photocreditI've been on a memoir kick, lately, it would appear. This book is the story behind one of the craziest Love articles ever to grace the New York Times newspaper, Those Aren't Fighting Words, Dear by Laura Munson.
If you get bored reading this book review, and it doesn't sound like one you'd like, please Please PLEASE read the article. It's only two pages and it's one of the best pieces I've ever read on the topic of marital _____ (crap, arguments, stress, crisis, fill in the blank). After reading the article, I suggested my local library buy a couple copies, "and don't forget, put me at the top of the list!". Within a few weeks I had the book, within a few days I was done.
Anyway.
Back to the review.
At just over 300 pages, Munson draws you in easily with her casual and funny conversation style writing, describing her background as it pertains to this small (and I'm sure, seemingly never-ending) 6 month chunk in her life. She tells you about her and his (husband's) backgrounds, dreams, hopes, fears, and eventual fallout period.
The things that man said to her. OOO-eeee!
The things that man put her though. My goodness.
It's a quick read, and I found myself over the 5 days it took me to read it, always wanting to sit down and read it. That's a good book. The story takes place from early summer through Thanksgiving evening. She is a very good writer and even the setting (Montana) and every day activities (horse-back riding) I found interesting.
Although this story is about choosing not to suffer in the midst of crisis, it really is a testament to her faith that she had that the story would turn out, if she just rode the tide. I found her grocery-cart mantras very confusing and distracting (i.e. naming different faiths & beliefs at every corner), but other than those few snippets, I really liked the book and would recommend it to people who like memoirs, or stories with a happy ending.
If nothing else, please go read her article!
The dedication (first to her husband) puts it well, in a summary, " The map's no good without the territory. We always said we wanted adventure...I love you".
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What are you reading lately?
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