I've never been to the popular PostSecret.com site, a phenomenon Frank Warren started as a project inviting people to send confessions — secrets they've never told anyone — to his post office box. What followed is now a global brand comprised of the website, lecture series and, of course, books.
POSTSECRET: CONFESSIONS ON LIFE, DEATH, AND GOD is an oversized postcard-format book that's easy to gobble up in one afternoon, not only because it's easy reading with pictures and captions, but because the confessions are thought-provoking and occasionally shocking and sad. It's a literary potato chip: You can't read just one postcard. With the theme of its subtitle, one might expect secrets of suicidal thoughts, faith gone awry and relationships ending in tragedy — all juicy stuff.
Yet the book is much more than a collection of one-line, Twitter-esque zingers. The composition, photography and content make the book heartbreaking and creatively expressive.
Like this entry: "I always kept my phone unlisted so my unknown father couldn't find me. I know he wasn't looking But I could pretend I didn't know--"
And also universal truths. Who among us hasn't thought this at one time?
"I'm afraid there will be nothing outstanding or interesting to say about me in my obituary."
You'll also get a few laughs about farting and everyday craziness, along with tougher confessions about adultery and inner truths we are afraid to let others know because they may not love us anymore.
I understand the appeal of POSTSECRET: It makes us feel less crazy ourselves or at least puts us in good company. The book makes for a great gift, even for non-reader readers, as well as a nice addition to the bedside table in the guest room. Your guests may even stay up late wondering what kind of secrets you harbor. —Malena LottBuy it at Amazon.
I've never been to the popular PostSecret.com site, a phenomenon Frank Warren started as a project inviting people to send confessions — secrets they've never told anyone — to his post office box. What followed is now a global brand comprised of the website, lecture series and, of course, books.
POSTSECRET: CONFESSIONS ON LIFE, DEATH, AND GOD is an oversized postcard-format book that's easy to gobble up in one afternoon, not only because it's easy reading with pictures and captions, but because the confessions are thought-provoking and occasionally shocking and sad. It's a literary potato chip: You can't read just one postcard. With the theme of its subtitle, one might expect secrets of suicidal thoughts, faith gone awry and relationships ending in tragedy — all juicy stuff.
Yet the book is much more than a collection of one-line, Twitter-esque zingers. The composition, photography and content make the book heartbreaking and creatively expressive.
Like this entry: "I always kept my phone unlisted so my unknown father couldn't find me. I know he wasn't looking But I could pretend I didn't know--"
And also universal truths. Who among us hasn't thought this at one time?
"I'm afraid there will be nothing outstanding or interesting to say about me in my obituary."
You'll also get a few laughs about farting and everyday craziness, along with tougher confessions about adultery and inner truths we are afraid to let others know because they may not love us anymore.
I understand the appeal of POSTSECRET: It makes us feel less crazy ourselves or at least puts us in good company. The book makes for a great gift, even for non-reader readers, as well as a nice addition to the bedside table in the guest room. Your guests may even stay up late wondering what kind of secrets you harbor. —Malena Lott
Buy it at Amazon.
