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raegold's review
5.0
I purchased this book on a whim with really no context, except that it’s the story of YOU. I love reading and don’t have the intention to ever write a book, but this book offered so much insight on the writing process - - it was more than that though, it was filled with heart and empathy. “We are, each of us, our own prisoner. We are locked up in our own story.” - Maxine Kumin. I will definitely pick up Ruta Sepetys’ book, Between Shades of Gray, to learn a little about my own Lithuanian ancestors.
hweezbooks's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
I spent the last few weeks in the world of Ruta Sepetys, a Carnegie-winning historical fiction marvel I always had in my TBR but only managed to read now.
You’ll see reviews of I Must Betray You, Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray on my grid this week, and I wanted to make sure I ended my reads with this: Ruta’s latest book (nonfiction) You, The Story.
In this, she builds a systematic arc for telling a tale based on our own experiences, but teaches the reader how to tease out the remarkable from the seemingly mundane.
“So I raise guffaws to the gods, acknowledging that our ridiculousness can be riotous.”
Having read her fiction titles, I became invested now in her as a writer. So I also enjoyed reading this as her story: growing up as a child of Lithuanian and German American parents and vignettes of her “poop cocoon” 🫣 as well as interning with a music band.
I am most entranced by her words, and I call out unrestrainedly to all writers to read just one of her titles, to see what I mean 📚
“Regardless of genre, I do strive for a stylistic voice with my novels: an economy of phrasing. I try to pack a punch with simplicity and the fewest words possible.”
You’ll see reviews of I Must Betray You, Salt to the Sea and Between Shades of Gray on my grid this week, and I wanted to make sure I ended my reads with this: Ruta’s latest book (nonfiction) You, The Story.
In this, she builds a systematic arc for telling a tale based on our own experiences, but teaches the reader how to tease out the remarkable from the seemingly mundane.
“So I raise guffaws to the gods, acknowledging that our ridiculousness can be riotous.”
Having read her fiction titles, I became invested now in her as a writer. So I also enjoyed reading this as her story: growing up as a child of Lithuanian and German American parents and vignettes of her “poop cocoon” 🫣 as well as interning with a music band.
I am most entranced by her words, and I call out unrestrainedly to all writers to read just one of her titles, to see what I mean 📚
“Regardless of genre, I do strive for a stylistic voice with my novels: an economy of phrasing. I try to pack a punch with simplicity and the fewest words possible.”
libbyhenderson's review
4.0
Good non-fiction how-to book by one of my favorite authors. Interesting perspective on writing stories. Some of it was very familiar to me as a teacher who taught writing to 10 thru 14,year olds! We’ll-organized with lots of good ideas to get anyone started writing.
bellarosalind's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0