The Things I Wish I'd Said

Rating:
Summary: The Book I Wish You Would Read
Review: I am an aspiring writer and I read CONSTANTLY, but I have never felt compelled to write a review for a book online until now.
"The Things I Wish I'd Said" is an incredible read and I can't say enough about it or recommend it high enough.
One of the things that you will get from this book if you read it is the fearless honesty of Michele VanOrt Cozzens. There is no subject too taboo or personal to cover. She reveals intimate feelings about life that make you feel like you really do know her. By the time I finished her book I felt like I knew her as a friend.
There is a section in the book (titled "Wings") that is honestly one of the sweetest and most romantic things that I have ever read(and I am a guy). I actually walked around the office, demanding that people read particular sections of the book and brought it home for my girlfriend to read as well.
Lest you think that Michele only covers deep or romantic topics, her book also covers a wide range of topics....and it is funny. Very funny.
I absolutely urge everyone to read this book. This is the first book by Michele that I have read, but I guarantee that it won't be the last. She has a fan for life.

Rating:
Summary: Awesome!!!
Review: I had a hard time putting "The Things I Wish I'd Said" down. It was truly inspirational. I could relate to so many of the stories that made me evalulate my past, relationships, and the value of the things that we take for granted. It reinforced my belief that every day is a gift and we should live it to the fullest. Thank you Michele and congratulations on another successful book!


Rating:
Summary: Finally! An Author That is NORMAL.
Review: I've been reading a lot of memoirs and essay collections lately and this is the first of many where I actually found MYSELF and MY LIFE within the pages. First of all, who can't relate to the notion of what it's like to stay awake all night replaying a certain scene or confrontation where instead of walking away unsatisfied with your response, you walk away in the wake of the perfect comeback line? I can think of hundreds of things I wish I'd said.

Michele VanOrt Cozzens has a smooth, conversational writing style and by the end of the book, I felt like I was listening to a friend tell me about her day-or about her family. I especially related to the story about the death of her mother, (my own mother died two years ago), and when she further discusses the death of her 20 year old niece who took the herb ephedra and suffered a fatal heart attack, my own heart nearly broke in two.

On a completely different note, I loved the piece entitled "Deadhead Withdrawal," where she explains what it was like to be a Grateful Dead groupie in the San Francisco Bay Area and "The WASP and Mr. Alger," where she lambastes author Isabelle Allende for a comment she made at a writer's workshop proclaiming that "waspy literature is dead."

Waspy literature is certainly not dead. And "The Things I Wish I'd Said," is a perfect example to prove that statement incorrect. I highly recommend this book.


Rating:
Summary: Michele has done it again
Review: The Things I Wish I'd Said is another winner with me. I could see these stories unfold either because of the imagery that Michele provided or in some cases reflections of my own past experiences. This books makes you think of the good and bad in the world in which we live. I recommend this book to any reader. I also want to thank Michele for another wonderful book.

Rating:
Summary: Bombeck, Kingsolver, Quindlen Rolled Into One
Review: This book surprised me. It was recommended by a friend and since I liked the cover, I gave it a shot. What a delight! It's one of those collections that you want to keep next to your bed, or at the table, or while you're waiting in the school parking lot for your kids.

This is a moody collection of newspaper columns that read quickly. She writes about everything from gardening and home improvement projects to what it's like to have phone solicitors interrupt dinner. And while the author claims her columns weren't "too political" there's a chapter called "Not Too Political" where she confronts issues of war, gender equality, sexual harassment and celebrities as role models. I particularly liked the piece about Michael Jackson where she made the claim in the original column in 1991 that we'd most likely be hearing news of this freakish character for the rest of our lives. How right she was!

While not as political (or divisive) as Kingsolver's essays or Quindlen's columns, I was reminded of both while I read. But the columnist who came to mind most was a favorite, the late Erma Bombeck. Michele Cozzens clearly has both warmth and wit and is a fine, fine writer. I recommend this book to both men and women-especially baby-boomers who will no doubt have shared many of the experiences of the author.


Rating:
Summary: Couldn't Have Said It Better
Review: This book was one of the most down-to-earth collection of essays I've ever read (and I've been a bookworm all my life). Cozzens effectively moves the reader from her views of life in the 80's to current day, without unnecessary Monday-morning quarterbacking of her younger days. She addresses life's daily events with a light touch and good humor (telemarketers at dinner, home improvement). Just as easily, she brings you through thoughtful reflections on death, loss, and disappointment. The reader is left seeing the strength of a complex person who thrives in a joyous family despite challenges shallow and deep from the rest of the world. I loved it!!!

Rating:
Summary: The Things I Have To Say About This Book
Review: Wow! Michele VanOrt Cozzens is a terrific new writer and her second book, "The Things I Wish I'd Said" is as wonderful to read as her first one, "I'm Living Your Dream Life", was. It provides a nostalgic look at many issues that effected me during the second half of the 20th century...baby boomers will love it. Michele has a true gift when it comes to writing. She vividly describes situations and events that are sometimes serious and adds humor into almost every topic. I found myself thinking of Irma Bombeck while reading this book on more than one occasion. Michele's use of metaphors gives the reader an opportunity to form imagery in their own head that only a truly talented author is capable of doing. This book invoked a lot of emotional responses in me. I was drawn to tears several times as I read through it; I also laughed out loud frequently. If you are looking for an entertaining and interesting book that will keep you wanting more then you need to read "The Things I Wish I'd Said". I can't wait until her next book because both this one and "I'm Living Your Dream Life", Michele's book about operating a resort, were excellent!