A timeless memoir that offers lessons a-plenty: On restraint.On elegance.On how to write quietly.On heartbreak fashioned with humor.And on craft and structure too. It’s all here.
The best memoir I've read recently is "Some Bright Morning I'll Fly Away" by Alice Anderson, about escaping domestic violence in the South. I love memoirs that don't just tell a story but tell it in a kind of poetic or lyrical voice, which she does. I find a lot of memoirs don't.
I guess it wasn't so much about insight but about the difficulties (putting it mildly) of getting full custody in the South, at least at that time. Her story helped them change legislature that before that worked to reunite children with their parents no matter what, despite evidence of physical abuse against both the spouse and the children. So it was a really impactful book.
I just discovered and downloaded both of your recommended Howard Norman books from Scribd. I have read many memoirs, some I found 'meh' and others that both moved and taught me. I'll mention two in this post and appreciate any comments.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
I found Jeanette's raw and honest account of her childhood parented by an alcoholic father and mentally ill mother fascinating. More than her well-written description of how she and her siblings endured, I was inspired by Jeanette's profound ability to transcend her childhood experiences to feel deep love and compassion for her dysfunctional parents. Reading Jeanette's memoir supported my own spiritual journey, healing from the effects of an unhealthy family dynamic.
Can't Breathe by Laesa Faith
In her debut memoir, Laesa delivers an account of medicine, disability, stigma and systems. She is steadfast in caring for and advocating for her medically complex child, all the while recognizing her need to nurture her older child and her marriage. Her baby girl, born too soon, unable to breathe, launches her into a series of life changing and life threatening events. Doctors, hospitals, appointments, surgeries and emergencies, all with the highs and lows of emotion are captured and delivered with a unique writing style and format.
I discovered Laesa on Instagram and liked the writing style of her posts. Following her memoir writing and self-publishing journey has inspired my own writing.
Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer. There have only been a handful of memoirs I’ve not finished or came away with a confused “What the f@!? was that about?” feeling. I love reading memoirs because of the true story element—feel there is always something to take away from another’s experience. I do get frustrated when the writing is poor—incorrect grammar, incomplete sentences, etc. drive me crazy and can’t fathom how an editor or writer could allow that to be published!—but I can usually get through, especially when there is a 5 star rating from some other reader somewhere. Of course there is nothing like reading a Mary Karr or Frank McCourt! But maybe since I am in the process of writing my first, any recommended memoir I dive into looking for what the writer is trying to convey through their story, where their pain point and truth lie.
Exactly. I am thinking it's a bit like reading books on how to have a baby. Once you've had your baby...who needs it? Or raising kids once they are gone? There is a saturation point, where one feels as if they might have moved on. You are creating your own now, and you're looking for that hole in the canon of storytelling that you, and only you, can fill. So...read on...
The best memoir I've read recently is "Some Bright Morning I'll Fly Away" by Alice Anderson, about escaping domestic violence in the South. I love memoirs that don't just tell a story but tell it in a kind of poetic or lyrical voice, which she does. I find a lot of memoirs don't.
TY, Shannon. Great. What was the take away...the insight you couldn't get out of your mind?
I guess it wasn't so much about insight but about the difficulties (putting it mildly) of getting full custody in the South, at least at that time. Her story helped them change legislature that before that worked to reunite children with their parents no matter what, despite evidence of physical abuse against both the spouse and the children. So it was a really impactful book.
I just discovered and downloaded both of your recommended Howard Norman books from Scribd. I have read many memoirs, some I found 'meh' and others that both moved and taught me. I'll mention two in this post and appreciate any comments.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
I found Jeanette's raw and honest account of her childhood parented by an alcoholic father and mentally ill mother fascinating. More than her well-written description of how she and her siblings endured, I was inspired by Jeanette's profound ability to transcend her childhood experiences to feel deep love and compassion for her dysfunctional parents. Reading Jeanette's memoir supported my own spiritual journey, healing from the effects of an unhealthy family dynamic.
Can't Breathe by Laesa Faith
In her debut memoir, Laesa delivers an account of medicine, disability, stigma and systems. She is steadfast in caring for and advocating for her medically complex child, all the while recognizing her need to nurture her older child and her marriage. Her baby girl, born too soon, unable to breathe, launches her into a series of life changing and life threatening events. Doctors, hospitals, appointments, surgeries and emergencies, all with the highs and lows of emotion are captured and delivered with a unique writing style and format.
I discovered Laesa on Instagram and liked the writing style of her posts. Following her memoir writing and self-publishing journey has inspired my own writing.
Very thoughtful insights. Great. Just checked out Laesa. Great site. Good for her, doing her own thing.
Thanks for the recommendation, Jennifer. There have only been a handful of memoirs I’ve not finished or came away with a confused “What the f@!? was that about?” feeling. I love reading memoirs because of the true story element—feel there is always something to take away from another’s experience. I do get frustrated when the writing is poor—incorrect grammar, incomplete sentences, etc. drive me crazy and can’t fathom how an editor or writer could allow that to be published!—but I can usually get through, especially when there is a 5 star rating from some other reader somewhere. Of course there is nothing like reading a Mary Karr or Frank McCourt! But maybe since I am in the process of writing my first, any recommended memoir I dive into looking for what the writer is trying to convey through their story, where their pain point and truth lie.
Exactly. I am thinking it's a bit like reading books on how to have a baby. Once you've had your baby...who needs it? Or raising kids once they are gone? There is a saturation point, where one feels as if they might have moved on. You are creating your own now, and you're looking for that hole in the canon of storytelling that you, and only you, can fill. So...read on...