Two books this month and they couldn’t be more different.
My first choice was Matched
by Ally Condi. Matched is the
first book of a Young Adult Trilogy which continues with Crossed and concludes with Reached.
Because I write Middle Grade, Young Adult and Adult fiction, all of these
genres interest me. I like keeping up with what is popular and selling to a particular target audience, thus Matched.
I have
to say I was pleasantly surprised. I love when reality exceeds expectation. The
story takes place in a Dystopian society in which individual choice has been
removed. Everything, from food and occupation to your mate is selected for you.
Even your dreams are not your own. The author created a believable, fully
realized world… no easy task. The heroine starts to question her life because of a verse
of poetry by Dylan Thomas, “Do not go gentle…,” given to her by her dying
grandfather. Well-written and fast paced, it was an interesting and
well-crafted read. Kudos to Ally Condi. I’m intrigued.
Recommend.
My next selection was the memoir, Watch Me by Anjelica Huston. I have always admired Ms. Huston’s acting talent and thought her life
story would be interesting. Apparently this is her second memoir, the
first being A
Story Lately Told: Coming of Age in Ireland, London, and New York which concentrated on her early life.
Watch
Me centers on her life after moving to Los Angeles up to the present. More
than anything this memoir is a series of chronological incidents and memories
with very little transitional material. It is fascinating to peek into the
world of the very rich and glamorous and Huston definitely had/has a roster of famous
friends and acquaintances.
Initially, I enjoyed the gossipy tales but
eventually found no real insight into the woman herself. I lost interest over
time. The most I can say is it’s a fun read.
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