1.16.2008

The Middle Place


I was asked to review a new memoir book by Kelly Corrigan, The Middle Place. It's always enjoyable receiving free literature. I saw that so far (in the stack of magazines my household has), it has been reviewed in Elle and Glamour, which I thought was good for the book.

The book is described as,
The Middle Place is about calling home. Instinctively. Even when all the
paperwork--a marriage license, a notarized deed, two birth certificates, and
seven years of tax returns--clearly indicates you're an adult, but all the same,
there you are, clutching the phone and thanking God that you're still somebody's daughter.

I expected it to be more about her breast cancer experience but to be honest, I was not really in the mindset over my holiday break, to be reading a lot about cancer. In that respect, I was pleasantly surprised. It really read more like a piece of fiction. I found it really enjoyable. I found the main focus to be about Kelly's relationship with her father who is also a cancer patient/survivor and their love and concern for one another.

I enjoyed that the chapters alternated between more current times and the past. It kept the book interesting and I did look forward to reading it each night before going to bed.

I would definitely recommend this book.
Finally, I'd like to share some quotes that I tabbed from the book:

-I know [my mother's] job is to keep me from harm. After all, I am a mother now too. I know what it is to want to safeguard your children. It starts with the first prenatal vitamin and it never ends. Safety gates, life vests, fire drills, swim lessons, CPR. And still, one day, the kid you've been so careful to protect might call to say she has cancer.


-Some people go to bed, some go for a run, others go to the refrigerator. When my parents need escape or comfort, they go to God's house.


-Still needing a boost, I send out an e-mail, tinkering with every sentence. It has to be upbeat so people won't worry too much and funny so they won't be scared to write back. It's a big job, being the first person your age to get cancer.


Anyways, if you read it or are going to read it, I'd love to know your thoughts...


Today, I am grateful for some huge opportunities that feel 'right' that have been presented to me in the past couple days that will add more challenges but hopefully rewarding endings, friends, family, God.

Rach

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for reviwing my book. Glad it found you.

Kelly Corrigan
Author of The Middle Place

For those who might be interested, here's a little thing about it:

http://www.kellycorrigan.com/themiddleplace/videos.php

Obsessedwithlife said...

Kelly-thanks SO much for commenting on my blog. You are a great writer! I hope to see more or you and your work in the future :).

Jaime said...

I have been meaning to read this, ever since i read a review of it!!! :)
now I just need to find the time.....