ON MY WAY to the bookstore to stock up on new memoir, it occurred to me that it’s the season of sharing, and that perhaps you’d like to read the media hits that got me to place three new memoirs on my shopping list. Here you go.
If you have not yet seen the video of Joan Didion reading from her new book, Blue Nights (Knopf, 2011), you can view it here, embedded in Susan Cheever’s fascinating tale of how Didion almost gave back the advance money and tossed out this piece of personal history. Two great writers, one interview (with video), and a new book. Have at it.
Out promoting his new memoir, Five Chiefs: A Supreme Court Memoir (Little, Brown & Co, 2011), 91-year-old retired Justice John Paul Stevens is letting it rip on the book circuit in this interview, where he has at Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and flirts with Steven Colbert.
And here’s a book that I’ll buy for several people, and one that you will not read about unless we get on it and promote it. Entitled Code Talker: The First and Only Memoir by One of the Original Navajo Code Talkers of WWII (Berkley Hardcover, 2011), it is written by Chester Nez, and takes up a topic I knew literally nothing about, but found immediately intriguing as soon as I read about it online.
Those should get you going.
And you? Let me know what’s on your holiday list, nightstand, and, of course, your mind.
Kristi Woodworth says
I’ve been wondering if/when Joan was going to write about her daughter. I can’t wait to read this.
marion says
Hi, Kristi: I know, I know. I had been wondering, as well, having read so much about Quintana when she was young. Her father penned some truly beautiful and heartbreaking pieces in his early book, Quintana and Friends, which I adored, and highly recommend. Thanks for showing up here. I so appreciate it. Please come back soon.
Diane says
Thank you for these wonderful recommendations!
For holiday giving, I’m going back to an old favorite. One of the cooks in my life will get Laurie Colwin’s “Home Cooking”.
marion says
Hi, Diane.
That’s amazing that you mention that book now. I was just reaching for it yesterday. Such a fine, lovely, intelligent book. Such good advice for all.
Thanks for the words.
Come back soon, please.
Sari says
This is kind of a collective memoir but I’ve been reading We Wanted to Be Writers: Life, Love and Literature at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop compiled by Eric Olsen and Glenn Schaeffer. Some of the contributors are John Irving, Sandra Cisneros, Jayne Anne Phillips, Jane Smiley and T.C. Boyle. It’s a recollection by writers who graduated from or were teaching at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop from 1974-1978.
Mikaela D'Eigh says
Thanks for sharing, Marion! Will have to add those to my wish list.
Hmmm, a tough question! It’s not a memoir, but definitely Greg Wolfe’s “Beauty Will Save the World” is on my wish list and we’re ordering 12 copies for our performer goody bags for the Arts Festival.
“A Thousand Days in Venice” by Marlena de Blasi is a good one that I’ve read over and over.
“Not Even My Name” by Theo Halo; gripping and an inspiration for my own memoir project.
“The Journal Keeper” by Phyllis Theroux caught my eye recently. I can’t wait to delve into that one!
marion says
Hi, Mikaela:
How lovely of yo to bring your suggestions to the blog. I am deeply grateful, as are the other readers, I’m sure.
We’ve got to share good book recommendations, don’t we?
It’s essential to our reading health.
Thanks again.
Come back soon.
Chris says
I’d like to add “Burmese Lessons” by Karen Connelly to that list.
Melissa Buckley says
Thanks for the recommendations, Marion!
Recently, I have read, cried, and enjoyed Susan Richard’s memoir “Chosen By a Horse”. I am almost through her second “Chosen Forever” and looking forward to her third memoir “Saddled”. You dont have to be a horse enthusiast to be inspired from her writing.
Your newest release is now on my wish list.
Talk to you soon! ~Melissa
Carol Derfner says
Marion:
I couldn’t put down the recently published memoir by new writer Mary Johnson: “An Unquenchable Thirst: Following Mother Teresa in Search of Love, Service, and an Authentic Life”. Powerful but eloquent and remarkably revealing of one woman’s struggle with her faith.
marion says
Hi, Carol.
How lovely.
I’m delighted for a new suggestion, particularly from you.
Please come back soon.