The Only True Genius in the Family by Jennie Nash (And a Giveaway!)
I loved this book. I really, really did. The Only True Genius in the Family by Jennie Nash was the perfect read for me. I liked Jennie’s The Last Beach Bungalow (my book review) but The Only True Genius in the Family far surpassed it. I read this book in just two or three sittings. I couldn’t put it down. I felt that I related to this book on a very personal level. I understood so much of what the main character Claire felt. But first let’s clue you in on what this book is about.
Claire is a commercial food photographer. She is living out her dreams, doing spreads for Oprah and about to begin work on a Martha Stewart cookbook. She has become successful enough to be comfortable with her work and the direction her career is heading. But all that changes with the first line of the book which states, “My dad died at an incredibly inconvenient time and I have no doubt that he planned it that way on purpose.”
Her father, Paul, was a legendary landscape photographer. He thrived off of shooting the landscape, so much so that he left his family to resettle out west. Upon his death there is to be a large retrospective of his work and he’s charged his granddaughter, Bailey, Claire’s daughter, to be in charge of it.
Bailey is a natural born artist. A painter. She’s just finishing up her MFA with a gallery showing of her own and is about to make huge ripples in the art world. Paul and Bailey were very close because of their artistic talents. Much to Claire’s chagrin, Paul always stated that in their family, genius skipped a generation. It was that feeling of inadequacy that Claire fought against her whole life.
Now at her father’s death and her daughter’s success, Claire loses faith in her own work and begins to feel jealous of her daugher. So much so, that their relationship is threatened. When she’s in the studio behind the camera, she can no longer “see.” She feels as though she’s faking it. Her confidence is gone and her career is in jeopardy. It is when she’s going through her father’s photographs that she realizes that he wasn’t as perfect as he presented himself to be. What she discovers changes the way she feels about him, her daughter, and herself.
I loved this passage of the book as Claire is observing her daughter’s confidence:
She was reckless, she was brilliant. I felt, on one hand, that I shouldn’t watch, that what she was doing was private, intimate. But on the other hand, I couldn’t tear myself away. The air in the room was charged with something animal and alive. Bailey behaved as if she knew she couldn’t make a wrong move. She couldn’t pick the wrong color, couldn’t put her brush in the wrong spot – and I wanted to be near that kind of faith, that kind of genius, if for no other reason than I might figure out how it was done.
The characters in The Only True Genius in the Family were real to me and the sense of place was powerful. The book asks the question: what is true genius? Is it natural? It is fought for? Is talent in the genes? And it dives deep into the relationships of fathers, mothers, and daughters.
What was it that I felt so drawn to about this book? Well, for one, it takes place partially in Driggs, Idaho. Although, a town I have never visited, it is my maiden name and indeed a town prominent in our family history as it was founded by early family members. So that was fun.
Second, I’m a photographer. I understood what it’s like to get underneath a black cloth of a large format camera, slide in the 4×5 negatives, measure the light, focus, and carefully take your photo. This isn’t your snap and go type of photography. It’s very methodical and contemplative. Reading this book made me want to dust that camera off, compose some photographs, get in the darkroom, and study the results. Having taken studio photography classes and doing my final project in the studio (with that large format camera) I also understood what it was like for Claire to set up her still life (of food), adjust the lights and compose commercial photographs.
But perhaps, what I related to the most was Claire’s sense of inadequacy. I’ve talked about this before, but sometimes I feel like photography didn’t come naturally to me. I fought hard for it. I fought against the equipment, the math, the numbers, the light meter. I always felt like I was the one in the class faking it while everybody else was a natural. Now, I won’t lie. I do think I have talent. I have created some wonderful photographs. But to see this fictional character in this book doubt herself while faced with the talent of her daughter was comforting to say the least.
Even if you don’t have these feelings, I’m pretty sure you’ll love The Only True Genius in the Family. The questions that it raises about our doubts, our talents, our potentials, and our relationships is worth the read. And it doesn’t hurt that it’s beautifully written either. Jennie Nash has talent.
Jennie has agreed to giveaway a signed copy of The Only True Genius in the Family. To enter leave a comment on this post that’s more than just a “enter me.” Respond to the review, the book, the author, or answer the question: what do you think true genius is? Open to U.S. mailing addresses (sorry, I forgot to ask Jennie where she could mail, so playing it safe here). I’ll announce the winner in the comments on this post on February 17th.
Stop by tomorrow for an amazing interview with Jennie! I must shamelessly admit that I love the questions I asked and I loved the answers Jennie gave! In the meantime, check out my review for The Last Beach Bungalow as well as a guest post that Jennie wrote for the Maw Books Blog this past October about how surviving breast cancer has affected her writing.
Links of interest: Jennie Nash website, blog, and follow on Twitter. The Last Beach Bungalow book review, Jennie Nash guest post and (edited to add) my interview with Jennie talking about The Last True Genius in the Family. More book blogger reviews.
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publisher: Berkley Trade. February 3, 2009.
Paperback, 304 pages. ISBN 0425225755
The Last True Genius in the Family is available from your favorite independent bookstore, Powell’s, and Amazon.
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Category: Adult, Book Reviews, Fiction, Giveaways
Tags: blog tour, giveaway, literary fiction, M-P Author, M-P Title, published 2009, review copy
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I often wonder if I’m the only one who feels that I have to work to get where I’m going. For a lot of the other students, it does seem like that effortless genius in the way that they ask and respond to questions. I understand what they say, but I know I’d need to think more to come up with something equally viable. I don’t know what true genius is, but I would imagine that it would have to be effortless. I think people might have shades of this. For example, my dad is brilliant at math and can compute complex numbers easily in his head. It perplexes him that other people can’t, but he was never interested in going further with math than becoming a treasurer.
This book does sound fabulous. I hope I win! *crosses fingers*
on February 11th, 2009 at 3:54 amJust because someone’s a genius doesn’t mean everything comes easy for them. Sure some things might, but other things won’t, which tends to balance things out. For instance, some people who show signs of higher than average intelligence have a hard time with social issues. This is especially evident in people with Asperger’s Syndrome, as I am fast discovering with my younger daughter.
on February 11th, 2009 at 4:20 amMargay
I have always been plagued with self-doubt and live in fear that someone will “find me out.” This book sounds like a story that will resonate well with me and I would love to be entered in the contest.
I greatly anticipate your review with the author.
on February 11th, 2009 at 5:05 amMolly, it has been my experience in the past that, often when we feel self-doubt, we are the only ones who feel that way about ourselves. This is how I feel every day as I muddle through life with a child who has Asperger’s Syndrome (along with bipolar disorder and school phobia). I am constantly feeling doubt in my abilities to cope with and handle the situation. My family, however, have no such doubts in me and tell me so. Why do we do this to ourselves, I wonder? Hopefully, if you win this book, you will start to realize the answers for it. In the meantime, here’s my rally call to you – you can do it, girl! I leave you with this thought (and forgive me, but I can’t remember who said it): Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.
So here’s to starting to think you can more than you think you can’t. Remember, confidence starts from within.
on February 11th, 2009 at 5:18 amMargay
I just read a narrative by the author on Michele’s “A Reader’s Respite” and Ms. Nash is very touching. I don’t think there are many people out there that can claim to have never felt inadequate. Inadequate at blogging, parenting, their profession, whatever. It is a sensitive subject for everyone. I really want to read this book, so please consider me a candidate!
on February 11th, 2009 at 5:50 amI have seen this book around the past few days, and it caught my eye. While I definitely don’t considerm myself to be an artist, I do think I can relate to the feelings of inadequacy. What woman doesn’t constantly question herself. Please consider me! Thanks for this opportunity!
on February 11th, 2009 at 6:17 amI love reading books in which a character is a photographer and photography is incorporated into the story. I think that’s why I liked The Year of Fog so much, and why this book sound so interesting.
on February 11th, 2009 at 6:26 amI’m putting this book on my reading list. I think I should win it because Feb. 17th is my birthday, and what a LOVELY present that would be!
on February 11th, 2009 at 6:57 amI think my father is a genius. He can actually sit and discuss, in depth, virtually any subject and sound as if he wrote a textbook on the subject but with the added dimension of storytelling.
I’ve often faced feeling inadequate in my art, sometimes so much that I quit painting for long periods of time (it’s harder now that I’m not in school and constantly surrounded by and challenged by other artists). I’d love to read this book.
on February 11th, 2009 at 7:34 amA book that addresses feelings of inadequacy (in art!), and genius? Sign me up! Genius wasn’t exactly bandied around in my house (we may have skirted the issue, though), growing up, but the arts. Well, we never thought about or talked about the arts. I feel like I’m still playing catch up in the art arena. Oh, and then I married an artist! :p
on February 11th, 2009 at 7:51 amThis book’s premise brings a rush of butterflies to my stomach. I’ve been stuck for some time and have only recently stepped from my self-imposed cocoon to try anew. For awhile, my daughter beginning her doctorate slapped me around. Shouldn’t I be practicing what I had always preached?
This week, I’ve been brushing up my resume to apply for a new career. My daughter may end up being the first one with a doctorate, but I’m thinking that’s okay.
on February 11th, 2009 at 8:05 amI do think “true genius” can be inborn or learned. I would love to read this.
on February 11th, 2009 at 8:34 amI think we all have genius in us. It may not be obvious to others (like art or music talents are) but we all have genius. The problem is that most of us do not recognize or value the genius that we have. The title of this book is intriguing because it implies that genius is quantifiable and comparable, that there is a false or not-true genius, that only a few are blessed with it. I hope the book explores the idea that there are different kinds of genius and that a genius of an artistic kind is not better or worse than a genius of any other kind (people skills, verbal skills, or whatever)!
I would love to win this book, and already have it on my wishlist.
on February 11th, 2009 at 8:39 amGenius is a tricky topic. I think it covers different, and sometimes opposing, things.
As a writer, it’s hard to get genius right.
Sounds like she hits the nail on the head in this one.
on February 11th, 2009 at 9:02 amAt last, a book that examines the impostor syndrome! I think that genius is the gift of looking at something with new eyes, and then using the image in a communication — a book, a scientific breakthrough, art, music, a new way of understanding each other…. and yes, I’d love to win! thank you.
on February 11th, 2009 at 9:38 amHi just wanted to chime in and say THANKS to Natasha and WOW to all the people who are commenting on my new book. I wish I could invite you all over for tea
on February 11th, 2009 at 9:43 amI have recently (happily!) discovered your blog! I am anxious to read this book, as I also feel I can relate to much of it. I am originally from Idaho, I am into photography, and I am currently reading Outliers which talks in depth about this “natural talent” versus “training” issue. Fascinating! I hadn’t seen this book before, so thank you for sharing!
on February 11th, 2009 at 10:20 amI haven’t read this one but I have read Raising a Reader, which I really enjoyed and found extremely enlightening and helpful. You should definitely put that one on your list if you haven’t read it!
on February 11th, 2009 at 12:28 pmThanks for the review! Never heard or seen the book before but really looking forward to reading it now. Thanks again ~
on February 11th, 2009 at 2:15 pmHi, I would think every person suffers feelings of inadequacy at some point in their lives. My older brother was a medical genius and my sister a gifted teacher. Then, there was me!
on February 11th, 2009 at 2:16 pmA bachelor’s degree in Psychology and never having a well paying job! Please enter me in your book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
I’m a genius. I never had to work in school, but I screwed up nearly every other aspect of my young life. Genius is as genius does.
I’d like to be entered in the drawing, too!
on February 11th, 2009 at 2:26 pmWhat an interesting story. I am interested in the relationship between the mother and daughter. Thanks for the review.
Btw, you have received an award:
on February 11th, 2009 at 5:58 pmhttp://marireads.blogspot.com/2009/02/premios-dardo-award.html
What an interesting book. I think so many people suffering from feelings of inadequacy – myself included. Kudos to Jennie Nash for taking on such a hard topic.
As far as genius goes. I think there are probably lots of definitions depending on what a person is really good at – I think a lot of people tend to think of the really smart Einstein types, but there are lots of geniuses in art such as in this book, music, sports, etc. That’s why like the idea of Multiple Intelligences by Howard Gardner, an educator. He basically has 8 maybe 9 ways (he keeps adding more) people can show their intelligence including visual arts, kinesthetic, math, musical, etc. I really like that idea and when I was teaching my students loved that idea. That they could be smart in something.
on February 11th, 2009 at 6:46 pmWe almost lived in Driggs, ID. Instead, we went to Beaver, UT. It was that close. Ha ha, well, I want to read this book, it sounds great.
I think genius is someone like Mozart. Sure, he had to learn and work, but to have a natural affinity to something from a very young age just seems genius to me. People can become talented in lots of given areas, but it is easier done if they have the natural talent. I don’t think I have natural talent in anything. I would consider myself very mediocre. I guess we all can’t be a genius.
on February 11th, 2009 at 9:17 pmI have always wanted to meet a food photographer…
on February 12th, 2009 at 12:32 amOh my, so many comments, I won’t be able to respond individually, but to say that they are all insightful and wonderful.
As an item of note, I saw this YouTube video today about Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love that discusses “What Is Genius?” I’ve posted the video in the comments on my Eat Pray Love post if you’d like to watch.
http://blog.mawbooks.com/2008/02/29/eat-pray-love-by-elizabeth-gilbert/#comment-26466
on February 12th, 2009 at 8:12 amWell I know nothing about photography, but I certainly am familiar with feelings of inadequacy. I am always doubting myself, forever feeling as though I’m not good enough. Because of just that one reason, I think I’ll really enjoy this book. Also, Natasha, your glowing review certainly made me interested!
on February 12th, 2009 at 10:56 amI loved the review. In my opinion I think true genius is in your genes. This book is full of insight, and I’d love to read it.
on February 12th, 2009 at 11:29 amWow, this looks to be an interesting read. I was particalarly drawn to the part where she discovers her father wasn’t as perfect as he presented himself to be. I think many of us can relate to that discovery of finding loved ones aren’t what we thought as we were growing up.
I’d love to win this book.
on February 12th, 2009 at 5:25 pmWOW!!! What a great review. I’m always second guessing myself. I rarely feel that I’m up to my potential. This book sounds great. Please enter me.
sharon54220@gmail.com
on February 12th, 2009 at 7:33 pmOooooh ooooooh ooooh….more giveaways!! And signed copies!!!!
Gosh, as someone who has struggled with feeling inadequete much of my life, it sounds like I could totally relate to this book. As a child my family was always critical of everything I did. I brough home an A they wanted to know why it wasn’t an A+. On the other hand my brother could do no wrong. He had natural athletic ability, but no academic ability. Unfortunately, my father felt the athletic skills were more important.
I felt very jealous of my brother for a long time and actually began to resent him for some time. I’ve outgrown it now and he and I are very close. Oddly enough, he was jealous of me because I was good at school and he had to try so hard.
It was very hard to overcome my jealous feelings and my guilt about feeling them. I feel that, like Natasha, I could totally relate to a character like this.
Great review Natasha. I will have to look into Jennie Nash’s other book as well.
on February 12th, 2009 at 7:38 pmI’ve had to work hard, often fighting through self-doubt, to get where I am artistically right now. I’m really want to read this book, because I think I can definitely relate to it too. Thanks for the giveaway.
on February 13th, 2009 at 10:03 amI’ve got this one on my shelf, you’ve made me want to move it to the top of my TBR pile!
on February 13th, 2009 at 4:05 pmI’ve “run across” this book a bit the last few weeks – It sounds very interesting. I have added it to my TBR pile and even if I don’t win the giveaway will look into picking it up. Thanks for introducing me to this site – I’m really enjoying it.
on February 14th, 2009 at 6:02 amThis sounds like a wonderful book. I’m someone who’s lived in the shadow of a talented sister (although on a much smaller scale than the book). I would love a chance to read this and see where it takes me.
on February 14th, 2009 at 6:41 amHmmm . . . I wonder if we all feel that insecurity of thinking that everyone else has it together and I’m only faking it. I would like to read this book. I’m off to read your interview and get a sense of what this author is about.
on February 14th, 2009 at 10:12 amIt looks like everybody feels as though we are “faking” it. Makes me feel glad to know that we are not alone in our feelings of inadequacy.
on February 15th, 2009 at 9:27 pmMany thanks to all who entered the giveaway. Random.org has picked a winner and it’s Hannah at Word Lily! Congrats!!
on February 19th, 2009 at 7:10 am[...] read The Only True Genius in the Family, by Jennie Nash and reviewed it at Maw Books Blog. Natasha writes: “I’m pretty sure you’ll love [...]
on June 19th, 2009 at 9:06 amTerrific review.
on July 2nd, 2009 at 11:44 am