Amy 
memoir
From Scratch was a touching memoir in which Tembi Locke
focused on the loss of her husband, Saro, to cancer. But, it wasn’t all just about her loss. She
described her own family and past, her experience of studying abroad in Italy
where she met Saro, their courtship and marriage, the adoption of their
daughter, Saro’s family and home country of Sicily, Saro’s illness and death,
and her life since. However, her story
was not told sequentially. In fact, I
thought the book did an effective job giving the full picture even though it
was out of order. It was more
interesting that way and allowed for the sad parts to be woven between the
happier parts. Tembi only briefly touched on her own acting career which was
also a wise choice. I was impressed with
her writing! I did like her references to movies, TV shows, and actors which,
also, were appropriate.
While I found it unusual that such a young woman would write
a memoir, I do feel that she had things to say and that much of what she said
will resonate with others—particularly those who have hurdles with their
family’s acceptance of their choices, for those who give up a child for
adoption and those who adopt, and, of course, those who grieving the loss of a
loved one.
Tembi narrated her own memoir and did a terrific job. She was always engaging and it felt right to
hear her speak her own truths. I’m sure it was even more difficult for her to
read the sad parts out loud than to write them. I enjoyed hearing her speak
Italian too. I give her an A+.
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