I just finished reading, Alias Grace, by Margaret Atwood. I must say, I am floored with the skill and pure artistry Atwood writes with. The novel weaves fiction and fact together as it explores the life and trial of Grace Marks, a murderous charged with the death of her friend and supposed lover. The facts are true; Grace Marks was 16 years old when she was sent to prison for the murder. But Atwood does a phenomenal job at taking the history, the genuine letters and confessions of Grace and everyone else who was involved and patching them together into a beautiful, wonderfully crafted story. It comes as no suprise that the story’s chapters follow different quilt patterns… because Atwood weaves a tremendous story.

After reading Atwood, I’m a believer. You can be THAT good. I highly recommend this novel, a book you can lost yourself in, just in time for summer. And if you feel inspired to write, I highly suggest Atwood’s, Negotiating With the Dead: A Writer on Writing. It is a fabulous memoir on how Margaret Atwood writes, why she writes, and what advice she has for other writers.