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Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Just Kids in Books
Aug 17, 2017
Mesmerising memoir of the 1970s art scene
I was worried that this was another overhyped autobiography of another self-congratulating artist. But I was proved totally wrong. Patti Smith is truly unique and interesting, having had a life of hardship living on the streets to living with a partner equally mixed up, to engaging in a world that was the founding of America's modern art scene. More than the meandering, wonderful, dark tales is her liquid prose. She's not only an inspired poet but a fantastic all-round writer. She was known for all of her relationships with famous men, but this is about the one man who mattered the most. Well worth all of the awards.
I really wanted to like this book. I'm a fan of Lisa Scottoline, and she endeared herself to me even more with her latest memoir. Besides, I won this book from one of the goodreads giveaways.
But I just couldn't get in to this one. There was something whiny, irritating and off about the main character, and I just couldn't empathize fully with her. The plot was more absurd than believable -- is this a heartfelt story; a mystery; what? It was too much.
And If I had to read the phrase, "Rose hit the gas" one more time, I was going to scream.
Lots of good in this book, but it just never seemed to redeem the bad.
But I just couldn't get in to this one. There was something whiny, irritating and off about the main character, and I just couldn't empathize fully with her. The plot was more absurd than believable -- is this a heartfelt story; a mystery; what? It was too much.
And If I had to read the phrase, "Rose hit the gas" one more time, I was going to scream.
Lots of good in this book, but it just never seemed to redeem the bad.
Booksnthreads (19 KP) rated Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood in Books
Jun 14, 2018
As a white, middle class American, most of my education about colonialism and the resulting systemic and institutionalized racism and poverty have come from my own efforts to broaden my understanding. The more I learn, the more I am appalled not only by the realities themselves but also by the huge missing gap in my American education.
Trevor Noah's Born a Crime provides incredible insight into apartheid in South Africa as well as it's lasting effect, even after it "ended." I was already a bit of a fan of Noah's humor and political commentary, and his memoir is not a disappointment. He tackles big issues with a sense of humor that does not in any way minimize those issues.
Trevor Noah's Born a Crime provides incredible insight into apartheid in South Africa as well as it's lasting effect, even after it "ended." I was already a bit of a fan of Noah's humor and political commentary, and his memoir is not a disappointment. He tackles big issues with a sense of humor that does not in any way minimize those issues.
Caitlin Ann Cherniak (85 KP) rated The Frontman in Books
Oct 21, 2018
There are a few books for me that made me feel for the characters in it. However, Bahar's The Frontman is one of those books that made me feel despite having some 80's cliche events happening it. I guess it felt real because this is more of a memoir than it is fiction, but for a story based on a period of this author's life, I actually understand what he was going through. Yes, he made stupid decisions, but he knows they were stupid, and he tried his best to fix it, no matter how much they worked or didn't. I was rooting for this guy, despite his horny mindset. (I can't believe I said that).
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Promise Me, Dad: A Year of Hope, Hardship, and Purpose in Books
Nov 20, 2017
Poignant, humanising a politician
Listening to Joe Biden's frank and open memoir dealing with his son's cancer and bereavement is heartfelt, especially as it is read by himself.
Unlike most books by politicians, "Promise Me, Dad" is committed to communicating to us the values and principles of a family man who happens to have been a senior member of government.
His most compelling narration comes in the form of him discussing his hopes, fears, dreams and nightmares through which a family succumbs while dealing with cancer. I became emotional listening to him break down while discussing the death of his son - his voice audibly trembles which is why the audiobook gives a whole new depth to the biography.
Warm, insightful and thought-provoking.
Unlike most books by politicians, "Promise Me, Dad" is committed to communicating to us the values and principles of a family man who happens to have been a senior member of government.
His most compelling narration comes in the form of him discussing his hopes, fears, dreams and nightmares through which a family succumbs while dealing with cancer. I became emotional listening to him break down while discussing the death of his son - his voice audibly trembles which is why the audiobook gives a whole new depth to the biography.
Warm, insightful and thought-provoking.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated My Mother Was Nuts in Books
Jan 15, 2018
Of course I've known who Penny Marshall is for awhile, but I never realized just what a fascinating person she is or what an incredible life she's experienced until I picked up this book! She is a unique woman and so strong with such an amazing talent! The overlying message I took from her memoir is that no matter your circumstances if you just stick to your guns and enjoy what you do, you can do anything.
There doesn't seem to be a person in Hollywood that she doesn't know, hasn't screen tested for a movie, or who hasn't lived in her house at some point! It was such a normal life, under such extraordinary circumstances. What an amazing woman!
There doesn't seem to be a person in Hollywood that she doesn't know, hasn't screen tested for a movie, or who hasn't lived in her house at some point! It was such a normal life, under such extraordinary circumstances. What an amazing woman!
Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated David Sedaris Diaries: A Visual Compendium in Books
Apr 27, 2018
David Sedaris—Live for your listening pleasure (Audio)
Genre: Radio show
Rating: 4/5
David Sedaris tells story after humorous story, always pulling laughs from his audience (the audio recording is live). This short collection of memoir-esque stories will keep you laughing the whole way through.
The recording features four stories and several diary entries that are sure to have you grinning at the least and crying from laughing at the most.
Content: There was some mild language and some sexual references. Not for the easily offended.
Recommendation: Ages 18+ to anyone who enjoys radio shows, comedy, or just needs a good laugh and a break from reality.
**Thank you to Anna from Hachette Audio for providing my review copy!**
Genre: Radio show
Rating: 4/5
David Sedaris tells story after humorous story, always pulling laughs from his audience (the audio recording is live). This short collection of memoir-esque stories will keep you laughing the whole way through.
The recording features four stories and several diary entries that are sure to have you grinning at the least and crying from laughing at the most.
Content: There was some mild language and some sexual references. Not for the easily offended.
Recommendation: Ages 18+ to anyone who enjoys radio shows, comedy, or just needs a good laugh and a break from reality.
**Thank you to Anna from Hachette Audio for providing my review copy!**
Jessica Erdas (463 KP) rated You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) in Books
May 16, 2018
I loved absolutely everything about this memoir. Felicia Day perfectly bares her soul to anyone smart enough to pick up this treasure. At times raw and wildly hilarious, I've never related more to someone I've never met. Representation matters and I was more than happy to read this book based on Felicia alone but realizing early on that it catalogs a lot of her struggles with anxiety made it an even easier read. In many ways, this book shows just how down to earth and relatable Day is to the many people who love her and her work. I highly recommend giving You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost) the chance it deserves and a place on your book shelf.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2099 KP) rated Gladiator: A True Story of 'Roids, Rage, and Redemption in Books
Mar 9, 2018
This memoir was written by Nitro from the original American Gladiators. It's the story of his life and his struggle with steroids. Yes, we get some time talking about the show that made him famous, but the majority of the time was actually spent on the price of that fame. You can tell Dan is trying to issue a warning to others about the dangers of steroids.
At times the book is a tough read just because Dan never holds back on the effects of the drugs. However, I enjoyed the book overall and I'm definitely glad I read it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-gladiator-true-story-of.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.
At times the book is a tough read just because Dan never holds back on the effects of the drugs. However, I enjoyed the book overall and I'm definitely glad I read it.
Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2014/01/book-review-gladiator-true-story-of.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.