| Submit a Review |
REVIEWS
By anonymous, July 15, 2011
I read a great book. I am not a book reviewer by nature. I do love to read but, with life the way it is in our household right now, I don't have much opportunity to read for pleasure. I am usually studying about what or how to teach a particular subject to my kids. Or I am researching a topic for someone (usually myself, my husband or helping one of the kids). Then of course there is the time I should be reading my bible. Well, an aunt of mine posted on Face Book about a book that one of her cousins wrote about her childhood. She said it was good. I was intrigued. She is family and she is writing about my family-some I know -some I don't. I would love to know more about. I was really thinking it was going to be more about family history. A little genealogy. I even e-mailed my aunt to ask her about the book. She said it was interesting to her because she knew everyone and it was what was going on when she was growing up. But, maybe not so interesting to me, or someone that didn't know everyone one.
Well,..... Sorry Aunt Feda to say you were not right. I loved the book. My husband really loved hearing the stories. He even said he wanted to read it when I was done and he doesn't really read those kind of books. Yes, there were people I knew the names (my mom was mentioned once) but, the story and the heroism in the book brought such intense emotions. I was struck by the theme of gratitude in the book. The joyful way she wrote about such difficult events and topics that was her life. Her life was anything but, rich and happy in the way you and I look at it. The mother in this story encouraged me to be a better mom. One that doesn't complain so much. One that doesn't get discouraged by such trivial things. This mom didn't know the meaning of ME time. She devoted her whole life to the care of her children. This isn't a sappy, sacrifice yourself for all of those around you to be a great person. It is a sacrifice yourself for the furthering of others and yourself will be furthered in the end. "But, many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then." Matthew 19:30 NLT(For my purest family. "But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first." KJV)
This book is a MUST read for those of us struggling with what it is God is doing in our life and why he isn't trusting us with so much more. Beware if you buy the book and don't tell me, you may be getting one for Christmas. I liked it that much. And beware of the effect in your daily life it may have on you. You may suddenly look at your life and those around you much differently. As well as, you may suddenly want to do some mission work. Local or far away. There are many here that really need help. Food, blankets, sweaters, water, a bible, etc. What would have been different for the family in the book if more had participated in their well being? How many DID participate in the help and care of them? This is actually how a village helps to raise a child.
Please take the time to read this inexpensive little paperback book and let me know how it effected you. And First cousin once removed Paula Grizzell DeMarini, what a fantastic perspective you have. Your willingness to right kindly about unkind things and people was amazing. You have a gift for saying things in a joyful manner. I hope I can learn and be so kind.
By Carl Mitchell, July 9, 2011
As I read the "Five Thimbles" by Paula Grizzell DeMarini, I literally
could not put her book down. In a time of economic crisis with
virtually no help from an absent husband, her mother Ruth so raised her five children that they became persons of faith, character and self esteem. I saw many parallels with Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search For Meaning." As a Psychology professor for 46 years at two American Universities, I featured Frankl's insistance that what has true value is not wealth, power, or possessions; but to have meaning for which one would give his/her life. My guess is that Ruth's children felt pity for their peers who were not members of a loving family. If I were still teaching, I would add "Five Thimbles" to my required reading list. Frankl discovered how to win over adversity in a concentration camp. The "Five Thimbles" discovered how to win over adversity through the example and teaching of "Coach Ruth!."
By Janna, June 9, 2011
Five Thimbles is a heartwarming book that will make you laugh and cry. In many ways it reminds me of Jeanette Walls' memoir, but this very well written memoir does not have the vulgarity and profanity that is found in The Glass Castle. Curse words are not found in this writing. A mother can easily recommend Five Thimbles to her child in hopes that the child gets a view of being raised with very little material possessions and the absence of a father, but still accomplishing much in this life. Paula DeMarini tells her story with a tone that makes you feel you are sitting next to her at the coffee shop and you will want to sit there all day hearing more stories about her family! The admiration for Mother will stir mothers to try harder to be positive and encouraging, counting every blessing!
By Mary, June 8, 2011
A wonderful, touching, true story of a family who held it together, through the roughest of times, by the help of their mother and her genuine love for God and her family. Living in Tennessee during the 50's Paula's family endured hardship that most of us have never faced. If you need courage to face tough battles with grace and faith, this book will inspire you to hang on. A mother of five takes on her fate with never a complaint or sign of discouragement. With rarely her husband to help, she raises the kids on the barest of material possessions. With her faith in God, the help of her extended family and the cheerful attitude of her children, she was able to overcome her circumstances without bitterness or hate. You will definitely want to put it on your summer reading list.
By Ann, June 7, 2011
It's all about a mother's love: dedication to her children; sacrifices made; joy in the simple things; laughter in the midst of trials; strength of family; lessons on the truly important things in life. A story of servanthood at its finest. It's all about a daughter's love: a wonderful tribute that indeed brings honor to an unbelievable lady. It makes me wish I could have known her.
By Reading Fanatic, May 26, 2011
This was a really sweet, heartwarming memoir about a struggling family in the 1950's and 1960's. The author tells about her childhood and young adulthood living a nomadic sort of life in Tennessee as her family faced eviction after eviction. Her mother pulled all 5 of her children through many difficult circumstances with faith and love. When I put myself in the author's mother's shoes (being a mother myself), I am amazed that she did not buckle under but persevered. The story of this tight-knit family was encouraging to me, and I appreciated how they found humor in their situations. This book makes me want to be a better mother and to cherish my family, so I highly recommend adding it to your summer reading list.
By Alexander, May 18, 2011
In telling this truly remarkable story, the author brings any reader right into the often barren and cold living rooms of all 25 houses she and her four siblings inhabited throughout her first 18 years. This well-written book has a character all its own which can be described as exceptionally courageous and inspiring. This was truly a joy to read as you often wish there were more to each chapter, very cleverly titled not by chapter numbers, but by the sequentially inhabited streets of the dilapidated houses the family tried to make a home. Simply stated, this is a must-read.
By Daughter of an Artist, May 16, 2011
The sweet, admirable way in which Paula portrays her childhood to adulthood is practical, easily read, and most importantly identifiable by any reader. The love of family and the belief that where we came from seems to be the most important step toward creativity for survival and success in our adult lives. Five Thimbles by Paula DeMarini is wonderfully described journey and will grip your heart. While we do not choose the circumstances into which we are born, Paula gives us a brilliant glimpse of what life looks through our memories. At the same time, the book leads us to a chosen and better way to get to where we want to go as adults. The book is a memoir, a meritorious reminder of the one who carried and loved us first, our mother. In other families, perhaps is was a father who led the way. Regardless, Paula creates a picture of nurturing and encourages reflections from an honest vantage point. All said, Paula will help you to remember your own childhood - well worth this great read!
