Biographies

The book that this excellent collestion of autobiographical essays reminds me of most strongly is A Girls Guide to Hunting and Fishing by Melissa Bank. Both Franzen and Bank are keen observers of the particular families, cultures, and communities that nurtured them--and which both ultimately had to leave behind. --Seana

Sit down. This book is stunning; there is no other word for it--except for heartbreaking. This autobiographical book describes the period around Christmas 2003 when Didion's daughter and husband were both struck with life-threatening medical problems. Her daughter survived but her husband did not. The book is a gorgeous study of grief and mourning woven together with Didion's personal experiences and the result is a flawless meditation on both loss and the very life that it draws from. --R.M.

I real Lucy Grealy's Autobiography of a Face two years ago and was completely taken with the memoir and the author behind it. Grealy told her story of childhood cancer and the years of disfigurement that followed in a witty and staunch voice. She has me alternating between laughing and tearing by the third page. Now, after Grealy's death. Bel Canto author Ann Patchett has written Truth & Beauty, an almost-companion memoir to Grealy's. Patechett's book is everything a memorialization should be. She does not bathe Lucy in a golden light, or place her on cloud nine but honestly reveals the ups and downs of what it meant to be friends with Lucy. She is forthright in her writing and gives an honest tributes to Lucy and her complexities. The end result is a telling memoir of what it means to love someone whom you can't save. This is a wonderful read on friendship and the strength required to hold on, while letting go. --S.M.C.

Bouillier receives a call from an old love who once dumped him without any explanation. Now, out of the blue. she invites him to be the mystery guest at a fabulous party, without even referring to the break up. Bouillier describes his state of mind as he prepares for the party, and what happens next. If you like interior musings, I think you'll like this. --Seana