my take: a recent trip to Arizona reminded me – seeing the topography of the desert and the bungalows of Phoenix – that i haven’t reviewed this wonderful book. by the author of The Glass Castle, this time out Jeannette Walls writes the story of her grandmother, as told to her by her mother (who you may remember from Castle). the wild west, old chicago, and one room school houses are the scenery of this amazing life. this woman has hutzpah in abundance: she makes my subdivision existence seem pretty tame. the chapters are very short and it’s a quick, worthwhile read.

my source: can’t for the life of me remember who recommended … maybe it’ll come to me – if it’s you, speak up!

recommend: book chicks, horse enthusiasts

rating: A

genre: historical fiction