Rosenthal's new work is a timeless collection of insights, memories, and moments that are at once intimate and universal. Why title it a "textbook"? Because each piece of prose is organized into classic subjects-- and because wordplay and unconventional format is so typical of her. In this collection, Rosenthal speaks to the awe, bewilderment, and poignancy of being alive.
Acknowledgments -- Introduction -- Pre-Assessment -- Geography -- Social Studies -- Art -- Science -- Midterm Essay -- Romance Language -- History -- Music -- Math -- Language Arts -- Final Review -- End Notes.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal has cultivated a distinct blend of nonlinear memoir, observational humor, wistful reflections and interactive connections with readers. A decade after Encyclopaedia of an Ordinary Life, she's back with a sublime new work, a timeless collection of insights, memories and moments that are at once intimate and universal. This is more than a memoir; it's an innovative, at-times experimental and utterly unforgettable work that speaks to the awe, bewilderment and poignancy of being alive.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal was born in Chicago, Illinois and graduated from Tufts University. Before becoming a full-time author, she worked in advertising for several years. She wrote both children's and adult books. Her children's books included Little Pea, Little Hoot, Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons, Duck! Rabbit!, Spoon, The OK Book, Plant a Kiss, I Wish You More, That's Me Loving You, Exclamation Mark!, and Uni the Unicorn. She also wrote a picture book with her daughter Paris entitled Dear Girl. Her books for adults include Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life and Textbook Amy Krouse Rosenthal.
Her short films include The Beckoning of Lovely, The Money Tree, The Kindness Thought Bubble, and Life Is a Marathon. Her essays and articles appeared in The New York Times, Hallmark Magazine, Parenting, O: The Oprah Magazine, and McSweeney's. She was also the host of the radio show Writers' Block Party on WBEZ Chicago Public Radio. She died of ovarian cancer on March 13, 2017 at the age of 51.
In today's digital age, with its ever mounting distractions, Rosenthal's (Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life) newest work offers some optimism for how reflection, curiosity, and imagination can be sustained. A testament to the notion that books and technology don't have to be at odds, this part memoir, part art installation offers a series of vignettes (personal anecdotes, observations, drawings, and photographs) divided into different subjects reminiscent of a high school "textbook." Yet, as Rosenthal poses questions and encourages readers to respond via text messaging, it is also a "text book." The author collects and shares outside contributions on her website, extending the conversation beyond the book. More than an intriguing concept, it is an artful arrangement of image and text and a compelling read. An abundant use of white space reveals that Rosenthal is unafraid to take breaths between thoughts. In doing so, she gives her audience the same generous opportunity, pairing the best of what print and digital have to offer: narrative for contemplation and online interaction for community. VERDICT Readers will want to return to this book again and also share it with those they love best. [See Prepub Alert, 2/8/16.]-Meagan Lacy, Guttman Community Coll., CUNY © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.