Holy plot twist in the last chapters! I alternated between finding this book to be totally reflective of parts of my high school experience and depres...moreHoly plot twist in the last chapters! I alternated between finding this book to be totally reflective of parts of my high school experience and depressing --or maybe both at once. The plot twist at the end explains Charlie's naïveté and removes the urge to shake him silly. I love the character Sam and, for her, can't wait to see the movie.(less)
Astonishing. Exhausting. Inspiring. Turns the concept of the subjective normal on its head. Musically written and, surprisingly, optimistic. Five star...moreAstonishing. Exhausting. Inspiring. Turns the concept of the subjective normal on its head. Musically written and, surprisingly, optimistic. Five stars!(less)
Amazing, inspiring true story of Lopez Lomong, Sudanese Lost Boy turned Olympic athlete. This is a one-sitting book if you have a solid three hours. I...moreAmazing, inspiring true story of Lopez Lomong, Sudanese Lost Boy turned Olympic athlete. This is a one-sitting book if you have a solid three hours. It will be hard not to love Lopez and his mission by the end of it. His story provides the perfect antidote to first world problems and example for living, breathing gratitude.(less)
Okay for the lay reader. Trite in places. Doesn't really speak to seriousness of abusive relationships. Quizzes can be helpful discussion starters. To...moreOkay for the lay reader. Trite in places. Doesn't really speak to seriousness of abusive relationships. Quizzes can be helpful discussion starters. Tools at end of each chapter were the most useful out of the whole book.(less)
Hilarious, validating, and something worthwhile in every chapter. Well-written, too. This is a book about the unending journey of becoming a parent, n...moreHilarious, validating, and something worthwhile in every chapter. Well-written, too. This is a book about the unending journey of becoming a parent, not so much a gay one (though that does factor in).(less)
This book was the most fun I've had in awhile. Such imagination! The writing is simple, but easy to accept given its intended audience (children). Lov...moreThis book was the most fun I've had in awhile. Such imagination! The writing is simple, but easy to accept given its intended audience (children). Loved it and can't wait to read it with my kids!(less)
I don't often jump on the Oprah Book Club bandwagon. In fact, I can't think of a single Oprah Book Club book I've read. But something drew me to this...moreI don't often jump on the Oprah Book Club bandwagon. In fact, I can't think of a single Oprah Book Club book I've read. But something drew me to this one. A woman in her twenties, grieving the loss of her beloved mother, searching for herself after a series of missteps, embarks on a three-month long, 1,100 mile journey -- on foot, by herself, without giving up. This books deserves the catapult into known-ness that Oprah has given it. Absolutely, by far one of the most gutsy, thought provoking, soul stirring journeys I have ever witnessed on the page . It will inspire you to embark upon your own Pacific Crest Trail -- whether it's running your first marathon, reaching out to your estranged someone, or scaling a mountain. Whatever has kept you lost does not get the last word. You, like Cheryl Strayed, can become found again.(less)
Unsurprisingly brilliant. Hard for me to get into at places, but a compelling explanation of why our country is in the shape it's in. Also, Reagan was...moreUnsurprisingly brilliant. Hard for me to get into at places, but a compelling explanation of why our country is in the shape it's in. Also, Reagan was a bigger disaster than I realized.(less)
Not as funny as I thought. The few laugh out loud moments did make me spray juicebox through my nose, though. Certainly validates the dark and boogery...moreNot as funny as I thought. The few laugh out loud moments did make me spray juicebox through my nose, though. Certainly validates the dark and boogery side of motherhood.(less)
I really enjoyed this book, though I wanted to feel even more deeply her emotional experience of being diagnosed with cancer in the most foreign of co...moreI really enjoyed this book, though I wanted to feel even more deeply her emotional experience of being diagnosed with cancer in the most foreign of countries, China. Beautifully written. Would make a compelling movie if done right.(less)
Fascinating and necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the nature of relationship violence. The first book I've read on the subject that re...moreFascinating and necessary read for anyone who wants to understand the nature of relationship violence. The first book I've read on the subject that relies on live observations vs. reports from those in abusive relationships (which are often unreliable). Also the first book that categorizes abusive men into two distinct types: Cobras and Pit Bulls. This will be immensely helpful in my work with abused women. It offers a thorough understanding of the dynamic of the batterer and the battered, as well as practical guidance for rehabilitating the batterer and for liberating the battered.(less)
Good for parents who don't know jack about potty training. Redundant for parents who've been around the block (or potty chair) at least once already....moreGood for parents who don't know jack about potty training. Redundant for parents who've been around the block (or potty chair) at least once already. Best tip: remain calm & your kid will not pee her pants in college.(less)
I LOVE Ellen, but this book is a perfect example of a celebrity trying to profit in every possible market. I laughed out loud a few times, but the boo...moreI LOVE Ellen, but this book is a perfect example of a celebrity trying to profit in every possible market. I laughed out loud a few times, but the book on the whole was a hyperbolic display of ADHD. Ellen is awesome...and she should stick to television.(less)