The Liar's Club

Cover of The Liars' Club: A Memoir

I recently had the pleasure of reading Mary Karr's memoir "The Liar's Club."  The book tells the story of Mary Karr's childhood growing up as part of a dysfunctional family in Texas in the 1960's.  Karr's childhood was filled with unstable family dynamics, alcohol, drugs and yet she managed to rise above what most would consider a traumatic filled childhood to become a bestselling author.  In addition "The Liar's Club," Karr has also gone on to write "Cherry" and "Lit" about later portions of her life.

I've basically described this book to just about everyone I've met.  I've described it sort of like watching a beautiful train wreck -  so horrified you want to turn away, but at the same time are increasingly fascinated to watch.  This is probably the easiest way to describe Mary Karr's memoir.  Though short, its not a light read.  I'm sure that as psychology student I read way too deeply into this book, but I promise you it does go deep.  Just when you think it can't possible get any deeper, it does.  As the ending jumped several year ahead in Karr's life, I almost planned on skipping it in case I decided to read her other memoirs, I am so glad I didn't.  I doubt there are many people out there like me who read this sporadically, but in case you do...do not skip the end!  I promise you it will be worth it. 

Final thoughts: I highly recommend reading this book if you get a chance, its definitely not light reading but its worth reading