The Shared Wisdom of Mothers and Daughters

May 20, 2013
A prolific writer, interior designer, and "lifestyle philosopher", Stoddard (Things Good Mothers Know) offers 24 essays with a "wider and deeper" approach than previous books, focusing on subjects such as appreciating nature, making healthy choices about food and money, understanding the virtues of patience, and exploring the joys of being a mother and grandmother. Having moved from Manhat-tan to Connecticut, Stoddard says she has "gone back to nature," which gives her plenty of writing fodder; she keeps fresh flowers in the house, enjoys the views from her windows, and takes daily walks. Many of her themes focus on living a simple, uncluttered life. In the especially astute chapter "Know What to Look for in a Husband and What to Work Toward in a Marriage," Stoddard observes that a man should be more of a "sensualist" when he's with his wife; bringing technology to the table "â¦or, worse, to the bedroom" is insulting. Stoddard (who quite contentedly survives without email or driving a car) encourages readers to put down their technology "gadgets" when engaged in social in-teraction and live with grace and discipline. Though platitudes abound, Stoddard spices her gentle ponderings with quotes from the great thinkers she has always admired and studiedâfrom the Buddha to Malcomb Forbes. Agent: Carl Brandt

March 1, 2013
In yet another guide to enjoying the good life, Stoddard (Things Good Mothers Know, 2009, etc.) offers advice on how to grow old gracefully. Based on her own experiences--she and her husband are blessed with good health, comfortable financial circumstances, and successful daughters and grandchildren--she shares the wisdom she has accumulated over the years. The book is full of a series of platitudes--e.g., "As we make steady progress in understanding life's purpose, our lives will become deeply meaningful and fulfilling"; "Look for the cause in every effect"; "Nature teaches us that we are not in control"; "Getting organized is a wonderful accomplishment." She recommends giving back to society through charitable efforts, and she warns against gossiping or dispensing unwanted advice. She also extols the virtues of being debt-free, eating a healthy and environmentally sustainable diet, and savoring the simple pleasures of daily existence. She argues for the benefits of paying for tasks such as gardening and using a taxi service rather than owning a car. Stoddard explains how she and her daughters share life-enriching insights in dealing with thorny problems--e.g., regarding the intrusiveness of technology, her daughters turn off their cellphones during dinner, and the author schedules her time online. She also shares an experience when she and her husband coped with disappointment: After a planned trip to Paris with her daughter's family was canceled at the last moment, she and her husband swallowed their distress and popped off to Paris on their own. An annoying tone of self-congratulation pervades this disappointing collection of commonplace adages.

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