Customer Reviews

The Devil, The Lovers and Me: My Life in Tarot

5 star:		(54)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have to admit that I approached reading the Devil, the Lovers, and Me: My Life in Tarot with a bit of hesitation. I'm not really a fan of "chick lit" and although my wife swore this was not your typical "chick lit" fare I was still not completely convinced this would be my cup of herbal tea with a tarot reader. Well boy, was I wrong. Auerbach's account of her hysterically painful childhood all the way up to her drama filled present day life has warmth, humor and intelligence and although it is all based on her real life it reads like fiction. This book will be entertaining on the beach this summer or if you don't get to it till fall, perfect for a cozy day in front of the fire. Once you pick it up you defintely won't be able to put it down. A must read...even for a guy.

Top 9 Reasons to Read The Devil, The Lovers, and Me:

1. It is original and quirky and funny.
2. That was three already.
3. Kimberlee Auerbach is brave and willing to examine her own life closely.
4. Which may give you some insight into yours.
5. And also into this particular moment in history. One thing that struck me as I was reading this voice was how thoroughly located in the mid-2000s and in New York City the book is. Which made me realize how few books like that I have read. In turn, I thought about how important it is to have stories that reflect our present day reality as it is unfolding. It is important for us to take a look, through books, at how we use technology including in our intimate relationships (Kimberlee's electronic messages with her father; her googling of her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend), how we spend our time, and how we struggle to make sense of ourselves and the world around us (basically the book). Stories like this one that reflect particular social locations and times are also important to write (and to read, which is what you should do with this book) because of what they leave for others to read later on in time.
6. It is funny. That is already in number one above I know but it deserves its own line because this book is really funny. Kimberlee gives voice to the humor in situations (like getting crabs or having her father present her with an engagement ring) where others (me, maybe you) might struggle to find the funny. The benefit to you of her talent is that you will laugh when you read this book.
7. See number two.

Kimberlee Auerbach, The Devil, the Lovers, and Me: My Life in Tarot (Dutton, 2007)

Warning: the phrase "in Tarot" in the title had me thinking that I was going to be reading a memoir about the life and profession of a Tarot reader. That is emphatically not the case (and, in fact, the Tarot reading that provides Auerbach's framework here is, not surprisingly, fabricated). Thus, if that's what you're looking for, move on, folks, nothing to see here.

That said, given my antipathy towards memoirs, I did find myself grudgingly hooked pretty fast. Not that it's different than your run-of-the-mill memoir-- bad childhood memories, abuse, etc. etc. ad nauseam-- but Auerbach has a storyteller's touch and a sharp sense of humor, both of which have been notably absent from any number of memoirs I've read over the years. I hope that at one point she turns her attention to writing a novel; I'd like to see what she can do with the rest of the stuff in her head. Until then, we'll have to make do with this; a shiny presentation on trendy, though quotidian, subject matter. ***

Length:: 0:48 Mins

I carried this book with me everywhere until I finished it. It caused me to miss my subway stop, but it was worth it. I felt like she was talking directly to me, which is a style of writing that really appeals to me. I loved her honesty, sometimes painful, but always treated with sincerity and humor. I highly recommend it.

Kimberlee Auerbach is a truth-teller. Not an easy thing to do when it pertains to one's self. She is ruthlessly funny and heartbreakingly human. I recommend this to anyone who has had a life! Kim sure has and I look forward to hearing more from her in the future.
PF
NYC

This is an amazing book that made me cry in public a few times - and laugh out loud other times - sometimes embarrassingly close together. The writing is powerful and accessible and loveable... Each chapter reminds you what a dangerous and wonderful place life is for anyone who lives passionately.

Ms Auerbach captures the memories of those wonderful, agonizing years of evolving from who we want to be to who we are. Her story hits home with unbridled passion and innocent love of life. Compassionate, forgiving, hilarious, and painfully reminiscent, it allows you to look back and appreciate the years when you thought you were oh so cool on the outside, though you were oh so insecure and scared in your gut.

Few books can make you laugh out loud and cry in the same breath, but this is one of them. Very funny and poignant recounts of growing up and standing out in her own mind, fatherly love and neglect, and the struggle to embrace one's self with lovers who aren't a good fit - but seem to be. It will resonate with the 30-something set well simply because of the "historical" pop culture references the author talks about from her childhood years. You'll find yourself reading through crowds, not caring if the train is late to work, and wishing you could continue reading when you got there. It's simply told, yet rich in layers, and I feel clearer now about my own evolution into grown-up than how I did before I read it. Highly recommended.

This book was handed to me by an editor as a great example of what a memoir can be. And truly, it is inspiring. Auerbach seamlessly travels not only through time but also through life lessons that are at once painful and delicious. She is reflective without navel-gazing, and expansive without preaching. She is poignant, honest, and intimate. When I finished the book I felt like I had made a new best friend.