"Children Exist in a State of Grace"

“Children exist in a state of grace” recites a character in L’Argent de Poche (Small Change), Truffaut’s warm, bittersweet film about the vulnerability and resiliency of children. In Sleeping Arrangements, Laura Shaine Cunningham lifts the veil from her past to share the dangers, discoveries, losses, and affection as she experienced them in childhood. Sleeping Arrangements does not read like a retelling, rather Cunningham seems to re-inhabit her childhood and allow her young life to materialize before you as you read. Growing up largely unsupervised until her mother’s death at age 8, Lily wanders into perilous and potentially scarring situations; yet she emerges unscathed and wonder struck, knowing that she is loved and capable of loving. If you enjoy Sleeping Arrangements, I strongly recommend that you read Childhood and Other Neighborhoods by the great Stuart Dybek.
-Valerie Mittenberg

An Enjoyable Read

I knew I wouldn't get the chance to read this book during the One Book One New Paltz week, but a librarian had recommended it to me, so I've been reading it over the past couple weeks. I was sad to finish it a few days ago. Lily's life is presented with no censorship or awkwardness ... nothing is edited out. All of her memories are vivid and detailed; that the book is written in present tense makes it very real to the reader.
I also felt that I got to know the characters well. All aspects of their personalities were described and they grew throughout the book. Uncle Len and Uncle Gabe found a special place in my heart for caring for their little niece even though it caused a dramatic lifestyle shift for them.
I really enjoyed this book, and I know my housemate did too. She finished it in two days!

-Erin R., New Paltz student

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