Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Striking a Chord

by Kim Van Sickler


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Writing a readable book is one thing; writing a page-turner is another.

Writing a book that resonates with the reader, one that strikes a chord deep inside and reverberates with meaning, pulses with purpose, is another step beyond.

I'm reading one of those extraordinary books now. Wild by Cheryl Strayed.
A book about a young, clueless, broken woman hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Who would have thought she'd be so relatable? 

But she is, not only for those of us who have suffered great personal trauma and struggled to pick ourselves up and move forward, but also for those of us who are unsure of who we are and which direction out lives should take. Cheryl is one of those authors who isn't afraid to make herself look bad. And in so doing, she allows her readers, with all of their flaws, to feel pretty good.

It's a skill that can't come easily. The natural tendency of writers is to make ourselves look good. We want to be admired, respected, quoted. Cheryl strips herself down to her core. She reveals herself to be a tempestuous, immature, emotionally fragile, hedonistic young woman who finally decides to do something about it. And although the method she uses to "find" herself is unconventional, and even dangerous, the reader understands and roots for her because, face it, her life had spiraled out-of-control in tornado-like proportions.

Cheryl's ability to flog herself for her mistakes, but at the same time work on setting herself on a straighter path is commendable. Her scene descriptions are apt, and complement her story without overshadowing it. Her physical and personal journeys are memorable and inspirational.
Kim's hiking boots. For her personal journeys.

It's a story that will stay with me for a long time. Maybe forever.

Now, that is something.

What book have you read that has that kind of staying power?

22 comments:

  1. That sounds like a great book. I haven't read a book like that so don't have one to recommend. Sorry. And Happy New Year!

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    1. You are a prolific reader, so I'm sure you'll find one that resonates with you soon.

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  2. I heard about this book because it's been made into a movie. Sounds like a very uplifting story. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It will be fun to watch the movie now. Always is after reading the book.

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  3. I read Unbroken last year and that has stayed with me. Wifey and I are going to see Wild. Maybe today.

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    1. My husband enjoyed the book and Angelina's movie got some flack for cutting his post-adventure spiritual journey out of the movie, but I think I understand why she did it. Thanks for reminding me that I should read that book soon.

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  4. The most haunting, unforgettable book I've ever read is Fragments of Isabella, by the last Isabella (Katz) Leitner. Her memoirs comprised two volumes originally, and are now in one combined volume, but the original first volume is definitely the most haunting for me. It also has a number of emotional passages and turns of phrase which were inexplicably edited out or altered in the updated, combined volume.

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    1. With a commendation like that I am going to have to put this book on my To Read list. I wonder if I'll be able to find the original first volume?

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  5. We'd all like to write a book like that. Although I don't think I could flay myself in public the way she did.

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    1. Yes, it is uncomfortable baring so much of ourselves to the world. It's hard enough sometimes just being honest with ourselves.

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  6. So glad you shared this. It is so true, and something I struggle with. It is my first nature to hold my cards close. The world doesn't need to know what I am thinking or feeling is my personal philosophy. Then when I write, the reader's reaction gets in my head- what will they think? Will they assume it's my thoughts, not the characters? It strips the story of the honesty and I think you're completely right- it limits a story and its goodness.

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    1. Oh yes, I know exactly what you're talking about!

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  7. I'll have to remember to pick this up. I haven't had a book (or a movie or anything like that) just floor me because it's so good in a while.

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  8. Lucky, by Alice Sebold, and Black Bird Trail, I think it was called, both floored me. It's been awhile since I read something along those lines, though.

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  9. I can imagine that this book did strike a chord for you, Kim. Not sure what recent read I'd put in that category, but I was just thinking about "To Kill a Mockingbird." And there's something hauntingly beautiful about that story which will always stay with me. Now, to write something that will stick with MY readers. That is an awesome task.

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    1. To Kill a Mockingbird is definitely a "sticker" for me. So are Lord of the Flies and The Outsiders. All of them were school assignments and I was blown away by them.

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  10. Your lovely review made me want to read it. I'll have to get my hands on that one soon. :-)

    A blissful 2015 to you, Kim!

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  11. I hadn't heard about this book or the movie. Thanks for sharing with the rest of us!

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  12. Thanks for telling us about this book! I'll have to check it out!

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