“I was first introduced to Annie’s writing when I became pregnant with Ruthie and my sister-in-law gave me her copy of "Operating Instructions." I think I read that book in one sitting because I had never before experienced something so frank and honest.
It seemed like she left nothing out.
Several years later my book club read Traveling Mercies, and it was during this book that I had an epiphany. I had known for some time that I had a story to tell, and that somewhere inside of me was an incubating talent for writing. But at the time I was taking myself too seriously. I was focusing too much on time lines and overwhelming details and structure, and I was getting lost in the big picture.
I hadn't found my voice.
But as I read Traveling Mercies, which is a collection of essays on the theme of her faith, I was suddenly able to see my future as a writer.
I owe a lot to the reading of this book (which means, I suppose, I owe a lot to my friend who suggested I read it!). Its structure broke me out of the mold I thought I needed to fit, which in turn helped me find my "voice."
”
JenZug wrote this review Tuesday, February 24 2009.
(
reply |
permalink )
