Thank You to Booktrope for providing me with an advanced copy of Kelly Wilson's memoir, Caskets from COSTCO, in exchange for an honest review.
PLOT- In her memoir, Caskets from COSTCO, Kelly Wilson recounts her dysfunctional childhood, sexual abuse, dangerous pregnancies, mental illness, and the death of her beloved father-in-law. Although the content is heavy, Wilson uses humor to diffuse the tension.
LIKE- My biggest like was Wilson. She's open and honest about painful subjects and simply comes across as someone that I would like to know in person. Her likability comes through in her writing, which I think is a rare talent to possess.
The title is hilarious. I mean who hasn't wondered about COSTCO selling caskets? I did find moments where I laughed, although I wouldn't consider much of this story funny. It's painful. Wilson has had a painful life and I was relieved that by the end of the memoir, she seemed to have a good sense of perspective regarding her childhood trauma and herself as a person, surrounding herself with people who truly love her. My favorite part of her story was seeing the bond unfold between Wilson and her father-in-law. Also fascinating, was Wilson's road to motherhood and all of its complications.
DISLIKE- The way the story is arranged was a little odd. Wilson jumps between time frames and occasionally I felt confused. I can't give a specific suggestion, but I think the story could have a stronger arrangement. It doesn't need to be linear, but it does need to be less jumbled.
Wilson spends a lot of time talking about going to various therapists and also becoming a Christian. Neither of these things bothers me, however, I don't relate to either. I respect that many people find help and happiness through psychotherapy and religion, but I tend to loop them together, as things that are not part of my life. To that end, I was fascinated by the revelations that Wilson was making with regard to her therapy and religion, but I also felt the distance. This is personal to me, as I'm sure many people will relate to Wilson. There is enough emphasis on Wilson's Christianity, that I suspect this book will find its way to a Christian bookstore.
RECOMMEND- Maybe. I think Caskets from COSTCO would be of interest to both my Christian friends and those who have experience in highly dysfunctional/abusive families. It would also be of interest to my friends who have experienced difficult pregnancies, again, not something familiar to me. From the title and original description, I thought the book would deal more with the grieving process, and although it does a little, it's much more about a woman beating the odds to live a happy life. There is much to admire in Wilson's perseverance.