Finished "Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal?" by Jeanette Winterson the other day.
What a fantastic autobiography, one of the best I've ever read. I really like her writing style. It tends to jump around the timeline quite a bit (and she addresses our perception of time), but it made so much sense to me. I loved how she included historical bits - things about her adoptive parents, and the very town they lived in. It really helps paint the sense of 'self'.
@dona Ohhh, I'm so glad you read this!! It's one of my favourite memoirs too, it's a real punch in the gut. Yes, her writing is just beautiful: witty and honest. Her childhood was an absolute horror, how could any kid make it out in one piece?
@wordybirdy Her childhood was so bad, I was so concerned for her. 馃槥 She did incredibly well all things considered.
I love her writing, I'll be back for more!
But first, Tim Curry's book. I read the first chapter last night and was a little surprised by how 'plain' it sounds in comparison to Winterson's. 馃槀
@dona Yes, delve deeper into JW, you won't be disappointed! I can recommend either The Passion or Written on the Body, which are both gorgeous, but with very different feels, depending on your mood.
The TC memoir is an absolute chill pill in comparison to JW. 馃槄
@wordybirdy Oooh thanks for the recs!
The book deals with a ton of sensitive topics, including being adopted into a not-so-great family, religious trauma, somewhat descriptive suicide attempt. It's not always an easy read, but her style makes it worth it.
The only criticism I have is that I wish she'd reflected on classism more. Towards the end of the book she makes some really iffy statements that could've used some more thought. Or editing. Oh well. Still loved this book.
