Book Review: Falling into Manholes: The Memoir of a Bad/Good Girl written by Wendy Merrill
Update: While waiting for my order at FedexKinkos this afternoon I had the great pleasure of meeting Wendy Merrill, who was standing at the counter next to me. At first glance I wasn’t sure it was Wendy, so I stood there sneaking peeks at her out of the corner of my eye and adding up the facts: tall, blonde and in her hometown, which isn’t such a big town. I also contemplated whether I should introduce myself given my book review, but call me brazen or stupid (you choose), I had to ask. And I am so glad I did! She is a lovely lady, and when I sheepishly told her that her book had given me nightmares and I hadn’t finished it, with a big smile and gesturing to herself she said, “It has a happy ending”. And guess what!! It does! So I wholeheartedly encourage you to ignore my earlier hesitation and show your love for a lady who kicks ass by reading her book, Falling Into Manholes,
A few weeks ago, I was excited to discover that a local author’s book, Falling Into Manholes
Wendy’s book is an easy conversational read that touches on addictions, dating and countless other issues that many women face, but the near lethal and persistent combinations in Wendy’s life feel treacherous. It’s like watching a train wreck. There’s blood and gore and fire and things you really don’t want emblazoned in your mind, but you just can’t avert your eyes. And I’m not sure that makes for good bed time reading, unless you’re a horror-flick fanatic, which I’m not, and if you’re not, I don’t recommend reading this book at night.
Now, by no means do I judge Wendy for her life experiences, mistakes or possible genetic/biological propensity for addictions. (I actually imagine she is a charming, funny, strong woman with cajones.) I do wonder, however, what the hell was wrong with her parents and teachers. It just doesn’t seem likely that a girl/young adult/woman would suffer like she has just because she was 6′2″ tall and awkward - I mean we all know kids are mean, and I’m sure most of us (except perhaps, the popular kids) suffered in our youths. But is that enough to lead to bulimia, alcoholism and codependency that spans decades?
I think my uncertainty about Wendy’s book arises, in part, from my natural preference for personal privacy. I grew up in a very small town where everyone knew your business before you even opened your mouth, and I hated it. So, I don’t understand why a woman in her forties would want to share with the world, her pain and suffering that, based on her prose, sounds self-inflicted (but was actually the result of unacknowledged disease and low-self esteem). That said, I have read countless books about women’s painful pasts that were uplifting and I would recommend to anyone in similar circumstances. In this case, however, there’s something different about the book that makes me reluctant to suggest you read it. I’m not sure if it’s because the tone of her book seems slightly humorous while the subject matter isn’t, or if it’s because I haven’t yet finished it and reached the celebratory chapters that include the beloved happy ending. So, I’ll reserve my final (humble) opinion until I’ve read the remaining 100 pages…and if it differs from that which I’ve already explained, I’ll give you an update. Stay tuned.
ps. I love the title of the book!
-
Posted by ModDiva on April 18th, 2008 filed in Book Review, Dating, Dating and Marriage, Dealing With Divorce, Falling into Manholes, Single Women, Wendy Merrill |
Leave a Comment