This week we talk to my cousin, Elise, who is a graphic designer in Atlanta. Elise has always been wonderfully bookish and artistic. Every summer growing up, we would spend a week together at the beach in Sea Island, GA, and both of us would be buried in books nearly the whole time. We would both write little stories in our notebooks and read them to each other. I always admired her drawing skills (I have none), which she puts to use in her life as a desiger. I feel lucky that we’ve stayed in touch as adults and always love hearing what she’s up to.
What book are you reading?
I’ve gotten into the (bad?) habit of reading numerous books at once – and taking forever to complete just one. Currently my bedside table is balancing Charles Duhigg’s The Power of Habit [recently featured on ATB here!] Maira Kalman’s And The Pursuit of Happiness, Richard Freeman’s The Mirror of Yoga and an old childhood favorite I’m re-reading for the third (fourth?) time – Robert McCammon’s Boy’s Life.
BUT I’m not going to talk about any of these. Instead I’ll break the rules and talk about two other books. Book A and Book B.
Book A. Pamela Druckerman’s Bringing Up Bebe
Where did you get it?
At A Capella Books, a neighborhood bookstore. I saw it on the shelf display while I was in the checkout line. It was not unlike an impulse trash magazine or spearmint chewing gum purchase.
Why did you decide to read it?
Because I’m essentially / unofficially a step-mom, and have quickly discovered the primal urge to seek the big A’s (advice and “answers”) in parenting books. I’ve also always had a penchant for atypical early childhood education, due to a mounting distaste for the traditional American school system. But I also can’t deny I picked up the book because I like to believe I’m half-French. And anything French is undeniably charming.
How is it so far? (How far are you?)
Despite the mounting stack of books next to my bed, I managed to finish this one – it’s a fast, enjoyable read. Druckerman is insightful, honest and delightfully self-deprecating. She weaves facts into very personal stories of her own earnest attempts at “proper” child-rearing. I love the juxtaposition of an American mother enveloped in an alien culture, trying desperately to tap into the “chic” (re: so obvious it’s baffling more of us don’t treat our kids this way) Parisian parenting style, all while openly admitting defeat. Plus who can’t appreciate the fact that it’s totally acceptable for French kids to yell “Poo sausage!” to let their frustrations out?
Book B. Natalie Lyalin’s Pink & Hot Pink Habitat
Where did you get it?
I ordered it online. It’s printed by a small press [Coconut Books], I’m not sure you can physically find it in a store.
Why did you decide to read it?
The author is a former college classmate of mine. We took several poetry workshops together and I always admired her work. And, I’ve secretly always wanted to publish a book of poetry. Natalie just happened to do it first, and probably way better than my imaginary published-self ever could.
How is it so far? (How far are you?)
I’ve read it front to back and every which way between. It’s a collection of poems you’re free to enter at any point you’d like. Each poem deceptively disrupts the boundaries between reality, memory and dreamscape. Natalie has an amazing way of packing a punch when you least expect it – she breathes new life into the mundane through elegantly blunt contrasts. She is unafraid, her writing unapologetic. It’s so awesome I got to sit next to her in class.
What is your favorite book and why?
The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf. Because I can’t resist a story about a bashful bull, and because my grandmother would read the story aloud to me as many times as I wanted.
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I was excited that Elise had read Bringing up Bebe, because it’s kind of controversial (some were comparing it to last year’s Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother) and I’ve heard such mixed reviews. Some people are saying that this “French” parenting style Druckerman observes is really just good parenting. I’m not a parent, so I can’t really say, but here is the link to the New York Times review if you’re interested.
