Category Archives: Book review
Truth in Memoir (who will you hurt?)
An article appeared in the New York Times this summer that cast a disturbing light on truth in memoir–by highlighting the innocents who might be hurt by it. I find myself musing about it this morning. Dani Shapiro mused in … Continue reading
Zippy and the Couch (books best in pairs)
I participated in a panel discussion on Creative Nonfiction and Memoir at the Wisconsin Regional Writers Association fall conference in Stevens Point last weekend with Judy Bridges (author of Shut Up and Write) and Alan Ansorge (author of the Bay … Continue reading
Alexandra Fuller’s memoirs
Reviews have been appearing about Alexandra Fuller’s new book, Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness. I haven’t read it yet but I’m eager to, as I fell deeply under Alexandra’s spell when I read her first memoir, Don’t Let’s … Continue reading
Book Review: The Memoir Project
I’m happy! After a small drought, I’ve finally found a book I’m excited to recommend! Marion Roach Smith’s The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life tickled me pink. Yes, it’s yet another book on how to … Continue reading
Book Review: “Unless It Moves the Human Heart”
I guess I’ve got the heat-grumps. This is the second time lately I’m blogging a book I won’t particularly recommend. This time it’s Unless It Moves the Human Heart by Roger Rosenblatt. Its subtitle, “The Craft and Art of Writing,” … Continue reading
Book Review: If I Am Missing or Dead
On a friend’s recommendation I picked up If I Am Missing or Dead by Janine Latus. It’s a disturbing read–the kind you can’t put down. It’s like driving by an accident scene. The accident scene here is domestic violence. Janine … Continue reading
Book review: “Little Bee,” a novel
Little Bee is a bestselling novel about a young Nigerian refugee who, with the English woman who befriends her, faces a disturbing past and uncertain future. But I don’t read novels. My bedside stand (and bookshelf by the sofa) are … Continue reading
“My Words Are Gonna Linger”
In February 2009 the Association of Personal Historians published an anthology of members’ work, to celebrate the full range of life story writing its members pursue. The idea for My Words Are Gonna Linger was conceived while former APH President Jeanne Archer … Continue reading
One family, three memoirs–musings from Pat McNees
In One Family, Three Memoirs, Many Competing Truths, Lynn Neary explores one family’s experiences as told by two brothers and their mother, each from their own point of view. Each story deals with the family’s mental health (or lack of it). The family in … Continue reading
Book Review: Blood, Bones & Butter
I have just finished reading the best memoir I’ve read in a long time. It’s not often I finish a book and want to start right over on Page 1. Rarer still to purchase the book before I’ve even returned … Continue reading
True Stories Well Told 