First, I believe language is very powerful. Second, I have respect for the wordsmiths - those writers who know how to use the language and put words and phrases together well. S you know my bias.
The Lacuna (P.S) by Barbara Kingsolver is one I recommend. She has written several notable novels and received numerous literary awards. It is about the writing and the process of writing from a writer's perspective. Turn of the century U.S. And Mexico is the setting. Spans about 50 years with most of the focus on the 30's and 40's. This is a book of fiction with real people, places and historical events mixed in as backdrops to the struggle of a young man facing a confusing world.
As in many books, the first thing is to remove parental influences, make sure there are minimal strong relatives and take away familiar places and locations. Sounds almost like a Harry Potter introduction. But the book takes on some of the characteristics of Forrest Gump with real people and events adding to the plot and definitely adding to the theme of the book.
The Lacuna includes Mexico history and some U.S. History frequently omitted from history books. A good read and is one of Kingsolver's books that will be around for a while. Some school children are going to find this on the required reading list soon.
If you enjoy The Lacuna you might also enjoy The Thirteenth Tale: A Novel by Diane Setterfield. Another fine mystery about a writer and her writing process.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett is popular now both as a book and film. Again, a young woman wanting to be a writer and the plot is her research process.
Do you have a favorite? How about sharing? Email me the title and short summary.
Don't forget to drop me an email about your summer trips. Where did you go and why did you discover?
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