Final: Truth and Beauty

The book seemed simple and simple written during the first five chapters.  I intitially gave it low ratings.  But with time, I grew to love it.  I will try to stick to your questions to stay focused:

 

• Emotional impact: Did you feel emotionally connected to this author?

I am not sure if she wanted me to feel emotionally connected to her, or to Lucy.  I felt emotionally connected to Lucy's pain and struggle and to Ann's love for her.  I thought of Blake as I read how Lucy was wasting her life.  At times, my mind flipped to myself, wondering what talent I am wasting.  I certainly hope you aren't Ann, and I am not Lacey.  I thought a lot about Julie as I read about addiction.

 

• Driving thesis: Why did this author write this memoir? Do you as the reader understand the central thesis? What are some themes in this memoir and are they clear?

Maye the thesis was the power and complexity of unconditional love.  Maybe the thesis had to do with life long friendship.  The destruction of addition, low self-esteem, and narcissim.  Maybe it had to do with showing the complexity and pain of someone who survived 38 surgeries and could never swallow, chew, or kiss like she might like.  It seemed to really challenge the notion that romantic love trumps all.  It showed the important or your vocation, your art, your writing, and of a lifelong friendship.  (I felt like I could write this book about a few of my relationships, if I was writing an book about one relationships that has shaped my life).  (I have to add that I think Lacey is a four and Ann a one or six.)

 

• Style: Confessional? Casual? Formal? Removed? Distant? 

I think it was Casual.  Right?  It worked.  It felt like a simple story being told.

• Content: Is this person's life interesting enough to warrant the audience's attention? 

I liked that it was told over such a long period of time, that we moved from their 20 to 40 year old selves.  I liked that in BOOC as well, from her 9 to 13 year old self.

• Skill: Was this well-written? 
• In a way it was well-written. It flowed, I never got stuck.  But it didn't floor me like BOOC.
• Impact: Will you remember this book? Did you feel like this book
• changed your thinking on anything in life?

 

I will remember this book, I will recommend this book.  I am so glad we continue t0 read together, to know that you too know Lucy and Ann.

I will remember Lacy's pain and self desctruction.  I will remember Ann's unconditional love for her.  I will remember the power of friendship and how a memoir can be devoted to any narrow topic.

Now for my numbers:

 

Content:  6

Skill: 7

Impact: 8

And for BOOC

Content:9

Skill:9.5

Impact: 10