Memoirs

 This one is hosted by Jamie at Whatever I Think Of.  

It's back, once again using a checklist. Some categories have been changed, however. To participate, you must read a minimum of five memoirs from any of the categories listed. One book can only count for one category. Re-reads are acceptable. You do not need a blog to participate. All book formats count. 

Need some reading ideas? Here are some lists to get ideas for reading:

Goodreads Memoir Book Lists
10 Famous Memoirs Everyone Should Read Once
17 Memoirs By Women
Best Celebrity Memoirs of All Time
Fictional Memoirs

Goodreads: Best Memoir/Autobiography

Goodreads: Memoirs by Women 

Amazon Best Seller Memoirs

B&N: 50 Essential Memoirs

Here are the categories:

1. Mental Illness Memoir:  
2. Other Illness Memoir:  
3. Political Memoir:  
4. Food Memoir: 
5. Animal Memoir:  
6. Music Memoir: 
7.  Travel Memoir: 
8. Written by a person of color: 
9. Written by a woman: 
10. Written by a person who identifies as LGBTQIA: 
11.  Written by an actor or a comedian:
12.  Written by an author or journalist:  
• The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/19/22
13. Written by any other celebrity
14.  Written by someone under 40:
15.  Written by someone over 40: 
• Songteller by Dolly Parton
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 6/6/22


16.  Written by someone from a country different from your own: 
17.  One you find thought-provoking: 
18.  Made into a movie: 
19.  Graphic Novel memoir: 
20.  Bestselling memoir
21.  Humorous memoir: 
22.  Fictional memoir: 
23.  Won an Award: 
24.  Published in 2022: 
25.  Published in 2021 or earlier: 
26.  Under 300 pages: 
27.  Over 300 pages:
28.  One you want to re-read:
29.  On a favorite subject:
30.  By a favorite celebrity:
31.  Free choice: 
32.  Free choice: 
33.  Free choice:

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.

View all my reviews

  

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

The Answer Is

 This memoir by Alex Trebek is a five star read for me.  I loved the short snippets of stories that were presented in each chapter.  It made for easy reading between activities that you didn't have to worry about flipping back a few pages to remember where you were in the narrative.  The book covers all aspects of Alex's life, from childhood in Sudbury, Ontario, his early career in Canada and into the days that lead to Jeopardy hosting.  There are personal life stories as well as stories relating to the shows he has hosted.  He includes stories about the behind the scenes workings of Jeopardy and some of the most famous contestants.  

His writing style was much like you were sitting in his living room with him while he regales you with stories from his life.  He comes across as a down to earth man who values his family greatly as well as believing in the power of hard work.   The story touches briefly on his current battle with pancreatic cancer and some of his philosophies about this struggle and others in life.  There are brief tidbits about political and environmental issues but by no means does he use this book as a pulpit to try to preach about either.   He just expresses his opinion and feelings about the country and the impacts the topics are having upon us as a culture.  

I absolutely enjoyed the format and his writing style.  He definitely feels like someone I would want to have dinner with if you were playing that what if game.  I challenge anyone to be able to read this book and not hear his voice narrating his stories he tells.  I highly recommend this book as a refreshing view into the life and history of a pop culture celebrity.

The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Feels like conversing with an old friend

This is a great book by Alex Trebek. It feels like part biography part philosophy and part snippets of his show biz career. It’s written in nice little chapters that are self contained so you can read a bit and then pick it up later and not feel like you got lost in the story. It’s a wonderful tale by a seemingly wonderful man. I challenge you to read it without hearing his famous voice telling you the stories

View all my reviews

  

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #25
2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes CA
3. Beat the Backlist #BTB2021  #42 person on the cover
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2021   Book #33
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #36
6. Memoir  #16. _ Written by someone from a country different from your own
7. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge # 4. A book by an author who shares your zodiac sign
8. Around the Year in 52 Books #46. A winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards
9. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2021  #4 An Author That Is Deceased
10. BooklistQueen   # 26. Bestselling Memoir
11. A Pretty Mess Challenge #  25. Book you saw someone reading
12. Nerd Daily  #NERDREADING2021 #8. NYT BESTSELLER
13. Magic in the Books  Book 1 #4 By a celebrity 
14. Pick your Poison #14-4 A book about terminal illness 

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 

Nazi Officer's Wife

 I have been intending to read this book for quite a while.   My mother has been recommending it for quite some time.   This piece of non-fiction reads a lot like a historical fiction novel.  I think I especially related to the book after assisting my son to study for modern world history last school year.  I learned more about the Russians and Bolsheviks than I had previously known.  This book talks about the Kristallnacht as a real experience, not just a concept.  It was quite interesting to read about history in first hand rather than by history books.  

I found it amazing how the German citizens were only provided news and stories that presented the Reich in a positive manner.  It is amazing how unaware they were to what was going on during the war.  I must admit it does give me a bit of a fear when the news media in the US seems to be reporting narratives rather than facts in the current era.  It seems like it would be very easy to have a similar experience here today if citizens did not chose to listen to both sides of the narratives and other countries perspectives as well. 

The Nazi Officer's Wife: How One Jewish Woman Survived the Holocaust by Edith Hahn Beer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars 

This story is amazing and is written like a historical fiction novel. Edith Beer provides an enlightening account of her experiences living as a Jew in Germany during WWII. Her story vividly describes the experiences and emotions she and others like her experienced during that horrific time. There are some amazing revelations of how in the dark the Germans were about what was going on around the world. 

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Literary Escapes-  Austria
2. 52 Books in 52 weeks  #16- Borrowed from a friend
3. Book List Queen #25-  Recommended by a Family Member 
4. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 NF #18 a wartime book
5. Beat the Backlist #BeatTheBacklist2020  book rec from a friend
6. 2020 TBR  #2020TBRReadingChallenge #4 friend recommendation 
7. TBR Book # 58  #Backlistreader ; #MountTBR2020; #StartOnYourShelfathon
8. Memoir    #16 Written by someone from a country different from your own
9. Historical NonFiction  Book #4

84 Charing Cross Road

84, Charing Cross Road by Helen Hanff is a delightful read that explores the long lost art of communication by letters.  This is a series of correspondence between Helene and Frank, an employee of a book store in London.  What begins as a business relationship ends up becoming one of friendship.  The letters are insightful into the world of London just after WWII ends and the rationing that still remained.  The letters give glimpses of the political fronts of both countries at the election of Churchill and the campaign of Stevenson.   The series of letters is a wonderful glimpse into the lives and careers of both Frank and Helene.  I am certainly glad I read this book.  

 I originally selected this book as a non fiction read for the epistolary book but ended up discovering it was written the year I was born so I was able to use it for that prompt as well.  It was a quick, enjoyable read for this time of the year.   

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

This proved to be a very charming and heartwarming book. I really had no idea what to expect when I selected it. It was a fascinating experience to watch the relationship between Helene and Frank grow over the years. The sarcastic nature of both their tones is hard to pick up initially but really added to the book as you read along. It is amazing to watch Helene's career grow alongside their correspondence. All in all a good book. 

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #134
2. 52 Books in 52 weeks  #6- Written in the 1970’s
3. Book List Queen #51- Borrowed From a Friend 
4. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 #11 An epistolary book
5. 2020 TBR  #2020TBRReadingChallenge #2- book published the yr you were born
6. TBR Book #57  #Backlistreader ; #MountTBR2020; #StartOnYourShelfathon
7. Monthly Motif   #MonthlyMotifGXO-  Everything nice- as a feel good book
8. Memoir     One you want to reread
9. Historical NonFiction   Book 3

Memoir Challenge 2021

 

This one is hosted by Jamie at Whatever I Think Of.  

It's back, once again using a checklist. Some categories have been changed, however. To participate, you must read a minimum of five memoirs from any of the categories listed. One book can only count for one category. Re-reads are acceptable. You do not need a blog to participate. All book formats count. 

Need some reading ideas? Here are some lists to get ideas for reading:

Goodreads Memoir Book Lists
10 Famous Memoirs Everyone Should Read Once
17 Memoirs By Women
Best Celebrity Memoirs of All Time
Fictional Memoirs

Here are the categories:

1. _ Mental Illness Memoir
2. _ Other Illness Memoir
3. _ Political Memoir
4. _√ Food Memoir
• READ: Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/12/21
5. _ Animal Memoir
6. _ Music Memoir
7. _ Travel Memoir
8. _ Written by a person of color
9.  √_ Written by a woman  
•  READ:  Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
• Blog Post and Good Reads Review 2/6/21
10. √_ Written by a person who identifies as LGBTQIA
• READ:  Dry by Augusten Burroughs
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 2/23/21
11. _ Written by an actor or a comedian
12. _ Written by an author or journalist
13. _ Written by any other celebrity
14.  √ Written by someone under 40  
•  READ:  Laughing at my Nightmare by Shane Burcaw
• Blog Post and Good Reads Review 1/30/21
15. _ √ Written by someone over 40
• READ:  I Feel Bad about My Neck by Nora Ephron
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 4/20/21
16. _ √ Written by someone from a country different from your own
•  READ: The Answer Is by Alex Trebek
• Blog Post and Goodreads Review 3/10/21
17. _ One you find thought-provoking
18. _ Made into a movie
19. _ Graphic Novel memoir
20. _ Bestselling memoir
21. _ Humorous memoir
22. _ Fictional memoir
23. _ Won an Award
24. _ Published in 2021
25. _ Published in 2020 or earlier
26. _ Under 300 pages
27. _ Over 300 pages
28. _ One you want to re-read
29. _ On a favorite subject
30. _ By a favorite celebrity
31. _ Free choice
32. _ Free choice
33. _ Free choice

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings

 I had never read any works by Maya Angelou previous to this autobiography she wrote in 1969.  I was absolutely engaged in how well she wrote a piece of non fiction in a manner that felt like you were reading an novel.  Her stories are heartfelt and at times terrifying.  Her choice of tone and words to represent her young self is amazing and it is easy to imagine being right there with her in Stamps, Arkansas in the 30s and 40s.  It was interesting to read about segregation from a black person's perspective and to see how the differences were perceived by the black community.  I also found it interesting to see the contrast in her experiences in St. Louis versus in Arkansas.  

I selected this book as one that had been banned for banned books week for a challenge.  This book was banned in the 1980s in Alabama as being inflammatory towards whites.  Her words are reflective of her experiences and her childhood.  I do not feel this book or others from previous generation should be banned.  In fact they provide an important glimpse into the era and the growth we have seen in our country.  Excluding the literary works or altering them due to inflammatory words, depictions or words no longer acceptable in society is a form of cancel culture.  The language included in the works was reflective of the time or is intended to convey the environment in which they were written.  They are part of history just as much as the Odyssey and Shakespeare.  We wouldn't  alter those works to fit modern language and we should alter books such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings or Huck Finn.  

I am glad I selected this work.  Reading this autobiography provides a glimpse into the difficult life of someone who rose above her struggles and found a way to excel in the US and to leave her mark on history.  I would very much like to read more of her memoirs to learn more about her life as she grew up and was an influence in the Civil Rights movement and as a poet and educator.  

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
My rating: 4 of 5 stars 

Well written memoir that reads like a novel. Just an amazing story. I didn't know much about Maya Angelou before reading this book. What an amazing rise above a heartbreaking childhood. Angelou does an amazing job describing the childhood of a black woman raised in the South in the 30s and 40s. She depicts it accurately without accusations. I feel this has a much bigger impact that drawing too much hatred into the work. I will read more of her memoirs to learn more about this woman's life. 

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Literary Escapes-  AR
2. AtoZ and Alphabet soup challenge #AlphabetSoupChallenge "I"
3. Popsugar- #popsugarreadingchallenge  39- read a banned book during banned books week 
4. Around the Year in 52 Books- # 47- A classic book you've always meant to read 
5. 52 Books in 52 weeks  #40- A book on the Mensa reading list for grades 9-12
6. Book List Queen #38- A Modern Classic
7. Wizarding World Tour  possible categories
• Beauxbatons:   Read a book about or written by someone you respect.
8. 2020 TBR  #2020TBRReadingChallenge #8- novel that was banned
9. TBR Book #31  #Backlistreader ; #MountTBR2020; #StartOnYourShelfathon
10. Memoir  #8 Written by a person of color
11. Historical NonFiction   book #2

Next Level Basic

 I selected this book by Stassi Schroeder on a whim just to see what she had to say.  I admit I have watched a few episodes of Vanderpump Rules.  It is kind of a like a car wreck you cannot help but look to see what is up and then it sucks you in.  

Stassi writes like she is having a conversation with her girlfriends.  It sounds a lot like she is when she's on the reality show.   Overall it is a decent book with some definite light humor mixed into her message to be true to yourself.  She basically divides the book into sections about dating, clothing, makeup, social media, food and drinking advice.  She is all about finding what you like and owning it versus just doing stuff to go with the flavor of the day.  I will say it fits with her personality as it comes out on the TV show.   She speaks her mind and stands by it.   Her book definitely comes off less shallow than her presence on TV does at times.  

Overall the book was enjoyable, it definitely made me glad I am past the 20 something social scene and dating.   It also reinforced why I was happy to leave CA and the superficiality of so many people there. I'll take the Midwest any day, not that there aren't fake people here, just seems like less of them.  

Next Level Basic: The Definitive Basic Bitch Handbook by Stassi Schroeder
My rating: 3 of 5 stars 

This is an enjoyable book that sheds some deeper light onto Stassi Schroeder. She basically advises her readers to own their choices and to do/be things because that is what you want and it makes you happy not because others say that is what you should do. This book made her seem less shallow than she often seems on Vanderpump Rules 

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #88
2. Book List Queen #52 self improvement book
3. Wizarding World Tour  possible categories
• Uagadou:  self help book
4. Memoir    #26  greater than 300 pages (works for others as well)

Penny Marshall memoir

I finished reading Penny Marshall's memoir, My Mother was Nuts.   The book is full of hilarious stories and some very poignant moments.   She is a great story teller and enjoys reliving the many moments in her television and movie making career.   Her book relives highlights of  her childhood and her relationships with her family.    If you enjoy reading about Hollywood and a true take on the how movies and TV shows are made then I can highly recommend this book.  It was absolutely enjoyable getting a backstage view of the Laverne and Shirley show as well as many of her movies she made through the years.   She has an amazing group of A list friends and many humorous stories to share about the memories she made with them.   

All in all this is a very good memoir that has you laughing as well as feeling a wide range of emotions.

My Mother Was Nuts by Penny Marshall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This memoir was an amazing combination of comedy and heartfelt honesty. Penny wrote a memoir that reads like a who's who of Hollywood royalty. The memoir was an interesting combination of family memories and the background stories of the movies she has been involved in over the years.
If you don't want to read about Hollywood partying you might want to pass on this book otherwise I can highly recommend this book


View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:

1. TBR Book #40  #Backlistreader ; #MountTBR2020; #StartOnYourShelfathon
2. Memoir   #11 by an actor or comedian

Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant

I selected this memoir by Roz Chast to fit the graphic novel memoir prompt for the challenge.  I ended up finding this book very relatable.  The author discusses caring for her aging parents.  She points out some of the aspects of handling it that are unique to being an only child so I could especially appreciate this piece.  The family dynamics can me pause and allowed me to reflect on my own family and to see the situation from a different perspective.

I am glad I read this memoir.  Her humorous approach helped discuss a tricky topic in a good fashion.



Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a very interesting approach to a difficult topic. I suggest anyone with aging parents read this book. It does a great job of showing that you are not alone in this progression and Chast does a good job of presenting the material in a funny manner without belittling the topic

Glad I read it


View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #71
2. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 #17 illustrated book
3. Wizarding World Tour  possible categories
• Mahoutokoro: Graphic Novel
4. Memoir  Graphic Novel Memoir
5. Beat the Backlist #BeatTheBacklist2020 #24 indie book
6. TBR Book #44 #Backlistreader ; #MountTBR2020; #StartOnYourShelfathon

The Twenty-Ninth Day

This memoir by Alex Messenger is intense and not for the faint of heart.  I could not put it down and read it in an afternoon.  The author describes in great detail his month long journey into the Northern tundra of Canada in 2005.   He ventured out with 5 other young men, including a guide to canoe the tundra within the Northwest Territories and Nanuchak 1000 miles from the US border.
.
His description of the landscape, wildlife and journey are wonderful.  It is not hard to imagine you are in the canoe and tent right alongside these intrepid young men.   The story of his attack by the grizzly goes into great detail.  It is amazing he survived the attack and the subsequent journey to get back to civilization.

This is an example of the amazing ability to persevere  and overcome obstacles.  This book helped me to appreciate the growth my son experienced when he hiked the Appalachian Trail the other year with his Scout troop.     I must admit the story makes me a bit nervous to send him off on his next high adventure but that part of letting him grow and find himself. 

This is an amazing memoir that reads like a novel and I recommend it highly especially if you have an adventurer in your family.




The Twenty-Ninth Day by Alex Messenger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What an amazing story. Cannot believe this is a true story. What an experience Alex Messenger endured. The book does an amazing job of describing a life changing adventure journey over the Canadian tundra. He does a great job of describing how the experience transforms him even before the grizzly attack. The details of the attack and the subsequent care plan is amazing and demonstrates his internal strength

Amazing memoir full of description of the tundra and the experience


View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #68
2. Literary Escapes-  Canada- Northwest Territories
3. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 #4 day/night in title
4. Memoir  #14 author under 40
5. Wizarding World Tour  
• Mahoutokoro: with an exquisite cover

Yes, Please by Amy Poehler

I just finished listening to Amy Poehler's memoir on a self narrated audiobook.  I found it to be an enjoyable listen with plenty of guest narrators such as Patrick Stewart and Seth Myers.  Amy writes as though she is telling you a story over a glass of wine.  She presents her stories in a tangential manner and jumps around in different periods of her life while talking about a specific theme or idea.  It definitely would be a difficult book to read if you like orderly and organized writing.

I found it enjoyable and it showed her personality in her writing.  It is definitely not a polished and formal novel.  She definitely uses colorful language that reflects her upbringing in suburban Boston.  She is a non-filtered personality that believes strongly in empowering women and aspiring comedians.  Her political feelings are apparent but not so in your face that they are the focus of the story.  They arise as a part of the story she is relaying or about explaining her actions/feelings.

There are definitely stories that required self analysis.  She doesn't paint Hollywood and her life as all roses but it is clear she is happy with her life and how she has chosen to live.  I appreciated that she did not use her story as a means to bash her ex, Will Arnett, and she is civil about him.  She keeps her stories about her boys at an enjoyable level and not as such that they would be overly embarrassed to read them down the road.

I did listen to the book and I wonder if it makes it a bit more enjoyable than it would have been if I had been trying to follow along in a printed format.  If you are looking for a fun read that provides an honest insight into the process of becoming a comedian, writer and successful actress this a a perfect book for you.



Yes Please by Amy Poehler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun memoir that I enjoyed listening to as an audiobook. Amy Poehler is a great storyteller and she included multiple guest narrators that added to the reading. The book is a fun read relaying stories from her childhood all the way up until her final season on Parks and Recreation. It is a great look at all the steps it takes to become a successful writer and actress. There are glimpses of her life outside Hollywood, including her 2 sons and her relationships with friends and family.

It is an enjoyable read but if you prefer books that are chronological and organized this is not the book for you. I enjoyed the format of the rambling like story telling that jumps from topic to topic but if this isn't your style you won't enjoy the book in my opinion. If you are looking for a fun read with a glimpse behind the scenes of the Hollywood life then you will enjoy the book.


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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #42
2. Audiobook challenge  #7
3. AtoZ and Alphabet soup challenge #AlphabetSoupChallenge- "Y"
4. Book List Queen #17 Celebrity Memoir
5. Memoirs-  #21 Humorous memoir

This is Going to Hurt

This is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Medical Resident by Adam Kay was an engaging memoir.  His talent for comedic timing and self deprecation is apparent throughout this book.   I can see how he went on to become a comedy writer for TV.   He is a natural story teller who engages the reader.

This memoir focuses on his career as a Junior Doctor in the NHS in the UK.  Being somewhat familiar with how medical residency works here in the US it was interesting to contrast their processes with ours.  Kay works in OB/GYN and many of the diary entries relay stories from his medical practices.   The impact the residency takes on personal lives is readily apparent in his writing and is so unfortunate. Unlike in the US it doesn't seem as if there is ever a true reward for the hard work and long hours in their system.  It was interesting to hear Kay speak disparagingly about our medical system.   After reading the processes of how the system seems to work and how the decisions of who is eligible for specific treatments such as IVF and C-sections truly depends on which hospital/clinic a patient is treated, I am not sure how he views the system as superior to ours.    It was an interesting read that moved at a quick pace and I can highly recommend it.



This Is Going to Hurt: Secret Diaries of a Medical Resident by Adam Kay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting perspective on the medical profession in the UK. I was totally unfamiliar with the way the system there works. Both in regards to the progression of the Medical career and the actual treatment processes

Adam Kay does a wonderful job telling the story of his career in the medical profession. There is a good balance of humor and educational information. I can totally understand how he has come to succeed in his second career as a comedy writer. I also understand why this book won awards and remained a best seller for so long.

Most of all I think I’m very glad I was pregnant and had my son in the US medical system where I picked my doctor and hospital and didn’t have to fight for treatment options


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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #36
2. Around the Year in 52 Books- #2 A book by an author whose last name is one syllable
3. 52 Books in 52 weeks  #52 A book with a Foreword
4. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 #5 LGBTQ related book
5. Memoirs-  #10  Memoir Written by a person who identifies as LGBTQIA 

Furiously Happy is a fun read

While the underlying topic and message of the book is a very poignant one,  Jenny Lawson's stories in her memoir really make this book a joy to read.  She is quite frank and open in discussing how her depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses affect her life on a daily basis.  However, her funny stories really do make it an enjoyable read while still pointing out the struggles she and others experience in daily life. At times they are gut wrenching laugh out loud funny.    I appreciate she is doing her best to help take the stigma out of talking about mental illness and pointing out how it is not any different than having any other health ailment that afflicts our bodies.
Plus how can you not like a book with a smiling raccoon on the cover

I can highly recommend this book




Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny  Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is awesome. If you are looking for a book to make you laugh then I highly recommend this book. While the subject of mental illness can still be a hush hush topic among some circles, Jenny Lawson is doing her best to remove that stigma. Her stories are real and point out the struggles she and others like her go through with debilitating depression and anxiety but they are presented in a fun way that gets the message across without being melancholy. There were many times I was laughing out loud and reading funny excerpts to my husband. All in all this is a great book I can highly recommend. Plus who can't smile while looking at a smiling racoon.


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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:

1. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge -  Book #30
2. Literary Escapes-  TX
3. Popsugar- #popsugarreadingchallenge  #34 you picked up because the title caught your attention
4. Around the Year in 52 Books- #24 Book with an emotion in the title
5. 52 Books in 52 weeks  #29  An award-winning novel
6. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 #7 Book about mental health/dealing with mental illness 
7. Wizarding World Tour  
• Castelobruxo: Read a book with Gold on it
8. While I was Reading  #1 Book with an emotion in the title
9. Color Coded:  #3  Yellow
10. What's in a Name #2  An Antonym
11. Monthly Book Award-   #GXOAwardReadingChallenge  Audie award in 2016
12. Memoirs-  #1 Mental Illness
13. Beat the Backlist #BeatTheBacklist2020 #6

Garlic and Sapphires

Calling all foodies or wannabe foodies.  This is a fun memoir written by Ruth Reichl.  Ruth was the New York Times food critic for many years.   This book talks about her experiences starting with how she landed the position through her decision to leave the post.  It is a great behind the scenes look at what is involved in reviewing a restaurant.  There are many funny stories of her adventures dining at the restaurants as well as other aspects of her career.  She details the disguises/alter egos she used to fool restaurant staff and shares the actual reviews she wrote for the paper.  There are also some recipes included for those who would like to try there hand at some new dishes.

All in all I found this to be a fun book.  My only complaint was with the inclusion of the recipes in the Audiobook format.  They were difficult to skip through and would have been better served as an appendix in this format since it isn't really conducive to listen to a recipes rather than reading it.  All in all a great read by an author with lots of storytelling skills

Here's my link to my Goodreads review as well


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3133496645

Challenge Tracking

The book fulfills prompts for several challenges  I will decide as the year goes along which ones I use it for where it covers more than one prompt within a challenge.

1. Library Love-  Book 6
2. Alphabet soup Author- #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge " R"
3. AtoZ and Alphabet soup challenge #AlphabetSoupChallenge  "G"
4. Memoirs-  #4  Food Memoir
5. 20 in 20:  #Read20in2020 #8 a humor book
6. NJM #NJMBookChallenge2020  #2 a non fiction book
7. Color Coded:  #1  Blue cover
8. Booklist Queen  #13 makes you laugh
9. Literary Escapes- New York
10. 52 Books in 52 weeks #21 Written by a blogger or journalist
11. Wizarding World Tour 
    • Hogwarts:  a book with a gem in the title or on the cover
12. Popsugar- #popsugarreadingchallenge #38 book by or about a journalist
13. Around the Year in 52 Books- #15 A book set in a global city