HOME: American Writers Remember Rooms of Their Own

by Sharon Fiffer

Nineteen of America's finest writers shape a "home" of essays, each contributing a different "room" to a collection that gives readers a spirited and eclectic look at the ideals and realities of family, childhood, memory, and the simple notion of shelter. Contributors include Bailey White, Jane Smiley, Donald Katz, Lynda Barry, and Mona Simpson. Half of the editors' proceeds will be donated to organizations that assist the homeless. Reading tours.

Genres: Anthologies, Nonfiction, Short Stories

237 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 1995

Reviews

[Diane Barnes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting views of special rooms and their memories by 18 different authors. "The Teen-age Bedroom" by Linda Barry has to be one of the funniest and truest rants of a teen-age boy who just wants his Mom to leave him alone that I've ever read. A good pick up and put down book for those in between time periods when you just need to read something, but don't have enough time to get involved.

[Milt · Rating 4 out of 5]

tread read. seems like home to me, too

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting collection. My favorite essays were incredibly powerful and many essays introduced me to writers I wasn't aware of, writers I want to read more of.
Karen Karbo's 'The Dining Room" is one of several stand-outs, partly for the style - written in second person, present tense - and for its emotional impact. It's also funny, and insightful. Here's one excerpt from her writing, that rang so true, and universal: "If you were either a child or an adult, you would notice that she [her mother] is not right. But you are seventeen, and only have eyes for yourself."

[Jennifer Shaiman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wonderful idea for an anthology, and a great collection of authors, but the essays themselves are not particularly well crafted or memorable.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful collection of authors writing about the memories and feelings of home. Thoroughly enjoyed the glimpses of what home means.

[Tiffany Kirkpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Puts you right back in the most comfortable place you've ever been and remembered.
Inspired me to be more present, in whatever places I find myself in these days.
Loved it!