Pub. Date - July 14, 2015
4 stars
This novel follows two narrators, Emily Dickinson and her maid, Ada. At this point in history, Emily is a fortyish spinster who lives with her parents and her younger sister. She is becoming increasingly isolated, to the point of agoraphobia, and relies on her writing and her interactions with Ada and her best friend Susan to sustain her socially. This book is short with short chapters but it is beautifully written and gives a fascinating snapshot of Emily Dickinson's life at the time. It is also interesting to have Ada's perspective and as her life takes tragic turns it demonstrates the difference between the two women even as they fully support each other. I really enjoyed the writing and the subtleness of this book. I received an electronic copy of this book from Penguin's First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
I am Charlie Wilson by Charlie Wilson
Pub. Date - June 30, 2015
4 stars
This is a straightforward, honest and inspiring memoir from a musician who saw success as part of his family band, The GAP Band, battled addiction and homelessness and came back to have a second chance at life and success. Charlie Wilson grew up surrounded by music and religion and his stories from his childhood are some of my favorites. His voice and musical skill propelled him into the spotlight but didn't protect him from shifty management and lots of exposure to drugs. He tailspinned into a life of extreme addiction that only extreme faith in love and God helped him overcome. His writing is clear-sighted and you feel as if he is speaking his life story instead of writing it. He has worked with a lot of other R&B artists and included many interesting anecdotes. I enjoyed this thoroughly even though I am not overly familiar with his music. I received an advanced copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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