Breaking Out of Bedlam

Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you have to wear pastels and look like an Easter egg, it doesn’t mean that you need to be treated like a child, and doesn’t mean you can’t fall in love. Cora Sledge, at age 82, is moved from her home to an assisted living facility against her will by her children. While there she starts a journal documenting her life both past and present. There are a lot of humorous observations about being old, and the way people treat seniors, especially in the beginning of the book. We learn Cora’s closely held secrets from her past, and watch her fall head over heels in love with one of the residents much to her children’s dismay. While the story line is rather predictable, Cora is a fully show more developed character that you really get to know and cheer on every step of the way (even when she’s wrong). show less

Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you have to wear pastels and look like an Easter egg, it doesn’t mean that you need to be treated like a child, and doesn’t mean you can’t fall in love. Cora Sledge, at age 82, is moved from her home to an assisted living facility against her will by her children. While there she starts a journal documenting her life both past and present. There are a lot of humorous observations about being old, and the way people treat seniors, especially in the beginning of the book. We learn Cora’s closely held secrets from her past, and watch her fall head over heels in love with one of the residents much to her children’s dismay. While the story line is rather predictable, Cora is a fully show more developed character that you really get to know and cheer on every step of the way (even when she’s wrong). show less

3.5 stars

Cora is upset with her children (one daughter and two sons), because they’ve contrived behind her back to get her into an assisted living home. She doesn’t want to be there; she wants to be at home with her dog Lulu. She was given a notebook, so she starts writing in it. Via this notebook, the reader learns about Cora’s life – both currently, and the life she lived to this point. One positive thing to come out of this, though: in the home, she meets a new man. But, she still wants to go home!

This was good. Cora was feisty and I (mostly) liked her. She sure had some troubles, though. I also felt really bad for her, for multiple reasons, past and present. I loved Marcos, who worked in the home and watched over Cora. He show more was fun! show less

Authentic character voice. Very well-written and a page turner.

An 82 year old woman is forced into assisted living by her children and she's almost ready to give up. Her granddaughter gives her a blank book and she decides to write about her situation and also about her past life. The result is a tight storyline in the present and a reflective look at her past life. The story is told with humor in short, easy to read chapters. It was a quick, different and engaging read. I'd highly recommend it to women of middle-age and above.

A fun read, something a little different. A lesson that the elderly are no different than anyone else, although with luck, they take life a little less seriously.

What a wonderful book!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story of the fictional character Cora Sledge and her journey from victimization to survivor. What a triumph!