Why We Write About Ourselves

If you like reading memoirs, you’ll like “Why We Write About Ourselves,” a book that tells us why 20 memoirists do write about themselves.

Among the people sharing their stories are Sue Monk Kidd, Ayelet Waldman, Nick Flynn and James McBride.

Honest, compelling and funny, the book really does give the reader an insight into the writer’s mind. They answer questions like “how true is true?” and how much they should write about other people.

Waldman, for example, writes, “If you’re not uncomfortable and scared while you’re writing, you’re not writing close enough to the bone.”

If you don’t like reading memoirs, this book might lead you to making a trip to that genre.

“Why We Write About Ourselves” is edited by veteran editor Meredith Maran, who is currently working on another memoir of her own.

You can listen to my talk with Meredith Maran here: WESB.com/on-demand. Click on LiveLine for 01-27-16.

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