IN THE MIRROR, A MEMOIR OF SHATTERED SECRETSWriter: Ann Carbine Best
Challenge: None
Kindle: here
Genre: Memoir
How I read it: Kindle
Synopsis: It is the memoir of a woman who planned on her marriage lasting forever. When Ann marries Larry in September of 1961, she’s certain he will be that eternal companion. Eleven years later, she is devastated to learn that he’s been having affairs with men. She wants to help him. She wants to save her marriage. However, powerful emotions pull Larry away from his family, and eight years later their marriage ends. As a single parent, Ann is now faced with four grieving children who don’t want to leave their father and their home in Utah Valley. But Ann needs to start a new life in a new place. In the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Ann at last makes peace with the past. . . . ~Colleen Whitney, retired English professorMy Thoughts: I never really read memoirs until these last two years because I always thought fiction would be more exciting. How wrong I was. Seriously, I couldn't put this book down--I read it in two days. And, I knew about her life from her blog!
It's a memoir so don't expect happy endings or even closure but expect it to make you look at your life and your choices. Expect it to make you see how your life and your marriage choices can impact your children.
Here is one of my favorite parts:
This looks like an amazing story, Clarissa. And I know - truth is always stranger than fiction. Looking forward to your book, Ann. The excerpt is terrific and I love the cover. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteClarissa - I'm quite sure that I wouldn't be at all satisfied with a memoir that did have a happy ending or offer easy answers. That's just not how life works. I'm glad this one isn't written that way and I'm happy that you liked it. It certainly sounds terrific.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Clarissa. I can't wait to read this book.
ReplyDeleteHi Clarissa and Ann .. you're so right about memoirs - something I hadn't obviously thought about - I guess because a great many we read are when people have an end .. but living memoirs are a different story and I know Ann is working on her next book ...
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading it -especially after your review .. thanks - Hilary
I just KNOW my print copy will be coming through the post any moment now!! Any moment!! I can't wait!! Yay!! take care
ReplyDeletex
Excellent review. That was also one of my favorite scenes, but there were almost too many to count.
ReplyDeleteA MEMOIR OF SHATTERED SECRETS sounds like a very nice title!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a powerful read.
ReplyDeleteClarissa: thank you so much for this review. That excerpt is from one of the low points in my life. Now I'm UP!
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone for your support. You're all wonderful.
Ann Best, Memoir Author
I've been seeing reviews for this book all over the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteGood for Ann!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your game picks for Monday's blogfest.
Wow! This does look wonderful. I don't usually read memoirs either, but I will have to take a look at this one.
ReplyDeleteI just received this book today. SO looking forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteHi Clarissa,
ReplyDeleteYour review sounds amazing. I'm also guilty of not reading memoirs, but Ann's journey is so inspiring.
I also will be having Ann Best guesting with me next week.
This is definitely on my reading list. I've chatted with Ann a few times and she's amazing.
ReplyDeleteNice review Clarissa.
I'm so glad Ann's book is out and I look forward to reading it!
ReplyDeleteGood review Clarissa...