Book Talk
I finished two more books from my Autumn Reading Challenge list. Late, but better than never, right?
The Myth of You and Me by Leah Stewart impacted me emotionally in a way I didn’t expect. I knew it was a book about friendship lost, but I was shocked at how deeply I was affected. While I was reading it, I started dreaming about a friend from high school and college. I haven’t seen her in years. We drifted apart after I got married, and I got a letter from her that basically said, “Don’t write anymore - you’re too different now.”
I didn’t know how to respond. I was different. I had gotten married and, at the time, had two children. Of course I had changed. I wrote back saying exactly that, but also explaining that this didn’t have to mean the end of our friendship. I never heard back. I’ve written to her several times since then, and the letters never come back, so I can only assume they’re getting to her, but I never receive any news in return. It makes me sad.
This book brought out all of those feelings: the joy of finding a friend who you can be real with, the ability to finish each other’s sentences and read each other’s thoughts, the sadness when lives go in different directions, the grief when the friendship ends. This is a book for anyone who has had a cherished friend.
Orthodoxy took me much longer to read than I expected. It’s not a very long book; when it came in the mail I thought, “Oh, I can knock this out in a week or two.” Wrong. This book is not an easy read by any stretch of the imagination. I enjoyed the first half much more than the second, and I have to admit I forced myself to finish it. There is much food for thought here, and I wasn’t quite in the right place to appreciate it. I did, however, find a few nuggets of wisdom that stuck with me, and I’ll share them soon.
I had a friend at senior school who when we left turned her back on us completely. I never knew why - she appeared briefly on friendsreunited once upon a time and I emailed her, at which point her listing disappeared. I’ve given up trying to contact her - if she ever wants to find me I’m fairly easy to find. Hurts though, doesn’t it?
December 11th, 2006 at 3:31 pmJax - yes, it does hurt. I have done everything I can to reach out, but I gave up a few years ago. Funny how it is still such a fresh ache, though.
December 11th, 2006 at 3:38 pmI have had several friends turn away from me without explaining why. It is really painful. (((Hugs)))
December 11th, 2006 at 5:57 pmSteph - I think the not knowing makes it worse.
December 11th, 2006 at 6:28 pmIt sounds like she was emotionally jealous of where you were in your life. I think you chose the right path. Now you get to make new friends. Try to just think of the good memories from this old friend. And cherish the memories of your new friends.
December 12th, 2006 at 7:29 amI want to read that first book now. Hmmm, I wonder how my family will feel if I add another book to my Christmas list…. LOL
Robin - that thought had occurred to me - that she might be jealous. It still makes me sad, though. Yes, definitely read the book - it’s very good.
December 12th, 2006 at 10:08 amYou know, it’s always so sad when a friendship ends. And “sad” doesn’t seem to adequately describe it, does it? I had a best friend in high school who I no longer see or talk to. Our lives have drifted apart so much I almost can’t believe it. What was once a relationship that I thought I would have forever has become the relationship that I long for.
It makes me want to cry but on the other hand, it makes the relationships that I do still have even more sweet. Does that make sense?
You’re not alone, Carrie.
December 12th, 2006 at 1:02 pmLaney - I think that’s why this book will appeal to so many women - this is a common part of life.
December 12th, 2006 at 1:09 pmI have Orthodoxy wrapped up and under the tree for husband. Of course, he’s the type that can plow through the toughest of content. I think I’ll just let him read it and tell me about it!
That is so sad about your friend. It makes me want to cry. I am one of those very fortunate people who have many friends left over from grade/high school.I have about ten friends that I see on a regular basis from high school. Some I’ve known longer than that. (One of my friends was in my dance class with me when we were three!)
But I did have one friend that just disappeared. I was maid-of-honor in her wedding. Later, she stopped calling or returning my call and stopped writing. She even stopped sending Christmas cards. It is sad.
December 13th, 2006 at 8:09 amBethany - I also have some good friends from high school that I am still in touch with, and that is a blessing. I hope your husband enjoys the book!
December 13th, 2006 at 8:46 am