Awake with Asashoryu

by Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

'The essayist Elisabeth McKetta is a wonderful storyteller who takes us generously into her life, which always seems initially off-balance, full of falls, disappointments, and reversals, and yet, in the end, joyous. Her collection is humane, amusing, touching, and very satisfying.'―Phillip Lopate, author of To Show and to Tell: The Craft of Literary Nonfiction

At the heart of every essay in Elisabeth Sharp McKetta’s lively collection is the same question: How does one grow up without losing oneself? McKetta braids deceptively simple stories of her own life with the rich undercurrent of familiar childhood tales to reveal things both personal and universal and as close to the truth as possible.

184 pages, Paperback

Published July 5, 2022

About the author

Elisabeth Sharp McKetta is a novelist, poet, biographer, teacher, and a mother of two. With a PhD on the intersections between fairy tales and autobiography, as well as a seven-year streak of writing weekly poems for strangers, she teaches writing for Harvard Extension School and Oxford Department for Continuing Education. She has authored ten books and co-edited one anthology. Her poetry and short work have been published widely, including in The Poetry Review and Real Simple; her work with myth and memoir has been spotlighted in Harvard Magazine. Her TEDx talk, “Edit Your Life like a Poem,” led to a personal growth guide to be published by Penguin Random House. Elisabeth lives with her sea-swimmer husband and her children.

Reviews

[Brittany Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning, insightful, creative -- a book that inspires you to pause and think, and then read, read, read some more! Congratulations, Elisabeth!

[Lisa Bosworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This insightful and humorous book of essays is a fun read. When I think of the defintion of an essay this collection is not what comes to mind. The author takes you along on her journey of "adulting" experiences all the while leaving you guessing at the fairtale connection. I wish all essays were this entertaining; this book should be on everyone's must read list!

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. This is the 4th book I’ve read by Elisabeth Sharp McKetta, I am so grateful for her amazing talent and gift of storytelling.

[Marney Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awake with Asashoryu is a beautiful and honest collection of memoir-in-essays exploring love, loss, friendship and family, and what it means to grow into kindness on your own terms. Elisabeth Sharp McKetta's voice is original, introspective, and amusing, and Awake with Asashoryu is a smart and captivating book from beginning to end. I loved it!

[MCS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Deeply human and relatable moments though a young woman’s life… the decision to put down an old dog, looking for connection with her father, changing priorities after motherhood. The emotions are real and lightened with humor. Once again, McKetta’s writing is poetic and brilliant. I read this thoughtful book in just a couple of hours, it’s hard to put down once you get going.

[Kristi Wayment · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. It was such an honest and witty journey through the author's life as she grew into her adult self while navigating the balance between a fierce need for independence and the desire of motherhood. I found this book to be thought provoking, relatable, funny and self reflective. I look forward to reading this a second time and to more writings by McKetta.

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each essay builds on the one that came before in this collection. Time is fluid throughout these life stories; but the themes of identity exploration, family, and questioning the way forward while contemplating what to take and what to leave behind all provide a steady undertone for the reader, along with McKetta’s lyrical voice.

[Mark Abdon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Equal parts warm, poignant, and humorous - this is a well-curated collection of personal essays that paint a wide picture of the gritty process of becoming a thirty-something. Very much enjoyed Elisabeth's ability to juxtapose the framework of fairy tales and the meaty content of her life experiences into an amalgam that any reader of literary non-fiction might enjoy.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! Beautifully written with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments as well. I absolutely loved all the feelings in this book and the wonderful stories. I felt like I was there with Elisabeth and all the people and creatures in her life. I look forward to sharing it with friends and reading it again so that I can experience the stories multiple times over!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such visceral passionate writing! Loved every word and could especially relate to the motherly advice in the essay, "Madewell," which included such wisdom as, "Drink organic milk. Wear sunscreen. Read the New York Times. Go to the doctor. Always have a dog and let it sleep in your bed." My only complaint about "Awake with Asashoryu" is that it wasn't three times longer...

[Ct · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaged immediately - writing style creates an intimate connection with the reader. Couldn't put it down. Highly recommend!

[Ellen Stead · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel so privileged to have read this book.
The author speaks directly to the reader and now I am part of her world. Parts are funny, parts sad but all are heartwarming.