Friday, September 17, 2010

Let's Take the Long Way Home


I just devoured Gail Caldwell's "Let's Take the Long Way Home: A Memoir of Friendship." In fact, I almost swallowed it whole...and it has left me exactly the way I like to be left by a depthy book on an almost autumn evening (reflective, sentient, and a little weepy), with that good kind of cry that makes you feel clean and sad and peaceful all the way through.

There's a mood that comes with this kind of reading material, one that makes me feel young because I used to cultivate it. Well, that's not exactly right. First the feeling would come upon me, and then I would cultivate it. Because it was seductive, in its way...a purple melancholy, washed in a burnished sort of joy that didn't quite fit but made me want to wear it anyway.

I can write almost anything when this mood comes along. And Gail Caldwell's memoir of friendship has delivered it.

I won't give you any more on this one; the title says it all. Just know that if you dive into Ms. Caldwell's book, you will be the richer for it. And, just maybe, your friendships will be, too.

=)

14 comments:

PERMANENT POSIES said...

Wow! That was a beautiful description of a book. You must be a writer yourself. :) I am most certainly going to read this book now. That sounds like my kind of book. Of course, I am wading through the latest Diana Gabaldon's book from the Outlander series. I say wading because I haven't had a lot of time to read. So, I have it on audio in the car and when I can't put it down/turn off the car and come in, I just start reading it inside. I love that series but the books are thick and there are 100's of characters to keep up with and many references back to older books and characters. But, she is a grea author that began writing on bulletin boards....the precursers to blogs. She had such a big following that she took her stories and wove them in to her first novel.

Katie said...

Sounds like my kind of book! FOr some reason I like it when books and movies make me cry. Am I weird? LOL!

jen said...

Once again, mastery of verbiage. Can't wait to read this one. You haven't let me down yet!
And that includes your own tomes!
Glad you're part of my world, Sue. You brighten my days.

And I laughed OUT LOUD at your comment on the phallic flower. That is a CLASSIC I won't soon forget!

Grandma Honey said...

Thank you Sue for this great book review. I figure an author recognizes a good book. :)
The books I do read are all by recommendation, so this one will be next for me.

Unknown said...

What a great review. You make me want to rush out and find that book. I'm on Mockingjay right now, but that one will definitely go on my list!

BECKY said...

I haven't wanted to read a book so bad in a lonnnnng time!! You sold me! You had me at hello! :)
As soon as I finish the memoir I'm reading right now, I'll definitely get this one. And I promise to let you know what I think of it when I finish it!! Thanks so much for a wonderful review!!

karen said...

Kindle here I come... this one sounds like a book I'd love.

Jess said...

You made me need to read this book- your descriptions are always so full, they stimulate nearly all of my senses (too bad there's no such thing as scratch and sniff screens)

CB said...

Sue, Forget Oprah - I am finding that you are my "Go To Girl" for books. I trust your judgement and just make my list.
Thanks!

Darlene said...

Well, all I can say is that if I ever wrote a book, I would beg you to do a review for me. You are just so good at this. Too bad this author hasn't read said review. I think she would react to it too. Now, all I can do is to hope that it will go on your kindle so that I can read it too.

Boomer Pie. said...

Sounds like something my book club would enjoy. I just happened to stumble across your blog and I signed up to follow you...taking the long way home, of course. Stop by my place and join the party.

Braden Bell said...

Love the idea of purple melancholy

Karen Mortensen said...

Good review. Makes me want to read it.

Amy said...

"A purple melancholy" I love it! You have such a way of describing books that makes me want to go to a book store and spend all my grocery money. Yet another book you recommended that I need to read. But as always, I am grateful for the review and recommendation.