Anne Tyler was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941 and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She graduated at nineteen from Duke University and went on to do graduate work in Russian studies at Columbia University. She has published 20 novels, her debut novel being If Morning Ever Comes in (1964). Her eleventh novel, Breathing Lessons , was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
French Braid by Anne Tyler is a historical novel that digs deep into what makes families tick. This book has lots of drama and some interesting moments that are relatable and beautifully written, and as it spans 60 years, the story of the Garrett family is told from many different perspectives. While I enjoyed the family focus, the story’s slow pacing didn’t capture my attention as much as I had hoped, and I was left feeling disappointed. Continue reading
Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler is perfect for fans of retellings. This whirlwind of a story is a very enjoyable take on Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. The concept of Vinegar Girl is a very unique and modern version of the classic tale that gives the story a new outlook. Also, Kate, our protagonist is a witty and relatable character for today’s society. This is a reimagined version of a classic that really had me glued to its pages. Continue reading