Lit

A Memoir

By: Mary Karr

Narrated by: Mary Karr

A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

New York Times Book Review • The New Yorker • Entertainment Weekly • Time • Washington Post • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Christian Science Monitor • Slate • St. Louise Post-Dispatch • Cleveland Plain Dealer • Seattle Times • NBCC Award Finalist

Mary Karr’s unforgettable sequel to her beloved and bestselling memoirs The Liars’ Club and Cherry “lassos you, hogties your emotions and won’t let you go” (Michiko Kakutani, New York Times).

Lit is about getting drunk and getting sober; becoming a mother by letting go of a mother; learning to write by learning to live. Written with Karr's relentless honesty, unflinching self-scrutiny, and irreverent, lacerating humor, it is a truly electrifying story of how to grow up—as only Mary Karr can tell it.

The Boston Globe calls Lit a book that “reminds us not only how compelling personal stories can be, but how, in the hands of a master, they can transmute into the highest art."" The New York Times Book Review calls it “a master class on the art of the memoir” and Susan Cheever states, simply, that Lit is “the best book about being a woman in America I have read in years.""

©2009 Mary Karr; (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Dark and Real

Mary’s voice adds to the exhaustive reality of an all too common life. I resonate so much with her story of a life begun in the American south. Alcohol is insidious and almost impossible to avoid. It colors a life like bright red blood that dries into a dark red, ugly stain.

Strong Memoir & Fantastic Narration by Mary Karr!

If you could sum up Lit in three words, what would they be?

Compelling. Interesting. Honest.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved how this story didn't just discuss Karr's alcohol addiction, but also how she made her way as a writer and author during this time. You didn't just get "Lit" in regards to being drunk, but also in regards to "literary." I found that aspect of her early life as a writer even more interesting than her addiction.

What does Mary Karr bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Having Mary Karr read her own story really gave me a sense of place and person. Mary's voice, with its slight southern accent, really added to the nuances of the words and narration. I feel as if I got so much more out of this listening to her read her memoir to me than to read it myself. It was so compelling, I'd find myself doing chores around the house just so I could keep listening to it in on my iPod!

Any additional comments?

If you like a good story by someone who isn't afraid to share it all, to show herself in an unflattering light, and appreciate the writer's life, you'll love this.

Wow!

I enjoyed this book so much!!! I was not familiar with Ms. Karr prior to listening to this book and as a Syracuse native, I was to find out that she’s practically in my own back yard! I enjoyed her humorous approach, sarcastic candor and just overall real-ness. She tells her story in such a way that it makes you feel like you were there for each situation or encounter that she describes. It’s a long but fantastic listen!

moving

wonderfully narrated by the author. thoughtful and funny. one of my favorite reads so far.

I thought it was kinda whiny and fake.

Would you try another book from Mary Karr and/or Mary Karr?

No, I don't think I'll try another book by Mary Karr. I mistakenly thought this was the memoir of an average Jane who overcame struggles with alcoholism, but she is a professional memoirist and a college prof to boot. If you take away all the literary fluff the book would be about 6 or 7 hours long. I actually wish I could personally call her and ask for my money back and tell her I think she is a big fake. Due to the fact that she is a professional I kept wondering if she was just hyping up her alcoholism and after about 3 minutes of her admittance into the mental hospital she is complaining about being there like some angsty kid.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

Her narration was flat and unenethusastic, I thought it was whiny because she doesn't sound thankful at all for her success.

Excellent

Mary Carr’s style of writing and storytelling grabs the readers instantly, taking us from tears to laughter to introspection, all in one short paragraph. Pure joy to have her narrate.

Excellent

Loved this just as I loved her previous memoirs :) definitely recommend listening to or reading !

I felt like I was watching a movie, not listening

I am reviewing both The Liars’ Club and Lit. Reading them both is a requirement. Her writing is truly captivating and so smart, a true storyteller. It draws me in and makes me feel every emotion she intended. The way she expresses her thoughts at times left me in tears and wanting more. Did she ever hear from the people in her hometown after the books were published? One last thing. Warning to all readers – After listening to Mary Karr’s writing, don’t be surprised if the next few books you read/listen to seem poorly written. Her writing is scary smart.

Unbelievablely moving

Listening to this, I came to live in the author's struggles and triumphs. It had me in tears at the end. I wanted it to go on and on. I recommend it in the strongest terms possible.

Loved the book

I really enjoyed this book. Mary is a good narrator and her story is worth listening to. It was sad at times, but a very good book.