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cover
3.5 

Title: Sleeping Arrangements
Authors: Cunningham, Laura Shaine
Genre: Non Fiction
Pages: 240
Year: 2000
Language: English
Description: A humorous memoir about growing up. Adopted by her two eccentric bachelor uncles after her mother's death, the author describes growing up in an unorthodox, but happy, Bronx household during the 1950s.

Comments from Groups:

Everyone really enjoyed 'Sleeping Arrangements'. We found the characters extremely engaging - the Uncles' characters were delightful, as was the grandmother. It was a little disturbing in the early stages, but would highly recommend. Dunedin 012

Everyone thought this book was interesting, but felt much of it was 'made up" or a figment of the author's imagination. Nevertheless, all enjoyed it. Waiheke 001

Most found the book very enjoyable; an amazing and different childhood to any we have experienced. The writing style was excellent - we would all like to know more about Laura's life, and will endeavour to read more of her books. A very lively discussion as always! Queenstown 005

Everyone enjoyed this beautifully told memoir. We had a good discussion about Lily's sexual encounters as a youngster and the way they were described. Some of us thought this aspect far-fetched and not quite believable. Others thought it totally believable. What warmth and affection shines from this book! Auckland 133

There was a mixed reaction to this book. Some found it quite entertaining with some wry humour, but others felt it was an unlikely recall of a small girl's memory, and so was in part augmented by her imagination rather than reality. Taupo 006

Quirky, and a delightful light read. Nelson 051

Categories: Non fiction, Biography, USA

Reviews

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By: MAST 004 2023-07-26 11:17:58
3 
Unnecessarily descriptive in places, but with comic interludes to lighten the darkness of a very unusual childhood.

By: DUNED 019 2022-05-06 12:47:26
4 
Most members of our group enjoyed this book. We appreciated the eccentricity of the characters and the warmth of the relationships.

By: WANG 009 2022-01-31 14:46:08
3 
We found it quite disturbing - her childhood 'games' with her friends had such sexual overtones for such young children! What a fabulous relationship she had with her uncles, but we felt it was dismissed by the abrupt ending. What happened to their relationship after she went to college Is she still close to them etc.

By: DOYLE 001 2022-01-31 14:38:57
3.5 
Mixed reaction. Most enjoyed it, especially the uncles. Some felt the precocious children were exaggerated.

By: NGARB 001 2022-01-31 14:35:49
4 
An easy read which everyone enjoyed, and the discussion was interesting.

By: NORTH 002 2022-01-31 14:34:59
4.5 
A great book enjoyed by all who read it.

By: HAMIL 001 2022-01-31 14:33:54
4.5 
Really enjoyed the book! All very positive comments.

By: NELS 021 2022-01-31 14:32:57
4.5 
A popular good read!! Fascinating insight to the 1950s through the eyes of a not so innocent 5 year old. Great discussion book. We all enjoyed it!

By: WHITBY 002 2022-01-31 14:29:50
4 
Very enjoyable with laugh out loud moments. Covered serious issues , but written in a light, entertaining style. Great portrait of a loving, caring and supportive family.

By: TEAWA 001 2022-01-31 14:27:46
5 
Wonderful story - warm - the 2 uncles endearing!

By: AMBER 002 2022-01-31 14:26:25
3 
Some were enthusiastic, others not so. Some parts were funny, some sad. Good discussion.

By: AUCK 256 2021-09-20 15:50:36
3.5 
Mixed reaction to this book. Enjoyable and the characters were interesting but found it hard to believe that the author could recall so much from childhood.

 
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