At Home in the World

In my top five reads of 2007! I remember this book causing controversy when it was released 10 years ago. The true story of how J.D. Salinger encourages 18-year-old Maynard to move in with him, and a year later he tells her to “pack her things,” without explanation. I really enjoyed this story. This isn't so much the story of her relationship with Salinger, but her life before, and how her life changed after the relationship ended. Heart-wrenching and beautiful. A great read.

Joyce Maynard writes from her heart – authentically, unblushing, unafraid to bare her soul and speak her unvarnished truth. It does not always flatter some of the people in her life, but this is clearly her view and her experience. If they want to write their own version of the story, that is up to them to do. I had an opportunity to meet Joyce Maynard at a book signing event and she was delightful, warm and as authentic as one would assume having read this memoir.