Amy Biancolli's moving memoir of her deceased parents and sister brought laughter and tears, nods of understanding and much reflection as I read it. Is anyone not from a dysfunctional family? I wonder. The challenge, in my experience, and one that is reflected so powerfully in House of Holy Fools is the process of aligning the reality of who one's family members are, what we desire or need them to be, and making peace with all those things somehow. We love them, bottom line... at least that is what I have learned is most important, and Ms. Biancolli's family story and remembrances share a similar experience.

Ms. Biancolli's parents and sister were remarkable, brilliantly creative and gifted individuals and yet their lives, the family devastated by illness and tragic loss. In the midst of darkness is the lone surviving voice of this original group, who speaks out with humor and honesty, admitted bias yet without pretense.

House of Holy Fools also shares glimpses of the spiritual experiences and transitions, and I suppose that might put some folks off. Yet who among us does not wrestle within our own hearts with the questions of mortality and creature-hood? This aspect is presented as part of various family members' fabric and character, never in a preachy or overbearing manner.

I highly recommend this book as a wonderful and very personal, enriching portrait of a loving and beloved family.