As a long time lover of memoirs, and an author of one myself, I knew I had to add this one to my must read list based on title alone. And I'm glad I d...moreAs a long time lover of memoirs, and an author of one myself, I knew I had to add this one to my must read list based on title alone. And I'm glad I did! Everyone has a story, but its HOW you tell that story that sets you apart from the herd, and Sara has found a fresh new way to do just that. Her short, to the point quips get the point across and sets the scene perfectly for what she is trying to convey in each phase of her life. I enjoyed seeing her thoughts become more detailed as she aged, just as a child would see the world versus an adult. Brilliant! She has taken the subject of abuse and put a fresh spin on it as she guides us through her hippie based childhood with her free thinking mother and the many men who impacted her life, sadly, most in a negative way. I especially liked the part near the end where she loses the man she thought of as 'dad', as I was reading that particular chapter on the way home from my own father's funeral, so she got a few tears out of me on that part! (less)
Very raw and honest...I truly loved it! A real page turner and shocker...but I could relate to a lot of things she did in her quest to be that perfect...moreVery raw and honest...I truly loved it! A real page turner and shocker...but I could relate to a lot of things she did in her quest to be that perfect size for her and society. A must read for girls of all ages. (less)
I originally was drawn to this book because I wanted to know all the 'behind the scenes' of a restaurant, and mainly to find out if they really spit i...moreI originally was drawn to this book because I wanted to know all the 'behind the scenes' of a restaurant, and mainly to find out if they really spit in your food or not! Well that tidbit was not mentioned, but you will learn a lot of things that 'urk' your waitstaff - thankfully I was only guilty of one! Seems they don't like it when you stack your used plates/dishes for them...oops! This author is spunky and tells it like it is - which at times seemed like she was yelling or 'down talking' to her audience, but then I realized, the offenders she is trying to speak to have to be spoken to in this manner for it to SINK IN! I agree totally, and often refer to the public as rude and 'without a clue'....and I know restaurants draw them in like flies to honey - I briefly worked that scene until I learned hungry people are the meanest on the planet..and ran screaming to another way to earn a living! I do recommend this read. You might learn a thing or two that you didn't know, and correct them next time you dine. We're all humans out there just trying to make a living folks...can't we all just get along? (less)
White Elephants is a bittersweet account of a life lived through huge adversities, which sadly, many will be able connect with this all too familiar s...moreWhite Elephants is a bittersweet account of a life lived through huge adversities, which sadly, many will be able connect with this all too familiar scenario. Chynna accounts for each phase of her life, the good, bad, and ugly... not only living through and surviving, but learning from and thriving. She lets us peak into her childhood all the way to present day in a no nonsense manner, without diving too far into the bowels of despair, but enough for you to get the picture. As with any child, all she ever wanted was the love and approval from her own mother, which sadly was impossible to receive due to her mother's own demons from which she battled. I connected with Chynna's words and felt her longing for the one thing we all strive for, our mother's approval and love. But the most important message of this memoir is that there IS life beyond our parent's shortcomings...after all, they are here to teach us, and sometimes they teach us through negative actions, showing us how NOT to be! And sometimes we have to give ourselves what we wish we could get from others. A perfect story that reminds us we all have the capability to 'rise above our raising' and thrive, as in the end we see Chynna morph into the family woman she always desired within her own mother. I recommend this memoir to anyone that needs to find their way too. (less)
I'll start by saying I read nothing but memoirs, biographies, or autobiographies...and I can be quite picky about which ones I care for, I know what '...moreI'll start by saying I read nothing but memoirs, biographies, or autobiographies...and I can be quite picky about which ones I care for, I know what 'style' I like. Well, right off the bat I knew I was going to LOVE this memoir! And I DID! Brian's wit and humor had me from the get-go. I loved his writing style - the kind where you feel like you're talking to an old friend. He took me through his journey of illness, and I felt his pain right along with him (and his wife's too!) but at the same time, he kept me grinning with his wicked humor! There were times I shook my head (the cigarettes) but then he won me back with his usual charm and engaging wit. Throughout his entire story I just kept asking myself, Why, HOW did he just not throw in the towel and just simply give in? As I know we share one common denominator: NO patience! He reminded me to be thankful for my good health and to not take it for granted. He also proved to me our 'will to live' is so strong, that we humans will withstand unthinkable measures just to hang around one more day. 'Amazed' is how I left this story. Amazed he is still alive, amazed his wife is still by his side, amazed he is still fighting the good fight...and winning, I might add..as he is still with us! For all he has been through, you too will root for him as well. A great real-life journey, although very serious, is told in an easy, non-depressing way. You'll laugh, you'll feel sorrow, you'll root for him and his family...and in the end you'll remember one thing: Doctors aren't ALWAYS right! Good job Brian! I hope to keep reading your work for many years to come!(less)
A heart wrenching story of a girl who wants what we all want - to be included in life and loved for who she is, not what her family - namely her mothe...moreA heart wrenching story of a girl who wants what we all want - to be included in life and loved for who she is, not what her family - namely her mother - or society, dictate she should be. We follow Sharon from her earliest memories growing up in her 'original' family with her father and unstable, eccentric Irish mother, all the way through her torturous upbringing, which includes being forced to throw her real dad away like a piece of unwanted trash, only to be replaced by a distant 'new dad' that she never bonds with, taking her away to foreign lands that only make Sharon feel more isolated than she already was. I won't spoil the read by disclosing every detail of this poor girls path, but I guarantee you will feel your heart bleeding for this 'backwards' girl, that has feelings and a soul just like everyone else. Sharon's writing style is exquisite. It is clean and precise, and flows consistantly throughout the book. Her words painted each scene perfectly making me feel as if I were there right beside her. I wish I was too, as I would befriend this lonely girl in a second, as I was once her myself. I recommend this read to all the underdogs out there - past or present, and also anyone that has the power to influence anyone - which is everyone! It truly reminds us how every action/comment we make with our children, friends, strangers can make a huge impact on that person's life. If you're going to make an impact, make it a good one!(less)
The Golden Sky is a heart breaking story of a very heavy adult situation happening to very young (barely) adults - in fact the worst circumstances I c...moreThe Golden Sky is a heart breaking story of a very heavy adult situation happening to very young (barely) adults - in fact the worst circumstances I could ever imagine...losing a child. The story is told via the young mother's diary at the time, and is an interesting journey through her young eyes as she faces the challenges of having a sick child to begin with, then following her through the struggles that are inevitable. My heart broke for this young couple, as I could almost predict the ending...but to my surprise they hold it together in the end - coming through this journey each on their own terms, in their own ways. The language and writing style are uniquely different, using her own sayings and references, keeping it very personal. Kduos to a very young girl dealing with issues most of us will never face, hopefully, but if you do, you can only pray you will be as strong as this young gal. (less)
Warning: Small spoiler at very end.... I don't know why people are dogging this book. I found it to be a very engaging read, portraying REAL people and...moreWarning: Small spoiler at very end.... I don't know why people are dogging this book. I found it to be a very engaging read, portraying REAL people and their honest 'sinful' thoughts and real-life actions. The writing was smooth and easy to follow, characters were painted effectively - where I could actually picture and relate to/care about them. I especially liked the setting (Florida) as I could relate to many of the areas she describes - always a plus for me. I did not see all these typos and unsavory formatting issues that have been mentioned, in fact I thought it was very well done. I read a lot of indie reads and traditionally published books as well, and I'm here to tell you that typos can be find in ANY book - I've found them in Stephen King's before. With all that said, I'm not much of a chick-lit or romance kind of gal - more of a memoir freak - but even so, I still enjoyed this book. I myself could relate to that feeling of letting THE one get away...I'm sure many of us can! But I did wonder what took Jackson so long to come out of the shadows...what was his real excuse? But I did love it when the last line that he texted was : 'I love you'...then you just knew what was next...and a perfect set up for book #2!? (which I haven't read yet, but plan to) (less)
First off I have to say I'm not much of a 'fiction' lover, I'm usually only into memoirs or biographies - but I have to say, the cover is what caught...moreFirst off I have to say I'm not much of a 'fiction' lover, I'm usually only into memoirs or biographies - but I have to say, the cover is what caught my eye on this one. And after seeing the promo's on twitter, I thought I'd give it a shot. I found myself intrigued and caught up in the story-line from the get go. Yes, it does have its brutal parts, but that is a vital part of the story, and sadly, part of reality sometimes, as 'real life ain't always pretty' - we all know that. But love shines through in the end, showing us once again that in spite of the worst thing you could ever imagine happening to you, something good and wonderful CAN come of it - giving us hope that perhaps everything does happen for a reason...and sometimes even evil can have a silver lining for the strong that have the will to fight for it. I found this read impeccably written and presented in a way that kept your interest by bouncing back and forth between the two very different lives of the main characters - much like a movie would. (less)
I always knew "Be careful what you wish for" and "Everything happens for a reason" were not just cliche's, but actual words of wisdom, and this book p...moreI always knew "Be careful what you wish for" and "Everything happens for a reason" were not just cliche's, but actual words of wisdom, and this book proves what I've always known! The story really picks up once the characters are outlined and we're introduced into their lives - fresh faced teenagers about to plunge into the world and make their marks. An engaging and well written read, this story will make you never question fate again, and perhaps teach us a lesson while entertaining us at the same time. I only wish I would get a visit by that same insightful old man....maybe some day I will :) Would I recommend this book? 5 stars said I would!(less)
Not usually a fan of fiction, I am however a fan of rock and roll, so when I saw this book I just had to give it a whirl...and I'm glad I did. The sto...moreNot usually a fan of fiction, I am however a fan of rock and roll, so when I saw this book I just had to give it a whirl...and I'm glad I did. The story was very entertaining and moved along at a nice pace - not too long or boring like some stories can be when they draw out a scene too long - nope this one keept my interest and was so believable that I had to keep reminding myself I was not reading a memoir of Tagg Holland - the main rocker of which the story follows, which is not always predictable, I must add. There were times I was surprised at where the story went, not expecting some parts, as it takes on a bit of a mystery at one point. Well written, entertaining, and fun...if you love rockers & have ever had a fantasy about being with one of your childhood idols (and really, who hasn't?) this book will certainly be up your alley. (less)
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