Andrea's Picks

Smashed is not only a story about alcohol abuse, it explores the role of women in American pop culture. Do young women turn to drinking because they feel objectified? What causes the need to throw off inhibitions? These are some of the questions that lurk beneath the surface of Koren Zailckas' chronicles of young adult and teenage drinking. Poignant and absorbing, this memoir rightly should take the place of other dramatic stories of addiction like "Million Little Pieces."

Eat, Pray, Love begins with the quote, “Tell the truth, tell the truth, tell the truth,” from Sheryl Louise Moller. This memoir attempts to do just that in a style that is unassuming, funny, tender and meditative. Her story is refreshing not only in the adventures she travels, but also in the architecture she builds in telling her tale. The memoir is split into three sections for the three destinations of her travel: Italy, India, and Bali. Also, she writes the stories in 109 sections using the metaphor of prayer beads to guide her. I truly enjoyed her voice; the humor and the sorrow she deftly expresses are moving and intelligently written.