I just finished reading, No Place Like Home, a beautiful memoir written by my friend, Brooke Berman. The book chronicles Brooke’s life as an aspiring playwright in Manhattan but is told through various stints in her many different living situations. With no money, piece meal employment, and a determination to keep her writing her top priority, during the course of several years, Brooke lived in 39 apartments in New York. Some were leases, some sublets, some friends’ couches, and some boyfriends’ beds, but all together they make up a fascinating and heart-wrenching journey as she searches to define the meaning of home.

For a short time, many years ago, Brooke and I were roommates in a downtown loft in the Sea Port where my sister and I were living, see page 142. It feels for me like a lifetime ago: my life BC…before children. (Think Sex & The City with less expensive clothes.) This is one reason I found the book such a great read. The world she describes, as a young artist, is one in which she is such a free spirit and, for that matter, a free agent. It was invigorating to re-visit and imagine such a time.

Although I have a personal connection to Brooke and  the book, I think, when you read it, you too will share my admiration for the author’s honesty and humor throughout the book. Even as she lived through the most horrific times, she is able to find a laugh. No Place Like Home is moving, at times quite sad, but also funny. Most of all, it highlights a young woman’s dogged determination, resilience, and spiritual faith. This is a great summer read.

Brooke has a couple of great EVENTS coming up in LA this week where you can hear her read from No Place Like Home. These evenings would be a great date night, or if you have older kids it would be fun to take them.

Tuesday evening June 22nd, at 7pm, she will be reading at BOOK SOUP bookstore, one of the great LA independent book stores worth supporting.

And Thursday evening, June 24th,  The Young Storytellers Foundation, a local organization dedicated to increasing self- esteem and literacy in LA public school students, is hosting an evening where students will read pieces inspired by No Place Like Home. I know this will be a terrific evening, as Brooke has a way with kids, and I am sure that she will inspire them. Plus, there will be vodka.

!!!!!BOOK GIVEAWAY !!!!!

IF YOU CAN’T MAKE EITHER EVENT AND SEND ME A COMMENT AS TO WHY YOU NEED A GOOD SUMMER READ I WILL SEND YOU A FREE COPY courtesy of RANDOM HOUSE.