For my non-fiction novel, I chose to read one of Mr. Kunkle's recommendations, The Liar's Club by Mary Karr. Karr's writing style is laid back and I couldn't help but get comfortable with it by the second page. She manages to tell such hard truths about her, at most times, horrid childhood. Karr manages to bring humor into almost every chapter, and though she shares some quite saddening stories she still manages to get us laughing by the end.
Although I cannot relate to the dark side of her childhood, there were many other little connections I could make between me and Karr. Most all of them were regarding her relationsip to her sister. The most obvious one to me is extremely subtle, and is only mentioned quite briefly. In Chapter three Karr writes, "..but Lecia had a way of grabbing ahold of me with a look that shut down any of my whining in a heartbeat's time...She could always nail me with that look, make me stop mid-sentence." I can relate all to well. As children, her being four years my junior, if I was to be scolded it would mainly be through "the look" my sister would give me. It would drive me crazy, and it still does, but I know she'll always be able to stop me in my tracks. Mary and Lecia had a strong relationship, and it was wonderful to read a story of sister's and know that my sister and I held a similarly close bond.
Karr's simple yet effective writing style pulled me into her writing. Further, her anecdotes were quick, funny, and at times quite inspiring. Karr truely wrote a phenomenal memoir and I would not hesitate to tell anyone who has had a childhood to read The Liar's Club.
That sounds like a really unique book! It seems as if you really enjoyed it! I always find it neat when you can relate real-life stories to your own, so I can imagine what it was like reading this and being able to relate so well to Karr. I have always wondered what it would be like to have a sister, it seems that this book would really show you how strong of a bond sisters can have.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds really good! It's cool how you can relate a book to your own life; that usally makes it more personal and enjoyable to read. I know if i was reading this book I would also be able to relate it to myself because I too have a sister.
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