Memoir vs Autobiography
I recently wrote a memoir. A family member asked me, “Why wasn’t so-and-so mentioned in your book?”
“I didn’t include many special people, interesting places, and events of my life in the work, mainly because I wrote a memoir, not an autobiography.” I said.
“What’s the difference? I’m not sure I know. Isn’t a memoir supposed to be about all that you remember in your life?” he said.
That’s when I gave a brief comparison as I understood the differences.
“To me, a memoir presents slices of memory around a theme. The theme I chose was my adoption and healing love. The memoir began simply as a journaling of the various encounters I had as an adoptee with the love that finally healed my life and my wounded heart. Much of what I wrote when I started out was for my own personal reflection and not intended for publication. Only later did I see the theme emerge.
An autobiography, on the other hand, is a full, comprehensive accounting of everything in the life of the person writing. The autobiography organizes itself chronologically. The memoir or personal narrative, may meander through various memories and snatches of experiences surrounding the developing theme. Is that explanation helpful?”
“I think you should share that in an Introduction or Preface then.” he said.
“Perhaps a blog post will do. On behalf of my readers, I was trying to be brief and focused.” My family member seemed satisfied.
This is the simplified explanation of how I envisioned and wrote my recent book entitled, Adopted: An Adoptee’s Memoir of Healing Love. I hope I clarified the distinction enough to not be held guilty of leaving out him and others I love and value.
QUESTION: Is the explanation I gave clear and accurate as you think about the differences?
Brian Wilson Returning to the Beach Boys?
On Sunday, May 22, 2011, a news story proclaimed:
Brian Wilson May Return To The Beach Boys
It’s no secret to those who know me, that my favorite band of all time has been The Beach Boys. After all, not only did they travel through a large majority of my life with me, but it was Carl Wilson’s discussion with me (see “Saved Through Carl Wilson“) that pointed me toward my relationship with Christ.
That’s why when I saw the story about Brian Wilson possibly rejoining the Beach Boys, I wanted to post it and share it with those of you who also enjoy or have enjoyed their music across the years.
So what do you think? Would it be good thing for them? Or would it be extremely difficult for them to overcome their personal history and put behind them many of the painful encounters and disagreements which plagued their recording careers?
Love to hear what some of you think.
©2011, David C Alves
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