An Exact Replica of a Figment of My Imagination by Elizabeth McCracken

Prior to Saturday's Speech Competition, I had never heard of this book or this author. I don't read many memoirs - it's outside of my preferred genres (YA and Horror!).

After watching a very dramatic young woman present her interpretation of this book, I feel I must read it. And, not only read it, but select it as my next book club pick (hopefully my fellow book clubbers aren't reading this post - I want it to be a surprise - ha).

At first, I didn't even catch the title of the book when the young lady started her delivery - - it's too long and complicated, and then I got the feeling her dramatic presentation was going to be about a mother's miscarriage. Frankly, I thought, how can a teenager (sorry, I did it, I looked "down" at her momentarily) begin to understand such an emotional experience of a mother miscarrying a baby? But, I'll tell you what... if this young woman has never had a miscarriage, then she has some sort of ability to channel the spirit of a mother who has.

I almost did an ugly cry and choke thing right there during the presentation. Instead, I forced myself to stop breathing for a few moments while a tear rolled down the young lady's cheek. I thought if I sat frozen I could control my own emotions.

Because, remember, I was a judge and there were five other young ladies (and one of their mothers) watching my reactions.

Holy Crap. She was good. I ranked her first.

I can only hope the book is half as good as her interpretation!

Are you in a book club? What are you reading? Have you ever picked up a book because of someone else's recommendation and regretted it?