Book Reviews of Too Close to the Falls

Sometimes amusing and touching, this book offers an in-depth look at the often atypical 50's childhood of an exceptional girl. But it's a period piece that lacks heart, and came across to me as calculated rather than genuinely heartwarming. Worse, some pieces, especially the final chapter or two, sounded unreal, more like fanciful imaginings or events remembered and filtered through the haze of intervening years and experience.

This book was a real hoot. Those who grew up during the 50's and early 60's would take a walk down memory lane. She mentioned things that I had not thought of in years, since I grew up during that time. If you want to read a funny book, then read this.

I've added this to my favorite all-time reads list.

Brilliant memoir of an unusual and enjoyable childhood!

Meh . . . this book was okay. I have read several reviews where this was compared to The Glass Castle - I wouldn't agree. This book was "kinder and gentler" than that - and it's certainly no Augusten Burroughs, so if that's what you're looking for here, you're not going to find it. Cathy has typical 50's parents - mom stays home and volunteers, dad works every day at a drugstore he owns in a small town - it's really more "her" that seems out of place (she admits herself that today she would be classified as ADHD.) A central theme in the book are her daily antics at parochial school . . . I'm not Catholic, and even though I found the reflections somewhat amusing, I don't think I identified with them as much as someone who has been through a parochial school background would. If you like reading about small towns in the 50's, this book would be for you. I wouldn't necessarily pick up another title from this author.

I loved this book so much I bought ten more copies and gave them to friends.
I wish she'd write more.