Mary Karr

Mary Karr is an American author, poet, and memoirist. She is best known for her bestselling memoir 'The Liars' Club' (1995), which details her turbulent childhood in Southeast Texas. Karr's poetic and evocative prose has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted readership. She has also published other memoirs, including 'Cherry' (2000) and 'Lit' (2009), as well as several volumes of poetry. Her work often explores themes of family, addiction, and the complexities of memory.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. The Liars' Club

    The memoir is a gritty, often hilarious look at a childhood in a dysfunctional family in a small Texas town. The narrative follows the author's experiences growing up in the 1960s in a family rife with alcoholism, mental illness, and violence. It is a story of resilience and survival, as the author navigates her chaotic home life, the sexual abuse she suffered, and her mother's mental instability, eventually finding solace in literature and writing. Despite the harsh realities it depicts, the book is filled with humor and love, offering a poignant exploration of the bonds of family and the power of storytelling.

  2. 2. Lit: A Memoir

    "Lit: A Memoir" is a moving and often humorous account of the author's journey through alcoholism, a failed marriage, and a struggle with faith. The author details her descent into alcoholism, her tumultuous relationship with her husband, and her eventual recovery with the help of a spiritual awakening. Throughout the narrative, the author's love for her son and her desire to give him a better life serve as a powerful motivation for her to overcome her struggles and find redemption.