Three Memoirists, One Big Book Giveaway
TRY SOME HOSPITALITY, I always say, and when I do, the students in my memoir class frequently look a little stunned. They’re not in the room to learn etiquette, after all, so why would I mention the h-word? Simple: You cannot write memoir without it. Or didn’t you know that? It’s one of the many tactics I describe in my new book, The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life. A little more on hospitality, and a chance to win one of six copies in a giveaway this week with two memoirist “sisters:”
I’m talking about being hospitable to your work, and that begins with taking notes. To do so, you need to get in the habit of carrying an index card in each pocket. That way, you can capture what you see, hear and remember. This does not require an expensive digital recorder, leather notebook or Cartier pen. That’s showing off. Being hospitable begins with the tools you need for writing what you know—index cards, notebooks, pens—and then paying attention to the goods, the scenes from your life you will choose among to illustrate your argument.
Argument, you say? Hold the phone. Can we be hospitable and still argue?
We can, and we must.
Consider the work of the women with whom I am running this book giveaway, Katrina Kenison and Margaret Roach. Both accomplished memoirists, they each have an argument, both of which are revealed from the moment you read their books’ titles. Katrina’s great memoir, The Gift of An Ordinary Day, and Margaret’s gorgeous And I Shall Have Some Peace There, both argue for the ability to find happiness, peace, and even some great provocation, right in your own back yard. Just like Dorothy’s red shoes, these writers both argue in their books, you already possess what you need to thrive. The gift is to see it that way. Would you like to see their arguments in a beautiful format? Katrina’s video is a fine, joyful persuasion to embrace her train of thought; Margaret’s book trailer conveys her argument beautifully.
And what a fine argument it is.
How to learn to find an argument worth making amid the enormous story that is your life?
Well, I said be hospitable, but I’m not going to give it all away away here. For more, I hope you’ll read my new book.
How to Win 1 of 6 Copies of
The Memoir Project
MARGARET, KATRINA AND I are each giving away two copies of my new book The Memoir Project: A Thoroughly Non-Standardized Text for Writing & Life, and all you have to do to win is comment, answering the question:
What memoir that you have read mattered to you, and why?
Copy and paste your comment onto all three of our blogs to triple your chances of winning—again, each of us has two copies to share, and we’ll all draw winners at random (using the tool at random dot org) after entries close at midnight Saturday, June 18.
- Here.
- On Margaret’s book blog.
- And on Katrina Kenison’s, author of “The Gift of an Ordinary Day,” whose message has been heard not just in print but by nearly 1.6 million YouTube viewers so far.
Now we are pretty flexible, we three, so even if you don’t want to name a book, or have a title but not a reason why, that’s OK. Simply say, “I want to win,” or “Count me in” or some such, and your entry will be official. But remember: copy and paste it on all three blogs at the links bulleted above. Good luck! (And we can’t wait to see the booklist you help generate with your replies.)
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Deniele Hayford says:
June 16, 2011 at 12:12 pm
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I just can’t get enough of memoir. I love finding out what makes people tick. At the same time I learn about history, lifestyle, fortune and misfortune. It’s a big world out there. I have been writing my own memoir. I think there is a story there… I am excited to see this book come along just as I could use some help with my “project.”
I would love to read this book it sounds very interesting.
Robin Lane Fox’s ‘Thoughtful Gardening’. The guy has written a screenplay and then played a part in his movie, written a beloved garden column for 40 years, is a respected professor at Oxford (and maintains the gardens) and he has gardened with some of the most renowned gardeners of our time. Yet, he feels a trip to the nursery to thoughtfully select a plant, return home and watch it grow is all that is needed for a life well lived. I can do that.
I have read many memoirs but Edie Clark’s “The Place He Made” is one of my favorites. She writes about personal love and loss. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading memoirs. PS I have read Margaret’s book and I’d love to read Marion’s as well.
Dear Marion,
I just came upon your web site/blog (courtesy of your sister’s site) and I can’t wait to read all of your blog posts!
One of the first memoirs I read was, “All Over but the Shoutin'” by Rick Bragg. I grew up in a verbally abusive home triggered by alcoholism so reading Rick’s memoir made me realize that I wasn’t alone. I went on to read, “Ava’s Man.” Rick has a lyrical way of writing that seems to capture the true South and makes it impossible to close the covers.
Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle. I haven’t thought about about this book in years, but it was the first title that popped into my head. I read and reread it until it fell apart.
“My Life in France” by Julia Child — it was not only a fascinating story about a warm and generous woman, but a good reminder that you’re never too old to learn new things or have your “Grandma Moses moment.”
I am always looking to see how others are overcoming, striving, and living their lives in the best way they know how. The books that have truly imprinted upon me and challenged me are memoirs.
“Shutterbabe” by: Deborah Copaken Kogan inspired me to study print and photojournalism in college.
“Under the Tuscan Sun” by: Frances Mayes inspired me to travel to Italy.
“Garlic and Sapphires” by: Ruth Reichl inspired me to go back to culinary school and become a pastry chef.
“Trail of Crumbs” by: Kim Sunee and “Eat, Pray, Love” by: Elizabeth Gilbert inspired me to love my life where it is and to appreciate that it’s ever changing.
“Infidel” by: Ayaan Hirsi Ali inspired me to be grateful for the amazing opportunities I’ve had as a woman born in the United States in this day and age. Her spirit and strength is incredible.
“Committed” by: Elizabeth Gilbert challenged me to really think about marriage and if I really desire it and why.
I’m currently reading “and I shall have some peace there.”
One of the most impactful and inspiring memoirs that I’ve read was “Sickened: The True Story of a Lost Childhood” by Julie Gregory. Her story about how she lived through and survived Munchausen by Proxy was just stunning. I could not put this beautifully painful book down. I am in the process of writing my own memoir of a journey through childhood trauma into healing and I hope that I am able to evoke some of her emotional presence, authenticity and humor in the telling of my story.
I read a memoir about Corrie ten Boom and I found it wonderfully inspirational!
Hi Marion!
Love memoirs! I’ve read lots of those listed above and now have a list of new ones to search out. I can’t name a favorite so I’ll list a new one I really enjoyed. Maine writer Susan Conley’s “Foremost Good Fortune” is about moving to China w/2 young boys, getting breast cancer, and learning to appreciate life wherever one may be. My brother and sister-in-law have been in Beijing for almost 10 years so her take on that city was interesting to me but I think anyone would enjoy her writing.
Thanks!
Submitted by: June Millette Fisher
June 18th, 2011
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for the opportunity to share these thoughts.
My best,
June
What memoir that you have read mattered to you, and why?
Reading May Sarton’s, Plant Dreaming Deep, changed my life. During the 1970’s when I was in my 30’s, I was faced with a huge challenge. A woman I’d admired since childhood recommended a novel by Sarton. After reading it I found my way to her journals. I recognized a way of living that felt right, was validated and though not easy, has been a quest since then. The lessons learned – the losses and gains have made me who I am today: an HR executive who walked away from prestige, stress and salary to become a seeker, reader, writer, decorative gardener and a much happier and content woman. Sarton’s respect for and need of solitude has supported me all of the years since then and helped me understand that telling our stories may be the most important writing anyone can ever do.
“Remember only this one thing,” said Badger. “The stories people tell have a way of taking care of them. If stories come to you, care for them. And learn to give them away when they are needed. Sometimes a person needs a story more than food to stay alive. That is why we put these stories in each other’s memory. This is how people care for themselves.” — Barry Lopez, Crow and Weasel
From: Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Gregg Michael Levoy
I think I have already won because I’ve found out about your work, Marion:-) And here goes my “story”.
I used to re-re-re-read a memoir that I adored when I was in highschool. I was even able to recite it by heart and I still read it religiously every year. I have never questioned WHY I was so much atracted to that story. Recently, while doing almost accidentally work on “family history” I have found out things that proved that…my grand grandmother story was very much alike the one in the memoir. Huh!
REFUGE by Terry Tempest Williams. Hands down.
After my grandfather died, my grandma began writing memories of growing up on the farm in a little notebook. I am one of the few that can read her handwriting. I wish she would write more. She’s 86. Two of my favorite stories involve wolves and an out-of-control horse sleigh. She is a living treasure.
I have yet to find a memoir that has had a profound effect on me. I would love to write my own, while not entirely interesting to many others, I have so much to share with my kids. Thanks for the opportunity!
My favorite memoir is “The Land Remembers” by Ben Logan. Not only because it’s a book about growing up in rural Wisconsin, as I did, but because of the bittersweet way in which he writes about his life. Also, because his love of living with nature is a main theme throughout the book.
I’d like to add how cool this idea is! All these posts give us wonderful memoir suggestions for future reading.
I am eager to read your book! Memoir is my favorite genre and as I read your sister’s book, which inspired me deeply, I also learned more about you. Add me in for the contest.
Favorite memoirs:
Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. I think the only thing that kept me gong as I read of her life was knowing she survived. Such courage.
On Writing by Stephen King. Yes, it is about the craft, but also about his life. His ideas have helped so many of my own writing students.
Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp. Such honest writing.
The Color of Water by James McBride. I couldn’t put it down.
Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas. Simple truths.
Eat, Love, Pray – Walking away from the life you have with the intention to get some perspective was just what I needed to read at that time of my life. I’d recently done that, and then I purposely walked towards a life I consciously, and unconsciously, created. I took a huge leap of faith, and landed on my feet surrounded by love and happiness. Reading about someone else’s leap was ‘comforting’.
I read memoirs a lot and, probably because I don’t have much reading time and must choose carefully, I usually find something in each that really speaks to me; makes it “matter.” I really enjoyed “and I shall have some peace there” because I recently moved out of the city to a wooded area in the lower Hudson valley where I am struggling to start a garden — the obstacles faced by Margaret are all familiar to me. But I am, also, dealing with some similar existential questions about my direction in life. Other standouts include Roger Rosenblatt’s bittersweet “Making Toast,” and two of Michael Pollan’s pre-food-focused books: “Second Nature” and “A Place of One’s Own.”