Review: Blue Suburbia
Laurie Albanese grew up in what felt like a dead end suburb with parents who had struggles of their own. Determined to have a better life, she leaves home as soon as she can but has trouble escaping her past. After years of pain and sorrow, she finally finds a sense of peace in the ordinary.
I loved Blue Suburia: Almost a Memoir by Laurie Lico Albanese. Written in verse, this book is truly Albanese’s memoir and it’s painful and joyful at the same time. Her story is sparse yet moving and captivated me right from the start. I’m in awe of anyone who can tell a story in verse and think telling your own story that way would be even more difficult.
Book Club Girl provided my book club with copies of this book to help us prepare for a Skype chat with Laurie Albanese. Everyone agreed that the book is wonderful but tough to read at times. Blue Suburbia is a must read for those who love memoirs and/or novels in verse.
A whole book in verse. Sounds tough. Was it hard to read? I always struggle to concentrate with such books.
It was tough to read at times because of content but not because of the writing – the writing was wonderful and the story flowed well.
Can’t imagine a memoir written in verse? It seems like it would be annoying:) Glad u loved it though.
The only book I’ve read that was written in verse is The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus, which I thought was surprisingly good, if not great. I’ll have to see if I can get my hands on this one! I love memoirs.
I have trouble getting into books written in verse, even kid’s books!
Like Les, The Hunchback of Neiman Marcus is the only book in verse I’ve read and I loved it. My library at home has a copy of this one, so I’ll check it out later in the spring… it sounds very moving.
I think I’d love this so it’s going on my TBR list. Thanks for telling us about it!
Oh my…this book contains two things I don’t normally enjoy…memoir and books in verse…but I enjoyed reading your thoughts about it!
I just finished reading a memoir that was painful and joyful too. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book in verse though.
Not sure the format is for me but the rest of it sounds like my thing.
Kathy, this would be a first for me, a memoir written in verse. It sounds intriguing–wonderful review!
I find it so hard to read books in verse but I want to read them too. I will have to check this out.
This sounds good and its in verse!
Hmmmm, I’m considering. THanks!
I love memoirs and novels in verse. Will add this one to my tbr for sure! How cool that your book club had a Skype chat with the author.
What a great experience for your book club to be able to talk to the author!
Sounds powerful! I wasn’t aware of this book until your review — thanks for sharing!
I am not a huge memoir fan, but, man, Kathy, you have sold me on this one. It sounds like a must read.