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9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes
A funny, poignant coming-of-age memoir told through the shoes that she wore.
From baby booties to orthopedic brogues (and all the high and low heels in between) shoes mark important rites of passage, reminding us of both the good and bad the road not taken, the prince that got away, the missed opportunities, the traveling, the fun. Most of all, they bring to mind the people we’ve loved and sometimes lost along the way.
Combining tidbits of cultural history, Morrisroe chronicles her life as a bullied Catholic schoolgirl in “Moby Dick” brogues; a besotted college student in granny boots; an aspiring journalist in Annie Hall oxfords; a skeptical bride in her first Manolos; a reluctant fashionista in towering peep-toe pumps; and a concerned daughter, whose elderly mother hoped that her New Balance sneakers would help her regain her old balance. With wit and compassion, she introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters, from her grandfather, who treated the family to legendary foot rubs, to her husband, whose vast collection of vintage Puma sneakers threatened to overwhelm their apartment and derail their marriage.
Morrisroe’s “coming-of-age” is, at its heart, the story of a generation of women who’ve enjoyed a world of freedom and opportunity that was unthinkable to their mothers. Spanning five decades and countless footwear trends, 9 ½ Narrow is, like Love, Loss and What I Wore, about how we remember important events through a coat, or a dress, or in this case, a Beatle boot or Confirmation “wedgie.” With her charming sense of humor and irresistible voice, Morrisroe not only recounts her own story but also everywoman’s. Funny, candid and unexpectedly poignant, 9 ½ Narrow is about how we grow up, grow older, and finally grow into our own shoes.
From baby booties to orthopedic brogues (and all the high and low heels in between) shoes mark important rites of passage, reminding us of both the good and bad the road not taken, the prince that got away, the missed opportunities, the traveling, the fun. Most of all, they bring to mind the people we’ve loved and sometimes lost along the way.
Combining tidbits of cultural history, Morrisroe chronicles her life as a bullied Catholic schoolgirl in “Moby Dick” brogues; a besotted college student in granny boots; an aspiring journalist in Annie Hall oxfords; a skeptical bride in her first Manolos; a reluctant fashionista in towering peep-toe pumps; and a concerned daughter, whose elderly mother hoped that her New Balance sneakers would help her regain her old balance. With wit and compassion, she introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters, from her grandfather, who treated the family to legendary foot rubs, to her husband, whose vast collection of vintage Puma sneakers threatened to overwhelm their apartment and derail their marriage.
Morrisroe’s “coming-of-age” is, at its heart, the story of a generation of women who’ve enjoyed a world of freedom and opportunity that was unthinkable to their mothers. Spanning five decades and countless footwear trends, 9 ½ Narrow is, like Love, Loss and What I Wore, about how we remember important events through a coat, or a dress, or in this case, a Beatle boot or Confirmation “wedgie.” With her charming sense of humor and irresistible voice, Morrisroe not only recounts her own story but also everywoman’s. Funny, candid and unexpectedly poignant, 9 ½ Narrow is about how we grow up, grow older, and finally grow into our own shoes.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published April 14, 2015
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August 3, 2016No doubt this book caught my attention, yes the shoe factor pulled at me. I had to read this memoir to see for myself how Morrisroe incorporated shoes into revealing her life story. Let me say Morrisroe did a wonderful job with both. I’m a shoe diva so her clever blending of shoes in tandem with stages of her life from girlhood to the present was greatly appreciated.
Humorous, touching the authoress provides a sincere glimpse into her life. Through the pains of childhood, adolescence, first love, loss, sibling issues, you’ll find her story easy to identify with. She also included much information on shoes – from factoids to history which was very interesting, especially if you’re a shoe lover like myself.
Love the bond she shared with her mother, their interaction throughout the years was a laugh, numerous times I found myself laughing out loud reflecting on my own memories of years past.
Wonderful clever memoir of one woman’s interesting life, love and family guaranteed to make you laugh and prod similar moments and instances from your own life.
http://ravenhairedgirl.com
Humorous, touching the authoress provides a sincere glimpse into her life. Through the pains of childhood, adolescence, first love, loss, sibling issues, you’ll find her story easy to identify with. She also included much information on shoes – from factoids to history which was very interesting, especially if you’re a shoe lover like myself.
Love the bond she shared with her mother, their interaction throughout the years was a laugh, numerous times I found myself laughing out loud reflecting on my own memories of years past.
Wonderful clever memoir of one woman’s interesting life, love and family guaranteed to make you laugh and prod similar moments and instances from your own life.
http://ravenhairedgirl.com
August 13, 2016
As I read the chapters in this book I couldn't help but reminisce on my own escapades. Morrisroe certainly provided plenty of moments for me to step back in time as I read of her experiences. Parochial school days, wearing Stride Rites to my own beloved pair of patent leather Maryjanes in black, my first love, yes I smiled and laughed as I journey along with Morrisroe.
Morrisroe cleverly addresses the issue of shoe marketing pertaining to the high-end designer brands. Lots of tidbits on shoes in general along with history added interest. Love the way she breaks down her life from childhood to adulthood through her shoes. She discovered her first love while wearing her granny boots in England, Beatle Boots purchased for a school performance etc.
An original memoir of an ordinary woman (sporting a shoe fetish, yes she owns Louboutin, Blahnik, Choo, - a girl after my own heart) blending shoes with memorable moments and milestones in her life, family and love. Fun read, especially for self-proclaimed shoe divas such as myself. Plenty of humor will thoroughly entertain you.
Morrisroe cleverly addresses the issue of shoe marketing pertaining to the high-end designer brands. Lots of tidbits on shoes in general along with history added interest. Love the way she breaks down her life from childhood to adulthood through her shoes. She discovered her first love while wearing her granny boots in England, Beatle Boots purchased for a school performance etc.
An original memoir of an ordinary woman (sporting a shoe fetish, yes she owns Louboutin, Blahnik, Choo, - a girl after my own heart) blending shoes with memorable moments and milestones in her life, family and love. Fun read, especially for self-proclaimed shoe divas such as myself. Plenty of humor will thoroughly entertain you.
May 28, 2015
I am no Carrie Bradshaw. If fact, I've never even seen an entire episode of Sex and the City. Nor am I a shoe fanatic. That's not to say I dislike shoes or don't enjoy a new pair, rather that I am not usually one to notice what is on other people's feet. (Unless it is flip-flops and your toes are unsightly and then, shudder, I will silently beg you to cover your feet the next time you are in public.) However, I am well aware, for a lot of women shoes are a very BIG thing. I may not fit this category but I'm always up for a good memoir and was thus intrigued by the idea of writing a mini-bio through the lens of shoes worn throughout a lifetime. Author and journalist Patricia Morrisroe pens what is at times amusing, at times sad, somewhat self-depricating but ultimately utterly relatable (even to us shoe naives) and touching memoir. So kick off your shoes (unless you are of the aforementioned toe variety) and curl up with this comfortable read.
July 7, 2015
Most of the time when I read a memoir or autobiography I am struck by the overblown ego of the author. This is not the case here. This book really is a look at Ms. Morrisroe's life through the shoes she has worn and observed on others over the years and her experiences in them. It is not that she has led a particularly eventful life. She has not. Yet, I found the book both charming and for a fellow baby boomer a look back at similar shared observations and feelings right up to the present when the author has to deal with aging parents. A memoir without a lot of narcissism is a great thing.
March 11, 2015
Surprisingly funny and entertaining! It is delightful that the story is able to be told through a child's eyes... without grown up self editing. You will enjoy many laugh out loud growing up stories that are relatable and family treasures. Mother daughter moments are especially poignant.
March 20, 2015
Loved it, she is a great writer! Don't let the title fool you, this is not a book strictly about the shoes she wore, it is an entertaining memoir of her life, very well written.
April 18, 2015
Touching, Hilarious & Unique Writing! A Fun Read!
August 21, 2015
If I ever write a bio, this is how it should be done.
June 9, 2021
If you missed this charming memoir when it was released a few years ago, grab it now--for its humor, for its poignancy, for its originality, for its SHOES
April 27, 2015
I am not a shoe person. I don't really like to shop for shoes, and I usually wear the new ones I buy for many years. In fact, I still have a pair of Nikes from high school (and that's been about thirteen years). I'm not particularly active, so I don't wear shoes out quickly. All of that being said, I wasn't sure that I would like a non-fiction book about shoes, but as I read through the first few chapters, I realized Patricia's story isn't necessarily about shoes or buying shoes but the stories that accompany that one special pair and the history behind certain types of shoes. I was immediately hooked. Most people who read this blog come for the YA reviews, and there's definitely that aspect here.
The opening chapter, "White Mary Janes," has everything a young, or adult, reader would want: an endearing child who is both jealous and curious. Patricial is envious of the shoes that adorn the feet of the prettiest girl in school. To get her own pair, she would try begging, but it took the unfortunate death of a skunk to acquire them. Imagining Patricia's sneaky, manipulative, and tearful smile as she gets what she wants will definitely warm your heart.
The most genuine part of Patricia's story is the search for truth. Was she born with twelve toes? After her mother blurts out that she was, in fact, born with a few extra appendages, she immediately disregards her statement and suggests she said jaundice. So heightens Patricia's curiosity. Asking family members and a handsome podiatrist doesn't really lead her any closer to the truth, so she must find it herself.
It would be impossible to discuss the book without mentioning Patricia's extensive research and knowledge of shoe history. I knew that I was not the first person to come to with a shoe question, but I didn't realize how little I knew until reading this book. The pop culture that focuses each of Patricia's memories is so cleverly intertwined that it never feels like you're reading about history. The allusions to Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn are so fascinating that I lost myself in the narrative. I unconsciously found myself going around asking "did you know" questions, and not being a shoe person, I received many quizzical looks.
Definitely an example of "never judge a book by its cover" or its content, YA readers will be able to find a comparable narrative in Patricia's childhood, and adult readers will love the entire book. A must read for the shoe lover, the history buff, and anyone in between. www.reviewscomingatya.com.
The opening chapter, "White Mary Janes," has everything a young, or adult, reader would want: an endearing child who is both jealous and curious. Patricial is envious of the shoes that adorn the feet of the prettiest girl in school. To get her own pair, she would try begging, but it took the unfortunate death of a skunk to acquire them. Imagining Patricia's sneaky, manipulative, and tearful smile as she gets what she wants will definitely warm your heart.
The most genuine part of Patricia's story is the search for truth. Was she born with twelve toes? After her mother blurts out that she was, in fact, born with a few extra appendages, she immediately disregards her statement and suggests she said jaundice. So heightens Patricia's curiosity. Asking family members and a handsome podiatrist doesn't really lead her any closer to the truth, so she must find it herself.
It would be impossible to discuss the book without mentioning Patricia's extensive research and knowledge of shoe history. I knew that I was not the first person to come to with a shoe question, but I didn't realize how little I knew until reading this book. The pop culture that focuses each of Patricia's memories is so cleverly intertwined that it never feels like you're reading about history. The allusions to Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn are so fascinating that I lost myself in the narrative. I unconsciously found myself going around asking "did you know" questions, and not being a shoe person, I received many quizzical looks.
Definitely an example of "never judge a book by its cover" or its content, YA readers will be able to find a comparable narrative in Patricia's childhood, and adult readers will love the entire book. A must read for the shoe lover, the history buff, and anyone in between. www.reviewscomingatya.com.
March 15, 2015
A good book can solicit laughter, tears, wonder and reflection and Patricia Morrisroe accomplishes this in "9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes." In this story a woman's coming of age is told in rich detail both personal and in shoes. Each chapter centers around a specific shoe and how that shoe is symbolic of her life.
The early chapters move quickly and I found myself smirking and laughing out loud at Patricia as she struggles with Catholic education, Only-Child-Syndrome, adolescence and puberty and her identity. There were moments when I pictured her as Mary Catherine Gallagher in "Superstar" only much more sophisticated.
The next set of chapters move more slowly as she enters the world of work, committed relationships and the challenges of being a sister. There is an abundance of esoteric detail regarding the giants of early film making, the shoe lords of the fashion industry and how shoe status has changed in response to popular culture. At times during reading, I felt bogged down by the amount of detail and couldn't wait for Patricia to return and share her growth and change.
The last set of chapters are deeply touching as she deals with fertility, sibling rivalry, aging parents and feet. I cried as she nurtured the changes in her and her family's lives. I found myself a few people down the line from her in all of these matters and I only hope to handle it as gracefully as she has.
I could do less with some of the professional chronology of who she knew and/or worked with and more about her. I will give Patricia Morrisoe another shot and definitely shelve this one for my library. Try it on for size!
The early chapters move quickly and I found myself smirking and laughing out loud at Patricia as she struggles with Catholic education, Only-Child-Syndrome, adolescence and puberty and her identity. There were moments when I pictured her as Mary Catherine Gallagher in "Superstar" only much more sophisticated.
The next set of chapters move more slowly as she enters the world of work, committed relationships and the challenges of being a sister. There is an abundance of esoteric detail regarding the giants of early film making, the shoe lords of the fashion industry and how shoe status has changed in response to popular culture. At times during reading, I felt bogged down by the amount of detail and couldn't wait for Patricia to return and share her growth and change.
The last set of chapters are deeply touching as she deals with fertility, sibling rivalry, aging parents and feet. I cried as she nurtured the changes in her and her family's lives. I found myself a few people down the line from her in all of these matters and I only hope to handle it as gracefully as she has.
I could do less with some of the professional chronology of who she knew and/or worked with and more about her. I will give Patricia Morrisoe another shot and definitely shelve this one for my library. Try it on for size!
April 28, 2015
Upon receipt of “9 ½ Narrow” by Patricia Morrisroe, I made a mental note to take greater care when clicking my way through Goodreads and Library Thing’s Early Reviewers. Everything from the cover to the synopsis made me want to pretend I never received this. As a middle-aged man with a strong dislike for exposed feet and a shoe collection that includes exactly two pair of New Balance running shoes, I could not imagine making much progress with this thing. Wow, was I wrong! I couldn’t put this book down, finishing the whole thing in two evenings.
This is a very funny first-class autobiographical effort. Yes, the author uses shoes, especially early in the book, as a connecting thread through her life story, but not in a way that overwhelms her very well written personal story and alienates crabby old men like me. The Sopranos is an organized crime story that is really about family, and this is a shoe story that is really about family. The central interaction is between the author and her mother, and while abrasive on the surface, was always tender and loving in a modern sort of way. After finishing the book I wondered if the author would have portrayed her mother in quite the same way had she still been alive. I believe the answer is yes, only based on the way her sister Emily is depicted, probably deservedly so.
Despite all the foreign-to-me shoe terminology and designers, I was envious of the life of travel and interesting relationships. This is the best memoir of its type that I have read since Jeanette Walls’ “The Glass Castle.” Thank you for sending me a copy!!
Please check out my other reviews at: http://alexandriaredux.blogspot.com/
This is a very funny first-class autobiographical effort. Yes, the author uses shoes, especially early in the book, as a connecting thread through her life story, but not in a way that overwhelms her very well written personal story and alienates crabby old men like me. The Sopranos is an organized crime story that is really about family, and this is a shoe story that is really about family. The central interaction is between the author and her mother, and while abrasive on the surface, was always tender and loving in a modern sort of way. After finishing the book I wondered if the author would have portrayed her mother in quite the same way had she still been alive. I believe the answer is yes, only based on the way her sister Emily is depicted, probably deservedly so.
Despite all the foreign-to-me shoe terminology and designers, I was envious of the life of travel and interesting relationships. This is the best memoir of its type that I have read since Jeanette Walls’ “The Glass Castle.” Thank you for sending me a copy!!
Please check out my other reviews at: http://alexandriaredux.blogspot.com/
March 31, 2015
9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes by Patricia Morrisroe is figuratively a walk in someone else's shoes.
Ms. Morrisroe, an experienced journalist and author, has written a light-hearted, fun memoir and sprinkled it with a healthy dose of shoe trivia. Ms. Morrisroe walks us through recent history as well as her own. We travel in time with her wearing a different style of shoe in each chapter. Events and even the style of shoe will bring back memories for some of us.
The interjection of shoe history and trivia could only have been done by a shoe lover, and Ms. Morrisroe has proven she is one from the time she was young. I found the history of tools for measuring feet (for for sizing) particularly interesting. The growth of the role of shoe in fashion was a historical timeline I had not previously pondered.
The portrayal of Ms. Morrisroe's relationship with her family, particularly her mother, will be familiar to most women. It is replete with antecdotes of mother-daughter tension as a part of growing up and leaving the nest as well as of parent-child tenderness as one builds an adult relationship with family members.
9 1/2 Narrow is a quick, fun read that you'll appreciate whether or not you're a "baby-boomer".
Ms. Morrisroe, an experienced journalist and author, has written a light-hearted, fun memoir and sprinkled it with a healthy dose of shoe trivia. Ms. Morrisroe walks us through recent history as well as her own. We travel in time with her wearing a different style of shoe in each chapter. Events and even the style of shoe will bring back memories for some of us.
The interjection of shoe history and trivia could only have been done by a shoe lover, and Ms. Morrisroe has proven she is one from the time she was young. I found the history of tools for measuring feet (for for sizing) particularly interesting. The growth of the role of shoe in fashion was a historical timeline I had not previously pondered.
The portrayal of Ms. Morrisroe's relationship with her family, particularly her mother, will be familiar to most women. It is replete with antecdotes of mother-daughter tension as a part of growing up and leaving the nest as well as of parent-child tenderness as one builds an adult relationship with family members.
9 1/2 Narrow is a quick, fun read that you'll appreciate whether or not you're a "baby-boomer".
April 16, 2023
In looking for books to recommend for a blog site to which I contribute, I did a quick re-read of this book. While I still enjoyed it, it had become a bit dated, due only to the passage of time. The social and historical references to events at its writing now feel less relevant – and that is the danger with memoirs of this type, unless the author decides to create a new edition, add a preface, or additional chapter, which far as I know, she has not. Because of this concern, I've dropped my stars to three, not because of the quality of the writing, but because other books might be better choices for my audience of readers. But, below is my original review:
I enjoyed this memoir written by journalist Patricia Morrisroe. As a fellow shoe lover, and being close in age, using her memorable shoes as a device was appealing and fixed the memoir in time. Morrisroe takes us through grade school (Beatle boots!), junior high and high school (Weejuns and ghillies), and on through her college years and adult life. Along the way we meet her parents, grandfather, sisters, friends, boyfriends and husband. Morrisroe rose from an "average" life in Andover, MA to becoming a Manhattan-based journalist who published widely in New York, The New Yorker, and other well-known publications.
I enjoyed this memoir written by journalist Patricia Morrisroe. As a fellow shoe lover, and being close in age, using her memorable shoes as a device was appealing and fixed the memoir in time. Morrisroe takes us through grade school (Beatle boots!), junior high and high school (Weejuns and ghillies), and on through her college years and adult life. Along the way we meet her parents, grandfather, sisters, friends, boyfriends and husband. Morrisroe rose from an "average" life in Andover, MA to becoming a Manhattan-based journalist who published widely in New York, The New Yorker, and other well-known publications.
August 9, 2015
Touching, funny and uplifting. The author tells the story of her life in terms of shoes she wore at each incident, and it's fascinating to realize just how symbolic a choice of footwear can be. I especially love the section when she wore a pair of fashion forward shoes at a new school to be cool only to discover that the popular girls were all wearing a completely different style -- the incident turns into the type of "mean girl" misunderstanding that must have been much more painful than the author's lighthearted touch leads us to believe.
My favourite part of this book though is the relationship between the author and her mother, told through the lens of their constant battles over footwear. It's a relationship other women may remember with their own mothers or daughters, and again, the lighthearted comedic touches of heated debates over shoes belie the deep bond between them.
My favourite part of this book though is the relationship between the author and her mother, told through the lens of their constant battles over footwear. It's a relationship other women may remember with their own mothers or daughters, and again, the lighthearted comedic touches of heated debates over shoes belie the deep bond between them.
March 22, 2015
Anyone who grew up in the 1950's and '50's will relate to Patricia's charming memoir of her life lived through shoes. From her white Mary Janes to Bass Weejuns to Manolo Blahnik stilettos we follow her through the familiar passages of life.
While I didn't grow up to write fro New York Magazine of Vanity Fair, I did recognize the scary Catholic school nuns, the mean girls in middle school, the longed for Villager skirt & sweater sets in high school and finally the sad duty of caring for aging parents.
This is a breezy, quick read that will leave you with a smile on your face - even though it may be through a few tears at the end. I received this book as an ARC from Random House.
While I didn't grow up to write fro New York Magazine of Vanity Fair, I did recognize the scary Catholic school nuns, the mean girls in middle school, the longed for Villager skirt & sweater sets in high school and finally the sad duty of caring for aging parents.
This is a breezy, quick read that will leave you with a smile on your face - even though it may be through a few tears at the end. I received this book as an ARC from Random House.
March 9, 2015
Patricia Morrisroe weaves an interesting and engaging tale of her life from the viewpoint of her shoes in this funny, thought-provoking novel. While I am not all that into shoes myself, I felt drawn to 9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes because it presented something different than most other "coming of age" stories, and I like different. Being a visual person, I wish that the author would have included pictures of her shoes because that helps carry the imagery described in her story to a new (even better) level. Overall, I really enjoyed this book, and anyone who likes a bit of humor mixed with an interesting story would enjoy it!
June 5, 2017
A charming, delightful read. I would not consider myself a shoe whore, but I will admit I had some thought provoking moments while reading this book. I too realized that I could remember particular shoes and or clothing that chronicled particular time periods, or events in my life...I am close in age to this author, so much of what she writes about I can relate to.
Patricia Morrisroe's 9 1/2 narrow My Life in Shoes was well written.I particularly enjoyed her research about shoes in our history. Thank you Goodreads...I was given this ARC as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
P.S. Thank you for making me realize that holding onto my daughters red sparkle Mary Jane's was a good thing!
Patricia Morrisroe's 9 1/2 narrow My Life in Shoes was well written.I particularly enjoyed her research about shoes in our history. Thank you Goodreads...I was given this ARC as part of a Goodreads giveaway.
P.S. Thank you for making me realize that holding onto my daughters red sparkle Mary Jane's was a good thing!
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March 6, 2015I am loving this book. Patricia Morrisroe is a superb writer, effortlessly transporting me to her childhood, getting to know her family and her schoolmates, and yes, making me feel like I'm there to see the shoes myself, as if they're right in front of me and a part of my history. Her storytelling is easy, and so far I'm having a great time reading it. Thank you, you've already lifted my mood every time I've picked this up.
Maybe I haven't come to it yet, but I'd love to see pictures from these stories!
I received a copy of 9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes for free through Goodreads First Reads. I hope to be able to post a more thorough review when I've finished the book.
Maybe I haven't come to it yet, but I'd love to see pictures from these stories!
I received a copy of 9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes for free through Goodreads First Reads. I hope to be able to post a more thorough review when I've finished the book.
June 26, 2015
Patricia Morrisroe's memoir, 9 1/2 Narrow: My Life in Shoes, is a delightful, entertaining read. We learn about Patricia's life through the shoes she has worn. A clever concept that I would think most women could relate to.
The writing is quick and at times humorous as you see Patricia grow up from a young girl in love with white Mary Janes to a mature woman suffering from foot related issues such as plantar fasciitis and mourning the passing of a parent.
Loves come and go in her life but of all the characters, I felt the best was her mother. The banter between the two was worthy of a sitcom in itself!
A nice summer read!
The writing is quick and at times humorous as you see Patricia grow up from a young girl in love with white Mary Janes to a mature woman suffering from foot related issues such as plantar fasciitis and mourning the passing of a parent.
Loves come and go in her life but of all the characters, I felt the best was her mother. The banter between the two was worthy of a sitcom in itself!
A nice summer read!
March 20, 2015
Has something ever nudged a memory in you - a song, a smell, a pair of shoes? Well this is Patricia's romp through her life starting with her first love - a pair of white Mary Janes at age 7. Each stage of her life was accompanied by unique footwear. Whether struggling with bullies at Catholic school, deciding which high school to attend, boys, travel,jobs - they were all marked with shoes that were in style. Comfort vs fashion, trend setting vs who cares. The author will having you laughing and bring you to tears, as well as giving you a little history lesson in shoes. I won this book from Library Thing.
March 12, 2015
A fun romp through a life of shoes, Patricia Morrisroe's memoir details her life, examining first loves, career challenges, and unexpected moments of heartache and loss. I laughed in some places and cried in others. Although I couldn't relate to her on a personal level when it came to her love of shoes (I didn't fall in love with shoes until my 30's), many of her stories did bring back memories. Morrisroe also inserted cultural histories of some of the shoes she fell in love with, yet her mini history lessons never broke up the pace of this fast and fun read.
March 11, 2015
Patricia Morrisroe has made a clever choice with this memoir: she uses the shoes she was wearing at the time of different life events as signposts/markers, and opportunities to talk about what was happening at the time. From her fondness for white patent Mary Janes in grammar school to confirmation wedge heels and beyond, Morrisroe talks about her life events in a way that brings readers right into the family.
This is an entertaining memoir about life and love ... and style. I enjoyed it.
This is an entertaining memoir about life and love ... and style. I enjoyed it.
June 6, 2015
Loved this book! Each chapter talked about a pair of shoes that represented a time in the author's life. The author's voice was genuine, funny, somber, and inquisitive (probably the journalist side coming out) at times. She didn't shy away from the hard things she faced, but also shared hilarious anecdotes too. In fact, I laughed out loud many times while reading this, which was many times more than I did reading Mindy Kaling's book. Neat approach to a memoir.
May 3, 2017
This book is delightful! A memoir, the author traces events in her life extending from her childhood in the fifties and the tumultuous sixties to the present time. The title refers to her shoe size, as she intersperses her stories between stories of the culture of shoes. This creative approach is fascinating but the book is far more comprehensive than a discussion of shoe fashion. It is "laugh-out-loud" funny in some places, and tender and poignant in others.
July 20, 2015
It is rare for me to read at book that literally has me laughing out loud until I had tears in my eyes but this one did. At the same time it tugged at my heartstrings. This book resonated with me on many levels. Maybe it is because I think Patricia Morrisroe and I are around the same age, maybe it is because we both were raised Catholic and went to Catholic schools, or maybe because our family situations were somewhat similar. What a talented author and a wonderful read!
April 8, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I took it with me to read while waiting for various appointments and it always prompted conversation among women. Every woman remembers special shoes and the story around them. Also, I connected especially since we are basically the same age and I also grew up on the east coast.
It was all around a good read! I wish I had thought of it!
It was all around a good read! I wish I had thought of it!
March 23, 2015
I received this book as a First Reads book. I thoroughly enjoyed 9 1/2 Narrow!!! Patricia is a fantastic writer. I feel that anyone of any age can relate to this book. We all have something special that brings back memories and I LOVE that her something special is shoes! This is definitely an author I will be adding to my list!
May 28, 2015
This is a good read for anyone that loves shoes and life stories. Patricia's story is funny, adventurous, and heartbreaking at times. The only thing I didn't enjoy about it was some parts seemed to drag out a little. Otherwise, I thought it was a great story and I learned a lot about the history of different types of shoes.
April 16, 2018
I thought this story was good and cute, but I was confused why she wrote a memoir. She had a lot of fun little stories, but nothing super crazy or exciting happened in her life. I liked her writing style and her funny one-liners. I liked her mother. I really liked the part about her joining a theater group. All in all, this was fun to read, but I wouldn't read it again.
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