Category Archives: Book review

Good writers read. Good memoirists read memoir. Thoughts on books…

Travel “Inserimento” and a Book Review: Story Genius by Lisa Cron

Lately I’ve been calling for your travel “inserimento” stories–settling-in tales about arriving in a new location for the first time. Meanwhile I’ve been reading Story Genius: How to Use Brain Science to Go Beyond Outlining and Write a Riveting Novel by … Continue reading

Posted in Book review, Writing prompt | Leave a comment

“Storycraft: The Complete Guide to Writing Narrative Nonfiction” by Jack Hart

Sarah’s Big MFA Adventure began with a book order for three texts, to be read before the residency begins August 6th. The first book I tackled was this one: Storycraft got me really excited about my writing. What higher praise … Continue reading

Posted in Book review | Leave a comment

Excerpts from “At Home Abroad: Today’s Expats Tell Their Stories”

Last week I posted an interview with Betsy and Mark Blondin, author/editors of At Home Abroad: Today’s Expats Tell Their Stories. This week, they share with you some excerpts from their book.   “…home is wherever I can find a moment to … Continue reading

Posted in Book review, Guest writer | Leave a comment

At Home Abroad: Today’s Expats Tell Their Stories

– Author Interview by Sarah White –  Who are today’s “expats”? What motivates people to leave their homes, family, and friends to immerse themselves in unfamiliar places, learn foreign languages, and get to know new people? Betsy and Mark Blondin, … Continue reading

Posted in Book review | 2 Comments

Book Review: “Wasted,” by Marya Hornbacher

Can Madness write a book? That was the question that led me to Wasted, a memoir about a young woman’s eating disorder. The question arose from a presentation at the recent Storytelling: Global Reflections on Narrative conference I attended in … Continue reading

Posted in Book review, Sarah's memoir, writing workshop | Leave a comment

Book review: “Shimmering Images” by Lisa Dale Norton

In my recent “Flash Memoir” online workshop I was describing the micro-memories at the core of that short-form writing technique. A participant said, “Oh, that sounds like the ‘shimmering images’ Lisa Dale Norton’s book is about.” I liked the sound of … Continue reading

Posted in Book review | Tagged | 1 Comment

Book Review: Deborah Wilbrink, “Time to Tell Your Personal & Family History”

Deborah Wilbrink of Perfect Memoirs knows how to get to the story, and shares that skill with readers in Time to Tell Your Personal & Family History, which she published in January 2016. The book is equally useful to the personal historian or … Continue reading

Posted in Book review | 1 Comment

Book Review: “Om Namah…” by Kalyanii

Readers of True Stories Well Told who have read Kalyanii’s earlier essays will cheer, as I do, her accomplishment in publishing her novel Om Namah. Its straightforward categorization as “FICTION / Contemporary women” hides the deep and subtle interplay between … Continue reading

Posted in Book review | 2 Comments

Book review: “Second Wind” by Dr. Bill Thomas

I mentioned thought-leader/geriatrician Bill Thomas’ book Second Wind: Navigating the Passage to a Slower, Deeper, and More Connected Life in a post earlier this month about “Bedside Books.” I’m ready to share a more complete review. Second Wind is fundamentally about … Continue reading

Posted in Book review, Call for action | Leave a comment

Bedside books

On this Thanksgiving morning, I am grateful for books–and the time to read them. Here are the books currently on my nightstand: Two have been there since last winter. One joined the stack after a conversation with a feminist last … Continue reading

Posted in Book review, Sarah's memoir, Writing prompt | 1 Comment