Friday, August 20, 2010

Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler



Genre: Literary fiction, Women's Lit
Awards: Pulitzer Prize for literature 1989
Published: 1988, 336 pgs.
Source: Personal library

Review: 4.5/5 stars
I don't know if this is a book I will go around recommending to everyone I know, but I personally loved it. It is a very quiet book without a whole lot going on. In fact, the story starts on one Saturday morning as Maggie and her husband, Ira, begin their 90 mile trip to the funeral of a friend. The book ends that night so it covers a matter of hours of their lives but as they recall different memories you get a pretty good picture of their entire lives. I don't know if it would be a page-turner for other people but it was for me.
Maggie and Ira were so real to me as I read this book. They aren't perfect. Their strengths and weaknesses become more and more evident as the day goes on. There are funny moments, sad moments, frustrating moments, and heart-warming moments. It reminded me of real-life marriage and I usually see marriage either idealized or demonized in novels.
Has anyone read this book? I'd be very interested to hear your opinion. It could be that I just read this one at the right time and it doesn't speak to everyone the same way.
Rating: 2.1.2 There are some mature themes and one scene that starts to go in a sexual direction but stops. This book also contains some mild and infrequent profanity.

5 comments:

Suey said...

This sounds like one I'd enjoy. I'll have to keep my eyes open for it. (And who knows, it may be one already my shelf somewhere and is lost in the chaos. I'll have to go check!)

Are you coming to the party on Saturday?

Jessica (The Bluestocking Society) said...

I haven't read this one, but it sounds interesting. It's good to have you back and blogging. I hope to see you at the Utah bloggers bash today!

KIKA said...

Kim! It was so good to meet you :) this one sounds like one I'd like to read. There are times when a good quiet read is all you need. Thanks for coming by my blog :) tell your son hello for me! LOL and we will play tag again next time ;) so happy I met you, happy reading!

Laura said...

Kim, I am so glad to see you are blogging again! You have brought many wonderful books to my attention that I would have otherwise missed and I (and my daughters)am very appreciative of your blog and your rating system. Thank you and welcome back!
Laura

Anonymous said...

Great website!! About this book-- Although I made it through the whole story, I found it very boring. This was a good book to read when I wanted something that would put me to sleep.