Memoirs and Biographies We Love discussion
What'cha readin'?
Chrissie wrote: "Michael, which did you prefer?"Huntford
Michael wrote: "Chrissie wrote: "Michael, which did you prefer?"Huntford"
Thanks. I am enjoying Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage. It is good medicine for whiners.
I have completed "Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage" by Alfred Lansing. (The button doesn't work!)My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Talk about exciting!
Will soon start Zeitoun because I want to try a book by the author Dave Eggers.
Both are non-fiction and biographical.
I started Zeitoun, having been told it was non-fiction. Is it? Look at this: http://www.edrants.com/dave-eggers-na...
Kim N - Lost-In-A-Book wrote: ""Dean and Me" and "Gracie" are memoirs that I really want to read - must add them to my wish list :-)"I listened to Dean and Me: A Love Story last year and really enjoyed it. Dick Van Dyke has a memoir out that i listened to around the same time which you might also like.
After reading Zeitoun I need something lighter. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I will start English Creek by one of my favorite good old tried-and-true authors - Ivan Doig. This comes before "Dancing at the Rascal Fair", which I loved. They do not really have to be read in order.
Chrissie wrote: "After reading Zeitoun I need something lighter. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I will start English Creek by one of my favorite good old tried-and-true authors - I..."
I loved that Doig series, Chrissie. And his The Eleventh Man. I have The Whistling Season Ivan Doig waiting for me.
Jennifer wrote: "Kim N - Lost-In-A-Book wrote: ""Dean and Me" and "Gracie" are memoirs that I really want to read - must add them to my wish list :-)"I listened to Dean and Me: A Love Story last year and really e..."
Oh yes, I want to read Dick Van Dyke's memoir too. We are big fans of his as well!
Jennifer, "The Whistling Season" is excellent! I wish GR would fix the link button! If you like,"The Whistling Season" go on to "Work Song". Morrie the teacher is in both. So "The Eleventh Man" is good? That one seems quite different from the good old Montana books. What was special about that one. I wish I could get my hands on "Work Song".I have begun "English Creek" and in the first chapter I have laughed and laughed. The dinner conversation, when Alex says he is going to get married, was just marvelous. Funny!
I found English Creek even better than Dancing at the Rascal FairReview: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Then I continued on with Ellis Peters's fabulous Cadfael series.
Monk's Hood
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
followed by
The Virgin in the Ice
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I tried to download from Downpour A Constellation of Vital Phenomena, but it failed, so I will read Fever first..... while they fix the problem.
Chrissie wrote: "Jennifer, "The Whistling Season" is excellent! I wish GR would fix the link button! If you like,"The Whistling Season" go on to "Work Song". Morrie the teacher is in both. So "The Eleventh Man" is ..."It is different from the good old Montana books, in the sense that the characters came from there but much of what happens to them occurs elsewhere. Comes full circle, though.
Jennifer, have you readThis House of Sky: Landscapes of a Western Mind, which is biographical? It is good! I just found out that Heart Earth is a prequel to that, so I must read that too! Thanks for explaining about The Eleventh Man.
I just finished Geisha, A Life and enjoyed it very much. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Bitter Memories by Sue Julsen. This is an autobiography from her early years when her father apparently kidnapped her. I have only just started my read so can not tell you more. This is an e-book although I understand a publisher has now signed Sue onto their books. If you would like to have a look the following link should take you to the book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BBSUF6
I really liked Fever. Good from start to finish! Think if all historical fiction was this good. Excellent narration too.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I will start A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. By my definition this too is historical fiction, even though it describes events not yet fifty years in the past. Will it be as good?
I finishedA Constellation of Vital Phenomena, which so many like....except me, it seems. I explain why in my review:http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have begun Americanah, because I have liked other books by the author. Set in Nigeria primarily.
Tricky isn't it, when popular authors come out with new books?! Will they be as good as the ones we have loved. I finished Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Who hasn't read Half of a Yellow Sun? Just about everybody. For me that was a five star book.
And who hasn't read either The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini?! They are both must reads. Now I have begun his newest: And the Mountains Echoed.
I am listening to the audiobook.
I have completed And the Mountains EchoedMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I need a non-fiction book. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. If I like it, I will be happy b/c it is the first of a trilogy. Will it be as good as Mornings on Horseback?
I have finished Marco Polo: From Venice to XanaduMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now I will start One Fourteenth Of An Elephant. Learning more about the Burma-Thailand Railway is fascinating, and of course gripping. It being a biography draws me.
From the introduction this looks like a discussion I need. First, I would like to thank those who took advantage of me book promotion last Thursday and Friday 13th and 14th June 2013 to download a free copy of my autobiography 'What a Life! An Autobiography'.
If you have time I really would like to know what you think of it. I would welcome HONEST reviews, comments or observations, even if negative, upon the overall story and the presentation style. I am aware there are some textual, punctuation and grammar errors and that parts require rephrasing/rewording; a revision is being worked upon. Nevertheless, your observations will be very welcome.
You may find details of the book on my blog at: http://tanyarobinson100.blogspot.com
For the book itself you may go to http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADYWS76
If you have time I really would like to know what you think of it. I would welcome HONEST reviews, comments or observations, even if negative, upon the overall story and the presentation style. I am aware there are some textual, punctuation and grammar errors and that parts require rephrasing/rewording; a revision is being worked upon. Nevertheless, your observations will be very welcome.
You may find details of the book on my blog at: http://tanyarobinson100.blogspot.com
For the book itself you may go to http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ADYWS76
I have completed The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. If you have any interests at all in books on Theodore Roosevelt, read this one. History and people can in fact be amusing to read. Some of the stuff this whirlwind of a guy did!!!!!My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
And now I will read TransAtlantic by my favorite author Colum McCann!
Then I will go and buy the next of the trilogy about Theodore: Theodore Rex
I completed One Fourteenth Of An ElephantMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
A difficult read, but if you want to know about the Burma-Thailand Railway read this. The author was there. He survived.
Now I will begin The Hidden Will of the Dragon, because the first part was fun. I want to finish the story. It is about the infamous Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. I am not sure at all how much of this story is true.... but there is an author's note at the end that will explain. My review of Dandelions in the Garden explains why I want to follow up with the second: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Just started Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls .I didn't realize this is actually based on the life story of her grandmother. So far, I am really enjoying the book.
Michael, have you read her first book - The Glass Castle. I liked it a lot. I have been wondering whether I should pick up Half Broke Horses. Generally on says that it is not as good as her first book. What do you like abut it?
Chrissie wrote: "Michael, have you read her first book - The Glass Castle. I liked it a lot. I have been wondering whether I should pick up Half Broke Horses. Generally on says that it is not as good as her first ..."I like her pacing; I like reading about an area I once lived in; I like stories of women who defy the mores of their time to accomplish things they weren't supposed to do.
I will probably go back and read The Glass Castle.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good biography of Jimmy Hoffa?
Just finished TransAtlantic. McCann can do no wrong. I loved it. Predominantly set in Ireland.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Will now continue with Edmund Morris' trilogy on Teddy Roosevelt. I loved The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt. Will now read the second Theodore Rex, about his presidency. :0)
Finished the second of the trilogy by Edmund Morris on Theodore Roosevelt: Theodore Rex.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I will now continue on to the third volume: Colonel Roosevelt
Would I do that if I were not impressed? The above are audiobooks.
I gave up on The Hidden Will of the Dragon and moved on to Innocent Traitor. Both paper books.
I have finished Innocent Traitor.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Before I forget what I have learned about the Tudor family, I will continue with The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers.
I am new to this group and happy to join this discussion. A friend of mine gave me an advance copy of True North: The Shocking Truth About Yours, Mine and Ours. She knew I have always loved the old movie with Lucille Ball and she thought I would find this book interesting. At first, I was shocked to find out that the true story of this family was quite the opposite than was portrayed in the movie. But as I am reading, I am very moved by the courage of the author to share his story as well as his journey toward healing.Coming from an abusive family in the 1960s myself, this book is proving to be both cathartic and inspirational! Guess those "perfect families" I grew up watching and envying were actually in the same boat as me...hmmmmmm
http://truenorthbytomnorth.com
Elizabeth wrote: "Elizabeth wrote: "I finished 920 O'Farrell Street: A Jewish Girlhood in Old San Francisco by Harriet Levy and am starting Shadow of the Almighty: The Life and Testament of Jim Elliot by Elisabeth E..."Yes, this book moved me to tears many times...there just aren't enough stories like this one available.
I can highly recommend Edmund Morris' trilogy on Theodore Roosevelt. I have just finished the last: Colonel RooseveltMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I have begun and am immediately impressed with Susan Fromberg Schaeffer style of writing. I had read Anya and wanted to read another, so I chose Buffalo Afternoon, having heard that it was impressive and had won prizes. It is the writing and not the topic that draws me. So far I am very satisfied. I see the rice paddies before me.
I have dumped The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers after reading almost 200 of 900 some pages. This was not for me! My review explains why: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...Now I have moved on to Strumpet City. It is set in Dublin during the Lockout of 1913, and it is historical fiction.
I have also finished Buffalo Afternoon. I recommend it to those of you interested in Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War!
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
The audiobook narration was fantastic!
I will tomorrow begin the audiobook: The Guns of August, narrated by John Lee! :0)
I just started reading Loose Girl. Has anyone else read this? If so, what did you think of it?
I just finished: The Guns of August. I rad the audiobook format.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Anybody who says this is easy to do is ......well, bending the truth!
Now I need something easy, and I hope captivating. I will soon start: Cold Sassy Tree. I have heard it is similar to To Kill a Mockingbird. Can it compare?
Done with Loose Girls& I'm now reading Home by Julie Andrews. How is Cold Sassy Tree?
Kelly, I have just begun it, so I don't dare say anything yet.
Chrissie wrote: "I just finished: The Guns of August. I rad the audiobook format.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Anybody who says this is easy to do is ......well, bending the truth!
Now..."
I did not see much similarity between those two books.
Lisa, I am not seeing this at all either! Definitely prefer Harper Lee's.
I finished Cold Sassy Tree.My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now something with a little substance, something to bite into: Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood Memoir. A memoir about the Kenyan writer's childhood. I am curious to know more about the Mau Mau Rebellion.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" was an all-time classic. Right now I'm taking a break from "Don Quixote" to read a Molly Murphy mystery. They don't take much brain power to read, but they get an A for making me laugh.
Lisa, Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird was some great book! I read it years and years ago when I was a kid and loved it. I read it few years back to see if it still worked. YES, it did. I loved it even more.
I have enjoyed Dreams in a Time of War: A Childhood MemoirMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/67...
This is about growing up in a polygamous family in Kenya during the 40s and 50s, i.e. during the Mau Mau Rebellion.
On to Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain. About Japan, the Akita breed and choices. What kind of life do you want to live? Money and prestige or something else....
I really enjoyed Dog Man: An Uncommon Life on a Faraway Mountain. My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Don' think this is just about the Akita breed.
Now I will begin Einstein: His Life and Universe, because I like the author and am curious about the man. I am not sure I will understand all the science though.
Michael wrote: "Hi, I'm Micky. I try to read at least three biographies or memoirs a year. I will read about anything, but my book list is heavy with American Revolution War, 20th Century Ireland, and polar expe..."Would you be willing to share some of the titles of biographies on 20th century Ireland that you enjoyed? Would be much appreciated as I'm working on a book list for my Memoir/biography Club.
Finished Strumpet CityMy review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
I thought I would move on from the 1913 Lockout to the 1916 Easter Rebellion. 1916: A Novel of the Irish Rebellion starts with the sinking of the Titanic. This is the first of a series about Irish Independence.
Memoirs and Biographies We Love
Books mentioned in this topic
Farmer Boy (other topics)The Girl Who Ran Away (other topics)
Without Precedent: Chief Justice John Marshall and His Times (other topics)
The Road to Little Dribbling: Adventures of an American in Britain (other topics)
James Dean: Little Boy Lost - An Intimate Biography (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
H. Alan Day (other topics)Mark Twain (other topics)
Michael Ondaatje (other topics)
Wendell Berry (other topics)
Edmund Morris (other topics)
More...
My review: http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
Now, since I so loved learning about the Mongols in Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, I have picked up Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu.