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I want to challenge myself to read more biographies and autobiographies, so A Moveable Feast
Premise:
A Moveable Feast highlights the early part of Hemingway’s life, when he and his wife lived in Paris as a young couple. It talks about writing, food, alcohol, friends, love, sex, reading, art, marriage, horse racing, skiing, and some of his now-famous friends and acquaintances.
My thoughts:
This was a fantastic book! Hemingway’s writing style is very distinctive, so if you can wrap your head around it, you’re bound to appreciate his stories. He has a way of drawing the reader into the surroundings and events he’s describing, so that you feel like you’re a spectator just looking over his shoulder. I find myself wanting to explore the places he’s describing.
Hemingway’s way of life as a young man was so alien to me, and that is probably what made it so interesting. The way he talked with friends; the food he ate; the alcohol he drank; the things he did in his spare time–they are all outside of my own world experience. I love learning about what life is like for other people.
I had no idea that Hemingway was friends with such well-known people as Picasso , T. S. Eliot, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s neat to get a little peak into their social lives and realize that in a way they were regular people just like the rest of us.
It would be helpful to know some French when trying to tackle this book, but you can get by without it. Some of the place names, food, and drink will be lost on you.
I recommend this book to older teens and adults who are looking for a good biography of Ernest Hemingway. Though the stories only pertain to his younger years, you get a good sense of his character, motivations, and a fascinating look into his life.
A Favorite quote:
“’We’re always lucky,’ I said and like a fool I did not knock on wood. There was wood everywhere in that apartment to knock on too.” (p. 42)
Possible Objections:
- Some bad language (SOB x 1, etc)
- Sexual-themed talk (an STD, prostitution, homosexuality)
Rating: 5 Stars
Until next time…
Lori
is the last book from my 
Book Buffoonery 