Body Work
Book description
AN INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER
Memoir meets craft master class in this âdaring, honest, psychologically insightfulâ exploration of how we think and write about intimate experiencesââa must read for anybody shoving a pen across paper or staring into a screen or a past" (Mary Karr)
In this bold and exhilarating mixâŚ
Why read it?
3 authors picked Body Work as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Melissa Febosâ book Body Work provides encouragement to writers who are considering the memoir genre by highlighting the importance of storytelling as central to human experience.
Memoir writing is like magic; unique in its ability to shine a light on stories of survival, perseverance, and resilience. Febosâ book beautifully portrays the power of memoir as a tool to prompt growth, pulling back façades in ways that are both personally empowering and enriching for readers and writers alike.
âWe are telling the stories that no one else can tell, and we are giving this proof of our survival to eachâŚ
From Vicki's list on the power of memoir writing to promote healing.
This book of essays is part master class, part memoir. Febos writes with laser intelligence about her journey from addict to sex worker to academic. How do we write about our most intimate moments? What happens when such writing is misunderstood, or dismissed? I grew up in rural Scotland, where no one ever talked about sex or longing, and I was dazzled, and inspired by Febosâs examples of what could be put on the page.
From Margot's list on reading and writing fiction.
Melissa Febos is having a moment. Who wouldnât love a queer feminist firebrand who was once a professional dominatrix and now writes memoir and essays that surge with sensual detail, set your mind in action, and then rip your heart out? She recently won the National Book Critics Circle award for her excellent collection of essays on growing up female, Girlhood. This short book, which followed fast on that oneâs tail, brings together four pieces on the craft of personal narrative. If youâre worried youâre a narcissist or opportunist for writing a memoir, or just wallowing in your ownâŚ
From Helena's list on to read if you're thinking of writing a memoir.
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