The #6Degrees meme occurs on the 1st of the month over at the blog, Books are my Favourite and Best which is written by Kate.
I had not come across this memoir, but was familiar with the actress, although I did not recognise the name. My husband is a huge fan of the movie, Miracle on 34th Street in which Mara Wilson starred and we probably watch it several times during the festive season. At the time of writing this I have not ordered the book, but think I am very likely too!
For this month, I have lots to choose from as Memoirs and family stories really appeal to me, but lets see where we end up by book six.
This is one of my personal favourites. Letters and diaries enable genealogists to have a gateway into the lives of our ancestors and the people who went before us and provide a fascinating insight into their lives and the times in which they lived.
Another favourite is this by Helene Hanff and follows the exchange of letters between the author and the worker in a post Second World War two bookshop in London.
Moving on across the Capital, is this book from Matthew Spender, A House in St John’s Wood: In Search of My Parents as he researches the lives of his parents and the secrets they had.
Remaining in London we follow the clues of the lives of the former inhabitants of author, Julie Myerson’s house from the time it was built until recent times. Home is a fascinating read.
A similar book, At Home: A Short History by well known, American author, Bill Bryson who uses a different tact, of exploring the history of his house, room by room.
Remaining across the Atlantic we explore the book, The End of Your Life Book Club by William Schwalbe who spends time reading with his mother whilst she undergoes Chemotherapy and the discussions they had along the way.
This has been a great month and I could easily have done a 20 degrees of separation! Thanks to Kate for hosting another round of this and next month also looks to be a similarly challenge month as I will need to select just six books!
Julie Goucher ~ Anglers Rest 
Great choices! Helene Hanff–and Charing Cross in particular, are favorites of mine. I even loved the movie–which is rare for me. House in St John’s Wood has been on my to read list since it released.
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I love how you did this! The Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favorite Christmas movies–although more so the original than the remake (I like that one too though). I haven’t read Helene Hanff’s book, but I think I would like it. End of Your Life Book Club sounds really good too. I don’t read a lot of memoirs anymore, but ones about books and letters are sure to catch my interest. I hope you have a great weekend!
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Thanks for stopping by! – Helene Hanff is one of my favourite writers. I love reading books about letters and memoirs – guess I am noisy!
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You’ve done much better than I have – I got as far as book 2 in my link and then got stuck….
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Lovely chain, and thanks for reminding me of At Home. I’d forgotten all about it despite having enjoyed it very much.
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Thanks for joining in!
I love memoirs, of all kinds, although I do tend to read a lot of what would be classed as ‘misery memoirs’. Books such as Wilson’s make a nice change (although I was surprised about the sadness she experienced in her life at a very young age).
End of Your Life Book Club has been on my wishlist for a while…what was I saying about misery memoirs…?!
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