“I’ve devoted myself to stories,” says Mara Wilson in the beginning of her new collection of essays, Where Am I Now? From childhood to adolescence to adulthood, Wilson deftly covers a range of universal life moments in an appealing and relatable voice.
Mara Wilson has a great voice—both in crafting her essays and in speaking them aloud. Wilson covers many moments of her life. From her first film experience to her mother’s early death, from trying to fit in at high school while dealing with anxiety and OCD to her first romantic adult relationship, Wilson is able to convey her wit, sarcasm, apprehension, and fears with a light switch in tone.
You will likely recognize Mara Wilson from her childhood of acting. Her notable roles include Matilda, The Miracle on 34th Street, and Mrs. Doubtfire. Her tales of what it was like making those films and working with well-known adult actors are intriguing. In particular, her experience working on Matilda as her mother became more ill with cancer and the ways in which Danny DeVito extended a hand is touching. On the other hand, though, her descriptions of everyday struggles—making friends, dealing with mental health issues, losing her mother, auditioning for show choir—are experiences many people will be able to empathize and identify with. In short, Where Am I Now? is a great collection.
Get a taste of Mara Wilson’s Where Am I Now? with this audio clip: Where Am I Now?
For more from Mara Wilson, listen to her on This is the Author.