Comments on: Book Giveaway: “Blood, Bones & Butter”

By: Nona Nelson

Nona Nelson — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 16:48:51 +0000

Now adding Patti Smith’s “Just Kids” to my reading list.

By: Susan Merryman

Susan Merryman — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 22:39:15 +0000

A great memoir is one were the author’s words immerse you into their lives. The images their words create help you to know and feel exactly who they are and how the came to be. Ruth Reichel’s Tender at the Bone was a great read and exactly what a memoir should be.

By: Tracy

Tracy — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:39:21 +0000

Thanks Elena!
I just read “An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination” about the author’s loss of her child while writing in France. Judging from the comments here, it is all the ingredients of a good memoir: the close examination of everyday life while undergoing a life-changing event. Elizabeth McCracken is already an extraordinary writer, but it was her honesty that kept me reading.
I think Julie Taymor (the director of Broadway’s Lion King and now Spiderman and the movie “Across the Universe”) would write an incredible memoir. She stages stories so beautifully and creatively; how do these ideas spring forth?

By: Bill Roper

Bill Roper — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 02:44:49 +0000

In short, a good memoir is the life that someone else is living, but I am not. I love reading about farming, cooking, physics, economics, magic, history, philosophy, et cetera, with the belief that If I had chosen differently, I would be living those same lives. As it is, my life is very fulfilled … but a bit envious of those who live with apes, or who live in the treetops of Amazon forests, or who deliver medicine to Africa. My life, and my choices, are excellent … but I also believe that I could have been Wendel Barry or Gabrielle Hamilton or Dai Vernon or Dian Fossey or anyone else who is expert in the field who I am not. God bless them for writing their stories … so I can live their lives.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 16:46:29 +0000

I agree it is the writing that makes a good memoir,capturing either a moment in time or a life in prose is difficult but that is what makes the book special. I also like to feel like I really know the person once the read is over-for good or bad. I understand this person through the insights provided in the book. I think a memoir of anyone can be interesting provocative and entertaining if written well so I would like to see a memoir from any really great, really honest person who has a story!

By: Amy

Amy — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:15:05 +0000

I believe a good memoir is one that you can’t seem to put down. It has to grab your attention and the person must have a sense of humor!

A memoir that I recently read was Bush’s “Decision Points”. I wanted to get his insight into his 8 years in the oval office. Everyone has their opinion of him and I just wanted to make my own through his book.

By: Mike Harper

Mike Harper — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:37:29 +0000

What makes a great memoir, . (a) person’s life or the writing . . ?
– Writing. and more writing. A well crafted sentence does more to convey the thrill of living, even in its mundane details, than any dull account of adventure.

What is the best memoir you’ve read?
I’ll cop out with a tie: – West with the Night, Beryl Markham & – My Dark Places, James Ellroy. Starkly different lives, both scarily well written.

Who would you like to see write a memoir?
– Bob Dylan – might be frustrating as Bob is ruthlessly honest with his feelings but has shown he doesn’t care a whit about facts

By: Dana Bailey

Dana Bailey — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:33:28 +0000

Thanks for all the wonderful comments so far! Keep them coming!

By: Elena

Elena — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 22:18:49 +0000

Yay Tracy! I’ve been a Patti Smith fan since 1975 so really appreciate your comments. Start with her first album “Horses” and work your way down…still timeless.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:46:49 +0000

I recently read Keith Richard’s “Life” and greatly enjoyed it. I learned more about music, life in the 60s (and beyond) than I could imagine.