Helpful Score: 1
Review first published on my blog: http://memoriesfrombooks.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-autobiography-of-us.html
The "Us" are Alex and Rebecca. They meet in 1958 as girls, and instantly forge a friendship. The Autobiography of Us is the story of that relationship within the cultural context of the 1960s as Alex and Rebecca grow up and attempt to find their own way within the confines of family and cultural expectations.
The description had all the makings of a good story - young women at a fascinating point in history, friendships we can relate to, expectations we try to live up to and escape. Unfortunately, the reality of this book did not live up to its expectations.
The characters were not particularly likable. The book seemed a little disjointed. Throughout, the book was an undercurrent that made it feel like I, as a reader, was missing part of the story. I kept waiting for it to come together, but it never quite did.
It had the potential, but did not get there.
The "Us" are Alex and Rebecca. They meet in 1958 as girls, and instantly forge a friendship. The Autobiography of Us is the story of that relationship within the cultural context of the 1960s as Alex and Rebecca grow up and attempt to find their own way within the confines of family and cultural expectations.
The description had all the makings of a good story - young women at a fascinating point in history, friendships we can relate to, expectations we try to live up to and escape. Unfortunately, the reality of this book did not live up to its expectations.
The characters were not particularly likable. The book seemed a little disjointed. Throughout, the book was an undercurrent that made it feel like I, as a reader, was missing part of the story. I kept waiting for it to come together, but it never quite did.
It had the potential, but did not get there.
Not sure what to think about this one. Depressing for sure. The Alex character was very arrogant and manipulative, I just didn't like her at all. Rebecca seemed to think she was the greatest, but I thought Alex was not a good friend to her at all. Rebecca was very smart and wanted to be a doctor but being the years what they were back then, it didn't pan out, and really not much else said about that. Kinda dropped the ball on some of the storylines. The book describes this friendship but I didn't see friendship really, more of Alex belittling Rebecca and Rebecca just kind of gliding through her life. Disappointing read for sure.
Loved this book. The era in which the characters developed are my favorite years. A quick read but well done. More of a girls read rather than all readers. Highly recommended.
