It's not all that often that I hear someone plugging a new book and I find myself actually wanting to go out and find a copy. But I was intrigued by an article I read on a new release by a Chicago-area novelist.

Anastasia Royal didn't set out to write a novel. She was making a record of her thoughts and feelings as she made her way through her divorce. Years later she used those writings as the basis for her book. Since I haven't read it, I can't really give you a review, but the way she describes it certainly makes it sound as though it would be an interesting read. She talks about all of the different phases of the process, even referring to some of it as "boring."

That's an interesting notion, and one that I wouldn't really think would apply to divorce. It's many things, but boring never really struck me.

Royal's protagonist — and by extension, Royal herself — sounds quite insightful. She obviously took the time to stop and observe and reflect on what was happening to her. I'm sure I don't have to tell anyone what a rewarding experience that can be, whether you're divorced or not.

I think it's valuable to get an outside perspective on divorce, and one that isn't necessarily bound by "real life" sounds like a refreshing escape. It's always reassuring to know that there are others experiencing the same things as you. There's something to be said for having your feelings validated.

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