_The Middlesteins_ by Jami Attenberg

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Mar 272013
 

The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg

_The Middlesteins_ by Jami Attenberg

Another novel edited by my editor friend and this one was so interesting.

The Middlesteins are a family that is trying to survive despite a strong, overbearing and self-destructive central figure who has greatly affected everyone in the family in different ways. They become a typically dysfunctional middle-class Jewish American family.

I felt as if there was a bit of British humor to it, but at the same time the Jewish element was also clear even though I do not have a full understanding of that element. Also, the story feels as if it is from the past, but at the same time could be your neighbor in suburban America. Also, I kind of related to Edith’s (or Edie) need to eat to feel the love that she so longs for, but she doesn’t realize that the people around her want to love her if she could let them.

It was not a particularly uplifting story, but it was realistic and entertaining. It has similar tones as Rhoda Janzen’s books, but as fiction. So, I recommend it as quality contemporary fiction. πŸ™‚

**This finally updates my books from the summer to now. I’ve got one more book I have just finished to write on and then I guess I shall have to decide what to read next… :D**

-T

_Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?_ by Rhoda Janzen

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Mar 192013
 

Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?: A…

_Does This Church Make Me Look Fat?_ by Rhoda Janzen

Quite some time ago, I read Rhoda Janzen’s first book _Mennonite in a Little Black Dress_ and was quite entertained. A former colleague, college-mate and friend of mine edited these books, so I always am interested in reading her edited novels. Also, since I had quite enjoyed the first one, I thought I’d go ahead and give this one a try.

The title is very catchy and Janzen still has a funny, sarcastic side to which I totally relate. However, like Elizabeth Gilbert’s second novel, _Committed_, I sensed a loss of the ‘newness’ in the author. It seemed a little too similar to the first and while I enjoyed the story and knowing there was growth in her life, it didn’t make me crack up or constantly engaged.

This one is about Janzen’s settling into a new relationship with a Christian man. Her boyfriend seems very open and loving, which differs from what she is used to from religious folk. So, she embraces his church and his beliefs because he models a calm and stable way even though their relationships non-traditional in terms of him being a single parent and their goals are not about the typical suburban lifestyle. In this sense, I related and enjoyed.

On the other hand, I wasn’t sure what her message was as I did in the first one. Maybe I wasn’t in the right frame of mind when I read it like I was before….

In any case, it is still a good and entertaining read. It doesn’t classify as a trash novel, even though I read back in the summertime, too!

-T πŸ˜€

_Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home_

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Aug 022010
 

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress: A Memoir of Going Home by Rhoda Janzen

_Mennonite in a Little Black Dress:Β  A Memoir of Going Home_

My friend in NYC is an editor for Henry Holt and she gave me this book when we caught up after four years. She edited this book and she said it was a funny story that she thought I might like. While I’ve become more interested in contemporary fiction, I do find myself drawn to the memoir genre, so I was interested in reading it. Also, it’s on the NY Times Bestseller’s list, so it couldn’t be so bad. πŸ™‚

In fact, I loved this book! It was hilarious, deep and well-written in every way imaginable. Rhoda Janzen has a gift of storytelling that comes through in her journey of healing from a divorce and accident to reconnect with her family and traditions. While finding a balance between Mennonite traditions and her more liberal/independent lifestyle, Janzen tells her story with humor and humility. I smiled, laughed and was totally engaged throughout her story – so I highly recommend it as a read especially for women.

It seems that I’m reading more books about going through divorce or healing from it or relationships by women of my age or slightly older. It’s nice to feel a connection and understanding through these stories. Now, I’m even more drawn to write my own stories, but I don’t know that I have such a gift…. In any case, I was inspired by this book, which doesn’t happen often, so I’m glad that I was able to read this book as I might not have done so unless it had been given to me!

Thanks, Helen!!

More to come…

-T

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