Memoirs by Writers Famous and Obscure

Monday, 10 March 2008 08:00

Author: Larry Smith and Racher Fershleiser
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Year: 2008
Price: About $12.00

It's said that Ernest Hemingway wrote the shortest story ever: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." The storytelling website, Smith Magazine, challenged people to do the same with memoir, and editors have compiled nearly a thousand of the best submissions into this collection.

While some resemble epitaphs, most, like Hemingway, say enough in six words to evoke a full narrative arc. There are stories of vulnerability, misfit, humor, and cleverness. The compilation is not only entertaining, it's inspiring: you can't help but consider your own memoir, even while you imagine some of these into full-length books. The world is filled with possibilities, in only six words!

It is truly amazing what people can convey in just six words. From clever and funny to poignant and sad, the breadth of the memoirs in this book is astounding. They truly make every word count. I should warn you, though: It's addictive.

This is one of those books everyone should own. Whether you're on the bus in the morning or reading before bed, it provides the perfect break from the day.

Not only fun and funny but insightful and deep. It cheers you up if you feel blue and makes you laugh when you least expect it! This book will find you making 6 word memoirs for your life everyday. More than a coffee table book, a must read!

It's a wonderful sampling of both established and up-and-coming talent. "Not Quite What I Was Planning" is chock-full of writers you love, writers you've never heard of, and--if six words can be considered a hint of things to come--writers you're soon going to be hearing much, much more about.

You want a six word review? "Get this book. Seriously, do it."