The Sugarless Plum
The Sugarless Plum by Zippora Karz is about the author’s experience living with diabetes. Karz’s case is a bit unique, as she’s a ballerina, so she must walk a fine line in her insulin and sugar intake.
I felt the Sugarless Plum was fairly depressing. I know she eventually gets past her disease, that’s what happens in pretty much every IMPORTANT ISSUE/DISEASE memoir, but it still sort of made me sad. I guess I never really thought of diabetes as being a big deal, after all I’ve read The Babysitter’s Club, and Stacey never seemed to have huge problems with her diabetes.
I thought the dance aspects of the book were fairly interesting, as I don’t know anything about dance. I can’t sit still long enough to watch a dance show — they sort of bore me. However, reading about dance is a whole other ball game.
I definitely would have liked to read more about Zippora’s family, they seemed quite fascinating, I wanted more about why her mom was so cool with her leaving home for NYC at 16 to dance. I know my parents would have put up a shitstorm if I did that.
The writing was, much like every other issue based memoir only minus the crazy world of drugs, mediocre. I would recommend this if you are interested in learning about diabetes or are interested in the NYC Ballet Company.
While reading this book, you should probably drink some Crystal Light. I doubt it would send you into an insulin coma.
Instead of a pic of Crystal Light I thought I would post this for your viewing pleasure:
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April (Books&Wine) – who has written 1066 posts on Good Books And Good Wine.
April is 24 years old. She is an educator. In her free time she can be found reading, working out, or eating junk food. She often wears her sunglasses at night.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
*chuckle*
Thank you for the kitty.
That was funny.
Great review.
I love the title and the cover.
I adore ballet.
You have an award! Come get!
I have this book to read ob my shelf right now and it looks interesting. I remember reading the Babysitter's Club and not thinking diabetes was a big deal, and my great-grandmother had it as well. I think this book might change my perspective on it though.