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| 078181331X
| 9780781813310
| 4.32
| 19
| Apr 15, 2014
| May 01, 2014
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it was amazing
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Spices and Seasons: Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors by Rinku Bhattacharya is a 2014 Hippocrene Books publication. Recently, my husband and I have b Spices and Seasons: Simple, Sustainable Indian Flavors by Rinku Bhattacharya is a 2014 Hippocrene Books publication. Recently, my husband and I have been trying out more Indian recipes and are quickly becoming addicted to them. Although I am still a novice, I do understand how very important the right spices are in Indian foods. However, beyond curry and turmeric, I wasn't all that familiar with the other mainstay spices and seasonings I might need or enjoy. So, this looked like a cookbook that would be informative and helpful to me. However, I couldn’t have anticipated how wonderful this cookbook turned out to be!! Living in a small town in Texas, finding the spices and ingredients listed in many cookbooks is often a frustrating challenge. But, in this case I was pleasantly surprised by how many of the spices used in these delectable dishes, I already had in my pantry or were easy to locate locally. The cookbook uses the standard organizational format, broken down in segments featuring appetizers, soups, breads, etc. However, she also divides the book into seasonal sections, which is also a very nice touch. Naturally, with the popularity of instant pots and the convenience of slow cooking, there are recipes added using these popular cooking aides, as well as other tools and equipment one might need or find useful, which is very helpful as well. Gluten free recipes are also included for those with special dietary needs. The recipes are quite easy, and if you have a garden, many of the ingredients used might very well be right there in your own backyard. If not, they are most likely available in a farm market in your area. The recipes are easy to follow, with colorful photos that had my mouth watering. I also enjoyed the author’s personal comments and family history, which made me feel as though she is a very down to earth person, who is very knowledgeable about these cultural dishes and the history behind many of them. I have always found growing radishes and okra in my area to be very easy, but I always end up with an over abundance of them. Finding a creative use for them is not always easy. But I found a super easy way to spice up my radishes and okra, much to my delight!! I am looking forward to trying out more recipes featured in this cookbook and will certainly return to it often. Overall, if you are interested in learning how to make Indian food at home, or trying out new recipes that are very flavorful, healthy, and easy to make, you will find this cookbook very useful!! ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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May 15, 2019
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May 21, 2019
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May 15, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1419735853
| 9781419735851
| 4.20
| 332
| unknown
| Mar 05, 2019
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really liked it
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A Fire Story by Brian Fies is a 2019 Harry N. Abrams publication. This graphic novel depicts Brian Fies’ personal experiences when he lost his home du A Fire Story by Brian Fies is a 2019 Harry N. Abrams publication. This graphic novel depicts Brian Fies’ personal experiences when he lost his home during the 2017 Northern California wildfires. His Webcomic and subsequent graphic novel has been a cathartic journey as he chronicles the various emotions he and his family felt, in the process of moving forward after such an incredibly difficult loss. He also adds others personal stories into the novel, adding even more poignancy to the devastation. The sense of community is also prevalent as people rose to the occasion to help their families, friends, and neighbors. Brian’s sense of displacement, his broken- heartedness, and shock, leaps from the pages as does his temerity and the admission that while the process is slow and hard, and the days ahead were long and arduous, he and his family are determined to move forward and rebuild their lives. My heart truly broke for Brian and the other families and people who shared their stories. Brian did a terrific job conveying his emotions and the way he and others around him dealt with the pain and what steps they had to take in order to move on with their lives. From a personal standpoint, I have never experienced such a devastating loss. However, while in high school, two good friends of mine lost their homes to fire. It is so hard to comprehend, unless you experience something like that in an up close and personal way, how truly devastating it is to lose every single thing you own. It’s not just the obvious loss of things and stuff, it’s the sentimental loss, and the feeling of disassociation. Rebuilding, even if you have good insurance, even with the promise of a fresh start, just doesn’t offer all that much comfort when all you want to do is go home.  This is a very emotional and powerful story which started as a Webcomic, which is also included in this book. Because this is a graphic novel, and the visuals are of utmost importance within this format, I must admit I wasn’t bowled over by the artwork. The style may have been a statement, in part due to the gravity of the subject matter. The artwork is in black and white and maybe a little too simplistic, but again, but it does capture the essence of the situation, which is what counts at the end of the day. The timeline is also a bit choppy, but not hard to follow and is really a minor complaint. There are also real photos included driving home the reality of damage done by the raging fires. I recommend this book to everyone, even if graphic novels aren't really your thing. Once the impact hits you, you will most likely feel compelled to count your blessings and will feel grateful for having a roof over your head, a toothbrush, a change of clothes, your personal papers, and a hundred other small things we all take for granted every day. I was also inspired by Brian’s story, his bravery in sharing his raw emotions with us, and despite his depressing circumstances, his fortitude, his sense of humor, and compassion for others who shared in his loss. 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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May 04, 2019
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May 05, 2019
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May 04, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1501196863
| 9781501196867
| 3.95
| 3,648
| Aug 27, 2012
| May 07, 2019
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really liked it
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Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman is a 2019 Atria publication. I knew I loved this author for a reason! Fredrik Backman st Things My Son Needs to Know About the World by Fredrik Backman is a 2019 Atria publication. I knew I loved this author for a reason! Fredrik Backman stole my heart with “A Man Called Ove” but he has been keeping it in safekeeping ever since. This is Backman’s first non-fiction book, a series of essays about parenting that nearly anyone who has children, no matter what age they are now, or cared for them, can relate to. His musings are laugh out loud funny, chronicling the insanity an infant can spawn on two reasonably well- adjusted adults. The mistakes, the fears, the special moments between father and son, and the future hopes and dreams for his child are all beautifully captured in this book. The snicker bar recipe won me over early in the book because Backman apparently feels the same way I do about a certain over rated actor. (Still chuckling and feeling so totally vindicated) All gushing aside, though, there were times when I thought the author rambled, almost illogically, about things that didn’t seem to have much of a connection to parenthood. It only happened once or twice, but when it did, all I could do was shake my head and move on the next essay. Other than that, I can’t tell you how much fun this book is. Not only that, it is so poignant and bittersweet, just like Backman’s fictional work. While this book may hit home for newer parents in a more ‘in the moment’ way, even if your children are older, or like me, grown and carving out their own lives, this book will bring back a lot of memories. You may develop a lump in your throat or a swipe a tear from your eye, because Backman reminds all of us to take pleasure in all the small treasures of life, to focus on what is truly important, to admit our human frailties, and most importantly, to see the humor in it all. If you love Backman – you don't want to miss this one! ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 13, 2019
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Apr 26, 2019
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Apr 13, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1501175386
| 9781501175381
| 4.15
| 283
| unknown
| Apr 16, 2019
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really liked it
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Best. Movie. Year. Ever. : How 1999 Blew up the Big Screen by Brian Raftery is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication. I love pop culture books, but Best. Movie. Year. Ever. : How 1999 Blew up the Big Screen by Brian Raftery is a 2019 Simon & Schuster publication. I love pop culture books, but they aren’t all created equal. At my age, what stirs up feelings of nostalgia are movies, television, and music which were popular a lot longer ago than twenty years. Still, it is hard to believe the movies discussed in the book are already approaching the ‘classics’ stage.  While it is certainly debatable, and even dubious, especially for someone of my generation, to suggest 1999 was the best movie year EVER, there were some pretty good movies released in that year. The author may be looking at all the movies released in the past eighteen or nineteen years and found them wanting, a lackluster reflection on the movie industry as whole, in my opinion, making a few of the movies listed here stand out more than they may have otherwise. The nostalgic part, for me, about this book isn’t what these movies meant to me, but what they meant to my kids at the time. The Sixth Sense was a favorite for my daughter, while The Matrix was a favorite for my son. None of us liked ‘The Blair Witch’.  The surprise hits, the trends, the comedies, the social and political movies, all reflect the mindset of a generation. Yet, nearly anyone, who is so inclined, these days could compile a list of movies from any given year, add some Wikipedia knowledge to complement the list, such as who starred in the film, who directed it and produced it, and why it was included in the book, then organize it in some clever way, and then package it for a quick cash grab.  However, this book takes things a step beyond listing standout movies from 1999. It truly captures the mood of the country, explaining why a movie made an impact, even it wasn’t expected to, and reminds readers of popular television programs, political issues and world events that shaped the country and the attitudes of the American public.  To connect that mood and atmosphere via the art of the cinema is what really makes the book interesting and thought provoking. It also made me smile because to this day, an occasional quote from one of these movies comes to my mind, and I realize that while these movies may not have had an impact on me in the same way they did those younger than myself, I was affected by them more than I realized, and yes, I would, after some reflection, I have to agree that 1999 was a stellar year in films- still not saying it was the best year EVER- but it certainly is a contender! ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 22, 2019
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Apr 28, 2019
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Mar 31, 2019
| Hardcover
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| B01BRFLLC2
| 4.27
| 328
| Oct 25, 2016
| Oct 25, 2016
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really liked it
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Play it Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound, and Revolution of the Electric Guitar by Alan di Perna, Carlos Santana (Foreword), Brad Tolinski is
Play it Loud: An Epic History of the Style, Sound, and Revolution of the Electric Guitar by Alan di Perna, Carlos Santana (Foreword), Brad Tolinski is a 2016 Doubleday publication. This is an in depth and interesting look back at the history of the electric guitar, beginning with the structure of the solid bodied guitar and the first awkward attempts to make the guitar louder. From there, we explore the history of Les Paul and Lou Fender’s inventions, which led us to Chuck Berry and the psychology and implications of the electric guitar.  The sexy shape of the guitar, its erotic and rebellious, iconic symbolism, and the many ways the electric guitar changed the shape of music and its many metamorphoses, over the years is explored comprehensively, as well the all business angle- where there were incredible advances and some epic fails and unfortunately, some very poor business deals.  As always, when a book such as this one is written, people will disagree with the author’s opinion of game changers, who made the most key inventions, were the trend setters, and who qualified for guitar god status. I’m no exception, often questioning some of the author’s choices, and can think of many other innovative guitarists, in various forms of music, who didn’t even get an honorable mention in this book. The first portion of the book is quite interesting and it’s obvious the authors did some homework. While I am not a guitar player myself, I have several relatives who are musically gifted, and I’ve heard them talk endlessly about the various brands of guitars and amplifiers. However, unless one is interested in history, this section might be a bit dry. Once the authors moved into the burgeoning days of rock and roll, the history is more familiar, but the information is very different from what one might find in the usual rock history book. While I was very knowledgeable about Woodstock and Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and the guitar hero heyday of the sixties and seventies, and some of the eighties, this book included a plethora of information I had never heard of before. The reason for this, I think, is because everything is centered solely around the electric guitar, not rock history, overall. Of course, some trivia is included, and for some, a nice trip down memory lane. However, this book is all about history and it was one of the most entertaining history lessons a music lover can engage in. Looking at certain events focused exclusively on the electric guitar, many live performances come to life in a new and refreshing way. I am reluctant to mention my disagreements with the author because I don't want to offend any hardcore fans, or begin a debate. Nevertheless- I loved Van Halen- I did, although my opinion of them now, is not the same as it was in the seventies and eighties. While I understand why the author spoke at length about Eddie, acknowledging his guitar inventions and ingenuity, I most definitely picked up on sycophant like hero worship here. I think Eddie’s segment went on entirely too long. Only Jimi Hendrix equaled Eddie, as he too, got plenty of airtime- with a lot of feedback-😉 in this book.  In fact, the book seemed to be geared towards the Eighties guitar hero fans, many of whom still respected their elders, both from blues and from country music players. For me though, I’d rather talk more about Stevie Ray Vaughn than Steve Vai, but that’s just me.  I also bristled at the testosterone heaviness in the book. Almost as an afterthought, a small token list of female guitarists, were tacked on, in the last chapter, with only one contributor, explaining the changes she physically made to her guitar- an example which pointedly referred to the necessary physical requirements certain guitars demand from the player. Sly, subliminal sexism? Hmm.  So… what about Peggy Jones, Nancy Wilson or Bonnie Raitt, or if you really must go by fast and loud- Lita Ford or Joan Jett? However, I did appreciate the respect given to country guitarists, especially in a book about a musical instrument synonymous with rock music. I am also pleased to see Frank Zappa and Mike Bloomfield is given a fair amount of credit in this book, as well. But this is not a book list, or top hundred countdown of best electric guitar players. The business end of creating the electric guitar, is perhaps the most interesting parts of the book. The disputes, and competition, over who invented what, and how the onset of corporate rock and the originators selling out, significantly reduced the quality of the guitar, causing many to resort to using vintage guitars instead, is fascinating, especially you aren’t familiar with the guitar world on that level. This period is referred to by many in the industry as pre- CBS- referencing the sale of Fender to CBS. It is sad to see the electric guitar’s power fade as the music industry continues to change. I’m told one doesn’t even need to know how to read music or learn to play an instrument these days as many guitar sounds can be replicated in a plethora of other ways, using various technologies. The authors lament this is the last chapters, as the musical atmosphere now is a far cry from what it was in the electric guitar’s prime- at least as far as fame and fortune is concerned. Yet, as much as I loved the mythos of the rock world, the larger than life personas, and the great memories- I still say the music from the 60s,70s, and some of the 80s, was the best music ever- I’m a fan of the smaller, more intimate setup we have today. It seems like the old timers, the same ones who whined about corporate rock, are now whining about the lack of household name rock stars. (Check out Abigail Zachko on YouTube) In my humble opinion, it’s more personal, more real, in a small venue setting and maybe more sincere, while maybe not always as polished. But at least the corporate giants don’t have control over the content and artistry in the same way, which hopefully retains the band’s creative license to some degree. The garage band, where members do not necessarily depend on music as their sole source of income, is a back to basics trend I can get on board with. YouTube can give you a vast number of examples of successful electric guitarists, although that success rarely includes all those fabulous sports cars, ostentatious mansions, fame, or the overblown power from days past-and that’s okay by me. But, still, many are doing a lot better financially than you might be led to believe. Besides, household names do not necessarily mean better talent. As you will recall, lots of radio stations back in the day, were paid to promote one band, but not the other, no matter how talented they were. It was all about marketability. But I’m rambling again… Overall, you don’t have to be an expert guitarist or even own a guitar to enjoy this book. Anyone who loves music, enjoys history, education, or pop culture, or even nostalgia, will find this journey to be a fascinating one. It is also sure to spark debate and long discussions from guitar enthusiasts. I for one, was reminded of all the blues greats, old and new and that’s the genre I prefer these days. Although, I don’t recall a mention of him in this book- Robert Cray is the house!  4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 06, 2019
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Apr 06, 2019
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Mar 28, 2019
| Kindle Edition
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| 1683691040
| 9781683691044
| 3.23
| 126
| Mar 26, 2019
| Mar 26, 2019
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liked it
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Race Me in a Lobster Suit by Kelly Mahon is a 2019 Quirk Books publication. If you know anything about Quirk Books, you know to expect the unexpected. Race Me in a Lobster Suit by Kelly Mahon is a 2019 Quirk Books publication. If you know anything about Quirk Books, you know to expect the unexpected. This book, however, almost goes beyond the pale. I’m pretty picky about humor or comedy in movies, television and books, having long outgrown base humor, or anything too silly, which is most comedy is today. But, because this book is supposed to feature actual correspondence, the human element enticed me to take the bait. I worked for the public all my life, so I know how people can be. After many years of witnessing so many insane human behaviors, I commonly boasted that nothing could possibly surprise me anymore. In fact, on more than one occasion, a friend or relative suggested I write down all my experiences and publish them. Of course, my experiences were not choreographed in anyway, but now I’m thinking these situations may not translate so well in print. But, if the outlandish conversations relayed in this book are indeed true, and the author is not pulling a gag on us, which I suspected on more than one occasion, it proves that truth is stranger than fiction, and the next time I read a book and start to question the realism or plausibility of it, I will remind myself of this book. Despite the bizarre-o set-up, some of these e-mail conversations did make me chuckle. They also horrified and mystified me. It is scary, and maybe a little sad too, that people responded to these ads. No matter how desperate I was financially, could I consider doing something so outrageous- like being hired to tickle someone, for example. However, according to the author, the emails printed here were done so with the permission of those who answered the ads. So, I guess they must have a self- deprecating sense of humor, or maybe they were offered compensation- who knows. Bottom line- I was amused to some extent, but mostly I found it a tad disturbing. I’m not sure what that says about MY sense of humor- but I did try to see the appeal and humor here. For the most part, though, this type of gag/prank humor doesn’t really appeal to me. It was just a little too silly for my taste. On a more positive note, I think this author does have a knack for coming up with quick witted comebacks. It is possible she could find a niche in improvisation or comedy writing, but perhaps it would be best not use real people to experiment on. 3 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 24, 2019
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Apr 07, 2019
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Mar 24, 2019
| Paperback
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| 1250140862
| 9781250140869
| 4.00
| 1,113
| Jun 12, 2018
| Jun 12, 2018
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really liked it
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The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman is a 2018 St. Martin’s Press publica
The Royal Art of Poison: Filthy Palaces, Fatal Cosmetics, Deadly Medicine, and Murder Most Foul by Eleanor Herman is a 2018 St. Martin’s Press publication. This book is so interesting and is so well researched I can’t help but recommend it, especially for history lovers. However, mystery and true crime readers might also find this book fascinating, because the author relies on past and current forensics to prove if well publicized accusations of ‘death by poisoning’ rumors were true or false. However, before you begin reading this book, if you have a weak stomach, proceed with caution. It’s a wonder civilization ever survived to this point considering the filth people lived in, even those who were powerful and wealthy. The subject matter is often truly disgusting. So, consider yourself warned. Poisonings were greatly feared amongst the aristocrats, and perhaps with good reason. However, despite all the great pains they took to avoid being murdered, they were often unwittingly poisoning themselves, either by ingesting prescribed remedies from ill-informed physicians or applying cosmetics with high contents of mercury, lead, or arsenic to their skin. Often a suspicious death, believed to have been hastened by poison turned out to be from a physical ailment which mimicked the symptoms of poisoning. It was interesting to see which people were murdered and which were poisoned by their own hand, and which ones died of an entirely different malady altogether. Cleanliness and sterilization were scoffed at. Anyone suggesting there might be a connection between the filthy conditions of the streets, the water, or air and various illnesses or untimely deaths were laughing stocks, maybe even considered insane. The forensics are fascinating, and the wealth of knowledge and the obvious amount of effort and work done here is impressive. The author, however, does not merely present the facts and lay out her verdict via modern day studies, and exhumations, but she also injects humor and wry sarcasm so that the book occasionally carries a lighter tone, which also works to prevent the book from being overly dry. Some myths are debunked, some proven, while some things remain a mystery, but one thing is certain, this book has doused any fantasies I may have entertained about traveling back in time. The very thought now makes me shudder! Overall, this is a very informative book, which will leave one feeling eternally grateful for the modern conveniences and the scientific and medical advances we enjoy today. *However, you may want to check the ingredients in your face cream, since it is entirely possible it contains traces of urine- although they claim it is now synthetic. 😲😲 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 29, 2019
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May 10, 2019
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Mar 23, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1524747289
| 9781524747282
| 4.48
| 52
| unknown
| Feb 26, 2019
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it was amazing
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Faye Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir by Victoria Riskin is a 2019 Pantheon Books publication. “You will star opposite the tallest, darkest Faye Wray and Robert Riskin: A Hollywood Memoir by Victoria Riskin is a 2019 Pantheon Books publication. “You will star opposite the tallest, darkest leading man in Hollywood” – Merian C. Cooper, co-director of King Kong, 1933 I don’t recall the first time I watched the original version of King Kong, but it was aired frequently on television when I was very young. I watched it over and over again. I never felt afraid, only fascinated by it. Fay Wray’s performance probably had a lot to do with that fascination. It has been over a decade, at least, since I watched the old, original classic, which, if memory serves, aired on the Turner Classic Movie Channel, at the time. However, I remember the movie vividly, and despite remakes of the film, the Fay Wray classic is the only one I have ever seen, or ever will watch. Yet, not once, can I ever recall feeling the slightest bit interested in Fay Wray’s personal life. However, when I stumbled across this book on Overdrive, my interest was piqued. Written by the daughter of Fay Wray and famous screenwriter, Robert Riskin, this is not only a biography, but a piece of unique history and a real, authentic Hollywood love story.  This book is well-researched and very organized- the first things I look for in any kind of memoir or biography. The book is packed with wonderful memories of some of the best old movies, with plenty of wonderful bits of behind the scenes information. The book alternates between Fay’s career and personal life and Robert’s, leading up their marriage, which wasn’t until Riskin was in his forties.  From there the author explains the ups and downs the couple initially encountered due to world war two and the climate in Hollywood at the time. This portion of the book is a very interesting and informative period of history. The information is backed up with lovely letters written to Fay from Robert while he was away from home. Unfortunately, Fay and Robert had a limited time together, due to Robert’s health, but one can practically feel the humming chemistry between them while reading this book. “Every time I’m in New York, I say a little prayer when passing the Empire State Building. A good friend of mine died up there.” Fay Wray I didn’t know anything about Fay personally, and embarrassingly, didn’t initially recognize Robert’s name. Now, of course, I do recall his name and understand his vast contribution to films, many of which were collaborations with Frank Capra. I also learned that Fay appeared in many feature films prior to and after her most iconic role. I had a lot of fun looking up these old movies! Overall, this not a standard biography, it feels like a labor love for the author- a tribute to her mother, and a vindication for her father, who didn’t always get the credit he deserved. It’s a movie lover’s dream, and, is also a treat for those who enjoy history. It will even appeal to romantics who enjoy a good love story- especially one that is true!  I for one, found this book endlessly fascinating, and enjoyed the overall tone of the book. It is obvious the author poured herself into this project, remaining objective, yet allowing her love for her parents to flow through the pages. But, course, no one could blame her for setting the record straight when it came to her father’s work. Victoria’s research is impeccable, but most importantly, I felt like I got to know her parents in an intimate way, which is a feat most biographers rarely accomplish. I came away with a deep respect for Fay and the life she carved out for herself and the impact she had on cinema and pop culture. I also feel Robert’s work, is equally important, and I was awed by his body of work and the amazing movies his writing helped bring to life.  However, the most important impression I was left with is that in a business notorious for self-absorption, Fay and Robert prioritized home and country giving them the levity and attention they should have.  Anyone who loves old Hollywood, movies, pop culture, and history will find this very personal, touching, and quite impressive biography of great interest. 4.5 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 14, 2019
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Apr 15, 2019
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Mar 10, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1501125796
| 9781501125799
| 3.46
| 586
| Jan 08, 2019
| Jan 08, 2019
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Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik is a 2019 Scribner publication. I read a lot of rock biographies, love pop c Hollywood's Eve: Eve Babitz and the Secret History of L.A. by Lili Anolik is a 2019 Scribner publication. I read a lot of rock biographies, love pop culture, and know a fair amount of trivia from the sixties and seventies, but I don’t recall hearing about Eve Babitz. Seeing this book advertised, I was curious enough to do a Google search, which had me jumping down my own rabbit hole, much the same way Lili Anolik must have. However, Anolik took a fascination and turned it into a minor obsession. Her research, and ultimately her interviews, with Babtiz led to an article about Eve, which was published in Vanity Fair magazine in 2014. This seemed to spawn a renewed interest in Eve, prompting the re-issue of her novels. I’m certainly interested in seeing what all the fuss is about and am happy to have found her books at the library and on Scribd. While I did find the information in this book of interest and it did pique my curiosity, basically, this book is just an extended version of the Vanity Fair article, and is a very quick read. (The original Vanity Fair article can easily be found online.) Anolik is obviously a huge fan of Eve’s and the book has a sycophant like tone at times. In fact, it is more a fan girl homage than anything else. Although Anolik’s enthusiasm is catchy, It still left me wanting something more. It would be nice, I think, if Eve wrote a memoir someday. 3 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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not set
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not set
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Jan 11, 2019
| Hardcover
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| 1335928286
| 9781335928283
| 3.79
| 4,211
| Oct 23, 2018
| Oct 23, 2018
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really liked it
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I’ll Be There for You: The One About Friends by Kelsey Miller is a 2018 Hanover Square publication. So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your I’ll Be There for You: The One About Friends by Kelsey Miller is a 2018 Hanover Square publication. So no one told you life was gonna be this way Your job's a joke, you're broke Your love life's D.O.A It's like you're always stuck in second gear When it hasn't been your day, your week, your month Or even your year, but I'll be there for you When this book started showing up on my Goodreads feed sometime back in the fall of 2018, I immediately thought of someone I know, who happens to be a die hard “Friends” fan. The minute the book went on sale I bought a copy for that die -hard fan, who was thrilled to receive it for Christmas. When asked if they enjoyed the book, they praised it highly, and seemed like a satisfied customer. So, I began to wonder if maybe the library had a copy of it, because, while I can’t tell you I’m one of those die-hard fans of the show, I do have fond memories of it. My family used to gather around and watch it together, which was rare back in those days. While I do have Netflix, I never watch the reruns of Friends anymore. But, after reading this book I feel the urge to do a little binge watching. It would be fun to view the series in hindsight, watching the show develop the way the author describes it in this book. As the blurb states, this book is a critical analysis and a retrospective. What does that mean exactly and what should one expect to find in this book that they didn’t already know? Retrospective: an exhibition or compilation showing the development of the work of a particular artist over a period of time. Even if you think you know everything there is to know about the show, the characters and the actors who portrayed them, this book does an admirable job of proving how the show solidified over time, showing the ways it improved, the mistakes that were made, how they rebounded from them, and what they could have done differently, or if they should have. Naturally, to examine the show in such a way some background is imperative. While some of you probably know a lot of trivia about the show and the actors, I must confess, that while some of the information was mildly familiar, I’d forgotten most of it by this time. I don’t remember that infamous Coke campaign- The “Who stole the Diet Coke’ game. I do remember the show airing after the Superbowl one year, but I don’t recall the backlash. Do you? The business savvy of the actors, the impact the show had on the culture of other countries, and how the characters evolved over the years was especially interesting to me. This book, I think, could give even the most knowledgeable fan a new perspective on the show. Even if you are one of those who frequently watches the show on Netflix, at least for now, you may not really remember the climate of the country at the time those episodes originally aired. This bittersweet look back, is perhaps the part of the book I enjoyed most.  It is also worth noting that while Friends was certainly unrealistic, we forgave it for many faux pas we wouldn’t let pass today. The author examines the show’s obvious lack of diversity, which is an unavoidable subject, and the way it approached Carol and Susan’s wedding, Chandler’s father, and other social issues, which, of course, would have been handled much differently today. In some ways the author seems to be examining the show under an unfair microscope, since I really don’t recall ,Seinfeld, Home Improvement, Everybody Loves Raymond, Frazier, or countless other shows in the nineties being dens of diversity or addressing some of the topics that Friends did. In fact, some of the jokes on other nineties sitcoms were far more offensive that anything on Friends. So, really, Miller’s argument could be applied to nearly all network television in the nineties and early 2000’s. The show is a freeze frame of a very specific period in time, a time in one’s life when your friends were your family, those days before marriage, before kids, before more serious career obligations. It’s the promise of what might be, what could be, and now it’s a show people often turn to in times of stress, like comfort food. So, the question is, why does it still resonate? Why is ‘Friends’ the show people turn to when they need a break, when they are upset, stressed or in times of tragedy? Maybe, just like with books, there’s a time when one grabs hold of the fluff, the lighter, gentler stories, for comfort, to take us away from all that in your face reality for a while. It’s why we give the show a break from the criticisms, why we overlook its flaws and lack of realism. To expect the show to live up the our current normal, to criticize it for its light fluff, to wish it had been different, edgier, darker, or more realistic would take away the very thing that drew viewers to it to begin with, and what keeps drawing them back time and time again. The thing you must remember, is what the show was intended to be in the first place. It was never supposed to be cutting edge, or political, or groundbreaking or an envelope pusher. Its purpose was to provide an escape, and that is why it is still so popular. I don’t think the purpose of this book is to drop never before seen footage, so to speak, or to bring new information to light, or to be a book of Friends trivia or tabloid gossip -fest. It is meant to be a critical analysis, and retrospective, which shows how the characters and actors grew and developed over the course of the series’ ten seasons. I suppose there are some who will have heard all the anecdotes, and will therefore, find the information here redundant. It’s not a rehash of old and tired information, nor is it an enthusiastic fan-girl homage. It did exactly what the blurb suggested it would, offer a critique, analyzing the show from various angles, pointing out its strong suits and weak points, and the impact the show had on pop culture.  Overall, the show survives Kelsey Miller’s scrutiny. At the book’s conclusion, I, like so many others, am happy to let Friends stand, just as it is, frozen in time. But one can’t overlook the show’s staying power, the way it still offers hope, peace and comfort to global audiences of all ages and stripes. However, I must also make it clear that while I rarely watch television anymore, it is good to see the medium finally make some inroads into diversity-land. Besides the obvious nostalgia, I loved how the reader is given open permission, and even urged to indulge in the light, fun, fluffy comfort that Friends offers. Having a bad day? Watch some Friends episodes!! No one feels embarrassed, afraid or ashamed to admit they like to binge watch the show when they are at home sick, or just when they need a little pick me up… or for no special reason at all. It’s okay to still watch Friends. No one is going to shame you for it. Everyone understands. They get it, and it’s still funny, and yes, it feels good, even if it is unrealistic.  Now if we could just give readers that same permission to enjoy something light, fluffy, fun and comforting, without feeling the need to make up excuses, apologize or pull out the ‘guilty pleasure’ card. 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 26, 2019
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Feb 02, 2019
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Dec 18, 2018
| Hardcover
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| B076P91Z4D
| 3.43
| 2,703
| Sep 11, 2018
| Sep 11, 2018
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really liked it
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The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel That Scandalized the World by Sarah Weinman is a 2018 Ecco publication. I’ll admit I was The Real Lolita: The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel That Scandalized the World by Sarah Weinman is a 2018 Ecco publication. I’ll admit I was not familiar with the Sally Horner case until recently. This book and the historical fiction accounting of Sally Horner’s life- Rust and Stardust- have catapulted the true crime, horror this poor girl endured into the public consciousness, decades after the fact. But, revisiting this case, also brings up the alleged link between Vladimir Nabakov’s novel, ‘Lolita’ and the real story of Sally Horner. Weinman attempts to prove that Nabakov pulled a ‘ripped from the headlines’ stunt when he wrote Lolita and chronicles his story alongside that of Sally Horner’s. To be honest, I’ve written, erased, and re-written this review five times. I can’t settle my thoughts on this book or that of Lolita. I’m not sure how I feel about the author’s approach, but I’ve been doing some serious soul searching about Lolita. Upon joining Goodreads, I grudgingly bestowed a four -star rating on “Lolita”. I’ve only read the book once and that was many years ago. I didn’t like the book all that much. The subject matter made me squirm, but like most other people I kept compulsively turning the pages. I think my rating has more to do the impact the book had, and the boldness of it. But, now, the more I think about the book, the less inclined I am to heap any kind of praise upon it. However, this review is not for that book, but, because of the format the author chose to present Sally Horner’s life story, I felt it did warrant a mention. “The appreciation of art can make a sucker out of those who forget the darkness of real life” What concerns me is this: I know people claim Lolita does not blame the victim. But I think it does, or at least that was the way the book was marketed. I couldn’t help but remember Amy Fisher- the infamous “Long Island Lolita”. Why did the press give her that particular moniker? Because she was considered a temptress, an underage seductress. To me, this implies that people, at least in part, blame Lolita for her own exploitation, which is one of the main reasons I have had a big crisis of conscience about the book. “Lolita’s success almost seemed designed so people missed the point. Its original publication by Olympia Press established its bona fides as a book too controversial for American consumption. And then, once it was finally published in the United States, the conversation centered around Humbert Humbert’s ‘love story’ with Dolores Haze, with few acknowledging, or even comprehending, that their relationship was an abuse of power. As a result, that left a vacuum for decades of readers to misinterpret Lolita. It allowed for a culture of teen-temptress vamping that did not account for the victimization at the novel’s core. Sixty years on, many readers still don’t see through Humbert Humbert’s vile perversions, and still blame Delores Haze for her behavior, as if she had the will to resist, and chose not to.” Calling Sally Horner ‘The Real Lolita” could conjure up that tainted image many have of ‘Lolita’, and Sally Horner, bless her heart, does not deserve to have that type of image attached to her name in any way, shape or form. Sally was an in innocent girl, kidnapped by a pedophile, held captive and horribly abused. She was hardly a teen temptress. I am glad, however, that Sally’s story has garnered some long overdue attention. Sadly, it may have been overshadowed by Nabakov connection. While the author did an amazing job with Sally’s story, alternating it with Nabakov’s book may have lessened its impact. The research is meticulous and very well organized. Every person involved in Sally’s life is brought to life, both good and bad. But, I’m not sure if the author achieved the goal she had intended, when it came to the critical assessment of Nabakov. These days, authors borrow from real events all the time and no one seems to mind. In fact, it is used as a marketing tool on many occasions. Knowing that he may have, to some degree, modeled Lolita after Sally is not likely to cause anyone to change their opinion of his work. I’m more concerned that the connection will sensationalize Sally’s story, instead of it scandalizing Vladimir Nabakov. To that end, I wish the author would have written a straightforward account of Sally’s life, sans all the Nabakov parallels. Sure, her connection should have been mentioned, since it is a part of her life story, but I don’t know if it should have taken up so much space in a book about Sally’s horrifying ordeal, and the tragedy her life became. It’s been a long time since I struggled with a book review, as I struggled with this one. I’m not quite as conflicted about it as I am about Lolita, but it is a book I have mixed feelings about. Usually, in such cases, I straddle the fence with a middle of the road rating. However, I gave this one a bump up because of several factors. One, is that this is, to my knowledge, the only nonfictional account of Sally Horner's life, and the author did a great job with Sally's portion of the book, and because she did give me much food for thought about Lolita. 3.5 rounded up ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 13, 2018
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Nov 23, 2018
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Nov 13, 2018
| Kindle Edition
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| 1501198246
| 9781501198243
| 3.91
| 2,166
| Oct 16, 2018
| Oct 16, 2018
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really liked it
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My Love Story by Tina Turner is a 2018 Atria Books publication. Simply the best- Tina Turner is another artist who has been around my entire life. I r My Love Story by Tina Turner is a 2018 Atria Books publication. Simply the best- Tina Turner is another artist who has been around my entire life. I remember seeing her perform Proud Mary on television back when I was a little kid and found Tina’s stage presence to be electrifying. Still, it wasn’t until she released her solo album,back in the eighties, that I became a huge fan. I loved her MTV videos, her music, her voice, and her style. I knew she’d long ago dumped Ike Turner, but I didn’t know all the particulars. I had heard rumors he abused her, but I remained ignorant of how harrowing her life was until the movie, "What’s Love Got to Do with It” came out. I still haven’t read, ‘I, Tina’, but I got the gist of the situation from watching the movie. So, of course, by now, most of us know Tina escaped a brutal marriage, walked away with nothing but her name, reinvented herself, and became a huge star. In other words, she personifies the word ‘inspirational’. But, what about the second half of her life? What has Tina’ life been like since her rise to superstardom and beyond? This second memoir by Tina Turner, is a not only about her humble beginnings, which she does spend some time on, including the years she spent married to Ike. It’s not just about her rise up from the ashes to meteoric fame, or the many great relationships she has forged over the years, both in her professional life, and in her personal life. It’s about her finding peace and contentment in Switzerland, it’s about finding true love with her second husband, Edwin Bach. This is her real love story. However, Tina also reveals her myriad of health concerns, none of which I was aware of before reading this book. Tina is so refreshing. Musical memoirs are risky business with me. I often come away wishing I hadn’t read one of these books because the featured artist is so self- absorbed or so out of touch with what is going on in the world, I lose respect. Tina’s story, even the parts we’re familiar with, is a fascinating testament and an inspiration to so many people. Her music stands the test of time and her attitude towards her audience and fans is one I wish more professionals would adopt. I enjoyed being a part of her shared memories and her success, and hearing about the life she’s forged with Edwin. Her approach is often humorous, at times shy, and maybe even a little embarrassed or chagrined by some of her mistakes, or moments of uncertainty. As with any celebrity memoir, I couldn’t relate to everything Tina is involved with, nor do I agree with all her philosophies. I also found myself cringing a time or two as she went into more details than I really needed her to when describing her health issues and the various symptoms she had to cope with. But, I did love her tenacity, and the way her husband protects her, helped to keep her spirits up, and went above and beyond for her. I also thought she faced her illnesses with optimistic bravery. I was happy to hear she is still holding her own, still interested in decorating her home and I love that she’s involved in the musical production about her life which has been very well received. Sadly, though, Tina has endured still more tragedy and I do hope she finds a way to get through it, as she has vowed to do. Once again, I am struck by how many layers there are to this amazing and talented performer. Watching her amazing metamorphosis over the years, is incredible. She’s earned her right to enjoy retirement and the lovely surroundings of her home and adopted country. I am happy she’s found real and true love and hope she has many more years left to enjoy her time with Edwin and that the musical will be a huge hit on Broadway when it comes to America. 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 11, 2018
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Nov 18, 2018
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Nov 11, 2018
| Hardcover
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| 125029603X
| 9781250296030
| 3.99
| 1,525
| Oct 23, 2018
| Oct 23, 2018
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really liked it
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Thanks a Lot Mr. Kibblewhite by Roger Daltrey is a 2018 Henry Holt and Co. Publication. “We’ll be fighting in the streets, with our children at our fe Thanks a Lot Mr. Kibblewhite by Roger Daltrey is a 2018 Henry Holt and Co. Publication. “We’ll be fighting in the streets, with our children at our feet. And the morals that they worship will be gone. And the men who spurred us on, Sit in judgment of all wrong. They decide, and the shotgun sings the song.” Roger Daltrey. He’s kind of an enigma, I think, or least to me he is. It seems every member of “The Who’ has commanded newspaper headlines over the years, everyone except Roger, that is. No insane antics or stage theatrics or ghastly criminal charges like those of Keith or Pete. Roger, by comparison, seems to be rather square. I honestly didn’t know a thing about him, other than what everyone else knows, which is centered around his career. I couldn’t have told you one single thing about his personal life. I didn’t even know the basics about him, like if he was married or had children, although I’d heard a few tales of his childhood where he had garnered a tough guy reputation. But the details of his upbringing were sketchy. So, while I’ve become rather picky about memoirs, especially those written by rock stars, my curiosity about Roger Daltrey won the day. I love ‘The Who’. Having formed in 1964, this is a group I’ve listened to my entire life. This is one of those enduring bands that have weathered many storms and survived over fifty years as a group. Incredible, when you think about it. Not only has Roger witnessed some monumental historical events, he’s also been a participant in them. Having spent so many years behind that insular rock star barrier, Roger has become accustomed to a way of life most of us couldn’t relate to. That’s part of the reason these books are so alluring, I suppose. We hear stories about conflict within the band, we know Roger and Pete had their moments, we know about Keith Moon’s antics, and of John’s untimely death. But we still want a bird’s eye view, want to hear Roger’s side of the story, want to relive his glory days with him, take a trip down memory lane, and want to know more about the person behind the rock star persona. Roger’s approach to his memoir is laid back and relaxed. He can be funny, charming, and witty, but does show a vulnerable side of himself on a very rare occasion. Despite spending over fifty years in a rock group, he still carries a blue collar, working class, chip on his shoulder. He’s capable of sensitivity and spoke with some candor regarding childhood and school days, traumas, which left emotional scars he battled much of his adult life, hiding his lack of confidence behind a tough exterior. “That was the point at which the headmaster, Mr. Kibblewhite, decided I was expelled. “We can’t control you, Daltrey”, he said. “You’re Out.” And, as I left his office for the last time, a parting gesture: “You’ll never make anything of your life, Daltrey.” “Thanks a lot, Mr. Kibblewhite, I thought.” Yet, despite those rare glimpses inside of Roger’s more personal inner workings, the bulk of the book is centered on Roger’s professional life-the road to success, and all the various ups and downs of forming a band, maintaining the unit, and of course coping with the excesses of life on the road and the horrible tragedies the band endured. However, I never really felt the chemistry between Roger and his band-mates, other than a poignant story he shared about Keith shortly before his death. Roger’s personal relationships with friends, colleagues, and women also lacked warmth or depth. There was one point in the book where, despite knowing this is normal operating procedure for rock stars, I still balked, and yes, passed judgments, on Roger’s view of fidelity or his case- infidelity.  What he described was a one-sided open marriage. He was not to be expected to be ‘a good boy’ while on the road, because it gets lonely out there. I wondered if his wife got lonely during his long absences, and if she were expected to be ‘a good girl’ while he was away or if she was free to engage in emotion-less hookups too. I mean, according to Roger, a shag is just a shag. A bit of a double standard there, I think. But this was not the only area in which Roger showed his age. It was a bit ironic that one of the ‘My Generation’ performers sounded very old-fashioned at times. Occasionally Roger would bait the reader with information, only to never mention the subject again or to toss it out as an aside, when it clearly deserved more attention and time than he gave it. The book comes in at less than three hundred pages, which is awfully thin, when there is obviously so much ground to cover, both personally and professionally.  Still, as far as rock memoirs go, this one is not too shabby. Roger is articulate and plain spoken, and as a performer, he knew how to keep the reader’s attention. The material is well-organized, and he does hit upon the major events that shaped his life and career, which for the casual fan will certainly suffice. Diehard fans will be pleased with anything Roger puts out there, but others, like myself, may wish there had been a little more bulk and depth than was provided. One thing I was reminded of, however, is how compared to many other people in his line of work, Roger is very dependable and is a solid performer. He may not have the artistic flair of Pete Townshend, but he puts everything into his shows, has an admirable work ethic, is a highly energetic singer, and a really nice set of pipes. He grew to be a versatile, multi-talented artist in his own right, not only as the ‘The Who’frontman, but with other groups, and in his acting roles. He’s a superstar rock star all the way from the top of those luscious curly locks to the tips of his toes. Roger has recently experienced some health problems, and is feeling the effects of his age, but he’s still sharp as ever, and still performs with ‘The Who’ on occasion His most recent show took place just this past summer. One can’t help but feel awed by the longevity of the group, and Roger’s stamina. His body of work is impressive, as is the mark he’s made on the world of music and the arts. 3.5 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 07, 2018
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Dec 14, 2018
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Oct 27, 2018
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1510737928
| 9781510737921
| 3.48
| 21
| unknown
| May 21, 2019
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really liked it
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and It’s Terrifying Times: A Cultural History, by Joseph Lanza is a 2019 Skyhorse publication. To this day, no matter how The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and It’s Terrifying Times: A Cultural History, by Joseph Lanza is a 2019 Skyhorse publication. To this day, no matter how low budget or how old the original Texas Chainsaw Massacre is, every time I think about it, I get a chill down my spine. That’s really saying something considering the era I grew up in. The seventies and early eighties had the most chilling horror movies of any decade, IMHO. Let’s face it, the film is very straight forward. While one might manage to squeeze out some tepid arguments for alleged allegory or symbolism, it pretty much is what it is. I don’t think it’s the kind of movie one should bother scrutinizing for some hidden message or meaning. However, the author of this book makes a valiant effort to find one. However, this book is centered around - ‘The Terrifying Times: A Cultural History” as it states in the title, examining the culture of the seventies decade and how this impacted the popularity of the movie, the way critics reacted to it, and how the movie itself impacted the horror genre, as a whole. The 1970s was a violent decade. Looking back on it now, it was a very bleak period time. With the political uncertainly in the Nixon administration, the war in Vietnam, prolific serial killers, the Patty Hurst saga, the poor economy, and even darker changes in rock music, with the likes of Alice Cooper and his brand of ‘shock rock’, made the timing ripe for this movie. The budget for the movie was rock bottom, which meant filming the movie was an interesting prospect. The author describes how the movie was shot, the extreme temperatures, the camera angles, the type of film, everything the enthusiast would want to know, sharing insights from the actors, and the various interviews they’ve given over the years. But, the parts I found the most interesting was the nostalgia and laws pertaining to movie content at the time, which was very vague and could be interpreted any which way. As a result, TTCM was looped in with the likes of "Deep Throat”, despite the lack of sexual content in the movie, because of the mob funding behind the two films, and because it had no redeeming moral qualities. The history behind how hitchhiking went from being cool to becoming a possible, maybe even probable, death sentence is also interesting and called to mind a few mass killings- the one in Houston, to be specific, that I’d completely forgotten about. I remember seeing hitchhikers quite often growing up and I still shake my head at how stupid is to hitch a ride and equally stupid to offer one. Later there would be more critical backlash from some who blamed the violence for crimes committed after its release and even Johnny Carson blasted it on ‘The Tonight Show’- but he was hardly the only one. As Gunnar Hansen would later explain: “When you are involved in a project like that, particularly if you’re visible, like being the killer, you get blamed for a lot of society’s problems. I was at a chamber concert, and during intermission, this Philadelphia dowager comes up to me and says, ‘You know, Gunnar, there were 12 people murdered today in New York City, and it’s your fault’. I’m usually made speechless by comments like that. But, I think that a lot of people think that movies like that are the cause of a lot of problems, when I think they’re symptomatic of societal issues. And to my mind, though I’m not a psychologist, ( the movies), probably are harmless or at least let people work through some misery… My answer is that the misery is there, and the film simply uses that misery.” The Texas connection is also of great interest to me as well, and I enjoyed having book move closer into the present by analyzing another dark Texas based thriller, ‘No Country for Old Men’. The book is organized, and is a terrific bit of unique history, making some valid points as to the psychology of violence. Some opinions are a bit of a stretch, but overall this is one of the better analytical books about horror movies, I ‘ve read in a long time. However, the author did, on a couple of occasions, decide to add personal opinions on various topics, such as religion or politics, which could be off putting to a broader audience. I consider this an unprofessional faux pas, no matter if I agree or disagree with his comments. Also, it is worth pointing out that the author relies heavily on interviews, magazine articles and documentaries for his sources, but, he also kindly provides clickable links to the articles he used as reference, which is nice if you have the digital format of the book. Overall, I enjoyed the trip back in time, which brought back some memories-and a few nightmares, but also taught me some things I didn’t know, and reminded me that some things will never change. Still, no matter what has come and gone in the decades since this movie became a cult hit, it is still one of the most unnerving movies I’ve ever seen. It is interesting to read how it all came together and the way it epitomizes and parallels the violence and unease of the decade, which is something I never considered, until now. This one is recommended for the horror movie enthusiast, fans of history, pop culture, and nostalgia. 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Oct 07, 2018
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Oct 17, 2018
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Oct 07, 2018
| ebook
| ||||||||||||||
| 0316523178
| 9780316523172
| 4.15
| 11,084
| Aug 07, 2018
| Aug 07, 2018
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it was amazing
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Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company Who Addicted America by Beth Macy is a 2018 Little, Brown and Company publication. “Because the most Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company Who Addicted America by Beth Macy is a 2018 Little, Brown and Company publication. “Because the most important thing for the morphine-hijacked brain is, always, not to experience the crushing physical and psychological pain of withdrawal: but to avoid dope sickness at any cost.” While some may remain untouched, most Americans are painfully aware of the grip opiate addiction has on our country. Like the synopsis states: “From distressed small communities in Central Appalachia to wealthy suburbs; from disparate cities to once-idyllic farm towns’, no one is immune. We see and read news reports, we see parents OD’d, passed out in their cars, with needles sticking out of their arms while their toddler sits in the back seat. Those images and the sheer volume of deaths is staggering. Beth Macy takes us on a journey that exposes Purdue Pharma, and the Sackler Brothers, to the doctors who make big money on ‘pain management’, to the street dealers who took up the demand when patients ran of legal options, and destroyed entire towns in the process, as well all the red tape, lack of funding, political rhetoric, and the struggle to keep those addicted alive long enough to have the slim hope they’ll someday manage to kick their addiction, which tends to follow the pattern of : Oxy, Roxy, then Heroin. “Lets’ be clear”, a Purdue Pharma spokesman said in August 2001, in a meeting with Virginia’s attorney general. “The issue is drug abuse, not the drug.” The product shouldn’t be blamed for the deaths, because in many cases the victims were also drinking alcohol and taking other drugs. Van Zee scoffed, telling a Roanoke Times reporter: “To me, that’s like somebody who was shot with a howitzer and a BB gun, and you walk up and say it’s a little hard to tell what killed him. Was it the howitzer that took off half his chest, or was it the BB gun?” But, more importantly, the author gives the reader intimate portraits of the victims, the families, and the absolute, literal hell they have gone through. Macy pulls no punches. This book is raw, terrifying, frustrating, and made my blood boil. The government- for the past twenty years, at least, through Republican and Democratic administrations have dropped the ball. The approach is outdated, doesn’t work, and keeps people from ever having a chance at a productive life, and does very little to stymie the epidemic when they are lining their own pockets with money from Big Pharma and ‘for profit’ prisons. “They don’t rehabilitate you in prison, and they don’t make it easy for you to get a job. I truly believe they don’t make it easy because they want you back, and they want you back because that’s the new factory work in so many places now- the prison. “You have to be very strong mentally when you get out to not make the same mistakes.” By the end of this book, I felt weak with grief. I’d cried so hard and felt a loss so keen, for the families who lost children, or siblings, sometimes more than one, with whole families involved with opiates, either by selling or using. My heart ached for those who live with addiction, and the loved ones who must live life in a state of chronic limbo and constant worry. One parent was so desperate she even removed all the doors in her home, so her son couldn’t hide his drug use- but to no avail. ‘One woman was in the habit of kissing her husband goodbye in the morning, putting her kids on the school bus, then driving to Baltimore to buy enough to last the day before returning to Woodstock just as school bus brought her kids home.' Those are just a couple of examples, with many even more heart wrenching. Good, ordinary people, with bright futures, who had been prescribed pain medications ended up committing felony crimes to support a drug habit, sinking to lows that are hard to imagine. Dope sickness is so horribly agonizing some people would consider suicide to avoid it. That’s hard to fathom, and it’s hard to read about people living in such circumstances and even harder to digest that more lives are going to be destroyed if the mindset of the country doesn’t change. This book is very well organized, presented not only by the statistics, and the history, and the various ways the opiate addiction is dealt with from law enforcement to drug companies, to doctors, to prisons, and to the government, all which bear some blame, but from the viewpoint of the families who are living with the addiction, either battling it themselves, or watching loved ones succumb, or live in agony. Their representation, their voice, is what makes the book so very powerful. The author obviously did a lot research, but she also spent a lot of time with those who have experienced the devastation up close and personal. She’s tough in places, as balanced in presenting the facts as could be hoped for, but she’s also invested herself emotionally. I’m about as ‘bleeding heart’ as they come, and I must say this book left me feeling completely drained. But, it is a book I highly recommend. Although this is not a book that offers pat answers or solutions, there is some proof we can staunch some of the bleeding, and maybe the more informed we are, the more we realize how easily this could be you, or one of your children, you will be more diligent, be aware of your doctor’s motives, ask for different methods of pain management, because Oxy, is so addictive one round of pain meds may be all it takes. Don’t think the marginalized poor in the Appalachian regions are the only ones at risk. The more you know, the more power you have, and with the information provided in this book, if this country has an ounce of compassion left in its black soul, will find its hardened heart pricked with something resembling sympathy, will feel righteous indignation and refuse to look the other way, and will for once avoid passing judgements on the victims. The only people working for change seem to be the victims and their families and the stark, frank, and shocking truth is that no one seems to care- which is yet another American epidemic. 5 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Sep 24, 2018
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Sep 28, 2018
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Sep 24, 2018
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0875657044
| 9780875657042
| 4.00
| 7
| unknown
| Oct 23, 2018
|
really liked it
|
The Whole Damn Cheese by Bill Wright is a 2018 Texas Christian University Press publication. What an interesting piece of Texas history!! Texans are f The Whole Damn Cheese by Bill Wright is a 2018 Texas Christian University Press publication. What an interesting piece of Texas history!! Texans are familiar with Big Bend National Park, but people travel from all over to visit it, and the storied hot springs, said to have healing powers. However, I must sheepishly admit, I never gave much thought to it’s history or to the frontier days before the park became a popular campground. Maggie Smith has become a legendary figure and a huge piece of the park’s history. In 1943, all the way up until 1965, Maggie served this area in every way imaginable. Maggie’s life was certainly an interesting one. She was there for Big Bend’s transition from state to national park. She was especially useful to the NPS due to her ability to speak Spanish. She operated the general store and post office, but she also had a warm relationship with those on the other side of the border. She performed weddings, took candy to the Mexican children at Christmas, cured snake bites, and delivered babies, among many other things. In other words, she was ‘the whole damn cheese’ out there. The early parts of the book chronicles Maggie’s early life and marriages, etc. While this is important, and necessary, it was a tad bit dry, initially, But, once we got past that and began to learn about her life in Big Bend, the book flowed much easier and it became obvious why Maggie’s exploits became the stuff legends are made of. The bulk of the book is naturally centered around Maggie’s many adventures, and kind deeds, which are still spoken of today, with much warmth and appreciation. The author, who is a Big Bend photographer, had heard stories about Maggie over time, which gave him the idea for this book. I think Bill showed great respect for his subject and his enthusiasm shows. Maggie’s spirit is captured through these oft told tales and thanks to Bill, everyone can read about this extraordinary woman, and learn the history of the frontier days in West Texas in the days before Big Bend became the popular tourist spot it is today. I will admit I raised my eyebrows on one occasion, when a snake bite was treated in an extremely unorthodox way. But, amazingly, the victim lived- so, despite my incredulity, it worked!! The book is very well organized and is utterly fascinating. I would have loved to have met Maggie Smith. She is an inspiration, a person who helped people from all walks of life without complaint, and certainly lived her life with gusto! ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Sep 29, 2018
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Oct 19, 2018
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Sep 23, 2018
| Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| B07CL96ZWB
| 3.64
| 14,129
| Sep 18, 2018
| Sep 18, 2018
|
really liked it
|
Whiskey in a Tea Cup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love & Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon is a 2018 Touchstone publicat
Whiskey in a Tea Cup: What Growing Up in the South Taught Me About Life, Love & Baking Biscuits by Reese Witherspoon is a 2018 Touchstone publication. I feel like I’ve watched Reese Witherspoon grow up. She was always so funny and seemed approachable. She has proven herself to be not only an accomplished actress, but a highly successful entrepreneur and businesswoman. However, she did face an uncomfortable moment in her life, a situation that may have been the catalyst that rededicated Reese to her southern roots. This is an adorable book, with wonderful color photos, recipes and lots of southern-isms. I’m from the south- born in the deep rural south, at that, moving around a great deal until I finally landed in Texas. So, I could relate to some of the rules and etiquette unique to the southern region. However, Reese’s version of southern is more suited to certain social classes than the one in which I was born. There's some old southern traditions Reese heartily embraces, that I simply couldn’t see myself reverting to, like wallpaper, for example. But, that’s probably just a matter of taste. I’m also not too big on bluegrass or country music, but again, that’s just me. However, I did enjoy her emphasis on civility, politeness, and manners. Those things should never go out of style. The book has a very upbeat and fun tempo, although at times I thought it went a little overboard, bordering on contrived. The book almost has the same lay- out as a women’s magazine might, centering on family traditions, popular eateries, decorating for various holidays, hosting dinner parties and of course the requisite recipes included. There are lovely photos of Reese and her children and her beautiful home, with anecdotes about her parents and grandparents. But, the book is also a memoir, and I think Reese’s message is that her southern upbringing is hardwired into her very being. No matter where she is living she still adheres to those values and principles. She’s matured and realizes that she can be a strong feminist voice, run her businesses and enjoy a successful career and still be a lady and enjoy doing things that makes her feel feminine, and brings her comfort and joy, as well. She enjoys the benefits of her success, has weathered a few bumps in the road, and learned to embrace a simpler life, creating a nice homey environment for her family and friends and still seems just as approachable as ever. This is a fun book and gives fans an intimate glimpse at Reese’s life away from Hollywood, which, by the way, is seldom mentioned. This is strictly about her personal time, her southern roots, and about fond family memories and influences that inspired her to become the person she is today. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Oct 24, 2018
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Oct 26, 2018
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Sep 22, 2018
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| B0776DVFZF
| 4.01
| 278
| unknown
| Jul 31, 2018
|
really liked it
|
The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussy finds life After Romeo & Juliet- by Oliva Hussy is a 2018 Kensington publication. Romeo, Romeo, wherefore ar The Girl on the Balcony: Olivia Hussy finds life After Romeo & Juliet- by Oliva Hussy is a 2018 Kensington publication. Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou, Romeo- Sometimes, like with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, an actor or actress personifies a role to such an extent, that character sticks to them for evermore. I think it is fair to say this about Oliva Hussy’s portrayal of ‘Juliet’ in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Junior High- a class trip to see the 1968 version of Romeo & Juliet. My girlfriend’s and I sat in the theatre, eaten up with our jealousy of Olivia Hussy. She was so beautiful, and Romeo, played by Leonard Whiting, was hot, hot, hot. By the end of the movie, though, we all had tears streaming down our cheeks and red puffy eyes. Reading Shakespeare was a little tedious, especially in Junior High, so the movie was much easier for me to understand. The movie had a big impact on me, and I never forgot Olivia’s performance. It was a career defining role. Over the years, anytime the subject of Romeo and Juliet came up and I thought about this movie- (which was a hot topic back when my daughter was in high school because she was all about the Leonardo DiCaprio adaptation,) I would wonder about Olivia Hussy and whatever became of her. So, when I saw this memoir, I knew I had to have it. Finally, I’d know all about Oliva Hussy and discovered what her career and private life has been like after becoming the face so many of us associate with ‘Juliet”. Well, as it turns out, she was right under my nose all this time, playing in many movies and television shows, I’d watched- some of them numerous times, in fact- but somehow I never made the connection. Everything in this memoir was a complete surprise to me. Her marriages, children, her philosophical and religious leanings, the challenges she faced personally and professionally, and her battle with serious health issues are recounted with pragmatism and in a voice that is real enough to draw the reader into her world. Olivia has been through some dark periods of time, and suffered through some big disappointments, and made some pretty costly mistakes. Yet, her tone is practical, occasionally resigned, but mostly upbeat. In her youth, she battled challenges by becoming depressed or drinking too much, but the older she got, she faced adversity as with much more courage and strength. The pacing of the book is a little too brisk, occasionally abrupt, only stopping to land briefly in each milestone of Olivia’s life. On the plus side, she wasn’t overly catty, vindictive or super gossipy about colleagues, or others she worked with, but did mention some on- set tensions- one of which was hardly surprising. She had mostly pleasant remarks to make about her ex-husbands and didn’t do a lot of finger pointing, which was refreshing. After completing this memoir, I think Olivia’s life has been an interesting one. She was so young when she found fame and has lived a life within that bubble, which is the life of an actor, but her fame was not all consuming, and as a result her life wasn’t as intruded upon by tabloids or paparazzi, as it might have been. Many aspects of her life surprised me, especially her third marriage- which was hard to imagine, but it seems to be the most stable relationship she’s known. She’s an excellent actress, with a strong spirit, having endured several monumental events, and lived to tell the tale. Overall, this book was revealing and interesting and I’m glad to know Olivia is well, and still working. I still have wonderful memories of watching Romeo and Juliet and was reminded of what a wonderful job Olivia did with such a challenging role- but I’m still a little jealous! 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Sep 11, 2018
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Sep 18, 2018
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Sep 11, 2018
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 1508260176
| 9781508260172
| 3.65
| 523
| Aug 07, 2018
| Aug 07, 2018
|
really liked it
|
Captive: A Mother's Crusade to Save Her Daughter From a Terrifying Cult by Catherine Oxenberg is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication. I only follo Captive: A Mother's Crusade to Save Her Daughter From a Terrifying Cult by Catherine Oxenberg is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication. I only follow the news sparingly these days. However, even if one only pops over to Facebook or Twitter for a moment, headlines and trending news or topics are unavoidable. I had seen the story about an actress involved in a sex cult, but didn’t take the bait. However, the story remained a hot topic for several days. But, when I saw this book popping up here and there, it never even crossed my mind that the ‘terrifying cult’ spoken of here, was the same one making headlines a few weeks back. Wow. I was a big fan of the night time soaps for a while in the early eighties. I did watch ‘Dynasty’ for a while, and vaguely remember Catherine Oxenberg from that show. However, I hadn’t thought of her since, well, the early eighties. In fact, it took me a little while to make the connection. So, it wasn't so much that the book was written by a quasi-famous person, but the topic of the book that piqued my curiosity. Cults?? Are cults still a thing? Apparently so. While they no longer make headlines, well, besides ‘Scientology’, there are still more cults out there than I’d realized. This one was called NXIVM/ESP. It is marketed as a professional development group, sponsoring seminars designed for self-improvement. Catherine and her daughter, India, joined the group, but as Catherine remained a skeptic, India bought into the whole ideology hook, line and sinker. Of course, we all know now that the group was a cult- a sex cult to be more precise, in which women were enslaved and even branded- yes, you read that right- branded!! I’d never heard of this group until I picked up this book, so all the information provided was news to me. Some readers may have been following those aforementioned news stories about the cult, and as such may not discover anything here you didn’t already know about it. But, even if you have been keeping up with the headlines and are familiar with the lurid goings on in the cult, this book will give you a look at how the brainwashing operation works and the will and tenacity it required for Catherine to get people to listen to her, to see that crimes were being committed, and to hopefully save her daughter in the process. I added audio for this book, which is narrated by the author. I found Catherine’s British accent to be appealing, and I think she did a good job at keeping her voice and emotions tempered and even. I’m about as far removed from the life Catherine has led as one could possibly get. This made it hard for me to relate to her and her approach to life and parenting. She admits to having spent a great deal of time on self-help groups, constantly in search of some kind of pat answers, which of course there is none. Yet, she seemed to try everything under the sun, and although she claimed to have finally realized she was wasting her time with all that, she still joined NXIVM with India and remained a part of it for a lot longer than she should have, especially since she blatantly balked at their practices. She may have stayed because India was so involved, but I found myself questioning her actions on more than one occasion. Of course, it’s easy to armchair quarterback, and I did try not to pass judgement- but only won out half the time. However, once she realized the hold the group had on her daughter, and the true nature of the organization, it would appear she at long last found her life’s purpose- to expose the cult and hopefully free her daughter in the process. Once she began working to get India away from Keith Raniere, Catherine, whether she realized it or not, seemed to morph into a person with stronger backbone, became more disciplined, focused, and emotionally mature. While I still questioned the approach she took with her daughter, I couldn’t help but admire her determination. By the time all was said and done, she’d begun to prevent other women from falling into Keith’s trap, making it her ultimate goal to see the cult shut down, to free as many women as possible, with the fervent hope her daughter might be one of them. The reality was, though, that her daughter was so entrenched into the cult, she might be one of those facing criminal charges. Catherine did not give up, and her work to get the media’s attention, to shine a spotlight on this eerie and bizarre cult finally paid off. The book is not as organized as I’d have liked, and Catherine does spend a lot of time explaining herself or justifying her actions. I think she is grappling with her role in India’s susceptibility to this type of brainwashing, and her initial participation obviously weighs on her. But, one only need look at the list of people who have at one time or another been associated with NXIVM to see that anyone, no matter what their background, social standing, financial situation, or popularity, might be open to groups like this. How people become so brainwashed, why they stay in these situations, and why it is so hard to get them to leave, to see reason, is still a mystery, and is beyond my ability to understand. I don’t suppose cults like one will ever go away, as long as people are in search of some kind of enlightenment or way to find peace and fulfillment, or ways to make them more successful or to make them become better people. It is truly frightening, though, to see powerful leaders and businessmen have been a part of this organization, as well as other influential people whose popularity or occupation had the capacity to lure others into the lair of sex trafficking and slavery and forced labor. Despite some issues with the writing and organization of the book, it is still a chilling story, which prompted me to do some Google searches and additional reading. I’m glad people like Oxenberg fought against this group and am happy to see her efforts rewarded. I hope India, all those victimized, will come around and find a meaningful and productive way to live life from here on out. 3.5 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Aug 26, 2018
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Aug 31, 2018
|
Aug 26, 2018
| Audiobook
| ||||||||||||||
| B07BTFW2W9
| 3.96
| 49
| unknown
| Oct 23, 2018
|
really liked it
|
The Downtown Pop Underground: New York City and the literary punks, renegade artists, DIY filmmakers, mad playwrights, and rock 'n' roll glitter queen
The Downtown Pop Underground: New York City and the literary punks, renegade artists, DIY filmmakers, mad playwrights, and rock 'n' roll glitter queens who revolutionized culture by Kembrew McLeod is an Abrams Press publication. The storied creativity, the bohemian lifestyle, and the open sexual freedom and expression of Greenwich Village beginning in the late 1950s and continuing well into the late 1970s may have been underground, but the art, theatre, movies, magazines and music influenced the country in ways that may only be fully appreciated in hindsight. I’m a little too young to have known much about how this area in New York blossomed into such an artistic community, and with my conservative upbringing and regional location, if it wasn’t making headlines, I remained large uninformed. While I was always fascinated by the Sixties decade, and the bulk of my childhood memories stems from mainstream 1970s pop culture, the influence of the underground didn’t start to sink in for me until I was much older. I knew the main players- Andy Warhol, The Velvet Underground, Deborah Harry, and the CBGB-OMFUG club and of course, “The Village Voice”. But, that’s about it. Although, I have always studied the sixties, and to some extent, the seventies, the bohemian lifestyle of Greenwich Village didn’t interest me as much as all the other huge happenings in music and politics, and other avenues of pop culture. So, while some may be well versed on the major contributors, inventors, pioneers- or in some cases, ‘populizers’, I have never scratched too far beneath the surface to get a clear picture of Greenwich Village, and honestly didn’t know many of the influences mentioned in this book or the extent of their contributions to pop culture. I did get a good sense of location and atmosphere which transformed art, stage, film, and journalism, and music in ways we never dreamed. Some of the people, places, events, and publications crossed over into mainstream consciousness, while other areas were contained within “The Village” or lower east side. There are some infamous landmarks and notorious figures from this time who have gone down in history like Jackie Curtis- who Lou Reed immortalized in his most famous song, “Walk on the Wild Side,” and may have influenced David Bowie’s pansexual persona. La MaMa and Café Cino theatres, coffeehouses, folk music, then Patti Smith, Deborah Harry, Glam rock, The Ramones, The Mumps, and a continual regeneration, reinvention, and sense of community radically changed and inspired pop culture not only in America, but all over the world. While many may view this book as a homage to the gay community for their unrequited contributions and influence on mainstream pop culture, it also captures the essence of New York and the raw atmosphere that paved the way for the emergence of this community. It was a place where outsiders, artist, and other nonconformists could feel at home, and free to express themselves, something that would be very hard to do in this way, in most other places in the country at that time. Thus, a sexual revolution was born, spawning the counter -culture, in an explosion of vivid colors, sights and sounds that has never been matched since. The layout of the book is a little scattered, in my opinion, and not as cohesive as I’d have liked, but those who are more informed on this subject than I, may find there is a method to the madness. The dark side of these times is not studied or mentioned a great deal, as this is more of a celebration of the pioneers, artists, and trailblazers, who may not have gotten the credit they deserved. It is kind of ironic that just as I picked this book up it was announced that ‘The Village Voice’ was ceasing publication, with John Wilcox passing away shortly thereafter. This book is one I recommend to those who are pop culture enthusiasts, fans of nostalgia and history. It’s an eye popping, mind boggling experience for sure. I can’t say that I always understood or was effected by the cutting-edge art or performances, nor was I able to conjure much of an emotional response to some of the material highlighted in this book, at least not in the same way I would with the pop culture I’m more familiar with, but this was still an interesting book, giving credit to the pop underground which is perhaps overlooked and rarely remarked upon in comparison to Woodstock or Haight Ashbury, and other places and people we tend to associate with pop culture. 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Oct 16, 2018
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Oct 17, 2018
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Aug 25, 2018
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 1682681149
| 9781682681145
| 3.52
| 21
| unknown
| Nov 07, 2017
|
liked it
|
I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, my location makes it almost impossible to locate many of the fresh ingredients, even online. The recipes
I had high hopes for this one. Unfortunately, my location makes it almost impossible to locate many of the fresh ingredients, even online. The recipes look beautiful, authentic, and flavorful with a variety of recipes in different categories and includes color photos. I did enjoy looking through the book, though, and learning more about Korean foods. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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not set
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not set
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Aug 12, 2018
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| B072VDHWCF
| 3.56
| 36
| unknown
| Jul 03, 2018
|
liked it
|
1968: Radical Protest and Its Enemies by Richard Vinen is a 2018 Harper publication. I was just a little kid in 1968, but this era of time has always 1968: Radical Protest and Its Enemies by Richard Vinen is a 2018 Harper publication. I was just a little kid in 1968, but this era of time has always fascinated me. If I see a book about the sixties, I seem drawn to it like a magnet. But of all the years to focus on in that decade, Richard Vinen chose the explosive year of 1968. Why? Well, it would seem 1968 was the year of violent protests, which the primary focus of this book. The author breaks down the various movements being represented and the political or social topics which led the protests. I didn’t realize so many iconic events took place during this year, and well, I’m also a little embarrassed to admit, I never gave much thought the radicalism in other countries like France, for example. So, examining this turbulent year at that angle is quite interesting. Naturally, these protests didn’t just crop up overnight. There was a lengthy build up to the culmination of ideals and values which actually began several decades earlier. The two faces of America- still very much alive and well today is one major theme- but there were so many variables that contributed to this volatile climate- some which include the role television played, the baby boom, and Vietnam to name just a few. But, while America was a melting pot of tense unease, other countries were experiencing their own revolutionary movements and episodes of violence. In France there were enormous student protests and worker’s strikes. West Germany saw protests after the charismatic Rudi Dutschke was shot, and Great Britain saw a scaled down version of student radicalism, but had its fair share of protests, as well, including those with a more conservative point of view. While I did find many historical details quite informative and interesting, the scope is very wide and as such the author lays out an outline, discusses some key points, then moves on to the next point. It was a little hard to follow his train of thought sometimes, and this, like a lot history, even if the topic is normally one of great interest, can be very dry reading. While it may seem as though the 68er’s failed in their mission for the most part, I personally think they had a greater impact than they are given credit for. Concessions and compromises were made, and the ‘establishment’ seemed to win out in the end. But, some radical groups worked more quietly behind the scenes, their influence less measurable, but not necessarily as diluted as one may think. Overall, the book felt more like a summary than an in-depth study or analysis and I struggled to stay interested in it for long periods. It took me a while to get through it and I confess I skimmed over some of the material at times, but, in the end, I thought the author made some valid points, connects revolutions and radical politics with other countries besides the United States, and exposed contradictions in the various movements and the issues university students protested, which did give me some food for thought, and prompted me to do some further reading and research. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Jul 13, 2018
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Jul 13, 2018
|
Jul 13, 2018
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 0525574468
| 9780525574460
| 4.33
| 1,980
| Apr 03, 2018
| Apr 03, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
More information with links to my review coming soon- stay tuned!
| Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Jun 14, 2018
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Jun 16, 2018
|
Jun 14, 2018
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1476740186
| 9781476740188
| 4.00
| 32,980
| Oct 16, 2018
| Oct 16, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
The Library Book by Susan Orlean is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication. I couldn’t have been happier when this book finally reached the top of my The Library Book by Susan Orlean is a 2018 Simon & Schuster publication. I couldn’t have been happier when this book finally reached the top of my TBR pile. I’ve been looking forward to reading it for a long time. Naturally, I was drawn to the ‘books about books’ aspect, but was also mortified by the true crime elements. Who on earth would deliberately set fire to a public library? Susan Orlean attempts to answer that very question, while detailing the rich history of the Los Angeles public library. What a fascinating journey it was – The author, who is not originally from LA, had not heard about the fire that ravaged the central library back in 1986, until an offhand remark piqued her curiosity. Her research unearthed the library’s storied past, which is a compelling drama all on its own. But she also attempts to shed light on the fire and the primary suspect, Harry Peak. Was Peak guilty, or just a consummate liar? The book begins on a horrifying note. In 1986, the library housed a very impressive number of books and records, which included a large ‘stacks’ area. The building was not up to code either, so it only took a short time for the old dry paper to ignite and spread rapidly. Any type of fire which destroys a home or business is difficult to hear about. But, of course as a book lover, I was nearly in physical pain reading about the hundreds of books damaged by fire, smoke or water.  It was also disconcerting that the fire barely made a blip in the press. Granted, there were other major news stories going on at the time. But, now for the first time, thanks to the amazing work this author did, we can see how the fire effected the city, the patrons, and the librarians. We also get a close -up and personal look at how a library functions and the important work librarians do. What an amazing job. Working with the public has its drawbacks, of course, but I was truly impressed with how the librarians handle all the phone calls, answer questions on a myriad of topics, and cope with situations such as how to handle the homeless who often use the library to as place of shelter during operating hours.  The wealth of information and history surrounding the Los Angeles public library is vast and completely absorbing, especially if you are passionate about books and libraries. The mystery surrounding the fire, however, is perplexing and frustrating. Orlean presents the facts, and I must agree with her opinion of the prime suspect. The book is categorized as ‘True Crime’, but more than anything I think it falls into the history category. It is also a book that makes one truly appreciate the importance of libraries. I have always supported libraries, and I try to remind people that although Netgalley, Edelweiss, KU, and Scribd, provide thousands of books right there at your fingertips,( and I am as addicted to these services as anyone else), the library will never reject you ‘based on the information you provided in your profile’, and it doesn’t cost you a dime for a library card. So, don’t forget to take advantage of everything the library has to offer- Books- both print and digital, audiobooks, music, movies, documents, newspapers, magazines, research material, job information, book clubs, children’s story hour, free access to computers and the internet, literacy programs, programs to help learn new skills, community clubs, and a host of other services- most of them free. There are many ways to support your local library: volunteer or donate any books or magazines you don’t plan to re-read or keep, and if you are in a position to do so, offer a little financial help from time to time. You can even deduct it on your taxes!! Funding for libraries is not always stable or dependable. Obviously, book lovers need to read this one, as well as history buffs. While it starts off on a somber note, by the end of the book you will feel as though this eye- opening journey was a rewarding adventure. I am in awe of the LA public library, and its rich history, and have an even greater appreciation for the importance of libraries in general.  Orlean did a terrific job with her exhaustive research and it is obvious she put in many hours with those involved with the library and with those associated with Harry Peak. The book is well- organized, and unlike some non-fiction history books, I never zoned out or lost interest. If you love books or libraries, history, or True Crime this book is one you won’t want to miss out on! 4.5 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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May 31, 2019
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Jun 18, 2019
|
Jun 09, 2018
| Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0998376396
| 9780998376394
| 3.43
| 44
| Jul 02, 2018
| Jul 02, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom by Leonard Maltin is a 2018 publication. If you are a film buff with a healthy appreci Hooked on Hollywood: Discoveries from a Lifetime of Film Fandom by Leonard Maltin is a 2018 publication. If you are a film buff with a healthy appreciation for old movies and old Hollywood, you simply must treat yourself to this book!! Having based a successful career around the movie industry, all his knowledge about the business, the information he gleened from interviews, and the critical eye he was required to apply to his movie reviews, could have left Maltin feeling a little jaded. After all, it is a job, just like any other, but this book makes it obvious the author is still enthalled with his subject. Despite the professional approach, the movie fan in Maltin still shines through. Maltin has been interviewing actors and actresses since he was in high school, and he certainly has a knack for it. He’s been doing interviews and reviewing movies for over fifty years. So, naturally, during that time, he’s learned quite a few interesting tidbits and trivia about Hollywood, some of which he has compiled here in this book, along with some of his early interviews. I found the interview with Burgess Meredith quite interesting. I only knew him in a few roles- mainly ‘Batman’, a role he was quick to say he enjoyed playing. However, I was surprised by the depth of his career. I was also impressed by the amount of time he sat with Maltin and the interesting answers he gave. And... I love Joan Blondell- Many may know her from the movie "Grease" but, her career spanned over fify years. She once did 32 pictures in 27 months!! She gave an interesting, blunt, and insightful interview, as well. The ‘Conversations’ section differs slightly from in the interview segment, the main difference being that Maltin’s subjects were given more latitude, and the answers were much lengthier with many more interesting details, opinions and impressions. Other interesting conversations for me were from people whose names I did not recognize. I was not familiar with Madge Evans or Peggy Webber ,but found their careers and interviews very intriguing. As it turns out Peggy’s career was quite long, as she ‘looped’ and ‘dubbed’ for many films. But, perhaps the most interesting part of the book is the section about RKO Studios. RKO stopped making movies in the 1950’s, and as Maltin says- the corporate name lived on, but it was in many respects the ‘forgotten’ studio. But, RKO studio had some real blockbusters back in its prime- like ‘King Kong” for example. But, here, Maltin takes a closer look at some lesser known gems- some of which even the most avid film buff may not be aware of, or if they are, wouldn’t know half of the information Maltin as provided for us here. The pre-code gems were a fantastic addition to the list. I’ve seen some pre-code media and it’s amazing what was allowed on film- especially for those of us who have always lived under the strict ratings system we have today. To tell the truth, I’ve long ago given up on the movie industry, but the rest of my family are avid movie fans. For me, the older movies are the only ones I will spare time for. Old Hollywood has always been fascinating to me, and I tend to gravitate towards books, fiction or non-fiction, that explore that era of time. This book, then, was very fun for me, and I discovered many movies I had not heard of, learned many interesting facts about actors and actresses I was aware of, and of course a few I was unfamiliar with. The book is well organized and packed with a wealth of little -known facts and frank conversations, which may also make it appealing to those who enjoy history, pop culture, nostalgia, or to those who thrive on trivia. This book can be read straight through, but I enjoyed picking up between reads and savoring it a little at a time. This is a book I will keep as a reference from time to time, or to simply reminisce. I love books like this one. It appeals to my love of history, old Hollywood, and my ever -increasing fascination with anything off the beaten path or obscure, lost or forgotten. Maltin’s first -hand experience adds that special added touch of magic, and even feels a little poignant, as well. 4.5 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 16, 2018
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Jul 17, 2018
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Jun 09, 2018
| Kindle Edition
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| B076B17NZP
| 4.18
| 6,138
| May 15, 2018
| May 15, 2018
|
it was amazing
|
Robin by Dave Itzkoff is a 2018 Henry Holt and Co. Publication. After Robin Williams passed away, my daughter turned to me and said, “I grew up with R Robin by Dave Itzkoff is a 2018 Henry Holt and Co. Publication. After Robin Williams passed away, my daughter turned to me and said, “I grew up with Robin Williams”. After a moment, I realized that in many ways, so had I. I was in my mid-teens when Robin burst onto the scene in that iconic episode of ‘Happy Days’ which led to ‘Mork & Mindy’. I loved that show and found Robin to be a fresh comedic talent who could pull off what appeared to be completely spontaneous dialogue and accompanied by high energy physical comedy. From that time forward I was a huge fan. I loved his stand -up routines and his movies. For my daughter it was ‘Hook, then ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’, then as she got older, ‘Dead Poet’s Society’ and ‘Good Will Hunting', while I loved ‘Good Morning, Vietnam' and 'The Fisher King'. While I seldom over react to a celebrity death, Robin’s hit me hard. I was so shocked I’m not sure I ever really processed it outside of the grim aftermath, as lurid details emerged, and social media passed its harsh judgments. Even though four years have passed, and much has happened in that time, I still feel a jolt of pain when I think of him. I wouldn’t want to read just any old ‘rushed to publication’ book written about him and I’m sure there have been a few hastily thrown together ‘cash grabs” which quickly faded into obscurity. This book, however, is professionally done, well- organized, insightful, informative, often very entertaining, and course poignant look back at the life and career of the one and only Robin Williams. I personally had no knowledge of Robin’s upbringing and was surprised by his childhood. I could relate in some ways as my father moved his family around nearly as frequently as Robin’s did. I understood how isolating it can be, no matter what your personality type, to start over in a new town, in a new school, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, and once again face the enormous task of making new friends and trying to fit in. The beginning of Robin’s career was somewhat familiar to me, but I had forgotten a lot of the ups and downs in those early days. The drugs, alcohol, the sudden and intense success, followed by career fits and starts, with spurts of wide recognition followed by incredibly harsh critical bashing. As a regular follower of Robin’s career, I began to recall much of the ground the author covered, but as far as Robin’s personal life went, I wasn’t all that knowledgeable. I knew he had problems with drugs, that Belushi’s death scared him straight, that Robin had been married and divorced, then remarried and had several children, but I was mostly in the dark when about the details behind his marriages and relationships with colleagues and friends. The thing about this biography, that really stands out, is that it gives the reader a clearer picture of the man behind the frenetic comedy. Robin's fears, his goals, his hopes, and the demons that plagued him, how he made it all look spontaneous and easy. But, in reality, it was much harder to pull off than anyone ever knew. I was struck by how harsh the movie critics could be, bordering on downright nastiness. Still, while Robin certainly made his share of sub-par films, overall his body of work is pretty solid, and I have to say, I thought that his improvisations often saved otherwise dull roles, that may have fallen flat if not for Robin’s putting his personal stamp on it. Of course, it backfired on him more than a few times, rather spectacularly. But, as harsh as the critics could be, the public often overrode their skepticism, making Robin's movie box office gold, time and time again. I really enjoyed looking back on Robin’s career, reminiscing about some of his great roles, his hilarious jokes, and his energy. His personal life is fraught with as many ups and downs as his career, suffering with health problems and substance abuse issues. His battles with alcohol eventually broke up his long- time marriage to a woman who stabilized him in a way most others never could. The concerns about Robin’s third marriage didn’t feel one hundred percent balanced and may have been the only place in the book where the author’s personal opinion was made evident. Nothing wrong with being independent or having a life which is not defined by your husband’s career. The subsequent estate disputes also painted her in a bad light, but I’m not sure the author approached these events in an entirely subjective manner. The mystery surrounding Robin’s health in the last years of his life is just plain frustrating. His diagnosis, which may not have been the right one, only makes his suffering more poignant. What he was thinking is hard to discern. Some think he was very aware of what he was doing, while others think he was under the influence of the illness, which despite not knowing him personally, I agree with the latter. Looking at his life up that point, the trials he faced and the odds he overcame, I can’t help but think he was not himself at all at the time. Reading about Robin’s struggles with his mind was utterly heartbreaking. By the end of the book as we relived Robin’s final days, once again, I was struck by the tremendous loss of talent. I swallowed down a huge and painful lump in my throat, as the impact his death had on the world of entertainment finally sank in. But, that is nothing compared to the loss his family and friends endured, the pain seeping through the pages as they coped not only with the loss, the manner of death, but with the court of public opinion. The days after being no less stressful, but with the help and support of friends and family, the way to healing was launched. Following the brave example of his children, we can all look back on Robin’s life and career and remember him in the way he would want us to. Remember his compassion, the light he brought to those in need, the endless laughter, and hours of joy and entertainment he provided us with over the course of his life… and ours. Personal note: The audio version of this book is very well done. If you have a chance to add it, it is worth it ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 23, 2018
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Aug 05, 2018
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Jun 02, 2018
| Kindle Edition
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| B07778XGB6
| 4.01
| 69
| unknown
| Apr 10, 2018
|
it was amazing
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Turnip Greens & Tortillas by Eddie Hernandez and Susan Puckett is a 2018 Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publication. I was growing turnip g Turnip Greens & Tortillas by Eddie Hernandez and Susan Puckett is a 2018 Rux Martin/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt publication. I was growing turnip greens in my summer garden and of course I’m always looking for fresh ideas on how to prepare them. But, when I saw this cookbook I did a double take. Turnip greens and tortillas? As it turns out there is a really funny story about how this author was introduced to turnip greens and the creative way he decided to cook them- Mexican style. His idea was a huge hit and he’s been giving southern foods a Mexican flair ever since. I spent my formative years in the deep south, then lived in various places until I eventually settled down in Texas, where Mexican food is very, very popular. So, the idea of combining traditional southern foods with traditional Mexican foods isn’t all that far -fetched of an idea. In fact, I'm wondering why we haven't been doing this all along!! But, while there are many hybrid dishes, I seldom see anyone stray too far off course, especially in restaurants. Many people get hung up on traditions, refusing to modify a beloved recipe or dish. But, by marrying some foods together could start a whole new tradition, plus it’s fun to experiment! Eddie is a guy after my own heart. He’s not afraid to take chances and is very creative with his food. But, he’s also very down to earth. He doesn’t use a lot of exotic ingredients, likes to keep things affordable, and even incorporates homegrown foods into his recipes. This is comfort food, Mexican style. The cookbook is organized by all the usual categories we expect to find. There is a very large section of breakfast recipes, dips, tacos, soups, salsas, desserts and beverages. My favorite section though was Eddie’s Blue Plate Lunches and Special Suppers. Living in Texas, BBQ is a big deal too, and I know I’m going to love trying out Eddie’s BBQ sauces and recipes. I love it when a chef steps outside the box! There’s nothing wrong with sticking with the traditional preparations of the southern or Mexican foods you love, but it’s also great to try out variations on those recipes. By expanding these recipes, food can play a part in blending cultures and bringing people together by sharing great food with good company. Eddie’s respect for both Southern and Mexican cuisine has paid off for him. This cookbook is a fine example of the many creations he’s invented, his culinary imaginations apparently knowing no bounds. There are so many new recipes in the book I never would have thought to try out, so now I have many fresh and exciting dishes to try out! Should be a lot of fun! ...more | Notes are private!
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2
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Aug 10, 2018
Aug 07, 2018
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Aug 10, 2018
Aug 08, 2018
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May 28, 2018
| Kindle Edition
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| B078GQMM5J
| 3.49
| 156
| Mar 07, 2018
| Mar 08, 2018
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really liked it
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MI5 and Me: A Coronet Among the Spooks by Charlotte Bingham is a 2018 Bloomsbury publication. Charlotte Bingham returns with another installment in he MI5 and Me: A Coronet Among the Spooks by Charlotte Bingham is a 2018 Bloomsbury publication. Charlotte Bingham returns with another installment in her riotously funny memoirs- Charlotte starts things off by sharing with readers how she found out her father was a secret agent with MI5. For those who may not be familiar with Charlotte’s background, her father was John Bingham, the 7th Baron of Clanmorris, and wrote detective novels. It is widely believed that John Le Carre patterned his character ‘George Smiley’ after Bingham. After rather casually dropping his bombshell on eighteen- year- old Charlotte, he follows this up with the announcement that it is time for his daughter to get a job, and to that end, he has gotten her an interview at the MI5 offices, to work as a secretary. This book chronicles Charlotte’s experiences working for MI5 and the world of espionage in the fifties and sixties, while the ‘war office’ keeps Britain safe from communists- perhaps taking themselves too seriously at times. The ‘lobster’ story is one for the ages and kept me on the edge of my chair. Charlotte paints a zany characterization of her work life, and as with her previous memoirs, she has a way of pointing out absurdities and having a bit of fun with them. Her home life is every bit as enthralling as her work life. Her mother laments being on the fringes of the spy game, wishing her daughter wasn’t ‘one of them’, while actors come and go from the home, lured into a schemes to trick communist investors. Charlotte’s writing style has changed over the years, of course. This book is much more stylish, but I must confess, I kind of miss those, ‘no really’ sentences. With something like forty novels under her belt, Charlotte's style may have matured, but the zaniness is still front and center. Satire, or memory lane? Maybe a bit of both? Despite the subject matter, don’t expect a reverent or serious tone. This homage to the spy game, her father, and MI5, is related to the reader with plenty of wit, putting her own deliciously sly spin on things, and leaving the reader pondering on just how much insider knowledge they came away- if any. I highly recommend this one to anyone who followed Charlotte's illustrious career as a writer, to anyone who enjoys humorous memoirs, or if you like books about cold war spies told with a fanciful flourish. I am so happy I discovered Charlotte Bingham. She is an author that should have been on my radar years ago, but, somehow, I missed out her historical fiction. However, I intend to remedy that ASAP!! I'm also in search of the detective novels her father wrote- should be fun!! 4 stars Personal note: If you have Kindle Unlimited- check out Charlotte's first two installments in the 'Coronet" memoirs. They are short, written back when she was quite young, but they were still very funny and will give you a taste of Charlotte's background before starting this book- although it is NOT necessary to read them to enjoy this segment of Charlotte's memoirs. I just thought it was a fun thing to do and it did enhance my enjoyment of this book to some extent, having a better understanding of the author's humor, in advance. ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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May 30, 2018
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Jun 11, 2018
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May 18, 2018
| Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 161039691X
| 9781610396912
| 4.03
| 1,565
| Feb 27, 2018
| Feb 27, 2018
|
really liked it
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The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist: A True Story of Injustice in the American South by Radley Balko and Tucker Carrington is a 2018 Public Affai
The Cadaver King and the Country Dentist: A True Story of Injustice in the American South by Radley Balko and Tucker Carrington is a 2018 Public Affairs publication. “The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it”- Flannery O’Connor This book is shocking me, yet, it doesn’t shock me. I know our system has its flaws, that each state has their own peculiar laws and that corruption reigns supreme everywhere. I’ve been reading about the wrongfully convicted since the early eighties when I picked up a book entitled “A Death in Canaan”, which chronicles the incredible story of Peter Reilly who was wrongfully convicted of murdering his mother. Since that time, I’ve followed other cases, such as Timothy Masters, who was convicted based on a fantasy drawing he sketched as a teenager, and the notorious case of the West Memphis Three. Now, Netflix’s “Making a Murderer” has catapulted wrongful convictions in the national spotlight turning such stories into a craze. “Just as a cockroach scurrying across a kitchen floor at night invariably proves the presence of thousands unseen, these cases leave little room for doubt that innocent men, at unknown and terrible moments in our history, have gone unexonerated and been sent baselessly to their deaths” Unfortunately, these situations are entirely too common- almost reaching epidemic proportions and often do not get the press like the aforementioned cases garnered. This book highlights a shocking amount in wrongful convictions in the state of Mississippi. While we generally hear the details once a long overdue exoneration occurs, such as when DNA evidence coming to light, we rarely get the full picture, and if you aren’t a resident of Mississippi, or a fan of true crime programming where this case might pop up on your radar, you probably never even heard of these cases, much less the incredible circumstances that sent two innocent men to prison for decades. I strongly urge you to read this eye opening, incredulous saga which exposed Steven Hayne, a prolific performer of autopsies- the amount of which is mind-boggling, and his partner in crime-Michael West- a dentist who claimed to be an expert in bite mark forensics. However, the question really is- How did these two men manage to get away with their treachery for so long? The criminal justice system in Mississippi will leave you slack jawed. What’s worse, it that no one with the ability to expose the cracks, or plug the holes, seems to care. It's like they prefer it this way. It’s appalling! The book focuses primarily on the cases of Levon Brooks and Kennedy Brewer, who were each wrongfully convicted of murdering three- year old girls, in separate cases. Both Hayne and West helped put the men behind bars, tag teaming at the trial by testifying about the discovery of a bite mark found after the body was submerged in water for over twenty-four hours, in one case. !!! Really? Yep. The judge allowed it and jury believed it. Readers are also given a lesson on what is viable DNA and forensic evidence. This was a real eye-opener for me- and I even felt a little abashed after reading the margin of error in ‘pattern matching’ forensics. A judge, remember, allowed this evidence in at trial, and while there some insinuation that the jurors should have balked at the testimony of West and Hayne, I’m afraid most of us would have believed the ‘expert witnesses’, especially after having been exposed to this type of information on numerous crime shows and in plenty of crime fiction, which is passed off as fact, with zero margin for errors, when in truth they are subjective. Most people naively believe in the justice system, and as such, gave these men the benefit of the doubt- especially since they probably didn’t know how much they were being paid for their testimony. “Recent investigations, exonerations, and studies have also revealed scientific shortcomings in ballistics comparison, tire tread analysis, shoe print analysis, handwriting analysis, and even fingerprint matching. Shaken Baby Syndrome has come under scrutiny. Drug field test kits have been shown to have scandalously high rates of false positives, as have drug-sniffing dogs and dogs used to identify suspects based on scents taken from clothes or from the air.” This book is quite informative, but if you suffer from high blood pressure, you may want to digest it in small doses because it is absolutely infuriating. It is also a good idea to read it in increments due to the subject matter, and the volume of information one must digest. I found my eyes crossing on a few occasions, as the book did grow tedious in spots and wasn't always he most exciting material,since it was very fact driven, and not written in the 'true crime novel", format, so it could be pretty dry reading. I don't know if there was a way to jazz up the presentation, really, but it did seem to drag on at times. I read other books in between, and found it very easy to pick up where I left off, but it did take a while to get through it. That being said, I can not even begin to imagine spending eighteen years of my life in prison for a crime I did not commit- or being sent to death row!! My stomach was in knots thinking about the flaws in forensics, the corruption, outright lies, bribes, and of course the enormous role poverty and race plays in getting a proper defense. Thank goodness for The Innocence Project and for books like this one that will perhaps educate the public so that we will exercise our critical thinking skills more often, especially if you ever find yourself serving on a jury. This book will certainly give readers a great deal to think about, and maybe even send a few shivers down your spine. The very idea that there are more people out there like Hayne and West should give you more than a few restless nights. 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
| none
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1
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Jul 2018
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Jul 10, 2018
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Apr 19, 2018
| Hardcover
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| 1416571221
| 9781416571223
| 3.96
| 1,466
| Apr 14, 2009
| Apr 14, 2009
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really liked it
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Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendell- The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels is a 2009 Touchstone publication. I don’t know how I missed this boo Beyond Heaving Bosoms by Sarah Wendell- The Smart Bitches Guide to Romance Novels is a 2009 Touchstone publication. I don’t know how I missed this book when it was first published, but I did. My sweet and thoughtful, DH, got me a subscription to Scribd for Mother’s Day, and since then I’ve been like a kid in a candy store. As I scrolled through all the books available, I noticed this one, and because I was already in a pretty defensive mood that day, I added it to my TBR pile. Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, in case you are unfamiliar, is a website that is well known in the romance community- (Here is a link to their website- http://smartbitchestrashybooks.com/) During my teen years I was more apt to read Stephen King or Dean Koontz than romance. I was a late bloomer to the genre, but once I discovered romance novels, I never really felt like I had to hide my reading material, nor did I experience any feelings of embarrassment, much less shame, for reading romance novels. I was never one to read one genre, and only one genre, having always read a healthy dose of mystery/suspense material, most of my life, and have since discovered many more genres and subgenres I indulge in frequently. In the mid-eighties, I quit work to be a stay at home mom. Six years later, I rejoined the workforce. It was then that I discovered any mention of romance- whether it was movies or books, was severely frowned upon. (Funny, though, with so many songs based on love and angst and heartbreak, no one seemed offended by that, in the least) The basis for such a low opinion of the romance genre was…. wait for it…. Smart women don’t read romance novels. Ha! “First, there’s the fantasy element. Women are not dumb. We know we’re reading fiction, so, the supposition that we’re not able to separate fantasy from reality and that we’d tolerate in reality what we enjoy in fantasy is somewhat insulting.” (Actually, I find it monumentally insulting. Please tell me that you didn’t REALLY expect a billionaire prince to swoop in, marry you, take you away to his mansion, where you will have beautiful babies together, and live Happily Ever After, in the lap of luxury- because if you did, I’m not the one you need to worry about.) I was given the impression that as a mature woman, a full -fledged, card carrying, flag waving, feminist, employed in a managerial position, that it was time to put aside childish fairytales and read something far more suitable. Misogynist fantasy was fine- as was double standards in mystery or thrillers- just so long as it wasn’t labeled as romance- you were good to go) As a result, I succumbed to the pressure. The only romance I read was in the form of romantic suspense, because it was also considered a mystery, which gave me an out- or an excuse. But, after I retired, I once again began to seriously pursue my hobby of collecting vintage paperbacks, which is how I became reacquainted with romance novels. One day I came across stash of Betty Neels and Penny Jordan romance novels, and they reminded me of when I was a frazzled mother of two small children, finding a much -needed reprieve within the pages of a ‘Harlequin Presents’ novel- they were short, easy to read, packed with glamour, and romance- a far cry diaper duty and smashed peas all over the kitchen floor! I loved the conflict, the drama, the sexy times, and let’s not forget the happily ever after. It’s a rule! I remembered those long tomes, too- the sagas that stretched over several books, featuring one heroine in each installment- or her offspring. Some of those books were genuine bodice rippers- I’m mainly thinking of Rosemary Rogers, here- and maybe Bertrice Small. But, not all the books with those torrid covers are bodice rippers- like the Zebra line- which only LOOKED like they might be bodice rippers. (although if you read one of them that were published back in the eighties or nineties- there probably are some politically incorrect passages) Those types of books were WILDLY popular, beginning in the mid-seventies- all the way through the first part of the nineties. They literally changed the romance genre, including explicit sex scenes, never before featured in novels for women, which eventually, like it or not, morphed into the type of romance novels enjoyed by millions of women today. However, those very same groundbreaking novels contributed to the backlash, the misconceptions, and bad reputation romances novels often endure, now more than ever, it seems. Once I started reading current romance again, I found the genre had gone through some pretty big changes- mostly for the better, but not without issues. While this book is dated to some extent, since it predates the explosion of erotic and erotica that was ushered in with Fifty Shades of Grey, it still gives romance readers a bit of history that explains the psychology behind the books, why we love them, why and how they obtained a bad rep, and so forth. It’s a guide for those unfamiliar with the romance genre, and will certainly explain things, is quite enlightening, and could lead to some heated debate, but it will also put you in your place if you have an ‘attitude’. But, mainly it’s a gift for the avid romance reader who will ‘get’ it on so many levels. However, lovers of romance are not let off the hook easily by the authors and will get a talking to on a few occasions, as well. But, mostly, this book is written in a highly entertaining and comedic way that was hysterically funny, and allows romance lovers to laugh at themselves, admit there are some issues that need to be addressed and fixed, and not to take all the criticism to heart. If you haven’t read it, I promise you’ll laugh out loud all the way through it. Although, the genre is ever changing, with trends and tropes coming and going, this ten -year old book, showing a few signs of age, is still one I highly recommend, if for no other reason, than to view the history of romance and get a glimpse into the psychology behind it, which might give you a better understanding of why it is so incredibly popular, despite the bad reputation. I got a real kick out of it, but mostly it validated me again, after suffering through an identity crisis of sorts with romance novels in past couple of years. I felt vindicated and then some- so I’m relieved to have discovered this book, even if I was a little late to the party. In the spirit of every great romance novel ever written- May we all live Happily Ever After" 4 stars ...more | Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 19, 2018
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Jun 20, 2018
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Apr 19, 2018
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| 4.32
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it was amazing
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May 21, 2019
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May 15, 2019
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| 4.20
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really liked it
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May 05, 2019
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May 04, 2019
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| 3.95
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really liked it
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Apr 26, 2019
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Apr 13, 2019
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| 4.15
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really liked it
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Apr 28, 2019
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Mar 31, 2019
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| 4.27
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really liked it
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Apr 06, 2019
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Mar 28, 2019
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| 3.23
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liked it
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Apr 07, 2019
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Mar 24, 2019
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| 4.00
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really liked it
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May 10, 2019
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Mar 23, 2019
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| 4.48
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it was amazing
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Apr 15, 2019
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Mar 10, 2019
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| 3.46
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not set
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Jan 11, 2019
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| 3.79
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really liked it
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Feb 02, 2019
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Dec 18, 2018
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| 3.43
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really liked it
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Nov 23, 2018
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Nov 13, 2018
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| 3.91
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really liked it
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Nov 18, 2018
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Nov 11, 2018
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| 3.99
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really liked it
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Dec 14, 2018
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Oct 27, 2018
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| 3.48
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really liked it
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Oct 17, 2018
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Oct 07, 2018
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| 4.15
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it was amazing
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Sep 28, 2018
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Sep 24, 2018
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| 4.00
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really liked it
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Oct 19, 2018
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Sep 23, 2018
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| 3.64
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really liked it
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Oct 26, 2018
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Sep 22, 2018
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| 4.01
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really liked it
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Sep 18, 2018
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Sep 11, 2018
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| 3.65
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really liked it
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Aug 31, 2018
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Aug 26, 2018
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| 3.96
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really liked it
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Oct 17, 2018
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Aug 25, 2018
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| 3.52
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liked it
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not set
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Aug 12, 2018
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| 3.56
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liked it
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Jul 13, 2018
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Jul 13, 2018
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| 4.33
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it was amazing
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Jun 16, 2018
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Jun 14, 2018
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| 4.00
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it was amazing
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Jun 18, 2019
|
Jun 09, 2018
| |||||
|
| 3.43
|
it was amazing
|
Jul 17, 2018
|
Jun 09, 2018
| |||||
|
| 4.18
|
it was amazing
|
Aug 05, 2018
|
Jun 02, 2018
| |||||
|
| 4.01
|
it was amazing
|
Aug 10, 2018
Aug 08, 2018
|
May 28, 2018
| |||||
|
| 3.49
|
really liked it
|
Jun 11, 2018
|
May 18, 2018
| |||||
|
| 4.03
|
really liked it
|
Jul 10, 2018
|
Apr 19, 2018
| |||||
|
| 3.96
|
really liked it
|
Jun 20, 2018
|
Apr 19, 2018
|
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