Memoirs are the focus of this issue. Memory all depends upon the storyteller. Three people standing next to each other experiencing the same five-minute interlude will offer three diverse perspectives. Each is accurate but determined by their personal life record.
A Cavalcade of Lesser Horrors by Peter Smith Four worms
Laughed at the foibles and his unique perspective. Hilarious vignettes from the author’s life. Chapters could have been arranged in a more linear fashion and a few more added to fill in the gaps. Vigil Candles chapter was stunning.
The Rules of the Tunnel by Ned Zeman Three and a half worms
Brilliant insight into the churnings of mania and depression. He seemed most comfortable writing about others to the point of distraction. Wickedly self-deprecating humor and silly cats. Mystifying holes in the timeline. Lucky to have a supportive network.
The Arrogant Years by Lucette Lagnado Three worms
Personal memoir that captures the superior attitude of youth. Strongest sections are biographies of her mother and Alice. The story gets a bit hazy when the remembrances are not pleasant. Very good insight into her internal life. I wish her well.
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls Three worms
Some people should never reproduce. Terrible parents neglected and abused their children. The parents probably were dealing with mental health issues but continuously made horrible choices causing their children to suffer. Somehow Jeannette and her siblings survived their selfish parents and awful circumstances. Shouldn’t give away the ending in the first chapter.
The Late Homecomer by Kao Kalia Yang Three worms
War and rotten refugee camps wrecked havoc but the fortitude of her family is to be admired. Book became rather bewildering when relating stories of the entire family. Final chapters were most insightful regarding her grandmother.
Prior review was posted on February 2nd.
Have you journaled today?
© 2012 Ima B. Musing
Showing posts with label memoir. Show all posts
Showing posts with label memoir. Show all posts
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, September 19, 2011
POST ONE HUNDRED
Wowza! This is my one hundredth post as a blogger. I have had a lot to write since casting my words onto the Internet in January 2010. I am grateful to people around the world who read this blog; I strive to make the entries interesting and post on a regular basis.
I’m just an opinioned 40-something single female residing in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, USA. I grew up in a small farming community and moved to the metro area for post-secondary education. My life is rather boring except for the odd antics of my two cats, Zozo and Tillie. I enjoy gardening, reading, and all things creative. Self-declared political perennial with social-liberal and fiscal-moderate leanings that votes in every election. I’ve actively volunteered on numerous campaigns and for special causes, though I have never desired to run for an elected position.
I’m an “actionist” I volunteer, give in-kind gifts, and donate money to non-profit organizations (NGOs). Per example, due to my current restricted financial status, in addition to volunteering on a weekly basis, I have been donating extra produce from my garden to others. My family does not reside nearby so I help friends, neighbors, and strangers. I am compelled to assist; I cannot stand idly by and watch others suffer. I have been trained in emergency response, first aid, and carry a disaster response kit in my auto. I do what I can until someone with more training arrives. I am a citizen of this planet and it is my duty to help.
I worked my own way through college (no scholarships or help from family), saved money to buy an auto, paid off enormous student loans, saved money for a house, and now am in huge debt with an abode that is losing value. I love being in a home with a small yard but I worry about the mortgage payment and repairs on the nearly hundred-year-old structure. I generally work for non-profit or educational agencies but have been without a job since July 2010. It is quite disconcerting to seek employment for so long. I have sent out nearly three hundred resumes and been on nine interviews. I possess education and experience but “No” is the consistent reply. I worry that I will lose my home if I don’t find a job soon. I want to work. I have had to delay home repairs, eyeglasses, dental work, auto repairs, and spaying the cat. I only purchase absolute necessities and fear a financial catastrophe. Even my underwear has holes…
Animistic Universalistic with a dash of Atheism is my spiritual outlook. I don’t think that any organized religious sect can state that it has all the answers. I’m a geek with some social skills. Alas, no beau at this time. I always expected to be a parent but don’t want to do it on my own. Since I’m over 40, my hopes for marriage and children have dimmed. I don’t mind being alone but sometimes I feel lonely. It would be wonderful to at least be dating a nice man. I’m plump and sassy but not always happy. I strive to remain positive in a world that dwells on the negative.
I consider myself fortunate, even though life isn’t what I expected. What I write is real, my personal memoir. I only use a pseudonym because I know a couple bloggers who have been harassed. Since I live on my own and am seeking a job, I can’t take that risk. Please feel free to give feedback about my opinions. I’d be most honored if you would join as a Follower on Blogger, friend me on Facebook, and connect via Twitter. I enjoy learning about your life, too.
Thanks and please continue reading!
© 2011
I’m just an opinioned 40-something single female residing in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota, USA. I grew up in a small farming community and moved to the metro area for post-secondary education. My life is rather boring except for the odd antics of my two cats, Zozo and Tillie. I enjoy gardening, reading, and all things creative. Self-declared political perennial with social-liberal and fiscal-moderate leanings that votes in every election. I’ve actively volunteered on numerous campaigns and for special causes, though I have never desired to run for an elected position.
I’m an “actionist” I volunteer, give in-kind gifts, and donate money to non-profit organizations (NGOs). Per example, due to my current restricted financial status, in addition to volunteering on a weekly basis, I have been donating extra produce from my garden to others. My family does not reside nearby so I help friends, neighbors, and strangers. I am compelled to assist; I cannot stand idly by and watch others suffer. I have been trained in emergency response, first aid, and carry a disaster response kit in my auto. I do what I can until someone with more training arrives. I am a citizen of this planet and it is my duty to help.
I worked my own way through college (no scholarships or help from family), saved money to buy an auto, paid off enormous student loans, saved money for a house, and now am in huge debt with an abode that is losing value. I love being in a home with a small yard but I worry about the mortgage payment and repairs on the nearly hundred-year-old structure. I generally work for non-profit or educational agencies but have been without a job since July 2010. It is quite disconcerting to seek employment for so long. I have sent out nearly three hundred resumes and been on nine interviews. I possess education and experience but “No” is the consistent reply. I worry that I will lose my home if I don’t find a job soon. I want to work. I have had to delay home repairs, eyeglasses, dental work, auto repairs, and spaying the cat. I only purchase absolute necessities and fear a financial catastrophe. Even my underwear has holes…
Animistic Universalistic with a dash of Atheism is my spiritual outlook. I don’t think that any organized religious sect can state that it has all the answers. I’m a geek with some social skills. Alas, no beau at this time. I always expected to be a parent but don’t want to do it on my own. Since I’m over 40, my hopes for marriage and children have dimmed. I don’t mind being alone but sometimes I feel lonely. It would be wonderful to at least be dating a nice man. I’m plump and sassy but not always happy. I strive to remain positive in a world that dwells on the negative.
I consider myself fortunate, even though life isn’t what I expected. What I write is real, my personal memoir. I only use a pseudonym because I know a couple bloggers who have been harassed. Since I live on my own and am seeking a job, I can’t take that risk. Please feel free to give feedback about my opinions. I’d be most honored if you would join as a Follower on Blogger, friend me on Facebook, and connect via Twitter. I enjoy learning about your life, too.
Thanks and please continue reading!
© 2011
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