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Threnody posted 7/8/2010 09:52 AM

I love fun/funny memoirs. Let's list our favorites and talk about them here.

First up, Wade Rouse.

I took a workshop with Wade Rouse in April, where he taught a class on "Humor, Humanity, and Honesty" as a way to write memoir. It was a compelling, life-changing session for me.

Previous to the workshop, I'd read excerpts of his book Confessions of a Prep School Mommy Handler. I thought the book looked good, but never pursued reading it, and eventually forgot mostly about it.

Two weeks ago I got his first book America's Boy and Confessions of a Prep School Mommy Handler from inter-library loan.

Stop reading this post right now. Go to the book store or library. Locate these two books and read them in the order they were written in. Now. I'll wait.

[...]

You back? Good.

He just published a new book, At Least In the City Someone Would Hear Me Scream. It has been getting a lot of press and I'm going to be picking it up from the library today and it'll be going on vacation with me. I'm, quite seriously, just pre-squee about this.

His website, for those who are interested, is waderouse.com (duh? ) Book information and trailers are available there.

In chatting with him during the workshop, and then during his class, I found out a lot about myself and how I want to write. His story is compelling, his method is fresh, and he himself is really just a terrific guy.

ScribblingMum posted 7/14/2010 01:50 AM

LOVE memoirs! I've read tons!The divorce memoir SPLIT is good...great writing.

I haven't read the 2 you've mentioned--I'll have to get them.

Threnody posted 7/27/2010 10:17 AM

At Least in the City is a more thoughtful book, but still certainly a hilarious memoir. I love how he's honest about his own faults. His talent is to make you see the people in his life with the same mix of exasperation and affection he holds them in. I am nearly in love with his partner, Gary, now. (I've interacted with Gary on Facebook several times and now I want to start calling him by Wade's nickname for him.)

Next up, Jennifer Traig. I read her Devil in the Details: Scenes from an Obsessive Girlhood about two years ago and laughed until I cried. She is also masterful at poking fun at herself.

I see another thread here about David Sedaris. I enjoy his work, but as stated in that thread only because it doesn't take much mental effort. It does, however, make me reflect on my own behavior at times, and make me laugh.

Hope24 posted 7/28/2010 18:05 PM

Great topic.

Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress by Susan Jane Gilman was fantastic if you grew up in the 70s as a pre-teen.

I Am Not Myself These Days by Josh Kilmer-Purcell was also good.

NewAttitude posted 7/28/2010 19:52 PM

Jen Lancaster!!!

LOVE her!

deceivedone10 posted 7/31/2010 10:07 AM

Jen Lancaster is hilarious! I now have all of her books and I think "Bitter is the New Black" is the best one. I love her sense of humor and personality.

Save Karyn is also a good book if you're a shopoholic like me---kinda puts things in perspective!!