In the early 1930's in Chicago, single mother Eleanor Jarman was swept up in a series of robberies, one which included the death of a storekeeper. ThiIn the early 1930's in Chicago, single mother Eleanor Jarman was swept up in a series of robberies, one which included the death of a storekeeper. This ultimately resulted in her ending up at the progressive Oakfield Reformatory. When convinced by a fellow inmate to escape, the easily influenced Eleanor jumps at the chance, and finds herself on the lam. While the other inmate is captured, Eleanor manages to disappear entirely. Silvia Pettem has set out to give the straight story on Eleanor's days of crime, and to find out where she had been hiding, in plain site, for 40 years....more
In this hilarious how-to book executive assistant Sona Movsesian expounds on her life, how she got to where she is now, and her “adorable closeness anIn this hilarious how-to book executive assistant Sona Movsesian expounds on her life, how she got to where she is now, and her “adorable closeness and professional dysfunction” with her boss, late night TV talk show host, writer, and comedian Conan O' Brien. She outlines how to slack on the job without being fired in chapters like, how to watch TV at your desk, how to nap at work, and memorizing social security and credit card numbers. If you’re a fan of Conan or have enjoyed any of Sona’s appearances on his TV show, podcast, or remotes, this book is a must. ...more
Part art book, part travelogue, part memoir, and part cookbook, An American in Provence was born from Beck’s intent to slow down from her fast-paced lPart art book, part travelogue, part memoir, and part cookbook, An American in Provence was born from Beck’s intent to slow down from her fast-paced life in New York City by moving to the French countryside and documenting her life. Reminiscent of the lush Dutch masterpieces, Beck shows the mastery of her craft through her breathtaking photography of landscapes, floral arrangements, food, and wonderfully original self portraits. Beck emphasizes the richness of both earthly and cosmic pleasures, inducing a deeper meditation on the possibilities that emerge when we slow our pace, rest, and renew our spirits with wild intention....more
Musician Flea opens up about his formative years. I picked this up because I was interested in learning more about his time filming Penelope Spheeris’Musician Flea opens up about his formative years. I picked this up because I was interested in learning more about his time filming Penelope Spheeris’ Suburbia and playing with the band FEAR. He does talk about meeting his best friend Anthony Kiedis and their early misadventures together but the book ends before the Red Hot Chili Peppers really take off. Flea is a much more multifaceted and interesting person than I would’ve given him credit for and I urge fans of celebrity autobiographies to read this or listen to the audiobook, which is read by the author....more
Isaac Fitzgerald has bounced around a lot, and through his searching, he reveals that while he was often moving towards something, it was probably in Isaac Fitzgerald has bounced around a lot, and through his searching, he reveals that while he was often moving towards something, it was probably in response to getting away from something else. From a hardscrabble childhood with disassociated parents, half-siblings he loved, a faith that he couldn't quite pin down, to what might be see as an exciting life in the porn industry and as a bouncer at gay bars. He even does a stint as an international aid worker, smuggling supplies across the Thai border. Through it all, he reads, he reflects, and finds a way to forgive himself and others, and move through the noise to the next, possibly best, part of his life. Sad, funny and thought-provoking, this memoir has much to offer....more
What does it take to become an acclaimed concert pianist, aside from preternatural pianistic giftedness? Musical parents? Uninterrupted study with renWhat does it take to become an acclaimed concert pianist, aside from preternatural pianistic giftedness? Musical parents? Uninterrupted study with renowned teachers? Career guidance? Perhaps, but not in the case of American pianist Jeremy Denk, whose lively and loving memoir recounts his coming of age as a musician and a gay man. Interspersed with the details of his first 25 years are accounts of piano lessons, including considerations of harmony, melody, rhythm, and the transformative power of music. Moreover, the book is funny and often irreverent, filled with the sort of adolescent cluelessness and quirky family dynamics that make one wonder how Mr. Denk managed to achieve what is now a brilliant career. The captivating story he tells here will appeal to fans of memoir as well as of music....more
It took me a minute to realize that this author, Dan Howell, is the 'Dan" of Phil and Dan internet darlings of the mid 2010s, and for someone so funnyIt took me a minute to realize that this author, Dan Howell, is the 'Dan" of Phil and Dan internet darlings of the mid 2010s, and for someone so funny, it is important to understand that there was a lot of darkness too. Howell talks the reader from the most desperate feelings of pain (will I make it through this night?) to working toward a better tomorrow, to living with your emotions every day after that. Serious, but with humor, and great insights for 20-30 year olds who are supposed to feel like they need to "have it all" - money, romance, friends, family. The subtitle is accurate - Howell's take offers a holistic view on how you can not only help yourself, but others too....more
Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis helps set the record straight on the Iranian experience in the 1950s through late 1970s through the overthrow of MossadeqMarjane Satrapi's Persepolis helps set the record straight on the Iranian experience in the 1950s through late 1970s through the overthrow of Mossadeq and the installation, and the unseating of the Shah. Citizens were forced to be duplicitous, since any negative remarks or feelings toward the regime could result in prison, and even death. Westernization came at a great cost to the country, while leaping, technologically and economically, into international commerce. Satrapi's spare black and white illustrations convey the melancholy and darkness of the time, while allowing for emotions to carry through. Readers new to the graphic novel format will find the story easy to follow in the simple left to right windowpane style. Highly recommended, follow this with Persepolis 2....more
This memoir reads like a thriller wrapped around a coming of age story. Diamond grew up in a family always on the run, from both real and imagined thrThis memoir reads like a thriller wrapped around a coming of age story. Diamond grew up in a family always on the run, from both real and imagined threats. As a child, these midnight moves could be fun and exciting, but never being able to put down roots and use the same name twice eventually becomes exhausting. Diamond recounts the tension this way of living put on everyone in the family, most of it induced by her charming, evasive and sometimes violent father. She is abused by her brother, neglected by her mother, and constantly tested by her father. Diamond digs deep into her own reserves and emerges as an independent, yet scarred, woman. For fans of Tara Westover's Educated or Robert Kolker's Hidden Valley Road....more
During the pandemic I became obsessed with Amber Ruffin through her late-night talk show on Peacock! So imagine my surprise when I heard that she wrotDuring the pandemic I became obsessed with Amber Ruffin through her late-night talk show on Peacock! So imagine my surprise when I heard that she wrote a book with her big sister Lacey about the crazy things that have happened to them throughout their childhood and adult life regarding everyday experiences of racism. I found myself laughing at least 3 times over the course of every story told. It was eye-opening and entertaining, and it made me love Amber Ruffin even more. The sisters do the audio on the audiobook, which is how I read the book, so I would highly recommend if you like to laugh about serious topics such as racism....more
How do you find a community or relationship in an overtly sexualized world when you don’t experience sexual attraction? This is Burgess’ own story of How do you find a community or relationship in an overtly sexualized world when you don’t experience sexual attraction? This is Burgess’ own story of coming into awareness of their feelings in relationships and discovering the term asexuality. The drawings and accompanying explanations of romantic versus sexual attraction and the direct “I” statements describing their experience made this read accessible and personal. I marveled at how Burgess respected/accepted their feelings; they didn't react to peer or societal expectations. Also, throughout the story, things always got better when Burgess took a risk and shared what was happening in their brain even if they didn’t always like the outcome. Burgess’ story of self-acceptance, good boundaries and lifelong learning is affirming....more
Looking beyond a nuts-and-bolts biography, Birdsall goes beyond Beard's public persona and behind closed doors to reveal to readers a more human subjeLooking beyond a nuts-and-bolts biography, Birdsall goes beyond Beard's public persona and behind closed doors to reveal to readers a more human subject, one who (perhaps inadvertently) created the concept of a true American cuisine. Before Beard became the "dean of American cookery" he was an actor, caterer, and author, but by the 1940s, he was hosting his own cooking show. His supporting cast includes long-time companion Gino, friends and supporters from the publishing world, and fellow chefs like Alice Waters and Craig Claiborne, and his story spans Europe and the United States. One surprise from the book—in the early 1970s, there was a artisan bread boom, much like now, with NYC department store Bloomingdale's unveiling The Bread Basket, a boutique for craft bread bakers! Readers will feel like a fly on the pineapple-wallpapered wall in Beard's kitchen while taking in this look at Beard's professional life in the culinary world and his personal life here and abroad....more
The author grew up with Kahlo's unknown painting, The Heart (also known as Memory, The Heart), in his family's Paris home. When contacted by a writer The author grew up with Kahlo's unknown painting, The Heart (also known as Memory, The Heart), in his family's Paris home. When contacted by a writer from Mexico, Petitjean learns his father and Kahlo were lovers in 1939 when she visited Paris for an exhibition. What begins as an examination of a brief affair reveals more about the artistic scene in Paris and a world being upended by Franco, Stalin and Hitler. There are a few places Petitjean "reimagines" conversations and learns more about his father. The real value for me was the insight into Kahlo's life and art. ...more
This is a memoir told through the relationships one cultivates living in a major city, interactions with grocery clerks, acquaintances or eclectic strThis is a memoir told through the relationships one cultivates living in a major city, interactions with grocery clerks, acquaintances or eclectic strangers. The book is told through biographer Vivian Gornick's vignette musings and wanderings as she walks around her native New York City. It is about relationships coming and going out of one's life and a persistent discontent and seeking-spirit of a woman who has defined herself through independence and solitude. With a heavy focus on friendship and a few love interests sprinkled in between, the book is also peppered with brief experiences on buses or subways, in hallways and on the city streets. During quarantine it is a great reminder of the simple joy of small talk and random social interactions one has in a city. Gornick focuses on chance encounters and human conflict, it is meditative and mundane, touching and emotionally rich, a reminder of everything we're currently missing in our own pandemic-related solitude....more
The subject of addiction and recovery is so popular in the memoir genre that it has its own subsection, the recovery memoir. What is less charted, andThe subject of addiction and recovery is so popular in the memoir genre that it has its own subsection, the recovery memoir. What is less charted, and arguably more interesting to many readers, is the story of the people who love and live with addicts. Codependency — we've all heard of it — is the clinical term, and author Nina Renata Aron makes the intricate psychology of it vividly clear in this memoir. The title comes from a declaration made by Carrie Nation, an outspoken proponent of temperance, to bartenders before she took a hatchet to their establishments. The narrative circles around the author and her relationship with 'K', an addict she met while still young, and her own sister, also an addict. Even as Aron observes the codependency between her mother and sister while fighting her sister's addiction, she doesn't see that in her relationship with K. It is not until K puts her children at risk does Aron finally see that her addiction is K. This is an unflinching and painfully honest memoir from a side of the addiction story that is not often seen. ...more
Jenny Slate, actress and comedian, invites us to a little party made of glowing fragments from her imagination. This memoir of essays joyously bouncesJenny Slate, actress and comedian, invites us to a little party made of glowing fragments from her imagination. This memoir of essays joyously bounces from strange and sweet to vulnerable and profound. To read this book is to hold the sad knowing smile of its author in your hands. She is generous in her vulnerability and bountiful in her delight. Slate has an imagination to spend an afternoon in, stretched out on a blanket in the grass, under the sun. A book for the open and tenderhearted, for lovers of flowers, dogs on skateboards, hot-dogs, ghosts of love-worn sea captains, and all of life's little weirds....more
What would you do if, while on a vacation, you were struck down by a mysterious incurable virus that left you bedridden? This is what happened to the What would you do if, while on a vacation, you were struck down by a mysterious incurable virus that left you bedridden? This is what happened to the author of this wonderful memoir, published in 2010. When a friend brings her some plants, on which lives a Neohelix albolabris—a common snail—the author's eyes are opened to a world she never knew existed, and a world of insight into her own life situation. A remarkable story, perhaps even more relevant in today's chaotic times......more
This one felt like an intimate letter or the inside of a journal, with beautiful short reflective vignettes. Coyote’s writing is breathtaking, and sinThis one felt like an intimate letter or the inside of a journal, with beautiful short reflective vignettes. Coyote’s writing is breathtaking, and singularly breaks down what it means to walk through the world in a body that defies societal expectations. What I liked most about this work was how they blurred the lines between the political and the personal, showing the ways in which even that dichotomy is collapsed in the embodied reality of so many, at once invisible and hypervisible. But this isn’t just about hardship and tragedy, it’s about those small moments that lead the way, highlighting the importance of family however it is made, the connections that we make, and the small joys that can bring joy and laughter....more
As someone who also moved to the U.S. as a teenager, I identified a lot with Robin Ha’s experience. The art is very emotional, distinguishing her two As someone who also moved to the U.S. as a teenager, I identified a lot with Robin Ha’s experience. The art is very emotional, distinguishing her two worlds so beautifully. She examines her cultures and relationships, the most important one being her mother, and what it took for her to acknowledge and forgive her mother for the migration. The book is a reckoning and acceptance of what it means for her to accept her place in the world not in terms of longing and homesickness, but to appreciate a new space where she is neither American nor Korean, but uniquely Korean-American. That space is where she finds peace, and is something many of us feel, see, and acknowledge....more
In 1914, a Canadian soldier named Harry Colebourn, riding a troop train bound for eastern Canada, rescued a bear cub in White River, Ontario, named itIn 1914, a Canadian soldier named Harry Colebourn, riding a troop train bound for eastern Canada, rescued a bear cub in White River, Ontario, named it "Winnie" after his home town of Winnipeg, took it on a troop ship to England, and gave it to the London Zoo before going into battle in WWI France. Ten years later, that bear inspired A.A. Milne to create Winnie the Pooh. This delightful children's book (fun for adults as well), written by the soldier's great grand-daughter, and beautifully illustrated, retells that story. The author makes it even more special by including a few pages of family photographs at the end. Also available on DVD....more
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