha mãe e sei como é duro vermos alguém que gostamos a perder as suas faculdades mentais... Recomendo....

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I Liked it, althought there are sad moments in the story, still it was a light read, and the kind of love story that every woman liked to live at least once in a lifetime. To me, it touched me the dealing with the degerating mind of someone you love and was very intelligent. To see them lose it is very hard, and Î understand the author because althought she is still very young, my 65 years old mum is going that way... I recomend this read.

[Lachelle Saieh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow... what a wonderful testament to love late in life as well as a great long love letter to Marsh. I'm a memoir junkie anyways and always love a good romance story, but this was truly wonderful. I enjoyed reading about the good and the bad times but how, as a couple, they were able to keep things together. And such a great guy! The things that man did for his wife in order to be a great husband the second time around just astonished me. He was a great man with a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing at the quirky little remarks he made and then crying just a few pages later. Ellen did a wonderful job of capturing her husband in a good light and it was a pleasure to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Egm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book. It's a really loving tribute of a wife to her husband. One thing that I found interesting was that it's essentially a love story, but it's about love in the little things, the every day. It's about appreciating the little things and feels authentic. The author and her husband both seem like very interesting people. They lived a very interesting life, traveling and living in many different parts of the world. I also thought the portrayal of what it was like to live with, and to care for someone living with, Parkinson's Disease was very insightful - really shows that in a different light. Also thought it provided new perspectives (at least for me) about what it is like to be a widow. Overall, found this book to be interesting and thought-provoking.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memoir. I picked this book up during my engagement, because I liked the idea of keeping track of all the good things in a relationship. I finally got around to reading it just after my 2nd Anniversary. It's a beautiful story of two people that had really bad first marriages and how that made them super grateful for a second marriage that was full of love. There was a lot of travel discussed too--mainly Shanghai, various islands, and Mexico. As I love reading about good healthy marriages, and reading about new places this story kept my attention. Definitely cried a few tears though.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Non-fiction Memoir- Marriage) For twenty years, Ellen Greene presented her husband Marsh with a list of all the sweet things he did every single Valentine's day. They lived an adventurous life sailing and building a house in Mexico. This book inspired me to treasure each day with my husband and make more of an effort to take note of the sweet things he blesses me with every day. I recommend this book for those who enjoy marriage memoirs. This book could even be a great gift for a engagement party or a wedding gift.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very heartfelt loving story about a woman and her twenty years of marriage. It was a tribute to her marriage as well as her husband. I really enjoyed this book and can see where making a list of little things that our spouses do or our children would really help to get through the tough times. I started a journal for my child and have always tried to write funny things that happen. I am so glad I started that in addition to the baby book. I cant wait to share all the memories throughout their life.

[Shelli · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book insofar as it made me think and make some of my own personal goals. I wasn't a big fan of Ellen, which is sad since it's her voice you hear the whole book. But I adore Marsh. What a nice man.

It seems to me this relationship is the kind that frustrates me in the movies, where the kind-hearted guy is inexplicably drawn to the feminist woman whose life revolves 90% around herself and 10% around him.

Whatever.

I'm doing my own list now, so I have El to thank for it.

[Ilana Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author���s tribute to her husband makes me believe that the type of guy I���d like to marry really DOES exist! And what a wonderful wife she was to remind him, for years, how much he meant to her. A lesson to all of us to appreciate the little, daily ways we adore one another. See if you can get through this book without at least ONE box of tissues. I dare you ;-)

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the idea of keeping a list of endearing memories about your significant other but I didn't really like the book. I don't think the writer does enough describing the day to day to show her late husband's "sweetness." A lot of chapters were just plain boring and came off as bragging about her extravagant trips and lifestyle.

[H Hornbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable book on a couple's life. After being stressed out and overwhelmed recently this book was a quite, peaceful experience for my evening. It also has practical advice on keeping a marriage happy.

[Skye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a selection for my book club, I"m sure i would not have picked it up otherwise. I'm glad I did - I enjoyed this book, the author and her husband had a really wonderful life together. It was a good education - albeit a sad one - on Parkinsons.