I was drawn to this book by its premise--a mid-life move to New York--expecting witty fish-out-of-water anecdotes, and, yes, Ms. Lanpher delivered. But what I also got was a beautifully written, thoughtful, compelling memoir, insightful, funny (yet poignant), foody, and self-deprecating. I really loved this book and have been recommending it to all my friends.

Easy to identify with many feelings expressed by this author. Interesting adventures. I recommend this book as a quick read that leaves you thoughtful. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout.

I loved this book. I picked it up, intending to read only a chapter or two that night, and couldn't put it down. It's a collection of essays that reads as a whole memoir, and the themes that keep recurring throughout - loneliness, a mid-life move, learning one's way in a new world - are made deeper and more resonant by the constancy of love and humor in Lanpher's life. This is a woman determined to live life to the fullest, and every few pages an unexpected small detail or description or insight made me press the book to my heart and think, "Yes. Thank you for articulating that for me." Five stars!

After spending her entire life in the Midwest, Katherine Lanpher decided to make a clean break and move to New York City to host a radio show with Al Franken. Lanpher had already made a name for herself hosting her own show in Minnesota, where she had built an active--if not completely fulfilling--life with close friends and a husband married to the theatre. Ready to start anew after her divorce, Lanpher was understandably reluctant to leave her home, but she was tempted by the idea of a national radio program and a new life in glamorous New York.

Lanpher moved to New York on leap day and makes good use of the metaphor by starting the first chapter with her trapeze lessons, another example of her attempts to open herself up to new things, no matter how scary they may be. Throughout the book, Lanpher describes her initiation into big city life: hailing and keeping a cab, cooking for one, befriending the local butcher. Her writing is candid, and she expresses an emptiness that anyone who has ever left home can understand.

In addition to her homesickness, Lanpher finds herself feeling remarkably insecure around the gaggles of young, beautiful women on every street corner. Both of these feelings Lanpher leave her wondering if she can ever fit in. Fortunately, she has a few friends to keep her connected to the frantic world around her, each one willing to dole out advice.

But Leap Days isn't just about Lanpher's life in New York. It's also about the things that have made her the person she is today: the strength and love of her parents, the sudden death of her brother, the struggle to be a serious journalist when men controlled the field, the end of a marriage but subsequential rebirth of a lifelong friendship. Lanpher examines her life thus far, accepting both the good and the bad of what got her there. And then she considers where she is going, knowing only that she has gotten closer to becoming a New Yorker and farther from the life she left behind.

Armchair Interviews says: Good story of a Midwesterner's move to NYC!

Five REFLECTIVE Stars!!! Katherine Lanpher, Al Frankens' erstwhile co-host, takes us back to the beginning of her Air America radio days and writes a deeply personal memoir of her "leap" from a settled life in the Midwest into the hustle and bustle of life in Manhattan that actually began on a February 29th Leap Day. Laced with humor, pathos, irony, and with occasional flashbacks and flash forwards, Katherine reveals herself as a wonderful writer and I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I have waited for with great anticipation. If you're looking for a wonderful, contemporary book to read, this is it. Especially if you're moving through this phase of life yourself.

Using the opportunity of moving in midlife as a new beginning and as a challenge to herself, the book is full of "who knew" moments that serve to inform and fascinate the reader, as she deals with her roots, marriage, 'learns the ropes' of life in the Big Apple: the "baksheesh", taxis and subways, the trapeze as "a good analogy for life", her unique view of the New York Public Library, and lots of food and cooking ("When in doubt, roast a chicken"? Love the sentiment). It's a keen look at her life in general, and NYC for insiders and outsiders reflected though her unique experiences. Essentially a series of humorous, revealing, and connected vignettes, it sparkles with Katherine's wit, powers of observation, and ability to get it down on paper. And she does not hold back on personal matters. I love Katherine Lanpher's artistry and she is missed in Al Franken country where she kept him in balance and brightened the atmosphere considerably with her own dialogue, especially if you were able to see them together on the wonderful broadcasts on the Sundance Channel. A great memoir of a slice of her life. Thanks, Katherine. More, please! Highly recommended! Five ENGAGING Stars.
(Hardcover, 232 pages)