Author: Heather SellersGenre: Memoir, Standalone
Published: 2010
Personal Rating: 4/5 (very good)
Yearly Count: 96
From the back of the ARC:
Heather Sellers is face blind--that is, she has prosopagnosia, a rare neurological condition that prevents her from reliably recognizing people's faces. Growing up, she took what cues she could from speech, hair, and gait, but unaware of the reason for her perpetual confusion and anxiety, she feared she must be crazy. Yet it was her mother who nailed windows shut and covered them with blankets. Her father went on weeklong "fishing trips," wore panty hose and a bra under his regular clothes. Heather clung to a barely coherent story of a "normal" childhood in order to survive the one she had.
The fairy tale unraveled decades later, when she took the man she would marry hoe to meet her parents. There Heather began to bring the story of her family and herself to light. As she came at last to trust her own perceptions, she learned the gift of perspective: that by embracing the past as it is, we can let it go. And in the process she illuminated a deeper truth: that even in the most flawed circumstances, love may be seen and felt.
Prosopagnosia is a condition that I never knew existed, so I was very interested in learning about it through this memoir. However, as it turns out, the story about her condition was secondary to her life growing up with mentally ill parents. That was not a deal-breaker, but one I didn't expect. I understand its importance in the flow of the book and can appreciate what she was sharing.
I believe Heather describes her difficult childhood with clarity and a truthful awareness of her reality. There was not a self-pitying or aren't I special attitude - she was genuine. I found it interesting to learn about the process she went through to become the person she is today. I liked her and am happy she finally told!
I liked that book as well. I had not heard of face blindness previously. Great review.
ReplyDeleteBibliophile By the Sea ~ It sounds so odd, doesn't it? I can only imagine the frustration it must cause. I have to come by and see what you said.
ReplyDeleteI read a lot of memoirs, and I'm amazed at the number of people raised by mentally ill parents. Boy, what a challenge that must be.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion ~ I'm amazed too! And, it seems like children are very resilient, but once they are adults, they need to make sense of their childhood.
ReplyDeleteYou gave this a 4 which means I must read it for sure!! Sounds so interesting!!!
ReplyDeleteOh I can't wait to read this one!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow. This sounds terrific. I was not aware of this condition either.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds interesting. I generally enjoy memoirs, so I'll have to add it to my to-read list.
ReplyDeleteI thought I posted about this but it's not showing. Anyway, I was wondering if you had any information about how to receive books in the mail to review on my blog??? You seemed like a good go to person for this.
ReplyDeleteStaci ~ I thought it was - hope you do, too.
ReplyDeleteDanielle ~ The comments don't show up until I okay them. I'll e-mail you later regarding your question.
Holly ~ I don't think many of us knew it existed. I'm glad she's bringing it to our attention.
Alisonwonderland ~ I hope you enjoy it.