The Merry Recluse: A Life in Essays

I've been reading the essays in this book off and on for a few months now and just finished them. Knapp's writing is, I hesitate to say it, but, well, it's addictive. I could never read "just one," because the essays are all so GOOD. Like potato chips, you might say, but whole-grain healthy, chips, if there is such a thing. There are things in here that are simply so funny that they could easily be adapted to stand-up comedy, stuff you might hear at The Improv, ya know? Knapp has that kind of pitch-perfect command of the language of real life, and the timing of the delivery is also just perfect. Except Caroline Knapp was, I have learned, an extremely shy person, plagued her whole life by various insecurities and addictive, even destructive, behavior patterns - things like alcoholism and anorexia, which she wrote about in her other books. I have only read one of her other books, the one about her dog, Pack of Two, which I literally devoured, it was such an exquisitely written memoir of what it means to to love a dog and be loved back. I am a collector of "dog books," and that one ranks up there with some of my favorites, like Ackerley's My Dog Tulip and Hal Borland's The Dog Who Came to Stay, or Merle's Door. If you are a dog person and have not yet read Knapp's Pack of Two, then run - don't walk - to your nearest book store and pick up a copy. You'll love it.Caroline Knapp's essays here will make you laugh, but they will also make you wince in empathy. But in the end you will probably be left feeling sad, because Knapp's writing voice has been forever stilled. She died of cancer in 2002. She was only 42. These essays do constitute a kind of record of her life though, so read 'em and weep - and laugh. And remember a wonderful writer.Knapp's close friend Gail Caldwell has recently published a memoir of their friendship. It's called Let's Take the Long Way Home. I haven't read that book yet, although I plan to. But I noticed that one of the Amazon reviewers complained that she didn't really feel Caldwell's book brought her to "know" Knapp very well. Well, if she really wants to "know" Caroline Knapp, then she should read this collection, The Merry Recluse. I recommend it highly. It is indeed, "A Life in Essays." I am so grateful that all these columns and other pieces were gathered together here. Terrific stuff! - Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER

I loved every observation. Witty and so intelligent. I wish I could have more and kept reading. One of a kind that is difficult to put down. A talented female writer with exceptional use of words in a perfect storytelling style.

Writings by an incredibly gifted woman. Knapp’s observations of herself and others are a treat—hilariously funny and downright sad. We lost this woman who speaks to the humanity in each of us way, way too soon.

This is short essays by Caroline. I love listening to this woman talk. This is the only book by her I have left to read and I’m sad. Her writing is funny, smart, and thought provoking.

Oh--how I wish she were still with us. Caroline Knapp is one of the best writers I've had the pleasure to become acquainted with. Humor, diversity, insight and fierce and fearless exploration of common human issues are just a few examples of what make her writing irreplaceable. Read through her book excerpts, columns and articles from newspaper and magazine in this wonderful collection. You will laugh, cry, reflect and ponder life's mysteries. Whether those mysteries be big or small makes no difference--Caroline manages to explore them all in the most meaningful and unique ways.If you are a woman I absolutely guarantee this book will strike a chord in you.If you are a fan this is simply a must-read.If you are just meeting her then this is the perfect first introduction to our marvelously intelligent, dearly missed, late, great Caroline Knapp.

After reading Caroline Knapp's "Drinking - A Love Story", I was curious what else she might have written. This is a wonderful cross section of various articles for the Boston Phoenix and many other magazines over a ten year period. She runs the gamut from intense introspection to simply fun speculation about the human condition. Exceptionally well written. I was very disappointed when I found she had passed away. She is someone I would like to have known. This is probably the next best thing.

Good memoir that dwelled on her eating disorder and alcoholism. I read this book after reading Gail Caldwell's Take The Long Way Home about their friendship and Knapp's premature death. Knapp's book added to my understanding of her and I found it ad that her short life was overtaken by two devastating problems.

The service was great and the book is a wonderful read.

Great Writer and Book in Good condition

I have hundreds of books but I can honestly say this is in my top ten. I can't recommend it enough. Fantastic insight!!!

I love this woman and her writing. I wish there were more books by Caroline Knapp.