Lit is a memoir by Mary Karr. It’s one of those books that grabbed a hold of me as soon as I started reading it, but one which I can’t quite put my finger on why. This is Mary Karr’s story of following in her alcoholic mother’s footsteps, and her very long recovery to get sober. It’s the story of how a woman is changed by work, her dreams, marriage, and motherhood. It’s a story of fractured families who somehow hold together.
Mary Karr is a poet, and while this memoir is all prose, she definitely demonstrates a mastery of language and the ability to tell a story. She shares all her missteps in a way that is at once detached and honest — almost as if she’s a reporter telling her story in a detailed, yet objective way.
Her observations about people (and herself) are absolutely dead-on:
“Don’t think he spoke to me this way often. He didn’t, which is why — unfairly — it sticks” (p. 138 ARC).
“The other couples look so blithe. They plead academic poverty but drive swanky cars and live sweatered in cashmere” (p. 167 ARC).
After several attempts at recovery, Karr finally takes the advice of AA to get help from a higher power. She reports this transformation in the way of the skeptic that she was, without any presupposition that everyone should follow her path. Even while sharing her encounters with God, she uses a heathen’s language that would be shocking to any “church lady” reading her story. I think it’s somehow this dichotomy and unadorned honesty that makes her story ring so true.
If you enjoy memoir, Lit is a good one. If you are interested in reading about one person’s recovery from addiction, then this is one you’re sure to like.
Watch Mary Karr share her thoughts about writing (and living) Lit on the amazon product page.
One of you (U.S. and Canadian residents) can win one copy of Lit: A Memoir. Just leave a comment here, and check the 5 Minutes for Books column next week for the winner.
The winners of 100 Q&A About Anorexia are #2 Ellen C. and #4 Simone.
Jennifer Donovan, book blogger, manages 5 Minutes for Books and blogs at Snapshot.
**Thanks to the publisher, Harper Collins, for the review copy of the book and the giveaway copy.
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{ 32 comments… read them below or add one }
I know several people who have/have had addictions. I think I would enjoy reading her book
Please enter me! I would love to read Lit.
Thanks.
Ok I think I just left a comment but I’m not seeing it. I’m not trying to enter twice…just trying to make sure I’m in at least once
My connection has issues today.
I love well-written memoir. Please enter me (once) to win!
Sounds great! Count me in!!
Read an excerpt in a recent issue of O magazine–wonderful writing. Please enter me.
What an opportunity to understand the mind of alcoholism and a way to help others. Please enter me. Thank you.
I just saw this on the NEA 2009 recommended list and thought it sounded good – please enter me! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
she’s a great memoirist. i’d love to read this latest one!
I’d love to read it. Thanks for the opportunity!
Reading about how someone has overcome hardship strengthens us. I’d like to read this memoir.
bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com
I have some family members that are alcoholics. I would love to get this book.
I am a big memoir reader. I would love to win this book.
Thanks for the chance.
sharon54220@gmail.com
Thanks for the chance to win. Would love to read this after reading your review.
This sounds like an interesting book. Her addiction might have been alcohol but the process of getting clean is similar for all addictions. Please enter me.
Addiction is a horrible thing….whatever the addiction may be.
Good luck to all! Sounds like a good read.
I’ve read a couple of reviews of this book and it sounds interesting. I’m in!
I’ve been affected personally by alcoholism within the family. I’d love to read this memoir. Thanks.
partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com
Sounds very interesting. I’d like to read it. Please enter me. Thanks!
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
I’m interested in reading this!
janemaritz at yahoo dot com
Great giveaway, count me in
I’d really like to read this. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I love reading memoirs. Count me in!
Twitter: longwait4bella
December 8, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Would love this one. Thanks!
I am very interested.
Thanks for great reviews!
Sounds great and thanks for the opportunity!
Have read many positive reviews…please enter me…thanks.
Please enter me to win… sounds like a very interesting memoir.
I would love to read this one
I subscribe to this feed
This book would be a great gift for my sister she and my mom have kindof the same problems. Even if I dont win it I will be buying this book…maybe it will help them.
Having had an alcoholic mother this would be an interesting read for me
Love memoirs and reading about what people learn about themselves and life when they overcome obstacles and addictions.