Spotlight on One Lively Woman: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
I don’t think I’ve ever read another book that presents such a real, full picture of what life is really like as Amy Krouse Rosenthal’s Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life. It made me want to be A.K.R. when I grow up.
This review in San Francisco Weekly hits the nail on the head, and says exactly what I’ve been trying for two months to express about this book:
Rosenthal has a knack for … making the ordinary seem extraordinary, the specific feel universal. A simple act like leaving a book on a bench becomes, in her world, a link to people she may never meet, a way to sample humanity in places she doesn’t live. Her talent is helpful, because unlike most memoirs, hers doesn’t tell an unusual story. As her foreword (quoted on the cover) states: “I have not survived against all odds. I have not lived to tell. I have not witnessed the extraordinary. This is my story.” The thing is, it’s your story, too.
A.K.R pioneers a new form of memoir, an encyclopedia style consisting of brief, alphabetized entries, cross-referenced and illustrated, that together compose a life. It’s breath taking, brilliant, and, above all, lively. Check it out–and be sure to visit the book’s website to learn more about the Chicago-based mom of three who penned it.
This is decidedly the best book I’ve ever read. Have you picked it up yet? Are you planning to? Let us know! Leave a comment.
Contents © Copyright 2007 Kristen King
Tags: Amy-Krouse-Rosenthal, Encouragement, Encyclopedia-of-an-Ordinary-Life, Inspiration, Lively-Woman, woman, women, Womens-HealthRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Entertainment
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4 opinions for Spotlight on One Lively Woman: Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Jul
Jan 3, 2007 at 7:16 pm
You certainly make it sound like an interesting read… I may have to add this to my wish list.
Kristen King
Jan 3, 2007 at 7:22 pm
Jul, it really is. I’m a very fast reader, and I stretched EoaOL out for four months because I couldn’t bear for it to end. Then I started again from the beginning. I do tend to reread favorite books, but not generally the minute I finish them! I think you’ll love it. Come back and let us know what you think after you read it.
kk :]
P.S. Love your blog–especially the cupcakes. Mmmm…
Teena in Toronto
Jan 4, 2007 at 5:09 am
Sounds good. I’ll keep an eye out for it.
Kristen King
Jan 4, 2007 at 5:16 am
Great! Thanks for commenting, Teena. :]
Kristen
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