Full disclosure: my friend Mary Elizabeth Williams wrote this book. She was sort of a mess during the whole writing/publishing experience. I've read the book. Now I know why.
Gimme Shelter is so heart-breakingly honest that it's almost painful to read. Just like when a friend tells you a story of such drama, of a goal so eagerly sought, of a journey so fraught with hurdles and a distant triumph that, once achieved, is not quite the beauty we imagined. You cringe, even as you celebrate the victory.
But then again that is what buying a dream home in New York City, is like. And Mary Beth tells it straight from the hip.
Since I know her, I can hear her voice as I read. The liberal use of the f-word. The sarcasm. The pop culture references (that I had to Google!). It's all her. It's a lot of her, generously shared. Note to self: never write a memoir!
And the story is uniquely hers as well, which is why it is such a great book. She gives us insights into the history of New York neighborhoods and the complexities of real estate sales and home finance, but from the perspective of a renter who really, really, really just wants her share of the sidewalk to call a stoop. So she's a little compulsive and anal about it. If it all went smoothly, the book would be boring. But damn, this girl gets the job done.
We can appreciate this mix of childlike joy and wise consumer - who hasn't found themselves balancing the emotional and intellectual sides of a major life decision?
No matter where you live or how much you pay for your home/rental, I recommend GImme Shelter for it's shock of a story, and beauty of a tale well told.
Pick up Gimme Shelter here.
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