“Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now” is a collection of articles written by a Chicago Tribune columnist, Mary Schmich, and anyone who ever lived in or wants to live in Chicago should read it.
The first section of the book is about Mothers and the very first story made me cry as I read it in the book store while I was deciding if I was going to buy the book or not. in such a relatable way. The way she describes a powder blue bike that her dad gave her even though he didn’t have much to give, made me think about cruising on the city streets at dusk, swerving to avoid car doors and feeling free with the wind on your face and in your hair.
She talks about tragedy and strength in the same sentence as she describes how a Chicago judge, who’s husband and mother were murdered, comforts her children and ends up going back to work.
Schmich is able to take a normal life, a normal story, and show it for the incredible gift that it is. She says her mom told her, in her old age, that looking back across her life she could only see good. She said that even the terrible things seemed beautiful to her now. How hopeful is that for every reader? That life gives you what it will and in the end – somehow- everything looks beautiful.
Book Review Grade: A
Writing style: Frank, honest and raw
Mood: while there is a lot of sadness in this book, there is a prevailing theme of hope and strength and survivorship