Clear Pictures: First Loves First Guides

OK, this is yet another great autobio by a writer that I admire: it displays a fabulous power of memory - one of the traits that Nabokov said was a sign of creativitiy - and is written in a secure and elegant style. Its portraits are sharp and unlike any that I have ever read, leavened with enormous subtlety and humor. This makes it a truly unique read.Interestingly, not a whole lot happens in this autobio outside of personal growth, ambition, and his father overcoming alcoholism. Instead, the author muses over a rich life that started with an average family. There are deep relationships and a great deal of love, ruminations over the racism and sensitivity of his southern upbringing, and the outlines of his concerns with art. It is a bit annoying that he plays the pronoun game with those he loved: obviously, they were either men or men and women, so why not say it?If you like a measured and calm set of vivid recollections by an individual of great literary talent, you enjoy this very much. Very very much.

Reynold's beautiful memoir contains memorable characters that many readers will find perched somewhere in their family tree. The prose pleads to be read aloud.

Reynolds Price was born in North Carolina. He has lived here his whole life, excluding four years in Europe. He is rooted in Southern ways and Southern life. With Clear Pictures, we understand how his rural beginnings shaped the life that he has made. We begin to understand the basis of all the wonderful characters he has shown us.