Liked this saga of the author’s year of living each day using Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice to “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Her daring tales...moreLiked this saga of the author’s year of living each day using Eleanor Roosevelt’s advice to “Do one thing every day that scares you.” Her daring tales of swimming with sharks, trapeze school and climbing mountains, and her admiration of Eleanor was more sincere and less gimmicky than I expected. While it was funny and often light, the book also dealt very seriously with the author’s fear and anxiety. Her psychologist Dr. Bob, an important character in the book, had some great advice and was a very funny guy. (less)
Liked this account of three real women struggling to have a personal life and succeed as interns. Focuses on the complicated system of matching medica...moreLiked this account of three real women struggling to have a personal life and succeed as interns. Focuses on the complicated system of matching medical students to an internship.(less)
Fascinating account of a man trying to save his marriage after being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (highly functional on Autism Spectrum) and fee...moreFascinating account of a man trying to save his marriage after being diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (highly functional on Autism Spectrum) and feeling like, with that major insight into his situation, he’s been given the keys to restart his marriage’s engine. Funny, educational and moving by a man who lives in McHenry County
Story of two society girls from out East who take on the daunting job of teaching school in the mountains of Colorado. Wonderful history of the contin...moreStory of two society girls from out East who take on the daunting job of teaching school in the mountains of Colorado. Wonderful history of the continued settling of the West and character study of two amazing women!
Lovely, warm and funny story of a man who, with the rest of his siblings andfather, helps care for his Mom who is dying of cancer. Will Schwalbe, who...moreLovely, warm and funny story of a man who, with the rest of his siblings andfather, helps care for his Mom who is dying of cancer. Will Schwalbe, who ran a publishing company, has an amazing Mother – she was Harvard’s first female admissions counselor and founded an international agency for refugee aide – and he has always loved talking about books with her. As he spends more and more time with his Mom during chemo treatments he decides to formalize things a little more by creating a “book club” with her. He finds that talking about books helps them both find a way to talk about the difficult issues they are dealing with as his Mom is dying. It was wonderful to get to know these lovely people and eavesdrop on their book club. (less)
Boy what I don’t know about Saudi Royalty and excess – it was hard to believe the wealth and the way in which the money was used in this account by an...moreBoy what I don’t know about Saudi Royalty and excess – it was hard to believe the wealth and the way in which the money was used in this account by an out-of-work actress who moonlighted as a chauffeur. For seven weeks, the author was on call 24/7 driving members of a Royal Family wherever needed (sometimes just following a group of teenage girls as they enjoyed their freedom walking) and doing anything and everything else that was demanded. Somewhat shallow…but fascinating.(less)
The story of our disgraced Illinois Governor told by two sharp Chicago Tribute reporters. It was good to see the bits and pieces I knew sewn altogethe...moreThe story of our disgraced Illinois Governor told by two sharp Chicago Tribute reporters. It was good to see the bits and pieces I knew sewn altogether. It was very hard to have it so clearly confirmed that Blagovich did almost nothing (in the way of work) but deal. Painful.(less)
Thin but interesting account of a well-off professional woman (former editor of Self Magazine) losing everything to Bernie Maddox. How she raged, down...moreThin but interesting account of a well-off professional woman (former editor of Self Magazine) losing everything to Bernie Maddox. How she raged, downsized her Starbucks, and did a lot of gutsy things to come back.(less)
Sometimes got a little dry, but enjoyed relationship between Lady Almina and her husband. Reminded me of the smart and aristocratic couple portrayed i...moreSometimes got a little dry, but enjoyed relationship between Lady Almina and her husband. Reminded me of the smart and aristocratic couple portrayed in Elizabeth Peters' Egyptian mysteries.
Interesting look at the ritual of buying a wedding dress and wedding traditions through the prism of a Mom and Pop bridal shop held by the same family...moreInteresting look at the ritual of buying a wedding dress and wedding traditions through the prism of a Mom and Pop bridal shop held by the same family for many years.(less)
A young woman reeling from the loss of her mother , her divorce and a stupid heroin problem, walks the Pacific Crest Trail with not much preparation....moreA young woman reeling from the loss of her mother , her divorce and a stupid heroin problem, walks the Pacific Crest Trail with not much preparation. I loved following her physical and mental journey as she starts to mature and actually become a hiker on the trail. (Though she wasn't completely unprepared, her lack of research and understanding of what such a hike would entail reminded me of Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods.)(less)
Fascinating story of Mike May, blinded at age three, who lives life to its fullest even without his sight. He travels the world, sets records as a dow...moreFascinating story of Mike May, blinded at age three, who lives life to its fullest even without his sight. He travels the world, sets records as a downhill skier, starts his own company. As a grown man, May discovers that his vision might be able to be restored and it is amazing to see the choices May makes about that and where they lead. An interesting exploration of what it means to see and how we use our senses.(less)
Have to admire Queen Elizabeth as she is portrayed in this book: a smart woman with a dry sense of humor and a lot more charm than she is willing to s...moreHave to admire Queen Elizabeth as she is portrayed in this book: a smart woman with a dry sense of humor and a lot more charm than she is willing to show most of the time.(less)
Angela thought this would be a handy resource for me and indeed it is. Journalist Rosie Garthwaite gives practical advice from her personal experience...moreAngela thought this would be a handy resource for me and indeed it is. Journalist Rosie Garthwaite gives practical advice from her personal experience in this amazing survival guide that could apply to a lot of disaster situations. The survival tips also do a fascinating job of painting the picture of how people must live when war is a daily part of life. Very sad, very horrifying.(less)
Diane Keaton is a real artist all the way around. This is a beautifully written book that alternates chapters on Keaton’s life and the life of her mot...moreDiane Keaton is a real artist all the way around. This is a beautifully written book that alternates chapters on Keaton’s life and the life of her mother, who was a complex, fascinating woman. It’s a warm, insightful, funny, smart book that is as unique as Diane Keaton. (less)
A fast read that is fairly entertaining. Not as much depth as the Girls from Ames, but still interesting portrayal of female friendship centered aroun...moreA fast read that is fairly entertaining. Not as much depth as the Girls from Ames, but still interesting portrayal of female friendship centered around an intriguing arrangement: buying and sharing a $37,000 diamond necklace among 13 women.(less)
Very well written by one of the famous Mitford sisters, this memoir was fun to read about the author’s early years as part of an eccentric, upper-clas...moreVery well written by one of the famous Mitford sisters, this memoir was fun to read about the author’s early years as part of an eccentric, upper-class family in England during WW I and II. It’s funny, gossipy, warm and loving, and often wise. The story of the Mitford family was also told in fiction by another sister, Nancy Mitford, in a book I also really liked, “The Pursuit of Love.” (less)
Like most readers, I was laughing out loud a lot with this book! But I think the book is more than a funny, smart look at Tina's life and experiences,...moreLike most readers, I was laughing out loud a lot with this book! But I think the book is more than a funny, smart look at Tina's life and experiences, I think it is a weirdly good guide to growing up as a healthy, strong woman, so I am excited for my teen daughter to read it!
This is an older book by journalist Susan Orlean (who has a new book out on RinTinTin). I’ve been reading it off and on for years-and finally finished...moreThis is an older book by journalist Susan Orlean (who has a new book out on RinTinTin). I’ve been reading it off and on for years-and finally finished it! Despite my slow reading pace, I do love Orlean’s style and was very intrigued by the crazy world she opens up of competitive orchid growing/collecting. Especially liked the wild character of John Laroche, a rough individual and an orchid expert, who has no problem stealing and breaking other laws to feed his obsession. (less)
This author is one of my favorite writers – her story-telling is so rich and moving. The book helped me better understood the brutality of WWII in the...moreThis author is one of my favorite writers – her story-telling is so rich and moving. The book helped me better understood the brutality of WWII in the Pacific and the difficulties faced by the returning veterans. Could hardly believe that Louie Zamperini could survive one form of Hell after another and make it out of the war in one piece.(less)
A doctor who specializes in neurology does an excellent job of chronicling, minute-by-minute, what she experiences as she is having a massive stroke....moreA doctor who specializes in neurology does an excellent job of chronicling, minute-by-minute, what she experiences as she is having a massive stroke. Then she tells how she fights to regain her health during rehab using a holistic approach and some unconventional means. Was most interested in her well-told personal story, skimmed over the science. But maybe the best part of her book is Appendix B, 40 Things I Needed the Most, in which she gives wonderful guidelines for helping any patient, someone in rehab or someone living with a chronic illness.(less)
The movie “Social Network” very closely follows this book from which it was adapted. May be good recommendation for high school student who has a hard...moreThe movie “Social Network” very closely follows this book from which it was adapted. May be good recommendation for high school student who has a hard time finding a book to read, but I was depressed all over again by the irony and sadness of the story of the FaceBook founder who, at this early point at least, had little hope of having any real friends. Despite its racy cover, this book isn't as edgy as it wants to be and it's just kind of thin and empty to me.(less)
A look at the fascinating world of antique dealers through the eyes of a lower-level dealer who is rough-edged but endearing in his passion for antiqu...moreA look at the fascinating world of antique dealers through the eyes of a lower-level dealer who is rough-edged but endearing in his passion for antiques and the history they represent. The author followed this self-taught expert over the course of many years and it is interesting to see how the dealer grows and changes as he struggles to survive in this tough world. Also was interested in seeing how our new generations attitudes toward antiques (they’re more interested in a nice reproduction from Pottery Barn) and the Antique Roadshow are effecting the antique business. I was surprised by how hard a life it is for someone selling at this level (unpacking and re-packing a truckload of items day in and day out to exhibit at various shows) and I was dismayed to learn how little value most collectibles have (yes, you’re right I have a few old things – pretty sure not going to get rich from any of them!).
Not much new from the movie, except for the football angle that is one of the main themes – the transformation of the left tackle position from little...moreNot much new from the movie, except for the football angle that is one of the main themes – the transformation of the left tackle position from little importance (and pay) to the big time after Joe Theismann is taken down and out of football by a tackle coming from his “blind side.” (So I think the deal is that the left tackle is in charge of the blind side and protecting the quarterback.)
The book tells of the early life of Michael Oher, who moves from the projects to NFL football in an amazing fashion, and who is perfectly built, physically and mentally, to play this position. His story is interwoven with the evolution of the position itself. The football portions are well told, so even with my ignorance of the game I could appreciate it. I think this might be a great book to recommend to a high school (maybe middle school) guy who loves sports and is having a hard time finding something to read. (less)
Inside look at FBI hostage negotiations from the man who was first to run the bureau’s Crisis Negotiation Unit. Besides learning about specific hostag...moreInside look at FBI hostage negotiations from the man who was first to run the bureau’s Crisis Negotiation Unit. Besides learning about specific hostage situations, he gives a very thoughtful analysis of why working for a peaceful resolution through talking and other strategies works better than relying on brute force alone. He uses his centerpiece story, what went wrong in the Waco disaster, to make his point, and I think does so very effectively.(less)
I was just fascinated by this book, which turns science into a mystery thriller at times, and loved reading it. As the story is told about the cell th...moreI was just fascinated by this book, which turns science into a mystery thriller at times, and loved reading it. As the story is told about the cell that for decades has been used to advance research throughout the world, you learn the science behind it, the personal story of the woman from whom the cell came and her family, and the ethical questions surrounding it all.
I was especially struck by the way this story highlights the absolute importance of education. Henrietta Lacks and her family come from a very poor background and had very little education. Once her family becomes aware of the use of her cells in scientific research, much pain and fear result from their inability to grasp what it all means. An inspirational part of the book is the journey Henrietta's daughter takes as she slowly educates herself to understand the science and implications of the use of her mother’s famous cells.(less)
Pansy O’Hara was to be the heroine of Gone With The Wind. Margaret Mitchell’s decision to rename her main character was part of the story of the writi...morePansy O’Hara was to be the heroine of Gone With The Wind. Margaret Mitchell’s decision to rename her main character was part of the story of the writing of GWTW, one of the interesting chapters in this book exploring how some of the great masterpieces (or just famous books) were created.
Lolita, the Cat in the Hat, Origin of the Species, War and Peace – the backgrounds to all 50 books were so interesting that I wanted to read them all, if I hadn’t already. Perfect for reading in short stretches.
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