Reader’s Advisory Matrix for Edgewise: A Picture of Cookie Mueller by Chloe Griffin

1.       Where is the book on the narrative continuum?

Highly fact based (has few or no narrative moments)

2.       What is the subject of the book?

The life of actress/writer/artist Cookie Mueller.

3.       What type of book is it?

A biography told in interview form by the people who knew her.

4.       Articulate appeal

What is the pacing of the book?

The book has a medium pace. Presented in a laid back way but also in a way you want to keep reading.

Describe the characters of the book.

There is Cookie Mueller who was a wild child and those who speak about her who were her friends and family. Many of the players (Dreamlanders) from John Waters films were interviewed for this book. And even though it is non-fiction, they are all characters!

How does the story feel?

Cookie’s story ranges from being exciting to exasperating to sad.

What is the intent of the author?

The intent of the author is to convey an interesting life through those who knew her and also who the public knows. I think the author wants to convey the friendship between all these friends who are also in the spotlight.

What is the focus of the story?

Cookie’s life.

Does the language matter?

The language matters a bit because this is, mainly, a group of friends who all grew up together and used the language of their 1960’s Baltimore neighborhoods. Not to mention all of the places and terms referenced were places special to only these people.

Is the setting important and well described?

Many settings were described throughout the book by different people. Yes, they were important to the story being told at that moment. The description was more in-depth when needed and just touched on when needed; it varied.

Are there details and, if so, of what?

Many details of how she wrote, put on makeup, took care (or lack thereof) her son and her living conditions.

Are there sufficient charts and other graphic materials? Are they useful and clear?

There are interesting photos and drawings scattered throughout the book. They are not necessarily clear but since there is much talk of drug use in the 60’s, they shouldn’t make sense.

Does the book stress moments of learning, understanding or experience?

I think there are many areas in Cookie’s life that are learning experiences and a lot of understanding of this person that many didn’t know much about before reading the book.

5.       Why would a reader enjoy this book (rank appeal)?

Learning              2. Subject           3. Tone