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Top reviews from the United States

K.Draper5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase terrific book--enjoyed every story Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2010 This is my one of my favorite books that I have read in quite awhile. I read quite a bit, and have a fondness for memoirs, having read many actually "modern" memoirs, but few so luciously literary as these. Several other reviewers have nicely analyzed this book, so let me... See more This is my one of my favorite books that I have read in quite awhile. I read quite a bit, and have a fondness for memoirs, having read many actually "modern" memoirs, but few so luciously literary as these. Several other reviewers have nicely analyzed this book, so let me just add my whole hearted recommendation for it. All of the 35 sections in this anthology are excerpts from memoirs of varied lengths written by truly prize winning authors. I am very glad to have met every one of them. They were by turns eye-opening, hilarious, sardonic, erudite. The stories range from the beginning of the 20th century until 1996, so, while it says "Modern" it is really a bit of a look toward the past.

One thing I noticed is that, unlike many newer memoirs, none of the authors seems to being trying to "prove" anything. Yet many have dealt with incredible obstacles so out of the experience of most people, such as grinding rural poverty, deadly racism, the Great Depression, wildly difficult parents. They don''t seem to make themselves out as heros or try to teach anything. Yet I learned something valuable from practically every one. It was quite a mind-expanding experience to look through a window into lives I had not previously imagined.

I wish everyone could read this book. It is that good. 6 people found this helpful Helpful Report GDV5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Broad overview of impirtant kemoirs Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2022 This compilation of memoir excerpts provides the reader an opportunity to read short sections of memoirs that may be too long to read in toto. It can be said that aspiring memoir writers learn more from reading the memoirs of others than from reading books about writing... See more This compilation of memoir excerpts provides the reader an opportunity to read short sections of memoirs that may be too long to read in toto. It can be said that aspiring memoir writers learn more from reading the memoirs of others than from reading books about writing memoirs. Helpful Report Cheryl Armstrong4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Great writing, compelling vignettes, only ''the best'' Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2013 I write memoir, have read the complete memoirs of many of the writers included in this book. These are examples of great writing, wonderful story telling, compelling tales. The selection of authors is ''what you would expect'', no surprises. I will give this book to my son... See more I write memoir, have read the complete memoirs of many of the writers included in this book. These are examples of great writing, wonderful story telling, compelling tales. The selection of authors is ''what you would expect'', no surprises. I will give this book to my son who is a writer and to others who aspire to write. It is important to see how many ways there are to write memoir.
My one frustration with this book is that some of the selections end abruptly, at awkward moments. Annie Dillard could have done a better job there. Something else to note is that of the thirty-two authors excerpted only eight are women. I could list a half dozen excellent women memoirists right HERE who are as good as any of the men in this book. That said, it is still a good book to own and study. One person found this helpful Helpful Report SAJ5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Nice fabric! Our dog loves it Reviewed in the United States on July 19, 2018 Nice fabric! Our dog loves it, and it worked well. We live in an area of lots of loud fireworks, and our dog was not as stressed as she has been in other years. Thank you! 2 people found this helpful Helpful Report Marlene B. Samuels4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Excellent selections - helpful for teaching memoir class Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2013 I purchased Modern American Memoirs for use with a group of adults in workshop I just taught entitled, Writing Your Life: Beyond Journaling. Annie Dillard is a wonderful writer and well versed in memoir. The selection consists of a nice range of memoir writing styles.... See more I purchased Modern American Memoirs for use with a group of adults in workshop I just taught entitled, Writing Your Life: Beyond Journaling. Annie Dillard is a wonderful writer and well versed in memoir. The selection consists of a nice range of memoir writing styles. Although a number of memoir anthologies are available comprised of a wider selection, this particular group is more contemporary. Perhaps additional commentary from Dillard about each of the selected essays might have pushed this book into a 5-star. That aside, for writers new to memoir, there are some excellent examples to be excerpted. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Kindle Customer4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Good Selection for Your Library Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2014 Our memoir group is using this collection as part of our meeting structure. We discuss a particular author''s memoir and analyze the who, what, when and where of it so to speak. The characters and different events are vividly portrayed and provide for a great read and study. One person found this helpful Helpful Report Global Mom4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Mixed bag. Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2014 Memoirs make the most interesting reading - I love that memoir is classified as "creative non-fiction." Some of the memoirs included are great, others interesting, and some sort of ho-hum. Overall a good collection, broad selection. Helpful Report JAMES BUCSKO4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Four Stars Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2017 Some great works included. Helpful Report

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