Sunday, December 14, 2008

What 2009 Brings to the Book World

Encounter the peaks and the lows of the roller coaster of Diana Joseph's life in her new book, I'm Sorry You Feel That Way. In this exciting and heartening narrative, Diana introduces the men most important to her, or in her case the ones who seem the most important. The first being her son, who she throughout the book refers to as "the boy". Next, there is her father with whom she has a very loose relationship with. He having only called her a handful of times in her life, gave her a warning about becoming a slut at the age of twelve. Needless to say, she didn't actually take his advice much to heart and she ended up having to put up with an ex-husband and a common-law husband. So join in on this memoir and she where modern life takes this sharp woman.

Throughout this book, I kept finding myself relating to Diana's feelings and just some of the hard times she was experiencing. She was a very friendly person, yet she only seemed to become acquaintances with boys. I, along with other females I'm sure, have the same feelings. Maybe it's just because I would pick shorts and some sneakers over a dress and heels any day. Or not, I just find it much easier to connect and be friends with males. Another characteristic that Diana and I both share is that we both find relief from our problems with humor. Diana cracked jokes right and left all through the book. Doing so, I think it lightens up the topic manner discussed in the book.

After I finished this book, I came to the realization of something unique about it. It wasn't like anything I have ever read before (this including of wide variety of literature for a 15 year old). Sure, I have read my share of memoirs but this one particularly stood out because of the tone it was written in. But since I was required by my English teacher to compare it to other literature, I would say that it reminded me of The Gravedigger's Daughter by Joyce Carol Oates. The reason for this is because both works have rather sad basis' of what happens, but the way it is written doesn't make it seem that bad at all. That is what makes these mutually splendid reads.

This manuscript is so relatable to the world that it constructs itself to actually be thought-provoking and capable of being read without a drop of boredom. I'm Sorry You Feel That Way investigates many otherwise known as untouchable subjects. Those of which include: raising a child without his father being around, being called promiscuous names, being promiscuous, and others. I'm pretty sure we all know these subjects happen and are apparent in everyday life. The book also mentions what it's like to get married and divorced, which is an unfortunate reality in our world today. Overall, this book is not out there and exaggerated, it's just the plain hard truth from a woman who's seen it all.

I'm Sorry You Feel That Way will be available March 2009 in hardcover for $23.95.
Call the store to pre-order yours today!
Click here to view Diana's website:
http://dianajoseph.net/

Book read & reviewed by:
Sophie Riggs