Smorgasbord Book Promotions – Book Review – #Parents #Grief – Ok, Little Bird by Deena Goldstein

I recently featured Deena Goldstein and her memoir Ok, Little Bird and today I am sharing my review for this heartwarming celebration of her relationship with her father.

About the book

In the world of Little Bird, three siblings experience the same father differently. Navigating stringent rules, cantankerous family dinners, unfiltered commentaries, and lots of love, OK, Little Bird takes the reader on a bouncy ride from laughter to tears.

Everything is funny till a seemingly invincible father succumbs to a terminal illness amidst the Covid19 pandemic. Little Bird sets out to make things ok for her father one last time. Through a lifetime of wry banter, voicemails, letters and bad gifts, fly with Little Bird as she learns that even in the worst of times, the gem of laughter is the best coping tool of all.

My review for the book February 4th 2023

This is a loving tribute to a father who throughout his life created strict rules to live by, not just for himself but his growing family. The youngest of three children, Deena was the apple of his eye and got away with a great deal more than her older brother and sister, much to their disgust on occasion, although it is clear they too were dearly loved. Even as a young baby, Deena was fearless and could change his mood in seconds with a direct and amusing way that charmed him into laughter.

Horses and all things western were her father’s go to environment and this included dressing the part and spending any free time at the stables with a succession of much loved companions. He invited Deena into this world much to her joy, and this was a pattern that was repeated over the rest of his life in his business and at home.

After a series of life-challenging diseases, the close family relationship becomes fragmented as ‘Marc’ moves into a group home and Covid restrictions result in lack of physical contact. However, the author finds some ingenious ways to keep her father upbeat even if it is through a pane of glass.

We are given an invitation to enjoy this relationship between a daughter and her father through the years and whilst it is clear ‘Marc’ has a somewhat rigid approach to life and family, beneath the gruff exterior is a warm, funny and loving individual.

The author has a wonderful easy writing style and shares the anecdotes from her father’s life with charm and honesty which showcases her father’s rather quirky approach to life beautifully.

There are some laugh out loud moments and some that bring back memories of the grief felt at the passing of a parent that require a tissue alert. It is heartwarming and a perfect tribute to a long and rich life. Recommended especially to those who miss that bond they shared with their own father.

Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US – Amazon UK

About Deena Goldstein

Award-winning multimedia artist and former stand-up comedian Deena Goldstein pens her debut memoir “OK, Little Bird”. Deena’s artwork has been featured in solo and collective exhibitions, receiving numerous honors for her original acrylics. Now “Little Bird” shares the unique, irreverent and touching relationship with her quirky, loveable cowboy father. Deena’s flair for humor and all things offbeat makes this book a memorable debut.

Connect to Deena Goldstein: Amazon US – And: Amazon UK –  Follow Deena Goldstein: Goodreads – Website: Deena’s Art – Facebook: Deena Goldstein – LinkedIn: Deena Goldstein – Instagram: @artdee710

 

Thanks for dropping in today and I hope you will head over to buy Deena’s book.. Sally.