Rating: 
Summary: wonderful humor and humility
Review: A friend who is addicted to this radio show gave me this book as a birthday gift. I was skeptical reading about five sisters because I do not have any sisters myself, but so much of their attitude and approach reminds me of all my friends. Their self-deprecating humor is such a nice relief after too many books by people who think too highly of themselves (think Bill O'Reilly!) Their messages may be simple, but in these times it is nice to remind ourselves that yes, it is important to laugh, have fun with your people, and even count our blessings. It is not themselves they think highly of but the people who have been important in their lives.
Rating:
Summary: Uncommon Senses from some common sense sisters
Review: A remarkable story of five sisters who grew up in a big family and have staed best friends through life. It reminded me of my own family. I plan to give all my sisers and best friends a copy for Christmas.
Rating:
Summary: Fan of the show. Fan of the book.
Review: As I don't always have my ear tuned to the radio to hear their show, or my biological sisters nearby, I enjoy turning to this book in small doses for a bit of wisdom and wit. It is a celebration of siblings and sisterhood. Each of the Dolan sister's personalities comes through and it's like having the work of a family member on my bookshelf. Thanks, girls.
Rating: 
Summary: Annoying Smugness
Review: As the oldest of a similar family (six girls, two boys, Catholic, etc.), a lot of this book rang really true. It's also selective, in the sense that the parents are shown as fonts of all wisdom and more than a little detached. No matter how wonderful they were, they were undoubtedly also human. As a parent myself, I love to hear what they had to say about keeping their family going, balancing among the various kids, etc. The best idea they had, in my opinion, was taking two weeks off by themselves every summer. In 16 years of parenthood, we have only taken off one night without the kids...hmmm... The relationships among the siblings definitely is true to life, with all the love and all the bickering that real families go through. I love the fact that they have been able to come together and stay close even though there is a lot of distance among them geographically. It's also very realistic that they have very different lifestyle choices, family situations and professions. We all do, too. Well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: Oh, does this ever ring true....
Review: As the oldest of a similar family (six girls, two boys, Catholic, etc.), a lot of this book rang really true. It's also selective, in the sense that the parents are shown as fonts of all wisdom and more than a little detached. No matter how wonderful they were, they were undoubtedly also human. As a parent myself, I love to hear what they had to say about keeping their family going, balancing among the various kids, etc. The best idea they had, in my opinion, was taking two weeks off by themselves every summer. In 16 years of parenthood, we have only taken off one night without the kids...hmmm... The relationships among the siblings definitely is true to life, with all the love and all the bickering that real families go through. I love the fact that they have been able to come together and stay close even though there is a lot of distance among them geographically. It's also very realistic that they have very different lifestyle choices, family situations and professions. We all do, too. Well worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: I laughed. I cried. I love the Satellite Sisters
Review: I bought this book on the recommendation of a friend who had seen them at a recent bookstore appearance. Their stories about growing up in a big family and their observations about life today read like much funnier, better written versions of the tales my friends and I share with eachother. It's nice to read stories about a family that isn't perfect, but like and support eachother anyway.
Their first chapter about the importance of the Sense of Connection is particularly moving in these times. Our families, our communities, our neighbors and co-workers - learning to live with all these people in our lives is important (and we might as well make it fun.) I really appreciate the warm and funny approach this book takes to some of life's challenges. I am a little tired of all the earnest self-examination that some other books preach, and found myself laughing at loud while reading Satellite Sisters, but quoting them later in serious conversations with friends. My suggestion would be for everyone to read this book before the holiday season just to prepare yourself to appreciate the friends and family we have around us.
I have never heard their radio show but I did read the excerpt of the book in Oprah Magazine. I think these sisters are really on to something that we all know in our hearts and need to be reminded of. Our friends and family are the most important things in our lives.
I also love the way this book is structured: five main chapters about the five senses they write about (Connection, Self, Humor, Adventure and Direction). Each of the five sisters writes essays for each chapter, making the book very entertaining to read. The voices and points of view change throughout and each essay is very individual. This is so much more interesting than the usual "let me tell you what's right" point of view adopted in other books. They don't have the answers and they freely admit it. "We are not experts. We are just sisters." How refreshing.
Rating:
Summary: Finding "your " people
Review: I have been listening to the Satellite Sisters on NPR for awhile, and snatched this book off the shelf when I saw it. I was not disappointed. Within the pages are the bit and pieces of real life i have come to enjoy on a weekly basis as I listen to these five sisters talk about life, and their challenges and joys. Each of the five sisters are given plenty of space in the book (something that doesn't always happen on air) and a bit of family history is expalined. The topics covered are varied and range from the silly to the life changing. There is a sense that you have been welcomed into a facinating conversation. Most importantly, there is a continuing sense of loyalty, and friendship, the same feeling that keeps listeners coming back each week. Now don't think these women are namby pamby, no, each has a distinct and well expressed outlook on life and their particular place in the scheme of things. Each is well spoken and not afraid to express an opinion. But with that also comes a sense of real love and appreciation, and a recognition that each person's individuality is to be appreciated (OK, each can tease, but are quick to circle the wagon if a threat is percieved). This book manages to capture the genuine like each sister has for each other and the shared sense of community. It also encougaes the reader to seek the same, and not necessarily within family. It was a real lift to read.
Rating:
Summary: Finding "your " people
Review: I have been listening to the Satellite Sisters on NPR for awhile, and snatched this book off the shelf when I saw it. I was not disappointed. Within the pages are the bit and pieces of real life i have come to enjoy on a weekly basis as I listen to these five sisters talk about life, and their challenges and joys. Each of the five sisters are given plenty of space in the book (something that doesn't always happen on air) and a bit of family history is expalined. The topics covered are varied and range from the silly to the life changing. There is a sense that you have been welcomed into a facinating conversation. Most importantly, there is a continuing sense of loyalty, and friendship, the same feeling that keeps listeners coming back each week. Now don't think these women are namby pamby, no, each has a distinct and well expressed outlook on life and their particular place in the scheme of things. Each is well spoken and not afraid to express an opinion. But with that also comes a sense of real love and appreciation, and a recognition that each person's individuality is to be appreciated (OK, each can tease, but are quick to circle the wagon if a threat is percieved). This book manages to capture the genuine like each sister has for each other and the shared sense of community. It also encougaes the reader to seek the same, and not necessarily within family. It was a real lift to read.
Rating:
Summary: Eagerly awaiting the next book!
Review: I laughed. I cried. I rushed out and picked up 4 more books (1 for each of my sisters, and 1 for my best friend). These sisters really seem to belong in my family. Vivian (our baby) is the family story-teller, who can turn the oddest situation into an adventure which will wring laughter out of the most jaded and depressed audience around. Beth can organize any event flawlessly, and boss around anyone in her vicinity with great aplomb (except our older brother, who always would hide in a closet or bathroom when projects were afoot). And... the comparisons, stories and lists just won't stop. Thanks to these wonderful gals for reminders about the sheer fun of growing up in a huge family - and the life lessons which we acquired along the way. Makes me wonder how on earth our Mother managed to shepherd our entire brood around Europe by herself, but the answer is obvious - she was already a member of the Sisterhood!
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Summary: Sister Power!
Review: I listen to thses sisters on the radio and they crack me up. I loved reading about the lessons they learned growing up in a big family. I am one of 4 sisters and I could relate to many of the funny and moving stories in the book. Even if you haven't heard their National Public Radio show, you'll enjoy their words of wisdom and their wit. Sisters rule.
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