Anthony’s joy and passion are apparent as he recalls the happy moments he shared with Marie. I found myself smiling visibly while reading about how they connected quickly and Anthony asking Marie to go to dinner with him after meeting her during an interview. Also, I enjoyed finding the many adorable expressions of love in the book, like “We knew from that moment on it had been our destiny to love each other.”
The book has a mostly linear structure, but we also get a hint of future events throughout the story. I liked that the well-titled chapters are short and straight to the point, since I was completely drawn to them. The book combines a wide range of themes, including dating, marriage, loss, health issues, work problems, a military profession, past relationships, family issues, the challenges of planning for children, and retiring. Also, it ends with some touching love poems by the author. Their titles are quite inviting, and two of my favorites are Loving Your Heart and What Shall I Sing? The latter starts with a sentence I wish to ask my significant other: “What words will make your soul to sing?”
The book’s thoughtful account is a great example of a love that can be emulated by those who wish to enjoy a wholesome love story themselves. For example, though Marie wanted a child of her own, she was kind enough to respect her husband’s wishes, revealing that she would always love him and respect him regardless, even if his decision was to not want the additional responsibility.
From heartfelt love poems to smartly written essays, Our Own Westside Love Story is a gem that all lovers and those who hope to find true love will appreciate. Anthony and Marie’s story is proof that love is worth seeking and fighting for. This poetic, profound, and riveting memoir is a tale worth savoring slowly, learning from, and celebrating. I will be returning to it again to revisit the magic and warmth I felt within its memorable pages.