Summary: The creators of the best-selling Not Quite What I Was Planning present a collection of brief and moving personal stories about how a single instant, decision, accident, conversation or message prompted profound changes, in a treasury that includes contributions by such individuals as Melissa Etheridge, Justin Halpern and Jennifer Egan. Original. 75,000 first printing. - (Baker & Taylor)
Library Journal Reviews
Have you ever taken a wrong turn and never looked back, or picked door number one instead of door number two? The results of split-second choices and unexpected events frame this fascinating collection of new, brief, personal narratives solicited by Smith (founding editor, SMITH magazine). Here are words and sketches by 125 contributors whose on-the-spot decisions or transformational moments led to a permanent change in lifestyle, career, or relationships. Melissa Etheridge details her decision to perform at the 2005 Grammy Awards when she was undergoing chemotherapy. In "Those Old Keys," it's the clacking of the keys on his father's typewriter that inspire NPR's Alan Cheuse to become a writer. "If I Don't Die Today, I Will Marry Kristin Moore" describes the decision photojournalist Aaron Huey made while crawling through a muddy field as Taliban gunfighters shot over him. First kisses, childbirth, accidents, and jury verdicts are other topics covered. VERDICT Each author's ability to concisely describe such big moments pulls the reader in. Book and writing groups will have a lot to talk about after reading this first-rate collection.—Joyce Sparrow, Kenneth City, FL
Check Availability
