Five Minutes with MaggieThe Shiniest Jewel: A Family Love Story
Marian Henley's memoir, The Shiniest Jewel, captures the true depth of love within a family. The memoir traces Henley's own journey of trying to adopt a baby from a Russian orphanage. That central storyline is placed within the context of the growth of her own romantic relationship and of her aging father's illness. However, Henley's book is different from any other that I've read. Instead of a straightforward memoir, the book is actually illustrated, just like a comic strip in the Sunday paper. Unlike a comic strip, though, the book is almost 200 pages long and the story is incredibly eloquent.
The illustrations that accompany the story add a compelling visual element that strengthens the writing. Because of the story's format, the book is a very fast read; I read the book cover-to-cover in a couple hours. The message of strength and love within a family, though, sticks with you long after you've finished the book.