Memoir+Samples

// Memoir Examples //


 * Imagery: ** the use of specific language to communicate a sense impression, stir emotions, or express an idea

“People everywhere brag and whimper about the woes of their early years, but nothing can compare with the Irish version: the poverty; the shiftless loquacious alcoholic father; the pious defeated mother moaning by the fire; pompous priests; bullying schoolmasters.”

// Angela’s Ashes //, by Frank McCourt

“He was a guy who couldn’t get to first base any faster than I can, wore big glasses, talked softer than a church mouse, missed the highlight reels, and rarely made a dent in those glamour categories you read about in //USA Today//. But if you want to learn about winning, money-making baseball, look no further than the man I brought from Kansas City to squat behind the plate.

// A baseball manager’s description of Darrell Porter (played catcher for Cardinals 1971-1987) //

“My grandmother was the most amazing person ever. She was so nice to me.”
 * -These sentences TELL instead of **** SHOW **** . **

“As my grandmother opened the door to her apartment, she smiled and scooped me into a hug. Her flowery perfume filled the hallway, and I laughed at the curlers still in her hair. I ran into the kitchen, finding my favorite breakfast ready in the toaster—a toasted bagel with the lox melted perfectly into it. As I took out my bagel, my grandmother poured me a glass of milk with a drop of coffee to warm it up.”
 * -These sentences **** SHOW **** instead of TELL. **