Rating: 
Summary: A deeply moving account of personal loss
Review: A delicately, sensitive account of the pain suffered by close relatives of Alzheimers' sufferers. Nancy's first-hand experience imbues her writing with authenticity. Reading her account of the gradual loss of her parents to this horrible disease helped me deal with my own grief in losing my father to Alzheimers. It is so important to know that others have experienced the very same emotions that we have - emotions that are so difficult to put into words. However, it is not all gloom as she manages to inject humour and the joy of life's simplest pleasures into her account. I resonated with every word and I am sure that this little book will help many, many others.
Rating:
Summary: Life, Death and Butterflies
Review: At last a book that deals with death with humor, compassion and understanding. The conversational style captured my attention and held it much longer than previous and more academic books I had read on the subject. Halfway through the book I copied a quote and sent it to my minister. As I continued reading I realized I would have to send the whole book to him, since I knew that he would appreciate its refreshing and enlightening style and views. He surely would find much of the material useful to him in his work. I will always be grateful I found this book, if for no other reason than because now I know that soul and butterfly are one and the same in the ancient Greek language. How wonderful it is to always have that feeling of hope, wonder and joy whenever I see a butterfly. Thank you, Ms. Cobb, for that.
Rating: 
Summary: Part of the Tribe
Review: I found the galley for this book in my office and was struck by the title; reminiscient of words my mother used before she died.I read the book in one sitting; sun bathing on the roof while being reminded of images I had cast away of my parents death some 12 years apart. The chapter entitled, "Macaroni and Butterflies" hit home with such intentesity, tears and instant recognition that the visiting, playful butterfly that lingered at my fingertips like none before and none since, at the then unknown hour of may father's death, was in fact not him saying goodbye but my mother gleefully letting me know he was with her. Thank you for offering such a warm way to talk about life, loss and loved ones. I see the book as a gift for friends facing death and loss and a potential way to have them think about how to begin acceptance and the final conversation.
Rating: 
Summary: In Lieu of reading this book ...
Review: I have to say that when I began reading this book, I thought it was going to get to the heart of the sorrow, guilt, concern, fears and worries of having just been the primary caregiver for my mom during her short week of home hospice care and witnessing her death in person. But I soon realized that this author was so self-absorbed with her desire to use flowery words and name-drop that there wouldn't be much substance here. And there wasn't. Other than learning that her mom died peacefully in a hospice facility listening to music performed by a "famous" musician (I'm glad to know that someone had a peaceful hospice experience), I didn't walk away with any comfort. Maybe instead of purchasing In Lieu of Flowers (the book) we should all just make monetary donations to our favorite charity, as I believe the money would be better spent that way.
Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Book
Review: I read IN LIU OF FLOWERS shortly after my father died. A year later, I'm still feeling its positive effects. The book helped me put the loss of this beautiful person -- who was also my best friend -- in perspective. Nancy Cobb is a narrator who approaches a tough subject with love, humor and wisdom. The result is a life-affirming, and life-changing, book.
Rating:
Summary: Death Hit Me Like a Train
Review: I really hadn't had much experience with death, until one of my closest friends died unexpectedly. Not long after that, my mother died, and a couple of years later, my father. It felt as though a train had hit me. I was devistated for quite a while, and found Nancy Cobb's book to be very comforting. She writes with empathy, humor and understanding - like talking with a good friend. It's about life as much as it is about death, and I highly reccommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Compelling and Above Average
Review: I really liked ths book overall. It has, in fact, made me realize the importance of each and every day, and I am not yet actually dealing with the death of a loved one. It made me cry many times but also laugh. The most well-written part of the book is the snippets from other sources. The author did a good job of finding appropriate and compellinig text to quote. My only complaint is that the author alienated me by the "name-dropping" and almost constant presence of "sucessful" people. Nearly everyone is a successful writer, artisist, etc. It's tough because it's not overtly an attempt to impress but rather perhaps just a part of the author's life honestly. I just wish that, for example, when the architect son finally gains recogntion from his dying father(yet another successful artist), Cobb had left out the part that the home had appeared in a national magazine. You know? Just kind of alienates you. Aside from that ever present irritation, it was a good book that was quite thoughtful.
Rating:
Summary: About time
Review: It's about time someone with intelligence, passion and even humor addresses death, dying and those who must cope with both. It is readable, enlightening and comforting. To a person, those I know who've read it, are soothed. The stories ring true, and because they do, they are a help for the inevitable. Kudos to Ms. Cobb!
Rating:
Summary: Words that go straight to the heart & soul
Review: My Mother was not only my Mother but my very best friend. July 24, 2002 will mark the 3rd anniversary of her departure from this life. After she passed away, I saw Nancy Cobb on an AM news program, I believe it was on CBS, and she was talking about her book, In Lieu of Flowers. I purchased it and read it all in one day and found it to be just what I needed at that time. It touched my heart & soul. I have read many times since then as for me, it has helped me deal with my ongoing grieving process for my loss...my Mother who was my best friend. As well, I have loaned it to close friends who have also suffered the loss of a loved one.
Rating:
Summary: A perfect gift to be given, beautifully written.
Review: Nancy Cobb's book is a most beautifully written manuscript that I have given, again and again, to family and friends who are experiencing a loss in their lives. I keep several on my bookshelf always, which is what prompts this review today -- I need to reorder. It should also be noted that the cover of In Lieu of Flowers is absolutely exquisite. I often put a care package together for someone, placing this book on top in a basket, because of the emotion/sentiment it provides from me to the person in mourning.
| 
