One Last Lunch: A Final Meal with Those Who Meant So Much to Us

by Erica Heller Narrated by Kim Niemi, Paul Woodson

Overview

In this heartwarming essay collection, dozens of authors, actors, artists, and others imagine one last lunch with someone they cherished.



A few years ago, Erica Heller realized how universal the longing is for one more moment with a lost loved one. It could be a parent, a sibling, a mentor, or a friend, but who wouldn't love the opportunity to sit down, break bread, and just talk? Who wouldn't jump at the chance to ask those unasked questions, or share those unvoiced feelings?



In One Last Lunch, Heller has asked friends and family of authors, artists, musicians, comedians, actors, and others, to recount one such fantastic repast.



Muffie Meyer and her documentary subject Little Edie Beale go to a deli in Montreal. Kirk Douglas asks his father what he thought of him becoming an actor. Sara Moulton dines with her friend Julia Child. The Anglican priest George Pitcher has lunch with Jesus. And Heller herself connects with her father, the renowned author Joseph Heller.



These richly imagined stories are endlessly revealing, about the subject, the writer, the passage of time, regret, gratitude, and the power of enduring love.

Editorial Reviews

Setting the Table - Danny Meyer

Erica Heller’s One Last Lunch presents a series of poignant vignettes, all taking place over a shared meal between two connected people. It’s a brilliant read, and a vigorous workout for the heart. I’m guessing it will more than whet your appetite for healing power of a good meal, shared."

Helen Mirren

One Last Lunch is a powerful, surprise-filled read that is as charming and funny as it is moving,

Carly Simon

One Last Lunch is a treasure trove filled with personal remembrances , some savory, some sweet, others haunting, hilarious and ultimately healing. This book resonates and works its way right into your heart.

From the Publisher

One Last Lunch is a powerful, surprise-filled read that is as charming and funny as it is moving,”—Helen Mirren

“Erica Heller’s One Last Lunch presents a series of poignant vignettes, all taking place over a shared meal between two connected people. It’s a brilliant read, and a vigorous workout for the heart. I’m guessing it will more than whet your appetite for healing power of a good meal, shared."—Danny Meyer, Founder and CEO, Union Square Hospitality Group, Setting the Table

“One Last Lunch is a treasure trove filled with personal remembrances , some savory, some sweet, others haunting, hilarious and ultimately healing. This book resonates and works its way right into your heart.”—Carly Simon

Library Journal

05/01/2020

Who would you pick to dine with one more time? Editor and memoirist Heller (YossarianSlept Here) asked friends and family of authors, artists, musicians, and other personalities to imagine one last meal with their dearly departed. The result is a sometimes heartfelt, sometimes underwhelming collection of essays exploring the many ways in which we experience grief and the possibility of a second chance. The 50 essays include last meals with notables such as David Bowie, Christopher Hitchens, Steve Jobs, Richard Pryor, and Kurt Vonnegut. Familiarity with the subjects is beneficial, as some entries are very specific, which may be a hindrance to being appreciated fully. The pieces that shine strike a balance between the writer and subject and provide meaningful insight into their relationship, such as Sara Moulton's lunch with Julia Child and Anne Serling's date with her father, Rod Serling. Of note are the entries that evoke universal appeal, such as Phyllis Raphael's heartbreaking goodbye to her grandson and Adrian G. Lesser's reflections on Oliver Sacks. VERDICT A thought-provoking, albeit uneven, compilation with varied insights into grief, mourning, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Recommended where literary anthologies are popular.—Anitra Gates, Erie Cty. P.L., PA

Product Details

BN ID:	2940192472798
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	07/09/2024
Edition description:	Unabridged

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