All Grown Up
Book Review - All Grown Up by Jami Attenberg
What does it mean to be a grownup? This is the question at the heart of Jami Attenberg's book, All Grown Up. At the center of the story is Andrea, a single woman living in Manhattan. Each chapter is almost written like a diary with Andrea telling us stories from her life: past and present. The stories overlap at times, sometimes repeating parts of the story as if Andrea and I are friends and we haven't seen each other in a few months. I may have forgotten that she once went to art school so she tells me again. Or perhaps she's forgotten she's already told me that story.
In addition, many of the chapters are named after friends and family: people with whom she has a connection. But these connections and relationships are ever-changing and we get to see how these connections change as Andrea's life progresses and as the lives of her friends and family progress. It took me some time to really understand the depth of the story being told. Although I immediately enjoyed the book and was curious about the story, it wasn't until I was about halfway though the book that I felt the weight of what Andrea was discovering and revealing to me.
I chose this book as my March selection from Book of the Month Club. Those of you who received my March Newsletter (not signed up? Subscribe to my newsletter here!) know I am a big fan of this monthly book service. One of the main reasons I love it is because I discover books that I would otherwise have overlooked - I love historical fiction so when I seek out books I always look for historical fiction books. And Amazon always recommends books similar to those I've already read. But BOTM makes totally unique suggestions unrelated to what I've liked in the past. This might mean I choose a book that isn't a top rated book on this site but it is new, and interesting, and it expanded my horizons. Ready to join? If you use this link, you’ll get your first month for just $1. And I’ll get a free book when you join!
I'll leave you with this interview with the author. I love hearing authors speak about their work and Jami Attenberg is so eloquent when discussing the deeper themes of this novel. I hop you enjoy this book as much as I did!
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