Customer Reviews
Jan 11-2010
My husband and I have been reading "Out of the Wreckage" (aloud) to each other. Last night we read the last page...........wow. Barb is a woman who knows how to touch the heart, tell the truth, and make us laugh. We both appreciate her words and for telling Pop's story.
Those few words don't come close to expressing the impact her book had on us. She has that rare ability to weave humor, tears, and frankness into a story we all need to know because [sometime] we will all be in similar positions. However, not everyone has someone in their life to give the love, care, and tenderness she gave to Pop. Thus, she offered a benchmark for us all.
Linda Johnson in France
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09/10/2009
I just wanted to take a moment and tell you how much I am enjoying your Pop's book.
It's so honest and open and heartfelt -- and such a loving tribute.
Thank you so much for writing this, I know it must be a great comfort to so many people around the world, and reminds me of taking care of my own mother-in-law!
Your humor and love abounds.
Karla K. Morton
2010 Texas Poet Laureate
Marilyn Stacy, writer, poet, Dallas psychotherapist
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I finished the book. It’s not a happy ending, I knew that. You brought life to your Pop by writing the book, it is really good. Not sure I like the feelings of losing my mother in law being brought up again, tho, I have that empty feeling now. The experience with Hospice was relived for me, almost exactly how it was with her, having to tell her it is ok to go, the final steps etc.
The book is a good tool all children with parents in nursing homes or care facilities to read. You did a remarkable job!!
Thanks,
Maridel Hick
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OUT OF THE WRECKAGE: The Pop Stores is the First Place Winner of the February Readers Choice Award at AmazonClicks! http://amazonclicks.com/index.html
That's a lot of votes--makes me feel good. It is also gratifying to me as the author when people tell me they're buying more copies of my book to give to friends and family --that's how much they enjoyed and/or identified with the characters or situations. I know one man who has already bought ten copies to pass along! High praise indeed.
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I completely related to this story
31 Jan 2009
The Pop Stories took me back to 1953. After my Dad died, my Mom thought she would die anytime, and since she had really awful "back sessions" that made her an invalid every other month, I was in exactly the same position Barbara was. She lived only a mile from me, so I was there every day. The book made me laugh (ruefully at times), and I do think men are more likely to be difficult to care for. My husband's last few years were hard on me because he didn't have any hobbies. Anyway, I'm rambling. Just really wanted to say this is a Neat book, and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Joan Rodgers
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15 Aug 2009
Barb--- last nite I started your book and didn't put it down until I was done! Only had 1 bathroom break! It was wonderful-- I enjoyed it so much and I feel that I knew your Father-in-Law just through your writing. And... you are a SAINT in my opinion. Lots of emotions were set up reading your book...laughter, smiles, tears.
Mary L in WI
21 Nov 2008
Well, just as I knew would happen, once I started the book I couldn't put it down. Like everyone else, I was laughing one minute and crying the next. I read the book while I flew across country and people sitting around me on the plane kept giving me surreptitious looks. I would just wiggle the book at them and go back to reading.
She's an entertaining story teller and we all felt so involved in their lives when Barb would talk about Pop! I just know it's going to be a six star-rated book. We're going to hear more from Barb Blanks! Barb has a real talent for story telling. I can't wait to read her next book.
Kayo
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12 Nov 2008
Out of the wreckage comes a wonderful memoir of a budding relationship between Barb & Pops. Taking over the care of an elderly parent is time consuming and Barb made the experience fun for her and fun for her father-in-law even though the outcome wasn't as she expected. We all have a "Pop" in our lives. Barbara, your writing style kept me wanting to read more and you brought me to tears many times and I laughed out loud over the little things that Pop did as I could relate them to my Grandfather. You have a gift for writing--you bring the characters back to life and that's the way it should be. I feel as though I always knew John and I will always cherish the memories of Pop. Congratulations on a WONDERFUL first book. I hope that you'll write another Best Seller.
Libby Krueger
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11 Nov 2008
I'm going to share this book with all my friends who have elderly parents and are caretakers or will be caretakers in the future. It's going to make a great Christmas gift for many.
Reading the book was just as riveting as those emails over those long months and even though I knew how it ended I sobbed as I read those last few pages. I hope you're still finding nickels Barb.
Ms. Fitz
The Pop Stories are a must read--
11 Nov 2008
I was giggling one minute, and sniffling with teary eyes the next. Barb has a way of making you feel like you're right there, and it seemed she had good insight into Pop's feelings.
I didn't want it to end and I find myself thinking about Pop, Barb, John, and the residents of Mayberry often. It's quite a lesson in compassion and patience.
Gail Ramirez
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4 Nov 2008
I am almost done, and don't want it to end. Barbara has such a way of telling a story, brings you into the moment, makes you laugh out loud, and cry. This book is a must read. It is about life.
Joan
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5 Nov 2008
I am done. I called Barb yesterday to tell her how much I loved the book and didn't want to finish it. I SOBBED through the last pages. I now have watermarks on my book without using a Versamark pad! I even went to Google and looked for Mayberry Gardens and now have a visual to put with the book. For those of you who have not purchased the book yet, I recommend that you do. It is a book that shares the true spirit of our fellow friend and stamper, St. Flossie. I certainly think Barb has found her calling. I am looking forward to the next book!!! Barb.....thanks for sharing your life with us, for sharing Pop, and John, Charlie, your Mom, and the rest of the family. Pop was a good Pop, and I know he is smiling down on you. You have made him proud.
Joan binkyman
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Nov 5, 2008
This is a wonderful compilation of notes posted to a list...a condensed form of something many of us read as it unfolded.
Well worth reading and very timely for those of us with elderly parents.
Vyx Deloy
4 Nov 2008
Looking for a book that will entertain you as well as teach you life lessons? This one will do that and more. I laughed out loud and sobbed into crumpled tissues, while I stayed up too late to finish the book in one reading. Barb has written a story that comes from the heart; it will stay in your heart long after you've read it.
Jhone Messinger-Dickson
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2 Nov 2008
I laughed, I cried, I peed.
As one who has cared for aging and dieing parents myself, I found this book to be a refreshingly honest look at the love and, yes, humor, that is to be found at the end of life...as well as the pain, heartbreak and indignity.
I recommend this book to anyone who is going through, or who has gone through the end of life with a parent or loved one. It makes a great gift for people who have already been through it...I've purchased several copies for just that purpose.
Janet Jasper
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2 Nov 2008
Barbara Blanks has an amazing ability to tell true stories of "Pop" with unique humor, at times frustration, yet always compassion.
I often read books too fast. For this book I slowed, read every word.
Hope to read more from Barbara.
Jan Salter
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28 Oct 2008
A must read for every adult child who is, has or will care for their elderly parent. While I enjoyed all of Barb's emails as the events originally occurred and like others learned to love "Pop" and admire her humorous writing style, it wasn't until now, when I find myself in the same situation, that I truly appreciate that humor, her honesty,and their struggle. By the sharing of her true feelings and experiences in this book, it has allowed me to laugh and cry as I relate to her and "POP" and know that it is okay and I am not the only one who has, had or will have the same feelings. Excellent book written from the heart with love.
Thank you Barb!
Stampinkay
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A Real Charmer
28 Oct 2008
This book is such a wonderful mix of humor and the hard facts of a life near it's end. I found myself unable to put it down and smiling through my tears. Like Pop would charm everyone around him, this book will charm it's readers.
Holly Young