At Home in the World : A Memoir

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Summary: Insightful and honest look back at a woman's life
Review: The raw honesty utilized by Joyce Maynard in this book is sometimes painful (to the reader, and to herself) but this book shines as a memoir. The part about her and Salinger is just one segment of her life, and all the critics that are slamming this book due to the content about Salinger need to learn that even their idols have feet of clay. Joyce Maynard does not exempt herself from her honesty--you come away from the book liking her, flaws and all, and wondering why the Salingers of the world, gifted though they are, have such a dark side.

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Summary: A reader from Portland, OR
Review: THIS IS THE MOST COURAGEOUS WRITING I'VE READ IN YEARS!! Joyce Maynard's "At Home in the World" is above all a brave statement of how one woman evolved from a life of quietly seeking approval from those closest to her to discovering the beauty which was in her all the time. Her effort shows the painstaking process of looking deep within her heart to hear the voice of truth and honesty. I was deeply moved to be able to share what seemed to be a journey of survival and hope in reconciling untold secrets. Along the way, I could not help but reflect upon my own happiness in life -- and hidden truths which seem to constantly hang in the shadows of my own existence. The courage which Maynard shows is the kind which I hope all women, young and old, will come to recognize and experience for its unyielding honesty. Some may be critical of Maynard's insight into the reclusive J.D. Salinger, and yet what is revealed? In one sense, nothing. In another, the soul of a recluse -- what else is new? Salinger's writing remains reputable with or without Maynard's insight into Salinger the person, not the writer. Conversely, it is Maynard who comes out looking the champion in reclaiming her life, and it is the insight which she shares which make us want to scream out, "Free at last... free at last... thank God Almighty! We're free at last!"

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Summary: A Treasure
Review: Every page in this book is a treasure. I honestly could not put it down. The author's voice is so full of hope. The J.D. Salinger parts of the book are honestly written, and spoken about with compassion and insight. There is not a singular place in this book that the author has a "woe is me" attitude. Each setback and disappointment is only seen with a chance to start again, and better. I truly enjoyed every word, every page.

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Summary: Professional Victim--Should be titled-"At Home In The Woe!"
Review: This has to be the most boring re-hash of events that took place a quarter century ago. JM can quote conversations verbatim that took place 25 years ago. She claims to be victimized by her parents, husband, and JDS. She can't let go of the affair with Salinger. She is furious that he dumped her. She never admits some of these problems are HER fault for the choices and actions SHE made. She confronts the 78 yr old JDS 25 years later and asks: "What was my purpose in your life?" What did she expect as an answer? JM needs some serious counselling to get over all this anger and move on. Her attempt to "expose" JDS backfires on her. It shows her as a hysterical, neurotic, complaining "poor victim". Not worth reading.

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Summary: what a wonderful story
Review: I can not believe the effect this book had on me. I could not put it down. I brought it with me everywhere I went. I think it is a riveting wonderful story about a woman who is truly amazing. The circumstances of her relationship with Salinger were superbly written. There is so much more she didn't say, things more horrible I believe. I think she treated him kindly in the memoir and there was so much not said. Through it all she braved her life like a trooper, chin up, and in the meantime accomplished so much. This is one of my favorite books. It is a rare and fine thing to find a book that is such a treasure. Thank you Joyce Maynard for writing.

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Summary: A Great Read
Review: I started out reading the book to get "gossip" about the reclusive J. D. Salinger. Lo and behold, what I read was a thoroughly enjoyable memoir of a fascinating, brave, talented woman. Ms. Maynard vividly described her life's defining moments, while at the same time gave the impression of being enveloped in a surreal fog of self-doubt and self-pity. That she was able to conquer her torments after several decades is a testimony to her maturity.

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Summary: True to life, this book holds your attention
Review: As a reader of very little non fiction, I was surprised that this book could hold my attention for more than the first twenty pages. The pictures on the inside cover remind you that this book is reality. I kept having to look back because some of the situations just seemed so unbelieveable. I am almost 18 myself and to put myself in her position and try to have a normal life while involved in an affair with a man three times my age seems unfathomable. This book lets us see the hardships of being a writer and how we can sometimes be blinded by what we think is love. It shows us that starting over is the hardest thing in the world, but if you throw yourself into it, there really isn't any way to fall back, and after reading the book, I see how many times she fell. This book is an unbelieveable story of courage and love.

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Summary: Elegantly written; leaving the reader much to ponder
Review: In her clear, simple style Joyce Maynard has given her readers much to think about: How does one raise a child to reach their potential? How do we deal with the death of our parents, the birth of our children? How do others affect our lives? Why does food play such an important part in ourl lives? Honesty at what cost? All these questions and more are raised by Joyce as she takes us through her life thus far. As for all the hype surrounding Jerry Salinger and his right to privacy I can only say that I found Joyce to be discreet in her revelations, telling only that which sheds light on who she is and the choices she made. I encourage all to read it, especially parents!

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Summary: Maynard opens up the doors of her life.
Review: I find flying difficult sometimes, but Maynard's book kept me engrossed throughout much of a long, tiring flight. It's a woman's story, detailing love, marriage, family, childbirth, and body image among others. I happen to be immensely curious about how other women handle these intimate aspects of life. I enjoyed this glimpse into one woman's life and heart. To me, Salinger is just a mildly interesting character in the bigger story of a young woman's metamorphosis from confused teen to mature woman.

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Summary: Why are so many book reviewers jumping on Joyce Maynard
Review: Why are so many book reviewers jumping on Joyce Maynard for writing about her affair with J.D. Salinger? Even the saints get questioned now then. Is Salinger above even them just because he chooses to be a recluse? Maynard handles the affair with taste and judgement. I got the impression that Salinger was more horrific than she described. She used her discretion. And lots of writers describe their troubles with great candor -- William Styron on depression, Clare Bloom on Philip Roth -- and no one accused them of exploitation or exhibitionism. Maynard's writing style is natural, simple and elegant. Her's is a story for anyone who at one time or another, needed wise counsel, showed poor judgement, and got into a bad situation and somehow managed to crawl out alive. In other words, there's something here for everyone. Read it.