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Title: An Enlightening--if Disjointed--Collection of Essays
Review: As a journalist and as an author of fiction, Pam Houston has never been afraid to be an explorer. This collection of essays covers topics as far-flung as the topography and culture of Bhutan and as close to home as American women's obsession with weight. In every case, Houston's writing exemplifies the virtues of honesty and clarity.Some might find the collection a bit disjointed (especially those who know Houston's work best from her story collections, "Cowboys Are My Weakness" and "Waltzing the Cat," which share tremendous thematic unity). The fact is that the pieces in this book were written at different times, for different audiences (diverse magazines) and those differences show.The central thread of this collection, though, is Houston's efforts to understand more about herself. Many readers will sympathize and identify with her, as they are ravished by her brilliant, lucid prose. Pam Houston is definitely my weakness.
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