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Haley Mathiot (9 KP) rated The Single Girl's Guide to Meeting European Men in Books
Apr 27, 2018
I wasn't quite sure what to expect from The Single Girl's Guide. At first I thought it was a memoir, then a novel, then a collection of stories. Turns out it is actually a guide book for meeting European men! Yes ladies, there is hope for all of you American women who are tired of American men and want someone foreign.
Because I wasn't quite sure what to expect from TSGG, I can't really say it met or fell below my expectations. It was interesting (some of the stories were pretty funny!), There was definitely some good advice… but keep in mind that I'm certainly not the dating professional to ask (It's me remember?… the one who is having her father arrange her marriage? yes, I'm serious.) so I can't really tell you how well the advice will work. I will say that most of the "attention grabbers" are somewhat familiar to what has happened to me in the past, and I will say that through reading the stories, Cahoon seems like she knows what she's talking about.
This book is also a great travel guide. There are places to go, hours and phone numbers, and specific people's names mentioned to enhance your European adventure.
Because I wasn't quite sure what to expect from TSGG, I can't really say it met or fell below my expectations. It was interesting (some of the stories were pretty funny!), There was definitely some good advice… but keep in mind that I'm certainly not the dating professional to ask (It's me remember?… the one who is having her father arrange her marriage? yes, I'm serious.) so I can't really tell you how well the advice will work. I will say that most of the "attention grabbers" are somewhat familiar to what has happened to me in the past, and I will say that through reading the stories, Cahoon seems like she knows what she's talking about.
This book is also a great travel guide. There are places to go, hours and phone numbers, and specific people's names mentioned to enhance your European adventure.
Sam (74 KP) rated Where am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I think I actually expected this to be one of those books that I sort of like but don’t really go mad on but I was wrong.
I always wanted to find out more about the actor behind Matilda and this really gave me the dose I needed.
Mara Wilson is brutally honest about how her acting career when she was younger took its toll on her mental health and even goes into detail about all of the mental health issues she has had. I loved how honest she is – she doesn’t try to sugar-coat it or turn her memoir into a self-help book. Instead she says everything as it is and exactly how it felt for her.
I loved reading about her friendships with other actors, especially Danny DeVito and Robin Williams. I’d previously heard quite a bit about her friendship with Danny DeVito and was really interested in how much he had looked after her while she was working on Matilda.
The only reason that it didn’t make it to five stars from me is that I hoped for a bit more on Matilda, but she seemed to glaze over it a lot.
Overall though, it’s a really interesting read and definitely worth picking up.
I always wanted to find out more about the actor behind Matilda and this really gave me the dose I needed.
Mara Wilson is brutally honest about how her acting career when she was younger took its toll on her mental health and even goes into detail about all of the mental health issues she has had. I loved how honest she is – she doesn’t try to sugar-coat it or turn her memoir into a self-help book. Instead she says everything as it is and exactly how it felt for her.
I loved reading about her friendships with other actors, especially Danny DeVito and Robin Williams. I’d previously heard quite a bit about her friendship with Danny DeVito and was really interested in how much he had looked after her while she was working on Matilda.
The only reason that it didn’t make it to five stars from me is that I hoped for a bit more on Matilda, but she seemed to glaze over it a lot.
Overall though, it’s a really interesting read and definitely worth picking up.
Erika Kehlet (21 KP) rated The Medici Boy in Books
Feb 21, 2018
**NOTE: I was generously provided with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
After reading the title, The Medici Boy, I expected this to mainly be a novel about the Medicis. While they do play a part, the story focuses on Donatello and his infatuation with the young model/prostitute Agnolo (the titular "Medici Boy"), who poses for his bronze "David and Goliath". The whole thing is told to us in the form of a final written memoir by Luca Mattei, one of Donatello's assistants, as he nears the end of his days imprisoned for a murder that he committed out of love for his friend Donatello.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I had a hard time relating to most of the characters in this story, and the lack of action caused the book to feel somewhat slow at times, but it is very well written. The descriptions of Florence and her history, and the detailed references to Donatello's artistic processes were interesting and seem to have been very well researched.
Students of art history and those who have an interest in the Renaissance or Italian history in general should really enjoy this book.
After reading the title, The Medici Boy, I expected this to mainly be a novel about the Medicis. While they do play a part, the story focuses on Donatello and his infatuation with the young model/prostitute Agnolo (the titular "Medici Boy"), who poses for his bronze "David and Goliath". The whole thing is told to us in the form of a final written memoir by Luca Mattei, one of Donatello's assistants, as he nears the end of his days imprisoned for a murder that he committed out of love for his friend Donatello.
I have mixed feelings about this book. I had a hard time relating to most of the characters in this story, and the lack of action caused the book to feel somewhat slow at times, but it is very well written. The descriptions of Florence and her history, and the detailed references to Donatello's artistic processes were interesting and seem to have been very well researched.
Students of art history and those who have an interest in the Renaissance or Italian history in general should really enjoy this book.
Suswatibasu (1703 KP) rated Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging in Books
Mar 11, 2018
An important and necessary conversation
There is a wealth of insight crammed into this book about race and identity in Britain, describing how important it is to have a cohesive self by accepting that you may have other identities alongside being a UK citizen.
What hinders this process is the apparent racism that plagues British society, from being 'colour-blind' and thus ignoring the issue, to the awkward and troubled relationship with Britain's history and its origins. The author, Afua Hirsch, also discovers her own Ghanaian roots throughout her journey of self-awareness, making this book both a memoir and social commentary. Hirsch checks her privilege immediately, which makes a refreshing change.
While I can completely relate to her opinions on the racist structures in place and the microagressions that have become normalised, the historical and anthropological elements were the most fascinating parts for me. Learning about the racist views upheld by leading western thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and David Huhne, as well as how the 1919 race riots ensued over the perception of 'white cleansing' was deeply concerning.
Hirsch's call for change on Britain's selective amnesia is not new but it has a contemporary angle following the country's move to leave the EU. Incredibly engaging.
What hinders this process is the apparent racism that plagues British society, from being 'colour-blind' and thus ignoring the issue, to the awkward and troubled relationship with Britain's history and its origins. The author, Afua Hirsch, also discovers her own Ghanaian roots throughout her journey of self-awareness, making this book both a memoir and social commentary. Hirsch checks her privilege immediately, which makes a refreshing change.
While I can completely relate to her opinions on the racist structures in place and the microagressions that have become normalised, the historical and anthropological elements were the most fascinating parts for me. Learning about the racist views upheld by leading western thinkers such as Immanuel Kant and David Huhne, as well as how the 1919 race riots ensued over the perception of 'white cleansing' was deeply concerning.
Hirsch's call for change on Britain's selective amnesia is not new but it has a contemporary angle following the country's move to leave the EU. Incredibly engaging.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Defining Pearl...a precious difference in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
Other than recognizing the name Mugabe, I will admit to a severe ignorance of anything regarding Zimbabwe, and I feel a great portion of the world could echo that confession. Because of this, I was very excited to read this memoir, not only to learn about what has happened (and is still happening) over there, but also to learn of what this one brave woman endured to keep her family safe while also trying to help her fellow citizens and improve her nation.
Pearl Matibe is a role model for everyone, no matter their sex, race, social status, etc. She looked around at all she had, yet still she and her husband wanted to do more for those around them. Because of their generosity and selflessness, they were forced from their home, lost everything they'd worked so hard for, and she ultimately had to flee the country to which they'd given so much.
I am so blessed to have been given the chance to read this book, and I urge everyone to take the time to read it, as well, It will definitely open your eyes and make you truly grateful for all you have.
5 stars
Other than recognizing the name Mugabe, I will admit to a severe ignorance of anything regarding Zimbabwe, and I feel a great portion of the world could echo that confession. Because of this, I was very excited to read this memoir, not only to learn about what has happened (and is still happening) over there, but also to learn of what this one brave woman endured to keep her family safe while also trying to help her fellow citizens and improve her nation.
Pearl Matibe is a role model for everyone, no matter their sex, race, social status, etc. She looked around at all she had, yet still she and her husband wanted to do more for those around them. Because of their generosity and selflessness, they were forced from their home, lost everything they'd worked so hard for, and she ultimately had to flee the country to which they'd given so much.
I am so blessed to have been given the chance to read this book, and I urge everyone to take the time to read it, as well, It will definitely open your eyes and make you truly grateful for all you have.
5 stars
Dominique Marie (7 KP) rated The Princess Diarist in Books
Nov 28, 2018 (Updated Nov 28, 2018)
MMD Reading Challenge 2017- For Fun
Category: Book in a genre you usually avoid
I avoid celebrity memoirs, mostly because I feel that I can get enough celebrity news from the internet and tv. I don't want to read books about that subject in most cases. I chose The Princess Diarist because I love Star Wars, and this memoir takes place during the filming. I had very mixed feelings about this book. Fisher is hilarious and relatable, at times far to crass for my liking, but candid. Her diaries from when she was young were probably the most interesting part to me. Her affair with Harrison was just so heartbreaking to me. She tries to defend him, but I think it's awful. Right after he "rescues" her from some co-workers who have gotten her plastered, he takes her into his car and makes out with her. He was 15 years older than her, and married with two kids. It was also heartbreaking because she idolized him so much. The contrast between her diaries and her current thoughts made for a good read, but I can't say that I really liked it, or really hated it. It was just such a mixed bag for me.
Category: Book in a genre you usually avoid
I avoid celebrity memoirs, mostly because I feel that I can get enough celebrity news from the internet and tv. I don't want to read books about that subject in most cases. I chose The Princess Diarist because I love Star Wars, and this memoir takes place during the filming. I had very mixed feelings about this book. Fisher is hilarious and relatable, at times far to crass for my liking, but candid. Her diaries from when she was young were probably the most interesting part to me. Her affair with Harrison was just so heartbreaking to me. She tries to defend him, but I think it's awful. Right after he "rescues" her from some co-workers who have gotten her plastered, he takes her into his car and makes out with her. He was 15 years older than her, and married with two kids. It was also heartbreaking because she idolized him so much. The contrast between her diaries and her current thoughts made for a good read, but I can't say that I really liked it, or really hated it. It was just such a mixed bag for me.
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