Rating: 
Summary: The kind of book for lovers of the genre
Review: A very popular, famous columnist, who is followed everyday by millions of readers, sees herself being the centre of a terrible problem: she suffers of Alzheimer disease. That's how this loving book by Barbara Delinsky begins. I like Delinsky's books because they always take me to a world that is not less real as our own, but that are at least less problematic. It's the kind of book where you see yourself bein portraited to a place where love, compassion and true feelings really happen. Of course, this woman, as well as her family, suffers a lot. But as it's the kind of book where you suffer, suffer, suffer and suffer but everything gets okay at the end, don't worry! After the fire, comes the rain. So, SHADOWS OF GRACE it's a good entertainment for the ones who like the genre. It's a soft, loving and adorable piece. Tea? Marco Aurelio.
Rating:
Summary: The kind of book for lovers of the genre
Review: A very popular, famous columnist, who is followed everyday by millions of readers, sees herself being the centre of a terrible problem: she suffers of Alzheimer disease. That's how this loving book by Barbara Delinsky begins. I like Delinsky's books because they always take me to a world that is not less real as our own, but that are at least less problematic. It's the kind of book where you see yourself bein portraited to a place where love, compassion and true feelings really happen. Of course, this woman, as well as her family, suffers a lot. But as it's the kind of book where you suffer, suffer, suffer and suffer but everything gets okay at the end, don't worry! After the fire, comes the rain. So, SHADOWS OF GRACE it's a good entertainment for the ones who like the genre. It's a soft, loving and adorable piece. Tea? Marco Aurelio.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than "A Woman's Place"
Review: Barbara Delinsky's "Shades of Grace" is much better than "A Woman's Place" ----the novel that came after "Shades" by the same author, Barbara Delinsky. But, it doesn't quite come close to the page-turning urgency of Delinsky's "Three Wishes" where you just had to read ahead in that novel (Three Wishes) to find out how things ended up. And so, this is, pretty much, my only complaint with "Shades" ----as with all Barbara Delinsky novels----again with the exception of "Three Wishes" and perhaps "The Woman Next Door"----that there is no suspense, which then also means there will be no page-turning-edge-of-your-seat quality to her books. So, Delinsky novels aren't novels that you absolutely must finish in one sitting--which works perfectly for me. I like to hold on to a novel for a while and pace myself in my reading. I felt like I spent some major time checking in with good friends day by day. This novel is about an older woman's descent into Alzheimers disease. And, how her daughter and grandaughter cope with having to be caretakers. The nice thing, is that author, Delinsky, doesn't get too technical with medical jargon. She gives you just enough so that you don't feel like you are reading a medical textbook----a frequent complaint I have with other authors who delve too deeply into advanced medical terminology, which is very strenuous on readers who are only looking for general, simple explanations in their fiction. Although, "Shades of Grace" was writtin in 1995, this novel is very timely since the main character, Grace Dorian, is an advice columnist ala "Dear Abby" who, in real life, --(Dear Abby) did have Alzheimers. The daughter then has to take over the mother's advice column, just like in real life with "Dear Abby." One thing I must point out is the very racy sex scenes, as the daughter who is overwhelmed with caring for her Alzheimers mother seeks refuge in steamy sex sessions with the mother's doctor!!! Yes, you heard correctly--- a doctor who sleeps with his patient's daughter. Delinsky was not exactly setting a very good example or even attempting to deal with the ethical issues regarding this in "Shades". Oh well, welcome to the world of fiction, and I suppose their are worse things---although there are a few brief sentences about how the physician has a few ethical concerns. Not enough to stop the daughter and physician's racy romp which gets very torrid and explicit all throughout this novel. I've given you fair warning. In the end, I guess I can forgive Delinsky for these gratuitous sex scenes. After all she did start out as a Harlequin romance writer. And, her writing is far more intelligent than, say, Fern Michaels or Belva Plain. I am simply hooked on Delinsky's intelligent and thought-provoking writing and characters that become your best friends over time, such that I can forgive any shortcomings.
Rating:
Summary: Better than "A Woman's Place"
Review: Barbara Delinsky's "Shades of Grace" is much better than "A Woman's Place" ----the novel that came after "Shades" by the same author, Barbara Delinsky. But, it doesn't quite come close to the page-turning urgency of Delinsky's "Three Wishes" where you just had to read ahead in that novel (Three Wishes) to find out how things ended up. And so, this is, pretty much, my only complaint with "Shades" ----as with all Barbara Delinsky novels----again with the exception of "Three Wishes" and perhaps "The Woman Next Door"----that there is no suspense, which then also means there will be no page-turning-edge-of-your-seat quality to her books. So, Delinsky novels aren't novels that you absolutely must finish in one sitting--which works perfectly for me. I like to hold on to a novel for a while and pace myself in my reading. I felt like I spent some major time checking in with good friends day by day. This novel is about an older woman's descent into Alzheimers disease. And, how her daughter and grandaughter cope with having to be caretakers. The nice thing, is that author, Delinsky, doesn't get too technical with medical jargon. She gives you just enough so that you don't feel like you are reading a medical textbook----a frequent complaint I have with other authors who delve too deeply into advanced medical terminology, which is very strenuous on readers who are only looking for general, simple explanations in their fiction. Although, "Shades of Grace" was writtin in 1995, this novel is very timely since the main character, Grace Dorian, is an advice columnist ala "Dear Abby" who, in real life, --(Dear Abby) did have Alzheimers. The daughter then has to take over the mother's advice column, just like in real life with "Dear Abby." One thing I must point out is the very racy sex scenes, as the daughter who is overwhelmed with caring for her Alzheimers mother seeks refuge in steamy sex sessions with the mother's doctor!!! Yes, you heard correctly--- a doctor who sleeps with his patient's daughter. Delinsky was not exactly setting a very good example or even attempting to deal with the ethical issues regarding this in "Shades". Oh well, welcome to the world of fiction, and I suppose their are worse things---although there are a few brief sentences about how the physician has a few ethical concerns. Not enough to stop the daughter and physician's racy romp which gets very torrid and explicit all throughout this novel. I've given you fair warning. In the end, I guess I can forgive Delinsky for these gratuitous sex scenes. After all she did start out as a Harlequin romance writer. And, her writing is far more intelligent than, say, Fern Michaels or Belva Plain. I am simply hooked on Delinsky's intelligent and thought-provoking writing and characters that become your best friends over time, such that I can forgive any shortcomings.
Rating:
Summary: Actually 4-1/2 stars! One of Her Best!
Review: Grace is 61 years old and at the onset of Alzheimer's. She is an advice columnist (like Dear Abbey) with a strong following and a succesful career. Her daughter and grand-daughter live with her in a big house and start noticing a change in her which they find hard to accept (I was not even aware it could happen at this young age). The book takes us through what each family member goes through, in dealing with this illness. Grace,writing things down so she doesn't forget, and trying to keep others from noticing her diminishing capacity. The same for her daughter, who has to start writing her column for her and keeping her Mom from making public appearances so that she doesn't embarrass herself and so the media and her audience won't have to know what is happening to her. The one public appearance she makes where it is noticeable to all that something is wrong is sooo sad and moving. The whole book is a moving story, and it gives us a personal insight into dealing with this problem. In true Delinsky fashion, you feel a connection with the characters in her story that you don't forget long after you finish the book. I bought copies for 2 loved ones that are in similar situations, and one for myself, to remind me of how the affected person is feeling, so I will know how to deal with it if I ever have to go through it. It is not a reference book, but there's plenty to learn here just the same. It is a wonderful story of family love, unity, support and strength, and for romance readers, there is some of that too. Barbara Delinsky knows how to tie it all together to make reading a wonderful experience. She is one of my favorite authors. I look forward to each of her books.
Rating:
Summary: Actually 4-1/2 stars! One of Her Best!
Review: Grace is 61 years old and at the onset of Alzheimer's. She is an advice columnist (like Dear Abbey) with a strong following and a succesful career. Her daughter and grand-daughter live with her in a big house and start noticing a change in her which they find hard to accept (I was not even aware it could happen at this young age). The book takes us through what each family member goes through, in dealing with this illness. Grace,writing things down so she doesn't forget, and trying to keep others from noticing her diminishing capacity. The same for her daughter, who has to start writing her column for her and keeping her Mom from making public appearances so that she doesn't embarrass herself and so the media and her audience won't have to know what is happening to her. The one public appearance she makes where it is noticeable to all that something is wrong is sooo sad and moving. The whole book is a moving story, and it gives us a personal insight into dealing with this problem. In true Delinsky fashion, you feel a connection with the characters in her story that you don't forget long after you finish the book. I bought copies for 2 loved ones that are in similar situations, and one for myself, to remind me of how the affected person is feeling, so I will know how to deal with it if I ever have to go through it. It is not a reference book, but there's plenty to learn here just the same. It is a wonderful story of family love, unity, support and strength, and for romance readers, there is some of that too. Barbara Delinsky knows how to tie it all together to make reading a wonderful experience. She is one of my favorite authors. I look forward to each of her books.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome
Review: I read this book about a year ago. It was one of the first ones that I read from this author. I laughed and I cried. How this book made me cry. It is a very touching close to home book. After reading Shades of Grace, I have continued to read books by this author. Shades of Grace continues to be one of my favorite all around books.
Rating:
Summary: Not as depressing as it sounds....
Review: Shades of Grace deals with the heartbreaking issue of a parent who developes Alzheimer's Disease. Despite how depressing that sounds, this is a sensitive and inspiring story of the lives that are changed by this tragic disease and how love and strength is gained from their struggle. You will cheer for them
Rating:
Summary: Good book!
Review: Shades of Grace tells the story of a woman battling with Alzheimer's disease. It shows a lot of her point of view, the first times that she notices something is wrong, the panic in not remembering where are you or what you are doing. It also shows how her family is affected. Overall it is very good. The facts and feelings about the disease seem to be very accurate. Recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Good book!
Review: Shades of Grace tells the story of a woman battling with Alzheimer's disease. It shows a lot of her point of view, the first times that she notices something is wrong, the panic in not remembering where are you or what you are doing. It also shows how her family is affected. Overall it is very good. The facts and feelings about the disease seem to be very accurate. Recommended!
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