Winter Journal

Unconventional. Once I started reading Paul Auster’s memoir, Winter Journal, I couldn’t stop. Many memoirs are formulaic chronological reflections on either the wonder or terror of the subject’s life. Auster follows an unconventional structure using a narrator speaking to the subject, Auster. While odd at first, it became the perfect device for a highly skilled writer to convey wisdom and perspective about his life. Perhaps this book resonated for me because I am just a few years younger than Auster. I found his treatment of his body throughout his life, and the importance of place through each of the twenty one places where he’s lived, to be important ways of conveying how we engage in the world. Any reader who appreciates first-rate writing, especially one who enjoys memoirs, is likely to enjoy this finely written memoir. Rating: Four-star (Highly Recommended) Click here to purchase Winter Journal from amazon.com.