Making Piece - Beth M. Howard (Review)

MAKING PIECE: A MEMOIR OF LOVE, LOSS & PIE by BETH M. HOWARD

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Netgalley, for review (Thanks Harlequin & Netgalley!)
Challenge: 2012 Netgalley Reading Challenge

When journalist Beth M. Howard's young husband dies suddenly, she packs up the RV he left behind and hits the American highways. At every stop along the way—whether filming a documentary or handing out free slices on the streets of Los Angeles—Beth uses pie as a way to find purpose. Howard eventually returns to her Iowa roots and creates the perfect synergy between two of America's greatest icons—pie and the American Gothic House, the little farmhouse immortalized in Grant Wood's famous painting, where she now lives and runs the Pitchfork Pie Stand.

Making Piece powerfully shows how one courageous woman triumphs over tragedy. This beautifully written memoir is, ultimately, about hope. It's about the journey of healing and recovery, of facing fears, finding meaning in life again, and moving forward with purpose and, eventually, joy. It's about the nourishment of the heart and soul that comes from the simple act of giving to others, like baking a homemade pie and sharing it with someone whose pain is even greater than your own. And it tells of the role of fate, second chances and the strength found in community.

Review

I have a constant love affair with dessert, and pie just so happens to be one of my favorites. There’s something about a crumbly crust, perfectly mushy apples and the sweet scent of cinnamon that gets to me every time (obviously, my favorite is apple pie).  So, I love a good pie. I also love a good memoir. And that is basically the reason why I picked out Making Piece as one of the books I wanted to read recently.

It seems ironic for me to say that I really enjoyed reading this memoir, since at its core, it’s a story pertaining to the author and how she dealt with her grief over losing her husband. But it’s the truth! I really enjoyed reading Beth Howard’s story. Her tone was genuine, the voice authentic, and I really enjoyed getting to become a witness (and a silent participant) in this particular time of her life.

I love reading other people’s stories. Even though I might never necessarily experience exactly the same situation as they do, I love that there’s still the ability to connect with them (even if I’ve never met them personally) through the emotions and memories they share. It’s just good to be reminded that, in times of joy and in times of grief, we can always find common ground in our emotions.

Making Piece was such a pleasure to read, despite the sadness that was touched on throughout the entire book. It was heartwarming to see Beth’s incredible journey unfold from start to finish, as well as her pursuit of her passion (which was inspiring to me!). I also love that, as a bonus, she shared a couple of the recipes for pies she mentioned in the book!

Despite leaving me with a desperate craving for pie, Making Piece certainly left my heart satisfied. Beth Howard is incredibly brave for sharing her story and her journey, and I certainly will be picking up a copy of my own.