Trail of Crumbs

I became an avid reader before I could even read! My mom wrote in my baby book that as soon as I could sit up, I'd entertain myself for hours 'reading' magazines and comic books. The summer between 6th and 7th grade I remember feeling so proud that  I had read every biography and autobiography in the entire Bookmobile! (did they have Bookmobiles where you lived?) It seems only natural, then, that the memoir has become one of my favorite literary genres. This memoir, "Trail of Crumbs" by Kim Sunee came recommended by a friend who knew a memoir sprinkled with New Orleans, Paris, Provence and food would be right up my alley..and she was right! I caution you, however, that if you're looking for a 'happily ever after' story or one full of sunshine and light, this memoir is not for you. Kim Sunee explores her life as 'other' looking for a place to call home, a place where she fits in. What she has in reality is a life most of us would consider a wonderful, a fairy tale life. In her early twenties, she meets and becomes the companion of Olivier Baussan, founder of the French company, L'Occitane. Desperately in love, they live in a villa in Provence and an apartment in Paris, and travel all over the world to its most gorgeous and exotic places. Kim is beautiful, talented, smart and living a lifestyle that most people would envy, yet she is desperately unhappy and unsure of herself. Her struggle to find identity is compelling; her writing is evocative and luscious especially when she shares the one thing that does make her happy...food and cooking. The recipes she includes for her favorite comfort foods are reason alone to read this books. They may surprise you! So will Kim Sunee.

Haiti

Even before the devastating earthquake in Haiti last month, my friend, Edith recommended that I read this book, "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder. I often act on her recommendations since we share a lot of common interests. I didn't get around to actually purchasing my copy, though, until after the earthquake when I felt compelled to learn more about this complex, poverty-ridden neighbor. The book is centered around Dr. Paul Farmer who is a medical doctor and anthropologist and who has made healthcare in Haiti his life's focus. He is an amazing man and Kidder does a very good job presenting him objective candor. In telling Dr. Farmer's story, Kidder also tells the story of Haiti...its corrupt governments, its culture, its irrepressible people, and its poverty. As a nurse, I found Dr. Farmer's theory that healthcare can only be improved when poverty is alleviated most compelling. I think the author lays out Dr. Farmer's arguments in support of this theory completely and objectively. Something that's hard to do when so many people consider Dr. Farmer a genuine hero for his unflagging work for improved healthcare not only for Haiti, but also for the rest of the world. If you have an interest in digging deeper into Haitian culture or a desire to learn more about Dr. Farmer's work to improve healthcare by setting up systems of public health that incorporate ways to raise people up out of poverty, "Mountains Beyond Mountains" is a must-read for you.

Little Saint

Welcome to Red Bell Reads, my blog about words and images that I find intriguing. My first offering to you is Little Saint by Hannah Green, a book I've actually read twice. My first encounter with Little Saint occurred deep in the heart of la France profounde during my month-long stay in the Lot. It was Laury's book; she recommended it as it is about Conques, a pilrimage village that I planned to visit during my stay. It is about Conques, but more importantly, it's about the saint venerated there in the Abbey Church....Sainte Foy. Martyred in 303 AD as a 12 year old child, Foy captured the imagination of the author, Hannah Green during her many sojourns in the village. This book is as much a memoir of the author as it is her rapture with the child-saint. When I returned home, I bought my own copy of the book and read it again. Each word, each sentence took me back to Conques, now a beloved memory of my trip. I'm as charmed by Sainte Foy as Ms. Green was. I can't wait to get back to Conques to visit her church again and light a candle to her.