By: Rich Cohen
Picador (March 20, 2007)
288 pages
Want to know what it’s like to get disowned from a fabulously wealthy family? Read this. Cohen tells the remarkable story of his family – the family – that invented and still owns, Sweet and Low. In the end, I am left with a sadness for Cohen’s mom. I just want to give her a hug. Also, I am left with a profound dislike of Aunt Gladys.
One of my favorite quotes:
“The passing of the years can convince you that nothing that happened so long ago can be of much importance, but it’s a trick. It’s your adult self mocking your childhood self. Because these experiences set patterns you follow through life.”
Between this and The Fish that Ate the Whale, among many others – Rich Cohen is one of my favorite writers.