Written in chronological order and yet each chapter also deals with a particular topic such as immigration, healthcare, the mortgage crisis, etc. I foWritten in chronological order and yet each chapter also deals with a particular topic such as immigration, healthcare, the mortgage crisis, etc. I found it a worthwhile read and a good way to become more familiar with why Harris holds to the positions she does. ...more
A redemption story by an author with incredible writing skills. Lara takes a heartbreakingly honest approach to her descent into addiction and crime aA redemption story by an author with incredible writing skills. Lara takes a heartbreakingly honest approach to her descent into addiction and crime and at the shame she had to work through to come out the other side. I appreciated her thoughts on incarceration and recidivism.
I almost hate to give this two stars because I absolutely love nature memoirs but this is just way too “whoo-whoo” for me. I needed more science/naturI almost hate to give this two stars because I absolutely love nature memoirs but this is just way too “whoo-whoo” for me. I needed more science/nature and less shaman/Mother Earth/channeling animals stuff.
I appreciate that the author found his way back to a balanced life and he clearly loves nature. I just needed more substance. ...more
I don’t want to discourage women from reading this because it is terrific for everyone. But think men especially will resonate with what this author wI don’t want to discourage women from reading this because it is terrific for everyone. But think men especially will resonate with what this author writes about in a series of memoir-like essays about work and security and anger and learning to be vulnerable in relationships....more
I think the best part of the book was when Clary describes his childhood and experiences during the war. The subsequent chapters become more of a listI think the best part of the book was when Clary describes his childhood and experiences during the war. The subsequent chapters become more of a list of productions as he becomes successful in show business. ...more
Beautiful tribute to this author’s family and the lives they hacked out of a country that long failed to see their value. Bumped this up to 5 stars foBeautiful tribute to this author’s family and the lives they hacked out of a country that long failed to see their value. Bumped this up to 5 stars for the last twenty pages alone. ...more
I enjoyed this look at nature and family through the eyes of a 10yo boy. Fascinating creatures, hilarious antics, and adventures abound. I laughed a lI enjoyed this look at nature and family through the eyes of a 10yo boy. Fascinating creatures, hilarious antics, and adventures abound. I laughed a lot. It felt a bit like a mash up between James Herriot and PG Wodehouse. I’ve heard this was made into a tv series and now I’ve got to find it. ...more
I enjoyed this look at Tanzania. Mellroy tells us what she learned from the people and culture of Tanzanian during her one year academic exchange. HerI enjoyed this look at Tanzania. Mellroy tells us what she learned from the people and culture of Tanzanian during her one year academic exchange. Her descriptions of the country are beautiful. The friends and characters she meets are complex and show a rich diversity devoid of the stereotypes so often found in books on Africa by Europeans. I would love to visit this country. ...more
I’m generously rounding up to a two with this book. The writing was enjoyable and the stories interesting. However this book grated on my last nerve. I’m generously rounding up to a two with this book. The writing was enjoyable and the stories interesting. However this book grated on my last nerve. The attitudes by the author are very colonial. British colonialism in Africa is viewed as brave men risking their lives to gain dominion over primitive tribes. While the author speaks well of the Black people mentioned, her only experience seems to be how they serve her in one way or another. The spiritual ways of the locals are viewed as “simple”, the drivers are “irresponsible,” the original inhabitants “unfriendly tribes.”
Then she refers to Indigenous Peoples of America as “Red Indians.” ...more
I love Nicole Chung’s writing style and she doesn’t disappoint with her new book. She’s honest about her experiences without losing her compassion forI love Nicole Chung’s writing style and she doesn’t disappoint with her new book. She’s honest about her experiences without losing her compassion for her parents and others. She articulates loss and grief in ways that deeply moved me especially after the loss of my sister. I highly recommend. But do yourself a favor and read her memoir about adoption first. ...more
I like the way Allende writes and I enjoyed her descriptions of Chile. Not a story. Not a memoir. More like a conversation about a special people and I like the way Allende writes and I enjoyed her descriptions of Chile. Not a story. Not a memoir. More like a conversation about a special people and a beautiful place during a very specific period of time. ...more
I can hardly believe a 15yo wrote this. His grasp of language and ability to share his wonder of nature is extraordinary. I’ll be watching Dara McAnulI can hardly believe a 15yo wrote this. His grasp of language and ability to share his wonder of nature is extraordinary. I’ll be watching Dara McAnulty as there is no doubt he is going to do amazing things.
I’m adding this to my bookshelf next to my favorites from Annie Dillard, David Grayson, & Robert Macfarlane. ...more
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