Chuck & Nancy

I wanted to recommend some of the books I’ve read recently. The ones I’ve enjoyed most this year have been nearer to truth than fiction. Several were memoirs, while others were historical novels. The stories are all the more fascinating because of their basis in fact.

An account of my life: The childhood journals of Helen May Clarke, 1915-1926 by Helen May Clarke

I just finished this fascinating book. It is actually the diaries of a young girl growing up in Mystic, CT. She began her journal when she was 10 years old. She was very precocious and witty and kept a very entertaining diary of her life. I loved every page. It was delightful to hear the details of her life, here in our very neighborhoods, almost 100 years ago. I especially enjoyed the references to our Mystic Library!

The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls

This memoir is amazing, captivating and excruciating. The family was incredibly dysfunctional but it does speak to the wonderful resilience of the human spirit. The parents were beyond dysfunctional and certainly neglectful. It is a painful memoir and I can understand that some people cannot read it. But Jeannette is not self-pitying and I think we do learn from adversity. She is a talented writer and shares a fascinating story. I loved this book.

Moloka’i by Alan Brennert

This historical novel is the story of a young girl who is banished to the leper colony of Moloka’i at 7 years old. It sounds depressing but it is not at all. It is a wonderful historical novel and makes you realize that these people lived a real life on this beautiful Hawaiian island. I particularly enjoyed this because of our great love of Hawaii.

In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex by Nathaniel Philbrick

This is the true story of the sinking of the Whaling Ship, The Essex, by a whale. It was the story that inspired the classic Moby Dick. The greater part of this story is about the crew from Nantucket and their 93 days at sea in the small boats with not enough food or water. No detail is spared.

Running with Scissors: A Memoir by Augusten Burrough

I actually read this memoir last year. It is now a movie, though I am not sure the images you get from the book will be accurately portrayed on screen. It is a very dysfunctional family but it is still pretty humorous and entertaining. I really enjoyed it but it is not for anyone who is too delicate.

So if you’ve read a good book this year .. add a comment here and share it! I’m always looking for good things to read.