#'Fire in the Straw by author #Nick Lyons is a wonderful novel. A memoir that is deep, witty and the intrepid desire to reinvent himself. This the author accomplished many times over.🌟🐾🐾
Thank you,
#Netgalley, # Nick Lyons, and # Simon & Schuster for the advanced copy

this was a really good memoir, I liked the way Mr. Lyons writes, it really feels like you're on that journey with them. I look forward to more from the author.

Thank you to the author, Skyhorse Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a very personal recounting, generally chronological, of the author's path in life, from childhood right through to frail old age. The book is beautifully written, and as he reminisces and tells his story, the author is not shy about revealing what he perceives as his weaknesses or shortcomings - I found him quite modest, considering what he achieved in the course of his life. Particularly the later chapters, where suffering and death enter his life, are poignant and left me reflecting on my own life.

Nick Lyons’ memoir is a full account of his life, from birth to a period of reflection in his old age.

An early chapter about his experience in the armed forces had an incredibly similar feel to A Farewell to Arms (which was fresh in my mind from a recent read), but that was only a moment in Lyons’ rich life. As he reminisced on family and career in other chapters, I grew accustomed to his writing style.

This is certainly a literary memoir. Lyons is a former English professor, and a large portion of his life (and memoir) revolve around that part of his identity. However, the more descriptive chapters are nicely balanced with interesting anecdotal sections just when the reader needs them.

If you’re interested in academia, or simply want to read some beautiful prose, check this out when it’s published later this year.

*Side note: As a University of Michigan alum with an English degree, I very much enjoyed reading about his time in Ann Arbor. #GoBlue

A comforting read and one to enjoy slowly with lots of hot tea. Recommended for fans of Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk.