Tranquila: A Doctor-Mom Attempts the Slow Life in Spain

This is such a wonderfully well written, true story about an American family’s two-year stay in Barcelona, Spain. It’s told from the perspective of the mother of three young children who’s on a leave of absence from her full-time job as an Emergency Department doctor. Though it’s a quick and easy read, I liked it so much that I found myself stopping at the end of every chapter (45 short ones) just to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Any parent, no matter the age, will especially appreciate and enjoy this book. There are some honest reflections on what might have been done differently during this time, and mistakes that might have been avoided. But the author’s wit and sense of humor takes top billing as we learn about her family’s remarkable journey and life-changing experiences. It’s worth every minute of your time.

I love when someone makes a courageous leap and expands their life from its current view. Forgoing that current view as an emergency room doctor, Breen did exactly that: she and her husband uprooted their family (to include three young children) in California to experience life in Barcelona. Without one ounce of knowledge about the culture or the language, she simply went for it and before she knew it, she was IN IT. Funny, engaging, and insightful, Breen tackles one challenge at a time in a world much different that her life back in the states. She describes-with exceptional wit-hurdles and also wins, and always seems to find her way through with her family intact. An adventure for sure, she and her family make friends, learn a new language and culture, yet mostly, they learn that the best way to deal with life, is the Tranquila way. Thoroughly engaging...I loved this book.

I haven't read a book in awhile that was so well written and relatable, I could not stop reading it. Tranquila is a state we all yearn for and few could put it into words as well as Dr. Breen did. Highly recommend!