www.novemberjuliet.com

This is where I’m going to tell you all about all that reading I’ve been doing … post a comment and tell me and the collective we what you’ve been reading …

James Frey’s debut novel.  This is a first-person stream of concious style account of one-man’s six weeks in rehab.  I love the writing style of this book.  I read this fast and furiously.  I am a total empathizer, so I felt like I was going through rehab right along with James.  I know, that’s whack-o, but seriously if his intent was to give his readers as close a glimpse as they can get to the rehab experience, well then by golly he succeeded with me.  I’m also a closet potty mouth, so I loved all of the f-ing dialogue!

Update on Monday, January 30, 2006 at 11:06PM by Norma Jean Barrett

www.thesmokinggun.com - there was a reason that it seemed so unbelievable … pivotal points of this story have been declared fictional, or at the very least grossly embellished.   It was marketed as a memoir, which could leave a reader feeling duped.  If his aim was to present an honest account he failed.   If his aim was to make good of his life, show integrity, and help to reach and change the lives of others - outcome debatable.  If his aim was to be a famous kazillionnaire - I dare say he succeeded there.  Raises some interesting questions on fact, fiction, and publishing. 

James Frey’s second novel chronicles his friendship with Leonard post-rehab.  James sticks to the first person memoir style of writing that he used in his first book, A Million Little Pieces.  The book is slower, and there are considerably less vomit scenes.  Not the fast-paced fury driven account of his first book, but still a very enjoyable read.  I had several good gutty laugh out loud moments with this book … leopard print speedo was the best.  It’s a fun one.

My favorite thing about these two books is that Donald Miller explores faith in them in a way that I totally relate to - with skepticism, questions, confusion … it is very non-exact.  For me right now, it is all about "the grace".  There is no way that I can be "Christ-like" (yeah, I know I should try), I have a busy brain and just don’t have time to question the purity of every thought, which is what happens to me when I try to be "Christ-like" - it becomes a whole guilt-fest.  I’m right now very comfortable with the belief that that’s not part of my journey - to try and be like Christ, my journey is just to be me and to listen and try to submit to God’s plan for moi.  Yikes holy tangent, back to the book.  Anyhow, I really feel like Donald Miller tells his personal journey about coming to faith to show the reader the loveliness and awesomeness of God’s grace and our salvation.

Mitch Albom’s book is a gem of wisdom.  For me it was about a 3-hour read.  It was given to me by a friend … one of my best.  He said "you’ll cry".  I did.  It’s a must read.