In LJ 9/15/08, we did our first set of Short Takes on memoirs. As promised, here's a second focusing on anticipated early winter pubs. So far, there are no copycats of David Carr's rapturously received The Night of the Gun. In that tour de force—an LJ Best Book (see p. 62) and the subject of an RA Crossroads by Neal Wyatt—the author used journalistic techniques to fact-check his junkie remembrances. It's probably the closest we've come to "truth" in memoir in a while.

What you'll find here, however, is essentially more of the same, in the sense that most memoirists continue to rely on their own memories to construct their narratives. Sometimes the formula works, and sometimes it fizzles. The more stirring examples seem to be written from untapped viewpoints, as in the case of Labor of Love by a midwife and Live Through This by a writer mother whose teenage daughters ran away.

It's as if James Frey never happened; publishers are in hot pursuit of The Next Big True Story, and if it's by the ghost of Elvis Presley or an embalmer, so much the better.

Poet bandele's first memoir, The Prisoner's Wife, recounted how she met, fell in love with, and married Rashid, a murder convict. This poignant, inspirational sequel covers some of the same ground but focuses on her role as an African American single mother (Rashid was denied parole and deported to Guyana). From the time of her daughter's birth, bandele struggles financially and psychologically but acknowledges her daughter as her most precious gift. Mothers single and married, black and white will find nurturance in her story.—LM

When First Sgt. Charles Monroe King was killed in Iraq on Oct. 14, 2006, he left behind a 200-page journal addressed to his infant son, Jordan, covering topics as varied as how to behave on a date and what it feels like to lose men in battle. The journal itself was a gift to King from Jordan's mother, Canedy, a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor with the New York Times. Canedy raises her own questions, e.g., why did King volunteer for his fatal mission? Her keen editorial eye prevents the material from becoming overly sentimental. For the many widows of the Iraq War and anyone who wants to understand their plight. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 8/08; optioned for a film by Denzel Washington.]—EB

Part coming-of-age story, part meditation on the classical music traditions of India, this book tells of the relationship between Devidayal, a young musical prodigy and daughter of privilege, and Dhondutai, her dignified, gifted teacher. From Dhondutai, the author learns an oral tradition that has been handed down through the ages, and she gains a lifelong friend and mentor. Promising Namita chooses life as a journalist, wife, and mother over a music career but never gives up her lessons. Through flashbacks inspired by Dhondutai's tales, the latter's life as a premodern woman and an important figure in India's musical history is laid out in rich prose. Winner of the 2008 Crossword Popular Book Award, India's most prestigious book prize; for readers interested in women's issues or the history of music.—EB

Ostensibly, this book would focus on how the author fared growing up with a mentally retarded sister in mid-20th-century America, a time when institutionalization was the norm. Yet first-time writer Dougan makes only erratic references to Irene, who instead was kept in the care of her loving family in Salt Lake City. While Dougan's life is interesting, she hits her stride only with a combination of anecdotes about her sister and what it was like to mature and care for her in adulthood. Still, siblings of the developmentally disabled will appreciate the enormous challenges and rewards Dougan communicates. [Hyperion has made this its winter 2009 Publisher's Pick, so expect media coverage.]—LM

With surprising honesty, veteran journalist Gwartney recounts the painful years that her two oldest daughters lived as runaways. She tried everything to find them—and everything failed, including searching for them herself. She manages to look deep inside herself, asking not only "How is our family going to get through this?" but also "What could I have done differently?" The answers make for a truly absorbing read about how one mother copes with every parent's worst nightmare. Readers may remember Gwartney's story from her 2002 appearance on This American Life. Ripe for book clubs and parents who have been put through the wringer by their children. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 10/15/08; Gwartney is married to novelist Barry Lopez.]—EB

Poet Minato's (The Wider Lens) nonfiction debut elegantly explores the author's one-year sojourn in an Oregon commune. Consisting of numerous—and humorous—brief sketches and illustrations, it is ideal for consumption during one sitting or for savoring in smaller portions. An offbeat rendition that would appeal to those who relish insightful accounts of unusual lives.—LM

The subtitle says it all. As a young woman, Moisin was ravaged by anorexia made worse by depression and posttraumatic stress after she witnessed the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11. Her vivid depictions of those conditions are so compelling that readers will feel as though they, too, are experiencing trauma. Luckily, Moisin transcends darkness to discover the possibilities of life. Other survivors and sufferers will appreciate her story.—LM

This book is surprising. One expects it to be a paean to midwifery, which it certainly is, but it's so much more. First-time writer Mulhahn chronicles her fascinating spiritual journey, describing in detail her formal training and expertise gained as a nurse in hospital OB/GYN units. This experience confirmed her interest in midwifery and led to her practice of it. Mothers-to-be will be held spellbound, but fans of spiritual memoir and insider health-care accounts will learn a thing or two as well.—LM

Everyone makes mistakes in love, but thirtysomething LA-based writer Resnick (Go West Young F*cked-Up Chick) seems to screw up over and over again, even though she longs for a stable relationship and a child. As her memoir attests, this "love junkie" latches onto angry, emotionally abusive men damaged in childhood, not letting go until she's been horribly degraded. Readers get all the lurid details, in Technicolor, via overwrought descriptions that often resemble low-budget porno narratives. At least she's taken steps toward recovery (she claims she picked up her bad habits from her divorced parents). While this could have been helpful to other love and sex addicts, it seems aimed at the voyeuristic.—EB

Steiner, a fresh Harvard graduate and new hire at Seventeen magazine, met a handsome young Wall Street trader riding the subway home. Nearly a year later—five days before her wedding—he reveals his penchant for battery when he slaps her for swearing at her computer. After two years of enduring his beatings and humiliations, she finally realizes that though she loves him, she can't help him overcome his violent childhood. The internal process of divorcing him and moving on takes much longer. Steiner's is an eye-opening, moving journey, told with candor, self-forgiveness, and grace. For abuse survivors everywhere.—EB