READ with ME! February: Loving Frank
February's READ with ME!, Loving Frank by Nancy Horan, was one of my favorites so far! Whether you're a fan of, or whether you don't know anything about the famous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, you will love this book!His architecture can still be seen throughout the US and was known as the “prairie style.” He used sharp angles, raw materials and natural light to create very unique spaces. My interest was piqued when I recently had the opportunity to visit one of the homes he designed in AZ called, Taliesin West. Our tour guide engaged us with stories from Frank's colorful personal life and I was hungry to learn more after I left.
Here are some pictures from that visit.
He was considered a very controversial figure for the early 1900's both in his architecture but also in his personal life.
This particular book, Loving Frank, follows the diary entries of Mamah Borthwick Cheney, whom he had a clandestine love affair with. This is a fictional story, but based on personal accounts from their seven-year relationship.
I was completely mesmerized by this book. I found it to be a particularly interesting glance into the early feminist movement and the struggles that women (especially well-educated women) had in society at the time. You also get to see a first hand view of how Wright's career blossomed and how their decision to be together changed their lives and the lives of their families.
I was completely fascinated with their story and shocked by the very dramatic ending based on real life events.
On the book website, you can see a personal video from the author which offers insight into her research and background on the story.
I loved it and highly recommend this book!
Has anyone else read it?
