Reviews for He is Walking Wider
“There is something very New York about this fine collection by Ellen Pober Rittberg. There’s humor and social witness. But what sticks is the quickness of perception—particularly in the quirky and wise observations the poet draws from the imposing plethora of experience that life in a busy metropolis can be. Koan-like images are massaged out of the cacophony that only a tried and true denizen of New York can execute, one who pays close attention to everything while seeming to not pay any attention. In “Subway Poses,” for example, Rittberg delivers incisive snapshots gathered with a “street-smart” aplomb. This imagistic skill—the ability to find character in the smallest perceptual detail—takes on its truest force in her intimate family poems. Poems for father, mother, child, all are imbued an emotional honesty and fullness cannot fail to win the willing reader’s heart.”
“In He Is Walking Wider, Ellen Rittberg’s inventive new collection of poems, we get a marvelous array of sensations and perspectives, a big Whitman spirit in short Creeley lines. In fresh, vital language, the poems explore passages from one stage to another, one era to another. Something’s lost, Rittberg seems to say, but something’s gained. In the collection’s most recent poem, the poet wonders if we’ve entered a tunnel without end. If that’s the case, I’m glad we have poets like Rittberg to provide some illumination in the darkness.”
“The poems in He Is Walking Wider are filled with astute attention to the details of everyday life that resonate with and caress the heart. Written tenderly, the poems sing lustily, with shades of Whitman making appearances along with visitations from the likes of Fernando Botero and Peter Lorre. Whether enjoying the Waldeinsamkeit of the forest, contemplating the array of fellow riders on a NYC subway, sharing her adventures with online dating, or ending her marriage, Rittberg shares her observations with insight and humor. These are poems filled with celebration, wit, love, and pluck, and I highly recommend the collection.”
Reviews for Why is Grandma Naked? Caring for Your Aging Parent
“Why is Grandma Naked? Caring for Your Aging Parent by Ellen Pober Rittberg is a hilarious book about a no-nonsense subject. Packed with wise and wonderful insight about the challenges of caring for your parents, we are also treated to real-life examples experienced by the author and her Mom. By graciously sharing these stories, she shares a clear picture of life as a family caregiver. Not only are we given great tips and strategies, but we are also reminded that by keeping our sense of humor, anything is possible.“”
“Why is Grandma Naked? is a humorous self-help book for family caregivers with a positive ‘you can do this’ tone. [You will] Gain an appreciation for your own funny ‘you can’t make these things up’ moments.”
“With a ‘real world’ DIY practicality, “Why is Grandma Naked?: Caring for Your Aging Parent” is expertly written and thoroughly ‘user friendly’ in organization and presentation, making it essential reading for anyone having to care for an aging parent — especially when they are having to deal with dementia and other health issues associated with the aging process. While highly and unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that “Why is Grandma Naked?: Caring for Your Aging Parent” is also available in a digital book format.”
“‘Why is Grandma Naked?’ written by Ellen Rittberg is that rare book that can make you laugh and cry at the same time. Filled with depth yet peppered with a sense of humor, it may just be the book you need if you’re on the journey of caring for your aging parents.”
“I love this book and how this difficult situation is presented in a light and humorous way yet it touches on all the needs and issues of both the aging family member and the caregiver.”
“ Why is Grandma Naked? takes a difficult, often emotional topic—the care of aging parents—and renders it approachable, even humorous. For anyone needing support on this particular journey, I recommend Ellen Rittberg’s book! ”
“Caring for a loved one can be a difficult and/or rewarding experience. This book is full of practical great advice to avoid common pitfalls and prevent being overwhelmed. The suggestions are just as useful for someone who will recuperate as for someone on the decline.”
“With a generous spirit, Ellen Rittberg has written a hilarious how-to-manual for surviving (and even thriving) while caring for your parents in their last days. A must-read for keeping perspective and making it through this challenging stage of life with your sanity intact.”
“Written with wisdom, empathy, humor and compassion, this comprehensive, touching book is a “must read” for everyone, and it contains great insights. It covers every base of caregiving of the elderly ill. It also offers a blueprint for the aging process and how to manage it with wisdom, humor, compassion and the soundest practical advice based on her experience as a caregiver for her mother who was afflicted with dementia.”
Reviews for 35 Things Your Teen Won’t Tell You, So I Will
“This tiny book is so full of great advice you’ll probably wonder how you got along without it.”
“Ellen Pober Rittberg’s unorthodox out-of-the-box methods are soothing to the war-torn souls of adults caught in the onslaught of adolescence.”
“ Every parent needs to read this ASAP if they want to keep their kids safe and give them what they need to survive as adults.”
“Every chapter in this book is informative by teaching 35 valuable lessons. All parents raising teenagers should read this book! ”Ellen Pober Rittberg gives good sound advice by showing how to cope and direct the teenager of today. Her perspectives are invaluable in relation to the inner life of a teen and their bizarre behavior. She sets out in clear detail, with a whole lot of humor…‘you are never alone and there is definitely intelligent life out there.’
Ellen Pober Rittberg is a mom, a writer, attorney, an award-winning journalist, and a law guardian in family, supreme, and surrogate’s court. She writes with an attitude, having great wisdom and personal insight. She says, her book does not contain any guaranties.”