What Is the Story of Scooby-Doo?

 What Is the Story of Scooby-Doo? was a book I found while trying to decide what to read for the prompt to read a book based on a screen show that you haven't read previously.  I realized I had watched plenty of Scooby Doo episodes and movies so this would meet that requirement.  I actually really enjoyed reading about the history of the character and the different evolutions of the program.  It was a fun trip down memory lane.  I highly recommend this book for any Scooby Doo lovers out there.

What Is the Story of Scooby-Doo? by M.D. Payne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great info for any Scooby-Doo lover out there

This book was full of fun and interesting information about a Scooby-Doo and the gang. I learned a bunch of stuff I didn’t know and the book brought back lots of memories

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #41
2. What an Animal Book #28
3. Non Fiction Reader  #ReadNonFicChal    #7  Reference
4. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  #39 A middle-grade novel
5. Beat the Backlist #BTB2022  #37 reading for research, reference, or general interest
6. Bookworm #55 Read a book that has a title in the form of a question
7. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #5  Read a book based on a tv series or movie adaptation 
8. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2022 #5 mystery or middle grade
9. Diversify your reading #DYRC22  May: History & Biography
10. While I was Reading  #1 A book with a question in the title.

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

 The Man Who Loved Books Too Much is a non fiction work by Allison Hoover Bartlett.  The biography focuses the criminal life of John Gilkey but is more in depth than just the factual recounting of his crime spree.  Bartlett immerses herself in the Book Collection community while doing the background work for the book. She attends expos and really attempts to understand what drives collectors in their passionate pursuit of printed texts.  Bartlett discusses the psychological drive behind many of the collectors behaviors and how it is almost an obsession for some.  Others collect things that have a specific attachment or attraction to- books falling into a similar category.   She talks about her own connections with books and the memories they evoke.  

At the center of the book is her interaction with and in depth interviews of Gilkey.   She attempts to analyze his motivations and his rationale for his behaviors.  It is amazing how much Gilkey is able to justify his behavior and to never truly acknowledge what he has done is wrong.  It made me think of the cases where they interview people after they have ransacked and stolen things from retailers, saying its ok because they are big companies and insurance pays for it.  This thinking is a shallow and unconscionable attitude that belies a victim mentality or a self serving attitude that they are justified in breaking the law.  Robin Hood mentality is not an excuse to commit crimes and this book gives a glimpse into the thought process of someone who believes it is.  

While the book does read like a novel at times, I did not find it as compelling and engaging as Bad Blood  (Goodreads review) .  This book definitely read more like a non fiction work than a fiction one but was still very interesting.   

   

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much: The True Story of a Thief, a Detective, and a World of Literary Obsession by Allison Hoover Bartlett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting non fiction book that is written in the form of a story rather than a fact retelling. Bartlett uncovers the world of rare book collecting, looking at both the obsessive nature of the hobby and the people who collect. At the center of the book are a thief, John Gilkey, and the man determined to catch him and other book thieves, Sanders. There is some thought placed on the motivations behind the theft and the psychological drive of the two men. All in all an interesting read

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #26 
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2022   Book #33
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #23
4. Memoir  #12  Written by an author or journalist
5. Non Fiction Reader  #ReadNonFicChal   Book #1- Social History
6. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub  #34 An author’s photo on the back cover
7. Around the Year in 52 Books #37. A book that uses all five vowels in the title and/or author's name
8. Bookworm #50 Read a True Crime book
9. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2022  #44. Nonfiction Bestseller
10. Beat the Backlist #BTB2022  #13 non-fiction
11. Nancy Drew #28. The Clue of the Black Keys (1951) - read a book with a lot of black on the cover
12. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2022 #36 non fiction or audiobook
13. OWLS 22  #49 Daily Prophet: A nonfiction book
14. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #36. A book you know nothing about
15. Pick your Poison #35 a book about an obsessive hobby
16. Monthly Keyword #MonthlyKeyWordGXO  Feb Keyword  Book
17. Reading Randomizer  yes
18. 52 books in 52 weeks  #17 secret agent man
19. Unruly Reader Bingo  #23 one hit wonder

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks

 This was a perfect read for me at this time of the year. The only downside was it made me want to go to the Disney parks RIGHT NOW.  The photographs and the stories do a phenomenal job of talking about and showing how the holidays are celebrated currently and in the past at the different parks around the world.  They discuss the different paths the decorations and events have taken and the pictures are absolutely amazing.  

Any Disney lover will find themselves smiling non-stop as they read this book.  

Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks: Celebrations Around the World from Fall to Winter by Rebecca Cline
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

wonderful photography that will make any Disney lover smile. This book focuses on the history and photo journalism of the fall and winter holidays as they are celebrated around the world. The photography is wonderful and the reader truly gets a sense of the magic and the stories behind making the different holidays shine in the parks

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #134
2. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #34 a book with illustrations
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #147
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #162
5. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #7 hobbies
6. Pick your Poison #22-3 A book you'd share with your child 
7. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge spanning multiple continents

The Disney Monorail

 This was a wonderful read about the history of monorails throughout the world starting as far back as the 1800s.   The tome also included much Disney lore and background information including stories of Walt and the development of the parks.  The book reveals just how passionate Walt was about incorporating innovation and development in the parks but also as influences for the world at large.   He really wanted to see a Protoype Community of Tomorrow built.  

The Disney Monorail: Imagineering a Highway in the Sky by Jeff Kurtti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fascinating history of monorails in general and a look at the deep desire by Walt to progress society using technology and innovation. Some great history and photos within this book

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #134
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #144
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #159
4. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #11 inventions
5. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #18. A book about a subject you are passionate about 
6. Pick your Poison #18-4 An illustrated book 
7. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  That's History

The Trivia Lover's Guide to the World

 This is a fun take on a non fiction book about geography of the world.  It is not just the map locale and where countries are on the globe, but rather the human geography, political geography and much more.  Gary Fuller does a great job of keeping a potentially boring topic very interesting.  Each chapter corresponds to a sub area of geography.  He introduces the chapter with several trivia questions and answers them as he writes the chapter.  The reader with a wonderful memory could clean up on Jeopardy or their next cruise trivia session if they are able to remember all the information he bestows.  There is quite a variety of information in the book including topographical information, history of different nations and peoples among other details.  

If you enjoy reading non fiction that covers a breadth of information without being too serious you may enjoy this book;  I certainly did.  

The Trivia Lover's Guide to the World: Geography for the Lost and Found by Gary Fuller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting read especially if you like trivia. The format of the book is a nice one for picking up and reading for a bit and then setting aside. Each chapter talks about geography centered around trivia questions. Fuller discusses geography as more than just location but rather the expanded meaning of the field including political, human, topographical etc. It is an interesting book if you like to expand your knowledge about the world around us

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #108
2. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  Travel

The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives

 Fans of the Bravo series Real Housewives will find this non fiction work interesting.  I will admit I enjoyed it but it wasn't quite the expose with lots of gory details I was hoping for when I placed it on hold at my library long before its publication.   It was an enjoyable read but I was looking for juicy details and backstage info.  While there was some of that it felt at times like it was trying to be a college thesis or was looking for a sociological tie to justify its writing.  

I think if you  watch the shows you enjoy their gossipy/ voyeuristic aspects and you are probably hoping to find that and details of behind the scenes info which this book did provide just not as much as I was expecting.  If you would like to find out some of the background info on the reality world and how it is made this is an interesting read you might find enjoyable

The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives by Brian Moylan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I will admit I have watched an episode or 2 of the housewives. The glamorous settings combined with the drama is a bit addicting. Perfect shows for binge watching and this book helps clarify the work that goes into that appeal and how they set up the cliffhanger in every episode. It gives a birds eye view of the process that goes into the making of a series and an episode. There is a bit of history into reality tv as well. While I found it well written and interesting I was hoping for me tidbits on the housewives and the show events. It was enjoyable but did not totally fill my need for inside information

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #96
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #103
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #117
4. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #12. Published in 2021 
5. Pick your Poison #26-1 A book with a crowded cover

Icebound

I had read a preview about this book in a literary magazine.  It had intrigued me and thus I was quite happy when my book club chose to read this book in July.  I had started it much later than several members and they had indicated it was a dry read, kind of like reading a text book.  Needless to say, expectations were not high when I started it.  Turns out I liked it better than most.

I just focused on the story and didn't worry about keeping track of characters or the overall history of expeditions to the pole that the author frequently referred to.  This was one of the issues as the book was written from the captain's logs and would be telling a narrative when suddenly the author would switch to talk about other explorers at other periods of time.  Which while interesting facts, lead to a less flowing narrative.  

All in all I enjoyed the book and could find myself visualizing the landscape and the ocean as they were described in the book.  It wasn't written quite in the voice that reads like a novel such as when I read Bad Blood.  But if you enjoy history or travel this is a fascinating non fiction read about William Barents and his polar expeditions.     

Icebound: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Andrea Pitzer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting non fiction work

While there were times this NF work read like a research paper and took a bit to get into, I did like it. I read it like a story and didn’t try to keep all the names straight. It is a factual account of a historical event and as such there is not a lot of emotions expressed by people in the book. It is still possible to envision their possible emotions during their struggles but they are not explicitly written as the account is sourced from a captains log. If you like reading about risk takers and areas of the world that you haven’t visited this book will appeal to those interests


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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #91
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #20 genre you never/rarely read
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #98
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #112
6. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #6. Oceanography
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #16 Set Before The 17th Century
8. Pick your Poison #16-4 A book with a map on the cover
9. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2021 July – Book Set On An Island
10. 52 books in 52 weeks  #26 mushing

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea

 

I selected this book by Barbara Demick from the recommended list for the Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge challenge.  I had the book escape from Camp 14 in my TBR pile and decided to read this one as well for variety on the topic.  

Demick does an amazing job of capturing the stories and perspectives of several North Koreans who ultimately escaped the country.  Their stories are amazing and the most interesting part for me was the degree to which the people of the country are completely unaware as to what is going on in the world outside North Korea.  For that matter there is minimal information and communication within the country.

Demick took an interesting approach to the work by focusing on individuals with a connection to the same locale within North Korea.  She identified people from different backgrounds which helped to highlight the caste system that exists in the country.  Many of the individuals were actually supporters of the regime and members of the Working Party.   The stories detail how their transformations and decisions to leave came about.  

There are some heartbreaking and honest depictions of the suffering that occurred especially during the famine of the 1990s.  Demick does a good job of presenting the stories of the defectors and minimizes adding political opinions to the accounts, unless they were the observations of the individuals featured in the work.  Demick also shared factual observations from her own visits to North Korea.  

All in all this is an eye opening account of just how 3rd world that nation is and the struggles the people are suffering through even still today.  

Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amazingly terrifying account

This account of the true experiences within N Korea is written in such a way it can be easy to forget it is non-fiction. In fact at times the horrors described made me wish it was fiction. I knew on a high level the atrocious lives much of the residents of N Korea live but this details it in the stories of those who lives it. The defectors came from various walks of life within the same region and their stories are amazing.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #51
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  North Korea
3. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #8. Indigenous Cultures
4. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #15. A book with a black-and-white cover
5. BooklistQueen   # 5. About a Pressing Social Issue
6. Spells and Spaceships Post Apocalyptic Badge  post apocalyptic or dystopian setting
7. Pick your Poison #18-3 A book by a journalist or news photographer
8. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  Asia – North
9. 52 books in 52 weeks  #36  dystopian

I Feel Bad about my Neck

 

This is a humorous book by Nora Ephron.  I had not previously read any of her work.  I am happy we had picked this for a book club read as I don't know if I would have otherwise selected this.

The book itself is a series of short chapters organized by topics.  Some of the chapters are Nora's observations on life and some of the daily activities women undertake to stay youthful and stylish.  She definitely pokes fun at her own behaviors in the process.  Other chapters are more specific to episodes in her life and how they can be categorized as different observations/advice.  I enjoyed the fact it is laid out in short chapters so it was easy to start and stop as time permitted.

The book as a whole felt like a download from a mother/grandmother to a young woman who is going off on her own.  Sort of a playbook on the stages of life and how to not get too trapped in the little things.  There was definitely no diva aspect to her tone and stories.   I especially enjoyed her tales involving New York as I spent 4 years living there.  Anyone who has lived in Manhattan knows about the divide between West Siders and East Siders.  Her reference points about Zabars and H&H bagels were spots I can relate to, they were right by my gym when I lived there.  For the record, I never had an 8 room apartment- more like 4 if you count the bathroom :)

I found Ephron's stories to be very enjoyable and decided she is someone I wished I had known.  I can only imagine the energy a dinner with her would have.  I really knew nothing about her until I read the book and found her life fascinating when I read more about her.   I will add some of her other works onto my TBR list for sure.  If you are looking for a light enjoyable read be sure to pick this one up. 

I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman by Nora Ephron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the first work by Nora Ephron I have read. I really enjoyed the book and how it felt like an advice book from a mother/grandmother to a young woman. The organization of the different life tales into different categories made for a fun read. It is a humorous book you can read in spurts as each chapter is a unique insight.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #46
2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #56
3. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #66
4. Memoir  #15. Written by someone over 40
5. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #4. Essay Collection
6. Humor  Book #4
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #14 Written By An Author Over 65 (When Published)
8. BooklistQueen   #11. Recommended by a Colleague
9. A Pretty Mess Challenge # 20. Celebrity memoir
10. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #35. AN EMOTION IN TITLE
11. Pick your Poison #27-5 A collection of essays
12. 52 books in 52 weeks  #23 your choice

Frontier Follies

 I will admit I have never actually watched an episode of Pioneer Woman but now I am very intrigued after listening to Ree Drummond's audiobook.  It was a great way to pass time while driving on my errands and she is such a positive spirit it was hard not to get a smile on my face as I listened.  She is a wonderful storyteller and didn't hesitate to tell stories that were less than flattering to her.  It felt like I was sitting next to her in her kitchen listening to her regale me with her activities of the week.   The stories ranged from early marriage in the 1990s to current Covid stories.  I feel as though I was right there with her and her family and could absolutely visualize the action as they transpired.  

If you are looking for an inside look at Ranch life, a cooking show on tv and the fun and drama of a family with 4 kids this is a perfect book to read or even better, to listen to.  I promise you will find yourself laughing and smiling anytime you pickup this book.

Frontier Follies: Adventures in Marriage and Motherhood in the Middle of Nowhere by Ree Drummond
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Charming stories from a great storyteller

I actually listened to the audio book which was so much fun as it was narrated by Ree. The short chapters were perfect for car rides and do fun. Her stories are heart felt and you felt like you were sitting at a big farm table having coffee together as she regaled you with stories. Fascinating info about living on a ranch so far from town and neighbors. I just might have to watch the show now :)

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #26
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  OK
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #52 mentions a pineapple
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #34
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #39
6. Memoir  #4 Food Memoir
7. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #9. Food
8. Humor  Book #2
9. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #35. A book in a different format than what you normally read (audiobooks, ebooks, graphic novels)
10. Around the Year in 52 Books #33. A collection of short stories, essays, or poetry
11. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #48 A Cover With A Woman Who Is Facing Away
12. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #48. Adelard Dekker: MC is religious
13. BooklistQueen   # 29. An Audiobook
14. A Pretty Mess Challenge # 22. An audiobook
15. While I was Reading  #2. An essay or short story collection
16. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #1 
17. Bookworm  #56.) Read a nonfiction book that teaches you a new skill
18. Magic in the Books Book 2 #5 A Funny book
19. Pick your Poison #15-2 A memoir
20. Bloggers Bookshelf   #bloggersbookshelf #18 an audiobook
21. 52 books in 52 weeks  #20 tip toe through the tulips
22. Audiobook  #2021AudiobookChallenge #1

The Day the World Came to Town

 This non fiction work by Jim DeFede is a recounting of the days from Sept 11, 2001- Sept 15th.  If you were alive that day you know exactly where you were when you heard and how your family was impacted.  This story is about people who were right in the middle of the chaos, not in NYC or DC but immediately impacted nonetheless.   It is written as perspectives of local residents of Gander, Newfoundland and passengers on the flights that were redirected and grounded there when all air traffic was stopped in the US.  Coincidentally there were some very influential passengers on a few of the flights who shed some additional background and insight beyond just having been there, the stories are engaging as well as inspiring.

Mr. DeFede wrote a novel like non-fiction account.  It was a pleasurable read that I sat down and completed on a bleak winter afternoon.  The book reminded me of the good in man kind and at the heart of most people that is so easily overshadowed by the news media today.  It was refreshing to be reminded there are good people who do the right thing just because it is the right thing.  

The people of Gander and the surrounding small communities took in nearly 7000 stranded passengers and crew.   They rallied to house, feed and transport those individuals who found themselves stranded during a time of confusion and angst.   The author was able to focus his narrative on a small group of those individuals that tells a story of survival and innate goodness.  The people of Newfoundland put their lives on hold to help provide some proximity of normal to complete strangers, and wanted NOTHING in return.    

I urge you to read this book and treasure the beauty of human nature at its best.  I had the opportunity to visit St. Anthony, Newfoundland in 2019 with my husband and I can attest to the warm nature of the citizens.  It reminded me of my experiences in New Zealand.  These are truly people who will give the clothes off their backs to strangers and think it's weird that you are surprised at the gesture.  There is a chapter on being screeched in and I can say we too experienced this on our cruise ship.  It is an unforgettable experience to say the least- you will have to read the book to see what it means.  

The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an amazing non fiction book that shows an entirely different side to the events of 9/11. It is easy to forget that so many people's lives were impacted on that day outside of those on the 4 planes and in the Towers and Pentagon. DeFede writes an amazing compilation of the stories of some of the passengers and the local residents of Gander, Newfoundland.

The different unique stories he was able to identify and relay are amazing. It is interesting to see how many different compelling stories were established in a small province of Canada. The strength and goodness of people really shine in this book. DeFede's writing style reads like a story instead of a non fiction textbook and it is so enjoyable.

This book reminds us of the wonderful kindness and generosity of good people in a time of need. It is a refreshing read that reminds me of the good in mankind which is much needed in such a turbulent time right now.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #15
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Newfoundland, Canada
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #23
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #26
5. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #1 Biography
6. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #37. A book you think your best friend would like
7. Around the Year in 52 Books #2. A book by an author whose name doesn't contain the letters A, T or Y
8. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #8 A Book In The 900's Of The Dewey Decimal System
9. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #1. The Eye: Nonfic about an unfamiliar subject
10. BooklistQueen   # 4. Biography
11. NJM Book Challenge  #NJMBookChallenge2021  #7 biography/autobiography
12. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #36. RELEASED BETWEEN 1991 - 2012
13. Bookworm  #7.) Read a book with the color white on the cover
14. Pick your Poison #26-3 A book set after a major world event (war, weather disaster, etc.)
15. Bloggers Bookshelf   #bloggersbookshelf #21  a book with illustrations
16. 52 books in 52 weeks  #9 anithero
17. Unruly Reader Bingo  #7 narrative non fiction 

Girl, Wash your Face

 This self help book by Rachel Hollis was well written.  She hits upon many insecurities that many women suffer through.  Her format is to pose it as lies we have come to believe.   Each chapter is about a different lie we allow ourselves to believe in over our lives, such as being a working mom, not being organized enough, being a bad mother and many more.  She's brutally honest about how she fell into believing them herself and ways to work through them,  She speaks as someone who has gone through the self doubt of each of them herself.  Rachel works through them and points out how the self talk can be destructive and make us feel as though we are the only ones who feel that way.  Her experiences make it clear we are not alone and no matter how successful someone may seem, it doesn't mean they don't share many of the same feelings everyday women do.  

I found it easy to relate to many of the issues she discussed and found her suggestions of how she dealt with them (and continues to) relatable.   The book is written much like a conversation with a close girlfriend who can commiserate with your concerns.  The advice given is applicable to anyone, not just someone who's successful and can hire help to overcome situations.  

This book felt as though any woman could gleam some advice and suggestions to help them sleep easier each night.   Not every suggestion or topic is for everyone but I think you will find some you relate to and can take advice from.  

Girl, Wash Your Face: Stop Believing the Lies about Who You Are So You Can Become Who You Were Meant to Be by Rachel Hollis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

This was a very relatable book with advice on how to deal with the self doubting talk that many women suffer from today. The format of a chapter per lie we tell ourselves makes it an easy read to break up into small chunks and focus on a little bit at a time. The advice she gives is readily able to be applied to anyone's lives and not just to someone who has the wealth to pay for assistance. I recommend the book if you are looking to make some straightforward changes to your attitude and approach to life 

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  "G"
2. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #40 black and white
3. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2021  Book #3
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #14
5. Memoir  #9 Written by a woman  
6. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #3 Self Help
7. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #19. A book that discusses body positivity
8. Around the Year in 52 Books #47. A non-fiction book other than biography, autobiography or memoir
9. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #33 Featuring Adoption
10. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #24 I Do Not Know You: by an author you’ve never read
11. BooklistQueen   # 38. Nonfiction New York Times Bestseller
12. A Pretty Mess Challenge # 23. Famous author you've never read
13. NJM Book Challenge  #NJMBookChallenge2021  #2 non fiction book
14. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #41. BODY PART IN TITLE
15. Bookworm  #6.) Read a book that was recommended to you 
16. Magic in the Books 
• Book 1 #3 Non Fiction
17. Pick your Poison #15-4 A self help book 
18. Bloggers Bookshelf   #bloggersbookshelf #12 with a face on the cover 
19. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2021 Truth Bomb Nonfiction Book 

Laughing at my Nightmare

 This memoir by Shane Burcaw is a wonderfully written account of how Shane has used a positive attitude to overcome extreme adversity in his life.   What is particularly good about the memoir is, while having a great approach to life and trying to laugh and see the positive is working and is what gets him through his struggles, he is also honest about the fact he does have poor me moments.  He talks about how he came to chose a better attitude at different points in his life and why he made those choices.  He is brutally honest about his experiences and how he uses his humor to survive many struggles and awkward moments.   

I was inspired by how he just adapted himself to do the things he wanted to do and to participate in the things that interested him with his friends.  I don't think Shane has ever said I can't do that to himself, he just finds a way to do it in a manner that works.  

He is very honest about how he addressed many of the typical developments adolescents experience and discusses how challenging do normal teen things could be at times.  His description of the 6th grade dance was spot on and made you realize the difficulties of situations that you wouldn't normally think would pose a specific challenge outside of the obvious awkward dance moments.  

This book made me realize how easy it is for people to misjudge someone just because they use a wheelchair.  It is easy for strangers to assume Shane is mentally challenged along with his physical deformities but that isn't the case.  I love how he has learned to deal with it and to point out that we should always give people a chance for their personalities and social skills to shine before assuming they are different from ourselves.  

This aspect of his life reminded me of the struggles 2 of our family friends face on a daily basis.  We happen to know 2 families who have boys with Duchene's MD.  The struggles those boys face are enormous although different from Shane's.  It is easy to see how they just would want to have normal friendships and relationships just like those who do not have their physical disabilities.  Shane's honesty about his daily routines reminds me of the challenges my friends must face everyday while also dealing with the very real threat of a shortened life expectancy.   I've admired them for a while but now even more so after reading Shane's book

This book is an amazing compilation of anecdotes from Shane's life that are inspiring and flow well.  He is an amazing author along with a great  inspiration.   You cannot help but root for him to succeed in all endeavors.  He seems to have an amazing family and friend group that will help him achieve everything he sets out to do.  

I highly recommend this book for perspective and just because it's a great book.  

Laughing at My Nightmare by Shane Burcaw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

Amazing inspiring story

This memoir is an amazing testament to how attitude is everything. Shane got dealt a pretty tough blow at birth with a Serious muscular dystrophy diagnosis. Instead of wallowing he chooses to find humor and fun in life and specifically with the challenges he faces. It isn’t all sunshine and roses though he discusses the frustrations and this sucks moments too. He chose to adapt activities to do what he finds fun and engaging with his friends. The book addresses his challenge with growing up and being in middle school and high school. Through it all you are reminded he’s a typical boy finding his way through life and at the heart of it just wants to have fun and have friends 

He is an inspiration and an awesome writer. He also seems like a great person who is influential to many through his blog and non profit. 

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

Possible prompts

I will decide as the year goes along which prompts I use it for on several challenges since it meets multiple criteria within the challenge.

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #8
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  PA
3. AtoZ   #2021AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge "L"
4. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #7  caused a major book hangover
5. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #9
6. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #11
7. Memoir  #14 Written by someone under 40   
8. Non Fiction Reader  #2021ReadNonFic  #5. Disease
9. Humor  Book #1
10. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #31 by a blogger
11. Around the Year in 52 Books #3. A book related to the lyrics for the song "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music
12. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #24 A book you think they should read in schools
13. The Unofficial Magnus Archives Challenge  #TMARC21  #35. Melanie: by/about a social media personality
14. BooklistQueen   #39 From an Indie Publisher 
15. A Pretty Mess Challenge #21. Book by an indie author 
16. NJM Book Challenge  #NJMBookChallenge2021  #21 nominated for an award
17. While I was Reading  #10. A memoir
18. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #16. STANDALONE
19. Bookworm  #28.) Read a book published in the 2010s
20. Magic in the Books 
• Book 6 #3 featuring a strong friendship
21. Pick your Poison #2-4 A book with someone laughing on the cover 
22. Bloggers Bookshelf   #bloggersbookshelf #16  autobiography or memoir
23. Backpacking Bookworm  #bbReadingChallenge2021 Jan character with a disability 
24. 52 books in 52 weeks #1  this is the way
25. Unruly Reader Bingo  #4 triumph 

Non Fiction Reader challenge

I have found a Non Fiction challenge hosted at Book'd Out that seems to be focused on differing your reading without being associated with a certain topic.   This one allows you set your goals based on 3/6 or 12 nonfiction books.  There are categories to chose from which cover a wide variety of topics.  

#2021ReadNonFic

CHOOSE A GOAL

Nonfiction Nipper : Read 3 books, from any category

Nonfiction Nibbler : Read 6 books, from any category

Nonfiction Know-It-All: Read 12 books,1 each category

I have decided to try to for  Nibbler

CATEGORIES 

                                                                 

Books read  11/6

 √ 1. Biography  

The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede

• Blog Post and Good Reads Review 2/20/21

 √ 2. Travel    The Trivia Lover's Guide to the World by Gary Fuller

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 9/29/21

 √ 3. Self-help  Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

• Blog Post and Good Reads Review 2/6/21

 √  4. Essay Collection I Feel Bad about My Neck by Nora Ephron

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/20/21

 √ 5. Disease   Laughing at my Nightmare by Shane Burcaw

• Blog Post and Good Reads Review 1/30/21

 √ 6. Oceanography Icebound by Andrea Pitzer

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 7/21/21

 √ 7. Hobbies  Holiday Magic at the Disney Parks by Rebecca Cline

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 12/16/21

√ 8. Indigenous Cultures  Nothing to Envy by Barbara Demick

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/30/21

√ 9. Food  Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/12/21

10. Wartime Experiences  

√ 11. Inventions  The Disney Monorail by Jeff Kurtti and Vanessa Hunt

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 12/14/21

√ 12. Published in 2021  The Housewives:  The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives by Brian Moylan

• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 8/6/21