"You'll never leave me!" The author's husband makes a false prediction that starts her post-marital journey of relationships with men ranging from the wealthy son of an oilman to an alcoholic artist, to a videographer living with his parents, to a musician working in customer relations. Along the way, she finishes graduate school to become a professor in a small Midwestern town before relocating to New Mexico. The story is set in the context of a child of the 60s negotiating sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, mainly The Rolling Stones, when feminism propels her to wake up to her own potential.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Baker openly and honestly delves into her past, covering her years growing up in the1960’s and her relationships with various men after leaving her husband. Throughout the book, she embeds lyrics from The Rolling Stones to illustrate different events and phases of her life, revealing the secrets she kept, the heartache she experienced, and her many awakenings.
Prose: Baker is a talented writer, constructing scenes with a relaxed tone as she sweeps readers into her story. Her narrative approach offers a fair amount of detail and expressive wording, and her obvious adoration for the power of music rings throughout.
Originality: Melding music and memoir entertains, and fans will relish the slice of nostalgia Baker evokes by sharing meaningful lyrics.
Character/Execution: Baker cleverly interjects her passion for music throughout this appealing memoir. Her ability to use shame and guilt as springboards to move forward is admirable, as she spends time reflecting on her past to harness it as a catalyst, rather than allowing it to hinder her progress.
Date Submitted: October 01, 2024
