From the look of this blog, you’d think I hadn’t read a book in months. Other than Toddler books, you would be mostly right! However, when I was home in the US this summer, my Mom recommended this book, “The Last Time I Was Me.” The title looked rather depressing. Kind of like the story of someone having a nervous breakdown…and, what do you know? It WAS!
However, it was much much more. First, the majority of the story takes place in northern Oregon. I am pretty critical of authors who write about Oregon because I “check to make sure they got it right.” And Cathy Lamb does get it right. So, the setting itself was nostalgic in many ways.
And the story was riveting. I forsook parenting and sleep to FINISH the book before coming back to Japan (it was a library book, and Jun had Grammy and Grandpa to play with her!)
I am attracted to novels that deal with emotional or psychological struggles in a healthy and mature way. I learn so much more from the novel format than I ever do or will from a textbook. That’s how my brain and heart work.
This is a great story of healing, new life, hope, true friendship and love. Give it a read!
