Books matching: poetic memoir
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- #1
Save:The Part That Burns by Jeannine Ouellette is a poetic memoir that meditates on trauma, exploring the gifts and strengths that can be derived from it. Ouellette writes about love, especially for her children, in a real and tenacious way that captivates readers. The book follows the author's journey through a dysfunctional family, revealing how it taught her to desire more books and stories. Through clear and compelling writing, Ouellette transitions from a child's perspective to her adult self, infusing the narrative with emotional depth and resonance.
- #2
Save:In "Ava's Man," author Rick Bragg delves into the life of his maternal grandfather, Charlie Bundrum, a man he never had the chance to meet. Through a collection of family stories and anecdotes, Bragg paints a vivid picture of Charlie's life as a beloved Appalachian man who worked as a carpenter, bootleg whisky maker, and fisherman during the Great Depression. The book captures the essence of a bygone era in the American South, portraying the hardships and resilience of a family living through challenging times.
Bragg's writing style in "Ava's Man" is described as beautifully touching, lyrical, and evocative. He weaves a compelling narrative that transports readers to the rural South, making them feel as though they are experiencing the daily struggles and triumphs alongside Charlie and his family. Through Bragg's storytelling, Charlie emerges as a larger-than-life figure, leaving a lasting impact on future generations through the pages of this book.
Ava met him at a box-lunch auction outside. Gadsden, Alabama, when she was barely fifteen, when a skinny boy in freshly washed overalls stepped from the crowd of bidders, pointed to her and said, “I g... - #3
Save:Improbable as it may seem, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and rock icon Patti Smith were the closest of friends from the time they arrived in Manhattan in the late 1960s. This memoir is about their friendship, their artistic coming of age, and a very particular time and place, Manhattan in the late 60s and early 70s. Patti Smith's writing has a very poetic quality to it, unsurprisingly, being an incredible lyricist and poet. The book delves into the NYC art scene of the late 60's and early 70s, providing a glimpse into the artistic and cultural time of that era.
WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG, MY MOTHER TOOK ME FOR walks in Humboldt Park, along the edge of the Prairie River. I have vague memories, like impressions on glass plates, of an old boathouse, a circular band ... - #4
Save:M Train by Patti Smith is a memoir that offers a glimpse into the private and unique world of the author. Through a meandering collection of dreams, stories, memories, and reflections on her life with her husband Fred Sonic Smith, the book invites readers to wander through Smith's mind and experiences. The writing ranges from straightforward to poetically intense, with a gentle sadness permeating every mention of Fred's name. Smith's writing style is described as dreamy, impressionistic, and nonlinear, painting a rich and poignant picture of her life and inner thoughts.
The book is a mix of vignettes from Smith's travels and her daily life, providing insights into the inner workings of an artistic genius. The narrative is filled with references to influential writers, poets, and artists that have inspired Smith, showcasing her poetic heart and beautifully constructed sentences. Smith's writing is described as optimistic yet sorrowful, diving into themes of loss, memory, and love, all while offering a fluid and engaging account of her experiences and musings.
The Café ’Ino is empty save for the Mexican cook and a kid named Zak who sets me up with my usual order of brown toast, a small dish of olive oil, and black coffee. I huddle in my corner, still wearin... - #5
Save:'All Over But the Shoutin'' by Rick Bragg is a memoir that delves into the author's childhood memories and his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful writer. The book narrates the story of overcoming obstacles, reaching goals against all odds, and the deep devotion of a boy to his mother. Bragg writes with style, wit, and compassion, offering a heartfelt account of growing up poor in the South and the impact of familial relationships on his life.
The narrative captures the struggles of poverty, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the author's rise to becoming a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist. Bragg's writing style is described as powerful, evocative, and emotionally generous, with a focus on authenticity and storytelling. The book resonates with readers through its poignant depiction of courage, adversity, and the unconditional love of a mother, making it a compelling and touching read.
I used to stand amazed and watch the redbirds fight. They would flash and flutter like scraps of burning rags through a sky unbelievably blue, swirling, soaring, plummeting. On the ground they were a ... - #6
Save:Brown Girl Dreaming is an autobiographical account of Jacqueline Woodson's childhood experiences growing up as an African American girl in the 1960s and 1970s. The story is told through a series of free verse poems that highlight the challenges, joys, and growth of the author as she navigates different environments in the North and South, grappling with issues of racism, family dynamics, and self-discovery. Woodson's writing style beautifully captures the essence of her journey, providing readers with a poignant and insightful glimpse into her life.
Through the lens of poetry, Woodson delves into themes of identity, family, heritage, and the impact of historical events like the Civil Rights Movement on her upbringing. The book offers a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of a young girl coming of age in a time marked by racial tensions and social change, ultimately portraying a powerful narrative of resilience, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of storytelling.
'I Am, I Am, I Am: Seventeen Brushes with Death' by Maggie O'Farrell is a memoir that delves into the near-death experiences the author has encountered throughout her life. The book is structured as a series of vignettes, each recounting a different life-threatening situation O'Farrell has faced, ranging from severe illnesses to violent encounters. The writing style is described as taut, visceral, and electric, capturing the perils and mysteries of life itself in a gripping and emotional manner.
O'Farrell's memoir is not simply a recount of near-death experiences but a poetic reflection on life, fears, and truths. The narrative weaves through different ages and locations, providing snapshots of O'Farrell's life that ultimately reveal her resilience, courage, and determination to live life on her own terms despite the dangers she has faced. Through her intimate retelling of these experiences, O'Farrell invites readers to contemplate the preciousness and beauty of life amidst its inherent risks.
We are, he and I, on the far side of a dark tarn that lies hidden in the bowl-curved summit of this mountain. The sky is a milky blue above us; no vegetation grows this far up so it is just me and him...Henry Beston's 'The Outermost House: A Year of Life on the Great Beach of Cape Cod' is a poetic memoir documenting the author's year spent living in a small house on the outer arm of Cape Cod. The book is a series of essays that beautifully describe the natural world found on the Cape, focusing on the changing seasons, the landscape, and the wildlife. Beston's writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and richly metaphoric, capturing the raw beauty and power of nature through burnished, polished sentences that beg to be read aloud.
EAST AND AHEAD of the coast of North America, some thirty miles and more from the inner shores of Massachusetts, there stands in the open Atlantic the last fragment of an ancient and vanished land. Fo...- #9Zamiby:
Save:'Zami' by Audre Lorde is a poetic and powerful memoir that delves into the author's experiences of growing up as a black lesbian in New York City during the 1940s and 1950s. The book explores Lorde's journey of self-discovery, highlighting her struggles and triumphs in a society plagued by racism, sexism, and homophobia. Through her lyrical and poignant writing style, Lorde not only narrates her personal story but also intertwines it with broader political and historical events, offering readers a unique perspective on identity, activism, and intersectionality.
Lorde's 'Zami' is celebrated for its honest portrayal of the author's life, relationships, and challenges, making it a compelling read that resonates with readers on a personal and political level. The book serves as a testament to the idea that the personal is political, as Lorde skillfully weaves together her individual narrative with larger societal issues, inviting readers to reflect on their own identities and beliefs. Through her clear and dedicated writing, Lorde creates a narrative that not only sheds light on her own experiences but also prompts readers to confront and explore their own stories, relationships, and self-awareness.
When I visited Grenada I saw the root of my mother’s powers walking through the streets. I thought, this is the country of my foremothers, my forebearing mothers, those Black island women who defined ... - #10
Save:Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee is a nostalgic memoir of the author's life growing up in the English countryside in the early 1900s. The book provides a glimpse into a world that has since disappeared, capturing village life in the Cotswolds between the two World Wars. Lee's childhood experiences straddle changing times, depicting a rural life that was becoming more mechanized while towns were expanding. The author's writing style is described as poetic, lyrical, and filled with humor and tragedy, portraying unforgettable characters and the shadow of the First World War.
The book is presented in a series of vignettes, offering a child's eye view of growing up in a remote village called Slad. The author's ability to draw vivid scenes and bring characters to life is highlighted, creating a charming and evocative portrayal of a lost way of life. Despite some readers finding the book rose-tinted and nostalgic, Lee's writing is praised for its beauty, honesty, and ability to provoke contemplation about life and human connections.
The June grass, amongst which I stood, was taller than I was, and I wept. I had never been so close to grass before. It towered above me and all around me, each blade tattooed with tiger-skins of sunl...
