Your Life as Story

Rainer (The New Diary) claims that this is the ""most complete and advanced book"" on writing autobiography, and yes, she backs it up. While it bypasses the most basic questions of craft-which would-be autobiographers must also master-this book includes a sophisticated mix of analysis, examples and exercises. The ""New Autobiography,"" according to Rainer, borrows the techniques and structure of the novel-though purists may blanch at her acceptance of nonliteral truth and her inclusion of Pam Houston and other autobiographical fictioneers. Still, Rainer seems to know storytelling, and she analyzes the varieties and elements of story structure as well as showing how to vary chronology. She suggests that the search for an individual voice must precede any attempt to speak for a larger group. Rainer offers good suggestions on casting characters in a life story, sorting episodes into themes and writing realistic dialogue. She includes examples from classes she teaches in Southern California, advising other teachers that such work must be critiqued with great sensitivity. Finally, she provides sensible advice about the publishing world and how to form a memoir group. For those willing to do the work, Rainer is an excellent guide. (Apr.)