Nobody can accuse author Michael Schulman of not trying hard enough. For him it wasn't enough to write a biography of Meryl Streep. No no! He aimed toNobody can accuse author Michael Schulman of not trying hard enough. For him it wasn't enough to write a biography of Meryl Streep. No no! He aimed to bring us readers a portrait of a woman, an era, and a profession.
There were many, many quotes. Much name dropping of other actors who became famous. For this Goodreader, trying to follow the narrative was like trying to track the movements of a whirling dervish.
What turned me off the most? Michael's use of creative nonfiction. He bent the rules enough to lose any credibility with me.
Still, I will rate his hard work at FOUR STARS.
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy always is to rate books according to what the likely reaction would be of the intended audience.
This book is stuffed to bursting with intimate, personal reactions of famous folk. For this work, the intended audience must be those who crush on stars like Meryl, need to idolize as many of those stars as possible.
Do you worship at the altars for M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, and James Beard, either individually or collectively? Then you may find the innumerable dDo you worship at the altars for M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, and James Beard, either individually or collectively? Then you may find the innumerable details of their visits to Provence just the tastiest-yummiest thing.
As for the rest of us? No detail was too banal to be included.
After a promising introduction, the history of these famous food authorities began to break records for me. Better records than dishes, right?
But I mean records of banality. Witness this sentence from CD 6:
M.F. [K. Fisher] and [James] Beard chatted about this and that.
RATING THIS BOOK
My policy is to rate books in terms of the likely reaction of the intended readers, the "markets" for that particular title. For this book, I gather the intended readers belong to one of these groups:
* Big fans of M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, and/or James Beard. * Lovers of food history * Lovers of French food * Maybe members of America's pure food movement, in the manner of Alice Waters.
On their behalf, FIVE STARS.
When checking out this CD from my Loudoun County Regional Library... I expected something far more to my taste. If you don't belong to one of the previously mentioned groups, you might seek something that you will find tastier.
Nina Totenberg has written -- and audioperformed -- one of the best memoirs I've ever read.
Granted, I could have written my entire review in praise ofNina Totenberg has written -- and audioperformed -- one of the best memoirs I've ever read.
Granted, I could have written my entire review in praise of the amazing anecdotes.
* Or in praise of the double-tracked leadership of Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the beloved reporter for National Public Radio. * Or I could have expressed so much gratitude for the essential role that Nina Totenberg played in coaxing Anita Hill to risk so much, in order to seek justice for the sexual harrasser -- and increasingly evil man -- Clarence Thomas. (In weeks to come, I may have some pertinent comments from my blog, ideas not yet published there., so they can't yet be published here either.) * Alternatively, as a committed feminist, I could have shared so many reasons to be grateful for learning about both women, how Nina and Ruth have done so much to help all American women exercise the rights of full human beings, not longer to unthinkingly be minimized as little wives, or aspiring wives, without anything approaching equal pay compared to men, or fair career opportunitiesetc. * Or as a fellow Jewish American, although not observant like Nina or Ruth, aaah! I could have described how, in a soulful way, I feel that it takes a Jewish woman to recognize the lived spiritual experience of those two other Jewish woman. Making me send them both the Jewish version of namaste. I behold the mensch in you!
BUT INSTEAD THIS REVIEW IS GOING TO COMMENT ON NINA'S UNIQUE VOICE As A MEMOIRIST
How natural Nina always sounds on the radio. Equally natural is her writer's voice, yet the more you contemplate what has been involved technically, the more brilliantly her writing shines.
The Totenberg voice is conversational, never writerly. It's as though she's always talking to good friends. And yet the brilliantly sequenced pace of each anecdote here, the choice of everyday details made so humanly vivid, and Nina's pitch perfect appeal to my heart -- these are not casual, any more than they are accidental. Besides, it's worth noting this:
NINA MAY WELL HAVE BEEN JUST AS FAMOUS AS RUTH, AT LEAST UNTIL JUSTICE'S LAST YEARS
"The Notorious RGB" loved the limelight in her last years, even while she bravely endured physical pain and political scapegoating.
Yet I don't think it's exactly true that Nina T. wasn't equally famous. Although Nina didn't issue immortal opinions from the bench of the Supreme Court, er radio voice has been in my home for decades. Every time, as soon as I hear her byline, I smile in anticipation, as though she were my friend too.
I suspect that her virtuoso violinist of a father, Roman Totenberg. trained her well. From what Nina mentioned about him, he wore his fame lightly too. Both father and daughter became A-listers in their professions, living scandal free for decades.
It wasn't just the training from her father, though. Nina's personal choices, her vulnerabilities, and inner beauty... shine through as uniquely her own.
Likewise, Nina's mother has also been a humble sort, I gather. Imagine being able to write First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, asking for help for her daughter's career. And then receiving that help!
BUT WHAT'S THE BIGGEST SECRET OF NINA TOTENBERG'S HUMILITY, HER GRACE UNDER SPOTLIGHT?
That may well be what a wonderful appreciator she is. Appreciating just about everyone! Nina's heartwarming, natural, appreciation of people shinest through every portrait in this memoir. And that's saying something, since this book is crammed with down-to-earth inspiration about very real people.
Statistically it isn't possible for all of us to have the writing talent of a Nina Totenberg, or her fame karma, but each of us can emulate her willingness to learn about people... and to like them.
Finally, below is my initial review of "Dinners with Ruth." Also, I did a teensy bit of commenting here on Goodreads as I read.
The famed legal correspondent for NPR, Nina Totenberg, shares the heart-warming story of her long-time friendship with Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
This audiobook, narrated by the author, promises to include many inspiring stories....more
Look, Goodreaders, I read "The Atlantic." I read "The New Yorker."
When I aim to inform myself about my nation, its political and social trends, I expeLook, Goodreaders, I read "The Atlantic." I read "The New Yorker."
When I aim to inform myself about my nation, its political and social trends, I expect higher quality than this.
In the future I will not be reading any more books by MICHAEL Wolff.
Would that it were true, that Americans like me would live to see the "The End of Fox News and the Murdoch Dynasty." Whether or not this happens, at least I can learn about those dynasty players.
Fact is, I love people. I'm fascinated by people, even those I don't love at all.
Having read only the introduction of this book, I'm very curious to read it. Sending updates here, I plan to share my favorite Aha!s....more
Biographer Edmund Morris has surpassed himself, delivering one of the greatest biographies I have ever read. So impressive, for example, was his summaBiographer Edmund Morris has surpassed himself, delivering one of the greatest biographies I have ever read. So impressive, for example, was his summary toward the end of this book of all the achievementsof Teddy Roosevelt.
At one point I teared up. Despite having scant prior knowledge of this extraordinary man and highly impressive president. A hero to all progressives today! Including this Goodreader.
BEFORE THIS OFFICIAL REVIEW
Here's a brief practical update on February 11, 2024. Libby has been the source of the audiobook I've been reading. Since it came due, I've had to stop at 36% done -- Chapter 15. I'll resume when I can. I am loving this book.
Thrilled. I'm quite simply thrilled to be starting "Theodore Rex."
Edmund Morris is one of my very favorite biographers. Jonathan Marosz is one of my favorite narrators.
Heaven for this American and human and person of great curiosity... including about greatness....more
This magnificent biography of Winston Churchill was crammed with important details I hadn't known before, as well as more witty quotations than I've fThis magnificent biography of Winston Churchill was crammed with important details I hadn't known before, as well as more witty quotations than I've found in any other biography.
It was a delightful read. I learned much that I hadn't known before.
The conculsion by Andrew Roberts gave an excellent summation of the great politician and orator's career. I agree: Churchill was a fox, not a hedgehog....more
Yes, I'm so eager to learn about "Eleanor Roosevelt’s remarkable life of transformation."
Already she's one of my heroes in Yes, I've bought this book.
Yes, I'm so eager to learn about "Eleanor Roosevelt’s remarkable life of transformation."
Already she's one of my heroes in life; now, page after page, I'll be learning more-more-more. This fine, sturdy hardcover checks in at just under 700 pages. Yum!...more
By far the best work that I've encountered so far by Jon Meacham!
Prior to listening to this audiobook, I've read "His Truth Is Marching On: John LewisBy far the best work that I've encountered so far by Jon Meacham!
Prior to listening to this audiobook, I've read "His Truth Is Marching On: John Lewis and the Power of Hope." To me, that Meacham book had all the impact of pieces of cardboard stuck together with duct tape: bits of incidents that no doubt took considerable time and effort to unearth. Yet that biography seemed odd to me, as if the whole was actually smaller than the sum of its individual parts.
Also, regarding Meacham, fairly often I've watched his interviews as a pundit on MSNBC. No Michael Beschloss, not in my humble opinion -- so I wasn't especially impressed by him there, either.
The only reason I checked out this book from my library is that I am so very interested in Winston Churchill. Am I ever glad I had the chance to read Jon Meacham at his best!
TO MY SURPRISE, THIS BOOK STRUCK ME AS IMMENSELY INTERESTING
Especially valued were the many quotes that displayed Churchill's character, leadership, and uniquely compelling way with words.
Personally, I value Writer Churchill on the same level of excellence as Shakespeare. Granted, I love the Bard's plays and poems. But Churchill's deeds and political vision made him THE greatest member of "The Greatest Generation" -- in my eyes, at least. While his speeches and letters and verbatim statements had an excellence that transcended his importance in world history... a unique excellence and power.
Of course, I appreciated learning more about FDR, another one of my heroes. And to a lesser extent, I learned about "Clemmie," Churchill's wife Clementine, as well as magnificent First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
MUCH INFORMATION I DIDN'T YET KNOW
Often this was ennobling, inspiring. Yet, in the last quarter of this sweeping narrative, I learned unpleasant things, such as the casual-and-unquestioned bigotry shared by Franklin and Winston. Oh, ouchee!
Yet I'm grateful for the thoroughness of Meacham's double biography. While his stirring conclusion brought good perspective on the men he had portrayed, warts and all.
WHY DID MEACHAM CHOOSE TO WRITE SO LITTLE ABOUT ELEANOR?
Probably we learn more about Roosevelt's mistress Lucy Mercer than about the world historical figure to whom he was married, the incomparable Eleanor Roosevelt. Intellectually, I can understand why Meacham would have chosen to tell Lucy's lesser-known story.
In survey after survey, Eleanor Roosevelt is considered the greatest first lady in American history. That's true in my opinion as well.
For that, though, I'll find other books. Here's to reading, Goodreaders!
And thanks to Jon Meacham for this FIVE STAR dual biography, an understated tour de force....more
The only bad news here: Insights on "How to Lead" seemed pretty incidental, at least to me. Mostly these were conversations between the rich-and-succeThe only bad news here: Insights on "How to Lead" seemed pretty incidental, at least to me. Mostly these were conversations between the rich-and-successful interviewer (David M. Rubenstein) and even more rich-and-successful CEOs or celebrities or politicians, etc.
By the time we got to cellist and World Music advocate Yo-Yo Ma, close to the end of this book, I realized why this "How to Lead" didn't interest me as much as it could have. Ironically, the Aha! came to me because -- in his wonderful comments -- the cellist couldn't refrain from making his share of the interview both profound and deeply personal.
Aha! thought this Goodreader. Mr. Rubenstein knows how to ask questions that are shallow and wide, but he doesn't go into what's deep. With more thought-provoking questions, he might have achieved far more interesting discussions.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR ME: SURE, THERE WERE STILL PLENTY OF HIGHLIGHTS
In addition to the interview with Yo-Yo Ma, I was fascinated by the perspective of Christine Lagarde. At the time of this book she was Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund. Now she's the President of the European Central Bank. Her presence and clarity impressed me.
Also impressive was Rep. Nancy Pelosi; as usual, she poured passion and personal depth into her answers, despite being asked pretty obvious surfacey questions by the interviewer.
Colin Powell's interview impressed me greatly, due to his abundance of awareness. This spilled out (it seemed to me) in his answers to the interviewer's questions.
Indra Nooyi inspired me, too. This chairman and chief executive officer of PepsiCo said, among other things, that she adopted this unconventional policy: Nooyi writes personal letters to the mothers of the company's top executives, praising them for raising such leaders.
Altogether this was a great concept for a book. Even if I wish it had been better, I did gain inspiration from these interviews....more
Reading this book as a teenager, I did a kind of simultaneous translation.
Whatever I read about Michaelangelo the artist, I translated into my own lanReading this book as a teenager, I did a kind of simultaneous translation.
Whatever I read about Michaelangelo the artist, I translated into my own language: as though Michaelangelo had been a writer.
His triumphs, his travails, his persistence -- these all encouraged me... somehow... as a girl who wanted to grow up and write-write-write.
Now an adult (technically), I would call this book a deeply evocative description of the calling to create art. Whatever one's kind of art might be!
Irving Stone did that for so many of us readers, bringing the world this magnificent biography. Michaelangelo set a template in motion, while Irving Stone showed us his version of that creativity template.
Seems as though the contagious spirit of this beautiful book has encouraged so many people like me... who have wanted nothing else so much as to bring more living truth into this world....more
Yes, I finally finished this fascinating saga. What interested me most was learning about Amos Tversky, one of the most extraordinary people I've everYes, I finally finished this fascinating saga. What interested me most was learning about Amos Tversky, one of the most extraordinary people I've ever read about.
Learning about his friendships and marriage? Also an education.
Most intriguing to me was the friendship arc of his relationship with Daniel Kahneman. Several novels's worth of emotional and social plot were contained in these facts.
As for making errors in decision-making, and the importance of framing decisions; as for the relative (and seemingly capricious) ways that research subjects made their own choices, yoicks! A dizzying topic indeed! I learned just enough to become aware of the fathomless nature of this kind of inquiry.
Brave Amos and Daniel, striving to bring greater clarity to these topics!
Overall, the writing by Author Michael Lewis was nothing short of superb. Same for the audiobook narration by Dennis Boutsikaris: It was clear, expressive, enriching.
WHEN I FIRST BEGAN READING "THE UNDOING PROJECT"
Author Michael Lewis starts this book off with what to me is a Big Bang. Quoting Voltaire:
Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is an absurd one.
Early on, I learn that previously Michael Lewis wrote "Moneyball." An impressive movie, that I did see. However I don't plan to read his original book, not being a lover of either baseball or statistics.
This "Undoing Project" though? It just might be a book that I love.
Goodreaders, I plan to update my reading progress regularly....more
I learned so much by way of facts. More than that, I felt as though I came away with a strong sense of that How I loved this biography of James Joyce.
I learned so much by way of facts. More than that, I felt as though I came away with a strong sense of that man. A clearer portrait of the artist than he himself offered up in "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man."
Richard Ellman was a serious scholar and writer and biographer. Yet he never left me feeling like an inadequate reader. This is, quite simply, a WONDERFUL biography of one of the greatest writers in the English language....more
Did Ulysses S. Grant have an amazingly beautiful character? Over and over, we read about that. Awe!
WeHas Ron Chernow done a thorough job? Indubitably.
Did Ulysses S. Grant have an amazingly beautiful character? Over and over, we read about that. Awe!
Were he and his wife Julia in love? Clearly. For example, she liked to wear dresses with bows around the waist, bows that tied in the back. Ulysses loved to sneak up behind her and untie her bow, so then they would flirt with each other.
Did he have one of the most obnoxious wives ever? I'd say that Julia qualifies. Such a gusher of platitudes, and so childlike in her thinking -- just as she was raised to be. For instance: Julia loved talking about her family's enslaved people, going on about how fond she was of them, plus how they were all so happy being enslaved (supposedly).
But then at other times she would urge Ulyssees to go ahead and beat them. To get more work out of them.
Inwardly, or aloud, I would often catch myself saying, "I can't stand that Julia." Eventually I began asking myself, "Why am I putting myself through this torture? What am I learning here?"
Was Grant's life incredibly hard? Sigh! Yes, but that was his life; mine doesn't have to involve following unending examples of his stalwart bearing and innate nobility.
Grant displayed great courage and moral fortitude, standing up for virtue in the face of an undending nightmare that was his karma for year after year after seemed like forever...
Yes, but that was his life; mine doesn't have to include keeping up with that. Enough already!...more
Today I began this promising set of CDs. It's my first book yet by the acclaimed Edmund Morris. Already I can tell why he has a golden reputation as aToday I began this promising set of CDs. It's my first book yet by the acclaimed Edmund Morris. Already I can tell why he has a golden reputation as a biographer:
* Extraordinary musicality in his voice as an author (Witness his long list of Edison's inventions, with rhythms that would do a poet proud.) * Telling a story, building suspense. (This biographer's skill was conspiculously lacking in Jon Meecham's disappointing biography of Jon Lewis, which I've nearly finished.) * Deep background research. Even if I don't know the specifics, I recognize the resonance that painstaking research brings to a biography.
I'll be updating my journey with this treat of a book, Goodreaders. And I do look forward to COMMENTS from those of you who've also had the treat of reading "Edison."...more
Which is the longest book you've ever read, Goodreaders? For me, it's "The Passage of Power." Makes "War and Peace" seem like a quick little romp, comWhich is the longest book you've ever read, Goodreaders? For me, it's "The Passage of Power." Makes "War and Peace" seem like a quick little romp, compared to this fact-filled, magnificent tome. (Not to disparage "War and Peace" -- I'm making a point, that's all.)
Last night I finished, after several months. Initially I read my paperback edition but then an audiobook became available from my regional library, which was so convenient for me.
Oh, so much to tell you, Goodreaders, with these little transient details out of the way....
MAJOR DISCOVERY #1: THE BOBBY KENNEDY EXPOSE
Sure, I thought I already knew quite a lot about JFK's younger (not youngest) brother, the one who became Attorney General. For instance, I'd read, and learned a lot from, "Playing with Fire" by Lawrence O'Donnell. (Note: I'll review that one next.)
But no historian can out-historian the impeccable, diligent, nearly super-humanly persistent Robert Caro. (Aided by his extraordinary wife Ina.)
As a result of Caro's innumerable interviews... What he learned, and then wrote about in "The Passage of Power," is far more detailed -- and way uglier -- than anything I'd learned before about romanticized, assassinated while still youthfully handsome, charming (when he wanted to be) Bobby Kennedy.
Sure, Bobby was a loyal family man, a staunch Catholic husband who adored his kids. Definitely, this Kennedy had a remarkable assortment of household pets. (I'd find it alarming, choosing to live with such an extensive set of creatures, but hey, it worked for Bobby.)
However... his treatment of Lyndon Johnson was (almost) unspeakably villainous. (Had Caro not written the book, would the extent of Bobby Kennedy's gratuitous cruelty ever have come to light?)
MAJOR DISCOVERY #2: THE MOST MASTERFUL CONCLUSION TO ANY BOOK I'VE EVER READ
How Caro pulled this narrative together in the final chapter: Never have I seen anything like it. In literary terms, this final chapter of "The Passage of Power" could surely count as one of the Wonders of the Literary World.
On and on it goes. Building power and emotional resonance.
Only let me tell you, Goodreads Pals, this is no droning "on and on." It takes a lotta pages to summarize the most important points in this immense biographical work, relating the book's highlights to Caro's previous book on Johnson, and presage what's to come in Caro's next volume: Every page, every para, being absolutely necesssary.
As a writer of nonfiction, in my much smaller way, how I stood at full attention: Astounded by that epic-yet-precise final chapter!
Not for the first time, Robert Caro showed me "how this is done."
MY CONCLUSION ABOUT CARO'S CONCLUSION... AND THE REST OF THIS BOOK
Absolutely. The. Best. Book that I've read yet about any historical figure, bar none....more
When you dive into any biography by Robert A. Caro, it's an experience like no other. He's knowledge rich, as a result of devoting decades of his lifeWhen you dive into any biography by Robert A. Caro, it's an experience like no other. He's knowledge rich, as a result of devoting decades of his life to the study of his subject; in this case, Lyndon Baines Johnson (LBJ). The quintessentially meticulous researcher, Caro is also an extraordinary writer.
Moreover, I understand from an article I've read recently in The New Yorker, about that hardworking biographer: As an octogenarian now, he's working on a final LBJ biography.
Especially fascinating in this book was his panoramic history of the U.S. Senate, beginning at the time of the great orators like Henry Clay, then inching his way forward until LBJ entered the Senate. This, the Texas senator transformed nearly beyond recognition.
Equally gobsmacking, Caro chose to end this book with an anecdote about Johnson's last power grab before leaving the Senate; almost unbelievable to listen to, even given all the audacious previous ploys by LBJ: so daring, so sneaky, so kinda nuts, and in every aspect of its outrageousness... so very LBJ.
As always, with every book I've read so far by Robert Caro, just when you thought that work of history couldn't get any better... it does. Oh, it does....more
Thanks, Kristy, for giving me a hardcover copy of "The Emperor of Scent."
Simply put, this delightful book is the story of a great nose. Learn how LucThanks, Kristy, for giving me a hardcover copy of "The Emperor of Scent."
Simply put, this delightful book is the story of a great nose. Learn how Luca Tirin found his own method for dishing on perfumes... and what that,in turn, set in motion.
Distinguishing the components of smells can be the work of a lifetime. Alternatively, for us mere hobbyists, fragrance... makes life worth... smelling....more
When a really smart person can also be funny? What a triumph that is for readers like me, with middling track records at both, what a triumph to imagiWhen a really smart person can also be funny? What a triumph that is for readers like me, with middling track records at both, what a triumph to imagine the very idea!
No wonder I loved this breezy memoir. While reading, I toggled between the notion of being part of an almost unimaginably huge family and the idea -- to me an almost supremely romantic ideal -- of being an efficiency expert in life.
Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. was a true original, seems to me; likewise his sister Ernestine. And yet that family had so many true originals!
As one of two children, I can't exactly wrap my head around sharing to that degree, being just one of such a large herd of children. But while reading this book, I didn't try hard to imagine. I simply read chapter-after-chapter, which meant story-after-story, having a ball.
Throughout a most refreshing sense of possibility was dawning within me, with so much laughter and cleverness!
Even so, what was my long-term reaction to immersing myself in the Gilbreth family's adventures? Puts me in mind of a famous saying about my home town, New York City:
It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there.
I admire Helen Keller's achievements in life. I admire her magnificent contribution to humanity's collective learning through what she achieved, livinI admire Helen Keller's achievements in life. I admire her magnificent contribution to humanity's collective learning through what she achieved, living with blindness and deafness, both, and then inspiring the world through her leadership.
What do I remember about reading this story, though? I turned the pages and read the words but... I never heard her voice.
How could I really expect to? It defies imagination for me, her qualities of inner silence and the experiences of Helen's no-color landscapes. What was perception like for her, or emotions, or connection to other human beings?
Helen Keller's soundless, vivid first language: She learned to speak mine, but as a writer, how could she ever teach me how to speak (or understand) hers?
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