Week 6: Analyzing Memoirs

1). A good memoir draws in a reader, so he or she can discover something new. Can you "see" yourself in either of these stories? If so, what?; If not, why?

The first line in the cousins blog really drew me in. She begins like she is telling a story. Discussing a conflict that happened between her and her cousin is relatable to me. In 2012, my oldest brother got married for the first time. They had not known each other very long, and I just didn’t like her vibes. When he drove me to our hotel after we had gone out for the evening, I told him how I didn’t feel they were a good match and that I wanted him to really think about what he is committing to. He (obviously) didn’t take this kindly, I stood in his wedding the next day, he and his new wife moved to England while he was in the Air Force, and we did not speak for 3 years.

When he came home, we never really discussed what had happened. We just went back to acting like every thing was normal and getting along again. I was there for him when he decided he was not happy and wanted a divorce, and I never said “I told you so.” We both may have said things we didn’t mean that night and we were both stubborn about apologizing, but we knew the air had cleared.

With Lena’s blog, I find it relatable but not as much. It is very personal, and while I have struggled with mental illness, it was never to such a serious extent. Her experiences in searching for a therapist are familiar to me, it always felt like a never-ending string, and I never did quite find the right fit. They also drive me crazy when they just nod their heads and don’t give any insight (even though I know that it is their job to help you reach your own conclusions.)

2). Do these writers over tell their stories? Do they tell or show? Address the description and visualization? Do you need more details?

I think Lena over tells her story. I think the other writer’s story is more of a visualization while Lena’s is more of a personal history. Both gave ample detail in their writing when talking to readers about their personal experiences. I am not really sure what lesson Lena was trying to discuss, while it was clear to me that in the cousins blog, sometimes we just have to let the past go and appreciate our family always.

3). Do you get a sense of truth-telling in these two stories?

Yes, I think they are both very emotionally honest. I don’t think either author really embellished their stories, they just told it like it is and put it out there for all to see. Lena’s is definitely more in depth and personal truths, while the cousins blog revolves around one particular story. But they both seem very honest and open about their experiences.