Musical Chairs by Jen Knox

Full Description:
Musical Chairs explores one family's history of mental health diagnoses and searches to define the cusp between a 90's working-class childhood and the trouble of adapting to a comfortable life in the suburbs. In order to understand her restlessness, Jennifer reflects on years of strip-dancing, alcoholism, and estrangement. Inspired by the least likely source, the family she left behind, Jennifer struggles towards reconciliation. This story is about identity, class, family ties, and the elusive nature of mental illness.

©2009


About Author:

Jen Knox is a Fiction Editor at Our Stories Literary Journal, and works as a freelance writer, editor, and writing tutor. She grew up in Ohio, and lives in Texas, where she is currently working on a novel entitled "Absurd Hunger."

For more information visit her website: http://jenknox.com/


My Take on the Book:
I just took an amazing journey, listening to this womans story. There were times my heart wrenched for her, but in the end, it was a very uplifting an inspiring story. I learned from Jen to never give up. I really took that from her strength.
I also feel as though I connected on many levels with most of the story. I too left home early, though my reasoning was different. The connection is that we were both so young, and full of life, but not aware fo the best things to do with that life. I knew throughout the book that something great was bound to happen to this young woman, and was cheering her on with every page.
The only thing I disliked about the book had nothing to do with the actual writing. I did not like the font and layout of the pages. It was hard to read on the yellowish page, with such a bold large print. Still readable, just not what I was expecting.
A great story of self perserverance. I do recommend you read this story, though it is not appropriate for young people, due to some of the topics.


~I did not receive any compensation for this post. This is my honest opinion.~