First, I have to tell you about Amy. We met she when she was very pregnant and I was interviewing for some freelance work at Domino. Soon after, the magazine had folded, and I kept bumping into her in the neighborhood. I also kept lingering longer each time. I just liked her, and that doesn’t happen that often. She’s the kind of person you trust implicitly, whose own warmth and comfort with herself instantly puts you at ease. Plus, she’s very funny in a sweet, self-deprecating way that’s pretty much impossible to resist. Running into each other at coffee shops turned into meeting for walks around Prospect Park on hot afternoons. She’s probably one of the most natural friends I’ve made in my adult life.
I read her new book, The Mermaid of Brooklyn, in those dark days of January when I wanted to climb into bed and forget the realities of my life. The book didn’t take me far away (it takes place in Park Slope), but it managed to help me forget my troubles while simultaneously soothing them. I was intoxicated by the idea–that a gutsy mermaid slips into the body of a despairingly depressed mom. Who among us hasn’t ever wished some fiercer version of ourselves would take the reins? But that’s only one aspect of a book that ended up telling a more story more captivating and real than any fairy tale: that there is goodness in the world and fullness all around us, even when it doesn’t feel like it.
One very lucky Pink of Perfection reader will win a copy. Leave a comment by 11:59PM EST 4/4 to be eligible. Happy spring reading!
Update 4/5: And the winner is Mallory! Thanks to all for entering. Hope you’ll still go out and buy a copy or get on the library waiting list. It’s worth it!
