I’ve read a few columns by Frank Bruni in the New York Times but I haven’t read any of his other books – so this was a pleasant surprise. This book is about the author’s experience with a rare disease affecting his optic nerve in one eye, that may or may not lead to blindness in the future.
This serves as a sort of awakening, and most of the book is an exploration on not only the loss of sight but also on loss in general. There are many interviews and profiles of other people who have dealt with loss and growing older, the effects of old age and losing loved ones. Bruni’s writing is beautiful and occasionally poetic – and he weaves together stories of his life and the lives of others to show that life is what you make it.
There were parts of this book that I liked more than others – some felt like they were tacked on as an afterthought – but overall the message gets through, and I think this book would be good for anyone who has suffered loss or is getting older (which is just about everyone, isn’t it?)
There is some great writing here – I’m definitely going to go back and read more of his work – especially about his stint as The NY Times food critic.
Next I’m reading The Secret History by Donna Tartt.
