What I Think I Did: A Season of Survival in Two Acts

I'm pretty sure I read Woiwode's first novel, What I'm Going to Do, I Think, about 30 or 40 years ago, but I can't really remember much about it. In any case, quite frankly, I enjoyed the heck out of this particular book. Like Woiwode, I was a good Catholic boy and grew up loving books, so there was much for me to relate to here. At first I was a bit bamboozled by the roundabout style of this book, i.e. the way his story is not so neatly framed by another story about how Woiwode and his family fight to survive during a devastating North Dakota blizzard, a natural disaster further exacerbated by problems with a new outdoor woodburning furnace. But it soon began to make sense, to flow smoothly. As a lover of books and writing, I was especially interested in all of the writer and other celebrity friends (a 19-20 yr-old fledgling actor, "Bob" DeNiro, for example)and acquaintances he made during the early days of his career. It's not just name-dropping either. There are stories about Updike, Norman Mailer, Robert Lowell, John Berryman, Randall Jarrell and others. But the most central literary figure in Woiwode's story is William Maxwell, the consumate editor and extraordinary writer who became Larry's friend, mentor and father figure. This is also very much a coming-of-age story as the artist as a boy and then young man gropes his way toward maturity, finding, finally, lasting love with a college sweetheart. Woiwode's deep faith is also much in evidence throughout the story. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to reading his new memoir very soon. - Tim Bazzett, author of the Reed City Boy trilogy

If you have ever struggled trying to find the rhythm of reading Woiwode, here is the book to start. His voice is clear and the story is powerful. Well worth the effort.

This was my first exposure to Larry Woiwode. At first, I was leery, his prose seemed so grand. It required time on my part, as this was not a book that could be read superficially.But instead of drifting away from it as happens so often for me when real work is required, I was drawn in. I was captivated by the his ability to convey the raw, honest love he has for his children. I was compelled by the ongoing battle he has with the new furnace. And the flashbacks served to enrich rather than distract me. The book left me filled with image and emotion. I understand that this may be a memoir in trilogy. I eagerly await further installments.

...one of the best books about writing ever. And so indirect, too. Woiwode never comes out and tells the reader what it's like to be a writer, but he's captured it perfectly. The book is full of all kinds of images, too, which makes it an intense reading experience. I feel like I really know him. When I finished it, I went back to the beginning to see how he started. I loved reading about the people he knew in New York, particularly William Maxwell, about the University of Illinois and about his children.

quite an enjoyable read. i enjoy woiwode's work immensly, his commentary is refreshing, and the read insightful.