PURPOSEFUL MEMOIR AS A QUEST FOR A THRIVING FUTURE

A brief, illustrated book about finding personal clarity through writing memoir.

In her latest book on coaching writing, Browdy states her aim of providing “thought-provoking, open-ended starting points, provocations and stimulations, rather than instructions” for her readers as they embark on a process of self-improvement through writing. “This is your journey,” she reminds her readers, “and you can’t get it wrong as long as you undertake your Quest with an open heart and the sincere intention to probe your life experience deeply and honestly through the medium of purposeful memoir.” This “Quest” is the process of delving deeper into the past and rendering it honestly in order to find greater clarity in the present moment. Browdy illustrates her book with several of her own beautiful color photos and provides prompts and questions to help her readers shape their compositions. She also includes quotes from a wide array of authors, including Mary Oliver and Joy Harjo, along with quick descriptions of their lessons (“Jane Goodall’s great heart taught us that our love must be big enough to embrace the whole world, not just our own species or our own backyard”). There’s also advice on self-help topics not directly connected to memoir (“It’s important to take care of what you put into your body and mind,” and so on). Browdy herself is a fine writer, well experienced in the tactics of encouraging nonwriters to commit to the writing process. “Let your heart sing as you write!” she urges her readers, and her writing exercises and effervescent personality combine to help direct the process. Even the most writing-averse reader will be tempted to give it a try.

A lovely, ultimately uplifting book about improving your life through writing it down.