Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Book Review and Giveaway: Amour Anarchy, A Memoir

By Sara Steven

From the highly prolific, award-winning author comes her version of a coming-of-age tell-all novel: Amour Anarchy, a Memoir. Paris and Europe in the 1970's was a simpler time - when today's political and societal turbulence was then an undercurrent. During her junior year abroad, far from her family and feral household pets, Maura's experiences and adventures shape her outlook in life. Including a romance with a man who helped foment a revolution that changed the world. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

Having read Maura’s guide to eDating the Old School Way (reviewed here), I was interested in learning more about the stories behind the author. I also wanted to get a sense of what Paris and Europe were like in the ‘70’s. While I’m not much for traveling abroad, Paris has always been on my bucket list. And while I’m sure there’s a vast difference between the City of Lights back then versus now, it’s always fun to live vicariously through someone else’s adventures.

Maura discovers so much more than culture shock when she’s on her own. This truly is a coming-of-age tell-all. I appreciate how honest and open she is about her personal experiences, particularly where her relationships are concerned. While so many of us often lock up the memories of our wild teenage years and hastily throw away the key, Maura shares her stories with wild abandon, immediately endearing you to the girl she was and to the woman she’s become. Nothing is taboo.

Her perspective from back in the day showcases the immature maturity Maura had while traveling abroad. I know that sounds a little strange, but I could sense the girl behind the stories, melding with the maturity she’s gained from her experiences. Growing up among plenty of situations that many of us would handle awkwardly and with kid gloves, all while away from her parents. I think that takes real guts. Maura has that in spades.

While I found myself annoyed with her main love interest at times, due to his personality, I do realize just how influential he must have been on her life. That’s even more in focus as the story progresses, blending beautifully with the ending. While many of us may never have Paris, we’ll certainly have those interesting childhood relationships that often shape who we later become in life, and they are often the ones we learn the most from.

Thanks to Maura Stone for the book in exchange for an honest review. She has one copy to give to a lucky reader!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Giveaway ends January 8th at midnight EST.

13 comments:

Janine said...

I don't get to travel, but there are a lot of places I would love to see. I have a FB friend who lives in Wales and after seeing her pictures and looking at the calendar she sent to me for Christmas, I would love to go there one day.

Aire para respirar said...

Egypt or Greece, love ancient cultures

traveler said...

I would love to travel to Italy.

Jennifer said...

My husband and I have planned a trip with our son to Mexico over march break. I can't wait!

diannekc said...

My sister and I are planning a trip this Fall to Canada and Upper New York and Niagara Falls. I haven't been to Niagara Falls and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

diannekc said...

My sister and I are planning a trip this Fall to Canada and Upper New York and Niagara Falls. I haven't been to Niagara Falls and I'm looking forward to seeing them again.

Kelly Rodriguez said...

I would love to travel to Italy and England.

Tatum Rangel said...

I would love to see Sweden, including Norway.

Grandma Cootie said...

Riverboat cruise up the Mississippi

Katie L said...

It's going to take a little time, but I am currently saving for and planning a surprise trip to Ireland for my husband & myself for our 25th wedding anniversary.

Mary Preston said...

All of Great Britain beckons.

Unknown said...

I'd love to drive through France and visit some of the vineyards

bn100 said...

Brazil