We Are All Welcome Here: A Novel

I am an Eliizabeth Berg fan and have read,I think all of her books. When I read the author's note I knew this would be somewhat different. Berg has made a wonderful book from the life of Pat Raming as told by her daughter Marianne Raming Burke. This is a book that will remain with me for sometime.It was impossible to put down once I started, it was over far too soon. I thank Ms Berg once again for ability to tell a story and involve the hearts of her readers.

This was a wonderful book! Elizabeth Berg has done it again with a fascinating story about a an adult woman polio survivor, her adolescent daughter, and her housekeeper/friend. She provided some thought provoking issues regarding the difficulties encountered by a single mother that is handicapped, the responsibilities of a child to a parent and vice versa, and how sometimes "family" comes in the form of someone not related by blood. This was one of those books that made you feel that you know the characters. I was sorry when the book came to an end. I highly recommend it!

I just finished listening to this book, and I was blown away. The story was very engrossing, and the character of Peacie was witty and added humor to the overall serious nature of the book. I loved listening to the reader voice the various characters- she did an excellent job and I wondered which actress it was. It turns out the reader was Elizabeth Berg herself! I can't say enough how much I enjoyed this book. It was a breath of fresh air. There are so many parallels between the various characters, and the story is deep even though told from the point of view of a 13-year-old girl (now grown up). I 100% recommend it, especially if you are going to listen to it.

If you are a fan of Elizabeth Berg books, then you know you are in for an emotional ride. This novel doesn't disappoint ~ I wasn't able to put it down. It opened up with a note from the author, how a fan had written to her an requested she write the story of her mother's life. Berg immediately didn't want to commit to such a task, but after learning more about this amazing woman's mother, she agreed and said it would be a fictional account. The result is amazing. Paige Dunn is married and pregnant. She is diagnosed with Polio and delivers her baby, Diana, in an iron lung. Paige lives in the lung for three years; her husband leaves her and after that time in the hospital, she is able to return home to the care of two caregivers in order to raise her daughter, as best as she is able. The time is 1964 and the story is set in Tupelo, MS. The plot is woven with civil rights, sweepstakes and an Elvis surprise in the ending is a twist! Diana is thirteen when the story opens and in her forties by the end of the book. The novel is a testament to a lovely, beautiful woman, Paige Dunn, and her strong will to live her life as it is (she can only move her head) and raise her daughter, whom she loves so much. The title is significant because it touches on several characters in the book. WE ARE ALL WELCOME HERE had me absorbed from page one. I urge you to read it and be moved too!

A heartwarming story. I learned interesting things in this book. For example, one of the main characters had polio and can only move her head...however, she can feel everything! I didn't know that was possible! So, not only do you learn a little, you are entertained by a wonderful story about friendship, parenting, the race problems of the 60's, and of coarse...growing up. What's not to love? This is a book that's rather short, but not short in it's story. Sometimes just as you learn about the characters the story ends. Not in this case. Berg did a good job letting us know the characters and finishing the book up in a way we feel content. I don't think you'll waste your time at all!!