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Liked It “Ferhleiser, Rachel and Larry Smith, eds. 227 p. Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word memoirs by writers famous and obscure. Harper Perrenial. 2008. $12.00. ISBN 978-0-06-137405-0 |
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“Six word memoirs written by folks of all ages. Interesting see life from different perspectives but hard for teens to relate. ”
Siroon wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Ferhleiser, Rachel and Larry Smith, eds. 227 p. Not Quite What I Was Planning: Six-Word memoirs by writers famous and obscure. Harper Perrenial. 2008. $12.00. ISBN 978-0-06-137405-0
C R wrote this review Wednesday, December 2 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Short thrill—interesting book about memoir. Launched online by SMITH magazine, this book is a collection of six-word memoirs written by famous and ordinary people. The editors hoped to inspire, challenge and record in “a battle for brevity” the life stories of the masses. The editors explain the origin for the book’s premise, yet do not explain how they chose the memoirs included or who the memoirists are. Just like people’s personalities, the stories are diverse, creative and interesting. The graphic design makes this book even more appealing; it has numerous font types and sizes, varied background colors and a few photographs or illustrations throughout. The pictures correlate to the memoir on that page, yet there is no documentation that the photograph identifies the memoirist. There is no logical sequence to the memoirs included or laid out within the book. It does seem as if popular authors’ memoirs were featured with their own page or larger font. Emotional passages stand out in bold font, while romantics speak through curvy script. Even the book’s cover in its bold black, red, yellow and white colors make the book stand out. This book will appeal to many, as its passages are short and sometimes shocking or sad. Due to the language however, it should be reserved for senior high or college libraries. Writers mention sex, alcohol, and at times, comment by cursing. Teachers can take worthwhile samples and present the idea of a six-word memoir to younger students, but should be aware of the older content. It’s difficult to read this book and not think of your own six-word memoir. Short thrill—need I say more?”
“If you could sum up your life in six words what would it say? Fantastic look at how other view their lives.”
Holly P wrote this review Sunday, August 30 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Fun and thought provoking.”
Meghan R wrote this review Thursday, August 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Cute read. Very quick, finished in a couple hours. ”
Courtney L wrote this review Monday, August 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Great book. Really makes you think; about the stories behind the memoirs, and also about what your own might be. Great book for people who love to read on the John. (Sorry...it really is!)”
Suzanne J wrote this review Sunday, July 19 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Interesting--some are sad, some funny, some just plain weird. A great book to pick up and flip through.”
abeesley wrote this review Monday, July 6 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Absolutely loved it! People are so very creative. Definitely got me thinking about my six-word memoir, and I think I am not decisive enough because I have like 6 that I though of, and I can't choose one because apparently I think that it is like be all end all. I am bad at decisions. Very fun though. ”
Dena C wrote this review Saturday, June 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This was great, totally thought-provoking. Not really a book you sit down and read all the way through, I just picked it up every once in awhile and read a few pages. Totally addicting though, and it made me think about what my six words would be. I haven't come up with anything good yet. ”
Lisa wrote this review Sunday, April 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
