Rating: 
Summary: Feels a bit self-indulgent
Review: Judging by the praise heaped on by the other reviews, I obviously didn't like this book as much as most people. I read Berg's more recent "Open House" first, and I enjoyed the sunny writing style and humor. For me, however, "Talk" bogged down somewhere in the middle. With the exception of Ruth, who is dying of cancer, most of the women seemed to be sketchily drawn. The narrator, with whom we are meant to empathize, is similarly sketchy. One questions, too, how easily she seems to balance her home life with caring for her dying friend.Despite the adulation, this book just isn't up to par with "Open House." The subject is compelling, and Ruth is somewhat compelling as a character, but the book is too long and too sketchy to be compelling as a whole.
Rating: 
Summary: Stopping at page 100!
Review: After the first 100 pages, one should be able to tell whether or not one likes a book. "Talk Before Sleep" has been an incredibly boring book so far, and here are some reasons why. First, the book lacks a sincere and significant plot. Ann & Ruth, the two main characters, have spent the first 100 pages gossipping about the fact that Ruth is going to die soon. Yippee! Guess what? Ruth is going to die in this book... and life moves on. Secondly, the plot consists of a confusing series of flashbacks that have little relevance to the progression of the story. Thirdly, the characters are extremely underdeveloped. The author should have described the character traits and personalities in greater detail before plummeting into what little "plot" that there is. Also, the writing style of Elizabeth Berg (at least in this book) is very trite. High school vocabulary. Simple sentences. I am beginning to wonder if this book was written by a high school student or by a professional author! Lastly, the book lacks the coherence that it needs to keep the plot moving, as well as interesting. I feel like I am reading a whole bunch of nothing! Therefore, I will be abandoning this book in search of reading something that is actually worth my time.
Rating: 
Summary: The Power of Girlfriends
Review: This book demonstrates what real girlfriends are all about. Berg explores the bitter with the sweet and explores the complex dynamics that make the beautiful bond of girlfriends. The strength of friendship along with the tenderness and toughness of being a woman amidst the frailties and inconsistencies of life make this book a true treasure. Simply stated, I loved this book.
Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Books I've Ever Read
Review: I have read many of Elizabeth Berg's books but I must say that this one by far is the best. This is the love story between two women, not as lovers, but as friends sharing a special bond that only two women could have with each other. Ruth,one of the two main characters has been diagnosed with and is dying from breast cancer. Ann is her supportive, loving best friend. Berg writes in such a manner that the reader feels like she is in Ruth's house with Ruth and Ann, part of their exclusive friendship. The reader can imagine being on the jaunts with Ruth and Ann that they reflect upon throughout much of the story. Supporting characters are well-developed and integrated into the story in a believable manner. L.D. the somewhat "butch" friend has a strong, outgoing personality and says what's on her mind, but we are treated to the soft side of her soul when she rocks Ruth on her lap in a rocking chair because Ruth is too weak to sit up alone. Sarah, Ruth's boss is a sweetly feminine friend who is woven into the story probably to contrast with L.D, but who nevertheless holds her own as a supporting character. Finally, there is Ann. Who wouldn't want a friend like her? Though at times she seems a bit like a martyr, giving up time with her family (her young daughter Meggie and her husband Joe)to be with Ruth, Ann becomes a hero and the best friend we all yearn to have. The reader feels Ann's anguish over losing her best friend, her soulmate. This novel was so touching that I thought about it all day after I finished it. Elizabeth Berg writes from a very sensitive, caring, understanding viewpoint about a subject that usually we don't want to discuss. Berg allows us to feel and think what it must be like to know your days are numbered.
Rating:
Summary: My eyes were sore for days after this one!
Review: Ann's best friend Ruth is dying of cancer. First it was found in her breast, then her lungs, then her bones and her brain. This brave story is about the courage of friends and how to assist someone you love, prepare to leave you. Ruth gathers her friends about her, friends that leap off the page with their emotions and coping levels. I admired these women for their courage, for their ability to say the words that need to be said, to be able to drive their friend to cemetaries to pick the right one, without falling apart. This book is beautifully written, so tender it had me in tears for so many of the pages, and for a long time after. Little innocent things like Ann looking at her daughter's shoes and realising that Ruth had helped pick them out with her, and she wouldn't be able to do that anymore. How huge the car felt after she dropped Ruth off at the airport. A truly beautiful book about girl friends, how they support each other and how they can be jealous of each other. I recommend also reading "The Saving Graces" by Patrical Gaffney, and "What Girls Learn" by Karin Cook, which are both very memorable also.
Rating:
Summary: Talk Before Sleep
Review: A friend presented me with the audio version after the death of a very dear friend from cancer. I experienced all of these feelings while assisting in her care. We shared some funny times and hard times. The lobster dinner reminded me so much of a meal I prepared for her. Many times I would prepare several different things because I never knew what she could or would eat. Often times she asked "who in the hell is going to eat all this food?" I cried and laughed all the way through the tape. Now I want to get the unabridged version of the book and/or tape to read and/or hear again. It is a wonderful story. Also, her range of friends reminded me of the different types of close friends that my friend had. And, yes, I even experienced a little bit of jealousy for a time, because I considered her my best friend and she often told me I was her best friend.
Rating:
Summary: This is a love story in the true sense of the word.
Review: The friendship presented in this book is as real as it gets. The author is obviously the kind of friend that I would want to have in my corner if the storyline were real life. Breast cancer is the antagonist and is presented as real as any character description. This is a sensitive portrayal that makes the reader care about the characters. The author is obviously one who knows the menace that cancer continues to be. The effects of the disease are presented with greater sensitivity. This book is a must read for all women.
Rating:
Summary: Engaging, Thought-Provoking, Lovely - Read It!
Review: If someone had told me beforehand that this story is "a book about how a group of friends deals with one of them dying from breast cancer," I would not have read it--that's just not the type of book I usually read. I'm happy I didn't know that though, because I think this is the best book I've ever read! It's funny and sad at the same time. It made me think about my relationships. The characters creep into your heart and refuse to let go, requiring you to look at their loves and their difficulties to the point of evaluating your own. But you are glad of it! The author is very talented and her writing style is wonderfully readable. I plan to read everything that Elizabeth Berg ever writes!
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful story of friendships between women
Review: I heard about this book from a friend who belonged to a book club whose members were all Hospice nurses. After reading it, I recommended it to all my friends. I've since read all of Elizabeth Berg's books, but this one is still my favorite. The characters and their reactions to a terminal illness are so real. This is one book you don't want to end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about women, their friendships, and how they cope with loss and change.
Rating:
Summary: A helpful and painful, but ultimately wonderful book
Review: After reading some of the negative reviews, I must wonder if the reviewers have ever lost a close friend to cancer. I lost a close friend two years ago to breast cancer. She was 43. This book, which I read about the time Sally, and another friend, were diagnosed help me so much during the time I, and other friends rallied around to support and help her. What helped me the most about this book was the different reactions and ways that the different friends wanted, and could, help. Not everyone who cared for Sally could do the same thing, but we all loved her, and wanted to help her. We all had varied opinions of her progress, prognosis, what she should and shouldn't do about her family, etc. This book help me to realize that it is okay for people to feel differently about supporting and caring for a sick friend. I suggested this book to many of my friends who were affected by Sally's illness. I gently mentioned several times during our discussions about Sally (we still have Sally get togethers to talk about her)that it is okay to feel differently about the things Sally, and we, were going through. That no one person was right or wrong, and that we all have the right to our ideas about how to deal with this devastating issue. I am thankful to Elizabeth Berg for writing a moving story of friends dealing with a good friend's illness and death. I appreciate that some of the characters were not likable because, truly, that is the reality of humans. And, as her book shows us, sometimes we are unlikable because we are hurting, and in emotional or physical pain. Just like Ann's family, my family too lost my care and attention at times. My times with Sally were sacred to me, and I changed my schedule to suit hers. But, this sacrifice is a real one many of us would make, and our own families can cope just fine.
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