I find that whenever I get a bit of writer's block(which is not frequent) I can always stir up my mind by reading. Kindle, while not as tactile as the real paper and cardboard has served me so well over the past few years. Mainly because I read more than one book at a time. I've been working on my own memoir and so I find myself drawn to the art of creative non-fiction. Here is my list of several books that I've been absorbing into my brain over the past week or two:
1. Call the Midwife: A Memoir of Birth, Joy, and Hard Times : MEMOIR
I am of course reading this because I love the show. And of course books are always ten times better than TV. Jenny Lee was a midwife in the East End of London during the 1950's and her memoir makes me sob like a baby(that's a good thing chickens!)
What I enjoyed: The humanity of people struggling to live moves my heart, and spurs me on in my own life.
2. The Best American Short Stories 2012 : SHORT STORIES
No folks, the short story is not dead. It lives on as a fabulous art form still. I admit that I read this one because it was included in the new Kindle Unlimited. I was also drawn to it because Tom Perotta was one of the editors...and I love his books.
What I enjoyed: The diverse selection of writers and styles, some stood out more than others. NO the short story is NOT dead!!
3. The Secret Speech(The Child 44 Trilogy) : NOVEL
This is the second book in the series. Tom Rob Smith crafts a great Soviet era thriller that makes me want to swig back some Stoli and nosh on some caviar, blinis, and Borscht. Since this is a trilogy, I suggest reading the first book, Child 44. I could not put it down. This book isn't as easy to get into but is also a good read. Plus, I hear that it is becoming a movie...
What I enjoyed: The suspense and mystery, the dark Soviet Kruschev KGB world.
4. Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs: MEMOIR
I have no idea why I read this book. I have never been a huge Sex Pistols fan or anything, but I started the preview on my Kindle and was drawn into this tale of the making of a modern artist. He tells this story with biting wit and honesty...some of my favorite attributes. I wonder what other fascinating tidbits it will include. John Lydon has another memoir coming out this month too.
What I enjoyed: The descriptions of growing up in poverty in London and every non-Sex Pistols part. Also I prefer artists who are real, candid, and did not fall into it through the trappings of middle-classdom...the artists who've paid their dues per se. John Lydon please adopt me.
5. The Lady with The Dog : SHORT STORY
Chekov at his finest. Why are there so many fabulous Russian authors out there? I mean these guys really knew how to craft a fascinating tale. If only I could read Russian!!
What I enjoyed: The sensual nature of this story, and c'mon he is Chekov! I want to write like this guy.
6. A Grief Observed : Essay/Memoir
When CS Lewis began to pen this short tome, he was trying to make sense of his own emotions. I wanted to read this earlier, but avoided it due to my own desire not to read about other's grief. However, this book made me cry and I recommend it for anyone.
What I enjoyed: He pretty much calls God a Sadist...my thoughts at times.
CS Lewis. Man...I love him which brings me to the music of another Lewis. Jenny Lewis.
Just One of the Guys(cause I'm also "just another lady without a baby") I am loving this entire album called Voyager, which I really need to get on vinyl.
Sidenote: Jenny Lewis was in this great movie that played on the Disney channel back in the 80's(when that channel had substance) called A Friendship in Vienna
Here is is the FULL movie on Youtube!! Watch it! You won't be disappointed.
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