Review: Losing Mum and Pup by Christopher Buckley

Synopsis:

In twelve months between 2007 and 2008, Christopher Buckley coped with the passing of his father, William F. Buckley, the father of the modern conservative movement, and his mother, Patricia Taylor Buckley, one of New York's most glamorous and colorful socialites. He was their only child and their relationship was close and complicated. Writes Buckley: "They were not - with respect to every other set of loving, wonderful parents in the world - your typical mom and dad." As Buckley tells the story of their final year together, he takes listners on a surprisingly entertaining tour through hospitals, funeral homes, and memorial services, capturing the heartbreaking and disorienting feeling of becoming a 55-year-old orphan. Buckley maintains his sense of humor by recalling the words of Oscar Wilde: "To lose one parent may be regarded as a misfortune. To lose both looks like carelessness." Just as Calvin Trillin and Joan Didion gave readers solace and insight into the experience of losing a spouse, Christopher Buckley offers consolation, wit, and warmth to those coping with the death of a parent, while telling a unique personal story of life with legends.

My Opinion:

This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever listened too. Mr. Buckley did a magnificent job recounting the life of his parents, and giving us a glimpse into who they are. It was a very emotional book, yet still funny as all get out!

I loved hearing the stories of Christopher and his father, but my favorite were the sailing stories. I really enjoyed ever chapter in this book. The way he talked of his mother with such love and was there when she passed. He shared such intimate detail in those personal moments.

Losing Mum and Pup will really make you appreciate the time you still have left with your living family. It was simply beautiful. A Must Read (or listen. My copy was Audio Book).

A Big thanks to Hachette Audio Books. You can also purchase the book online from Amazon.com