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Talk Before Sleep
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Talk Before Sleep
Author: Elizabeth Berg

Book Information
Publisher: Delta
Book Type: Paperback
Rating:

ISBN-13: 9780385318785 - ISBN-10: 0385318782
Publication Date: 10/6/1997
Pages: 224


Other Versions of this Book: Audio Cassette (Abridged), Hardcover, Audio CD (Abridged), Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD

Book Description:
What do women talk about when they know they don't have forever? They talk about what they have always talked about, only they go deeper and more honest: with outrageous humor they try to mitigate pain. Intimate and uncensored sharing, the kind of connection women prize, is at the heart of this deeply moving novel about the grit and power of female friends.



Ann and Ruth have always talked as only great friends can--honestly, and about everything: husbands and marriages, sex lives and children, their work, their hopes, their disappointments, and their dreams. For Ann, cautious and conventional, her closeness to the outspoken and eccentric Ruth brings about discovery and liberation, a chance to say whatever she wants, and, most important, under the insistent tutelage of Ruth, to become herself. Over the years, the women have shared recipes, quilting patterns, child care, delicate and dangerous secrets. Each rests secure in the knowledge that they will be friends forever. Then something happens that will change their lives forever, and the women begin to share something more profound than either of them might have predicted.



Written with an unerring ear for how women talk, laugh, and cry together, and with a gift for capturing the uniqueness of personality, Talk Before Sleep is sure to find a place in readers' hearts.

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Top Member Book Reviews

Jody M. (pj) wrote on 8/20/2006...

3 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is one of the best books I have ever read. There is so much description and detail on every page, you cannot help but transport your mind to be with them and care about what is actually happening to Ruth. If this doens't make you appreciate the friends that you do have, nothing will.

This one will make you cry..........

GingerAnn K. (ginann) wrote on 4/29/2007...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

One of the best books I have ever read. Very touching, will stick with you for a long time.

Ellen G. wrote on 7/15/2006...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Elizabeth Berg does a good job of relating how women deal with the illness, in this case cancer, of a dear friend.

Laura H. (Btrfly) wrote on 5/30/2006...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

Great, loved it. I don't think I've ever laughed and cried so much throughout a book. I will be getting more of Elizabeth Bergs books!

Ann D. (wordyone) wrote on 10/11/2005...

2 member(s) found this review helpful.

The funny, sad, bittersweet story of a woman dying of cancer and the friends who care for and support her.

Kari L. wrote on 10/28/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I found this book very engrossing, and read it in one sitting. The story of women and their relationships both with each other and the men in their lives was both touching and humorous. These are the kinds of friends you want by your side.

Be sure to have tissues handy, you will need them!

Linda S. (Ladyslott) wrote on 4/15/2009...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I found this to be a deeply moving book. It accurately portrays the power of friendship, and the way women think, and talk. The voice of the book was very true to me. The story of the dying Ruth and the friends who stay with her until the end touched my heart, and is not one I will easily forget. Keep the tissues handy you will need them. Although I cried I did not find the book manipulative in trying to elicit tears, it just felt true.

Peggy B. (PeggyDE) wrote on 9/24/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

This book is touching, sad, funny and so real.My sister died in January of cancer.and this book says so much that needs to be said to those you love-important stuff, silly stuff, laughing together.
Its a good book that touched my heart and shows true emotions, and great love.

Judy H. (hart2hart) wrote on 6/18/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

This is the story of Ruth. Of Ann. And of all of us who wonder what we'd say if we knew we didn't have forever!

Virginia K. (GinaK) wrote on 4/29/2007...

1 member(s) found this review helpful.

I cannot say enough about how much I enjoyed this book. It is sad, happy, and "real". Another winner by this author, as usual. Loved it, GinaK


Please Rate these Book Reviews

Linda M. wrote on 6/5/2009...


This is such a wonderful book. I love everything I've read from Elizabeth Berg, but this one touched me in a very personal way. I hated to see it end!

Virginia H. (holtzy) - Acampo, CA wrote on 1/15/2009...


I thought this was a very deep, very well-written book. This book takes you on a journey of true friendship as well as acceptance of inevitable circumstances. The main character has breast cancer which gives us insight into this disease which so many have had to deal with. A very tender, sad and often times funny book which delves into the wonderful friendships that women have.

Sharon G. wrote on 12/29/2008...


WOnderful book, about friends who care for a love one during her death from cancer. Humorous and touching, you will weep while you cry.

Marsha S. (AuntBee) wrote on 9/6/2008...


About the story:
The book is about two best friends (adult women) who cope with everyday life while also pondering the "bigger picture" after one is diagosed with cancer. Irreverent, some strong language, insightful to the point that you think surely (like almost all of Berg's books) this is autobiographical.

My opinion:
First of all, I am a bit prejudiced toward Elizabeth Berg in that I have loved almost all of her books. That said, this one is a favorite of mine. It is a quick read and it's a good thing because I didn't want to put it down. In my list of favorite E. Berg books, this ranks in the top three.

Terri E. (stocktonmalonefan) - Santa Clarita wrote on 7/15/2008...


A wonderful book that explores the bonds between women, even as the main character is dying of cancer. It is beautifully written, touching, heartrending and at times I caught myself laughing out loud. All of us should have a group of friends like the women in this book. I finished it in two days and highly recommend it.

Joey S. (Joey) wrote on 3/16/2007...


Another winner by Berg. Good, insightful writer.

Michelle D. wrote on 3/15/2007...


I could NOT put this book down!

Debbie T. wrote on 11/18/2006...


This was a really sad book

Connie W. wrote on 11/6/2006...


Very compelling book - couldn't put it down.

Jeanne M. (luvs2read) wrote on 10/7/2006...


Very moving.


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