A woman named Sandra was cradling my head in her hands. We were in a small room - just the two of us - and it was so quiet I could hear the ticking of her watch. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus. A high window overlooked a parking lot, and beyond the parking lot, mountains. I tried to relax - that was the point, wasn't it? - but I wasn't relaxed at all. I had signed up for something called Master Level Energy Work, thinking it would be like a massage. But this was no massage. For one thing, she was sighing a lot.Devotion: A Memoir
by Dani Shapiro, narrated by the author
Here I am reading my third Dani Shapiro memoir in as many weeks... I'm officially a fan! It seems like I'm making my way through her life backwards, reading her books in reverse order, but that's fine. Yesterday I had a couple of hours alone in the car and began listening to Shapiro narrate her memoir about faith. So far it's another winner.
According to goodreads, Devotion is:
... a searching and timeless new memoir that examines the fundamental questions that wake women in the middle of the night, and grapples with the ways faith, prayer, and devotion affect everyday life. Devotion is sure to appeal to all those dealing with the trials and tribulations of what Carl Jung called “the afternoon of life.”What do you think? Would you continue reading?
First Chapter/First Paragraph/Tuesday Intro is hosted by Vicki at I'd Rather Be At The Beach.
Interesting. I am reading Richard Powers's novels in reverse order of publication. And today is his birthday. I found that out on LitHub. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteJudy - It's strange to go in reverse order, isn't it? My library hold of The Overstory finally arrived.
DeleteSince becoming a senior citizen and then a widow, I am drawn to memoirs, often by women, of negotiating life's challenges and deepening my Christian faith. I will check out this memoir and see if it is to my taste.
ReplyDeleteTerra - Shapiro was raised an Orthodox Jew, but didn't practice as an adult. I'm curious to see where her journey takes her.
DeleteIn spite of giving up on her earlier memoir, Slow Motion, I still plan to give this book a chance.
ReplyDeleteLes - I'm intrigued so far and really like her writing style. As for Slow Motion, I'm not sure I want to relive anyone's twenty-something mistakes!
DeleteSince I loved Inheritance and loved her writing, I'd definitely keep reading!
ReplyDeleteKathy - I think you'd like this one, too!
DeleteI'm not really a big reader of memoirs, but I definitely like the opening of this one. Thanks for stopping by Girl Who Reads.
ReplyDeleteGirl Who Reads - I'm not usually big on memoirs, but Shapiro has made me a fan.
DeleteHaving enjoyed Inheritance, I need to try this one as well,
ReplyDeleteDiane - It's really go so far. I'm Shapiro's newest fan!
DeleteInheritance is already on my reading list. After seeing your post, I'm adding this one too.
ReplyDeleteCatherine - Inheritance is my favorite nonfiction title so far this year. This one is shaping up to be really good, too.
DeleteGlad you are enjoying this author's books! Isn't it nice when that happens?
ReplyDeleteKay - It sure is!!
DeleteI will have to look up this author, I know nothing about them!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm late in commenting! Here is my Tuesday post.
Sassy Brit - I'm enjoying this little detour into Shapiro's work.
DeleteLol, that's something I do-- find an author who appeals and then go on a reading jag with a pile of their books. I got Inheritance (yay!) based on your thoughts. I didn't know she had other interesting titles out there. I do love memoirs when well-written so I'll read Inheritance and then look for her others if I enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteRita - I've done this a few times... Meg Wolitzer, Stewart O'Nan, and Richard Yates are three authors that come to mind. I hope you enjoy Inheritance as much as I did. Couldn't put it down!
DeleteI hadn't heard of this book. I also read books in a backward order :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words about Aja. She is such a huge part of our family and we worry about her.
Tina - I hope Aja is doing better... such a sweet pup!!
DeleteJoAnn,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fascinating. I would read any memoir by Dani Shapiro at this point. Only wish my reading year weren't so full at the moment!
Judith - I have just over an hour left in this audio and am loving it...may need to own a copy of this in print. There are so many passages/quotes I want to reread and think about.
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