Before Candace Bushnell (b. 12/1/1958) wrote Sex and the City (1997) or Helen Fielding (2/19/1958) finished Bridget Jones's Diary (1996), Caroline Knapp (1960-2002) delivered Alice K.'s Guide to Life: One Woman's Quest for Survival, Sanity, and the Perfect New Shoes (1994).
Drinking: A Love Story (1996), Knapp's second book, allowed her to emerge from her Alice K. alter ego and delve into memoir. This was the first one of hers that I read, and it's still to me the best overall. On the other hand, it's enlightening to read or re-read all of her books within the span of a couple weeks. I'll spend a little more time delving into them by way of posts at some point.
Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs (1998), Knapp's third book, was the last to be released before she died at age 42.
The two posthumous releases: Appetites: Why Women Want (2003) and The Merry Recluse: A Life in Essays (2004) fill in other aspects of Knapp's experiences and worldview.
Caroline Knapp, by self-description a high-strung twin, suffered from anorexia, alcoholism, smoking, and relationship "issues." Difficult life but a compelling writer.
Today's Rune: Strength.
1 comment:
Too bad she didn't blog. We could've fixed her up.
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