I really enjoyed reading this collection of essays. It was easy to get through and I nearly finished it all at once. James Patterson organized the stories into different parts, which was helpful. Since books have been such a big part of my life, it was inspiring to read stories that felt so relatable. It’s Read more
Category: Non-Fiction Reviews
Spare by Prince Harry
I am sorry that I have not been publishing my reviews. I am a few months behind on reviews of the books that I have been reading. I am going to see about catching up the next few weeks! My review: I read this book so quickly. It was nice to see the proceeds of Read more
“Finding Me” by Viola Davis
I read this book in less than a week. You lose yourself in her stories. There were no pictures in the novel. I also listened to the audiobook which was narrated by Viola. Her life is not like a typical celebrity’s. She did not grow up in the industry at all. This book was powerful. Read more
“Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” by Matthew Perry
It only took me 2 days to read this book. It was a little repetitive. It also is not linear. He jumps all over the place. It was hard to figure out when things happened until he talks about a TV/movie project. At that point, I would Google the date. I found him to Read more
Review of “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy
I did not know who Jeanette was before reading this book. I am 40 years old, so this was after my pre-teen years. But I am glad that I read this memoir. The memoir was honest and raw. She dives into some pretty heavy topics and abuse in her life. She is very brave being Read more
Review “Yes Please” by Amy Poehler
This book is funny. I think that is the part that I liked the most. It was not the honest and raw book that I was expecting. Although, she does discuss a skit that she felt bad about on SNL. She issued an apology for it. But for the most part, this is not the Read more
Review “Mean Baby” by Selma Blair
I rated this book s 3.5 to 4-star review. I have to attempt, I am not a fan of Selma. I picked this book up, because I thought it would be an interesting read. I do follow her on Instagram. She has inspired many people with her incredible story of strength. After reading this memoir, Read more
“Out of the Corner” By Jennifer Grey
5 Stars! I really enjoyed Jennifer Grey in her many works throughout the years. I mean what person has not watched Ferris Bueller’s Day Off or Dirty Dancing? I knew that I was going to read this memoir as soon as I could. There has been a lot of buzz about it. I read about some of her Read more
ARC Book Review: “Go Gently: Actionable Steps to Nurture Yourself and the Planet” by Bonnie Wright
Review: 5 stars Summary: This book talks about climate change. How anyone can start to make a difference by changing what you buy, activities, cook, etc. The author is Bonnie Wright, an actress famous for her role in the Harry Potter movies. My thoughts: First this book does NOT talk about politics at all. I Read more
Review of “Hard Pivot” by Apolo Ohno
Overall: 3.5- 4 stars Summary: This is a self-help and sort-of memoir of the speed skater Apolo Anton Oho. If you are making a major life change, then this book provides some good advice. My thoughts: I remember watching Apolo Anton Ohno speed skate in the Olympics. It is one of my fondest memories of Read more
Review of “A Very Punchable Face” by Colin Jost
Overall: 4.5 star review Summary: Memoir of Colin Jost. He is best known for being on Weekend Update on SNL (Saturday Night Live) and a writer on that show. He is also married to Scarlett Johansson. My thoughts: I read this book so quickly. I started with the audiobook and finished with the actual book. Read more
Review of “Hiroshima” by John Hersey
Overview: Unrated…. I just could not bring myself to rate a book that was 1st hand stories of victims. Summary: Before, during and after the bombing of Hiroshima during WWII. These are first-hand accounts of people who lived through this bombing. My Thoughts: This book is very interesting. I have never read or really learned Read more
Review of “Watch Me” by Anjelica Huston
Overall: 3 star review Summary: A memoir of Anjelica Huston. She is famous for many movies and TV shows. This memoir tackles her relationships, her famous family, professional career, etc. My thoughts: This memoir was actually boring in some parts and fascinating in others. She talks a lot about her travels around the world. She Read more
Review of “Rolling Warrier” by Judith Heumann
Overall: 4 star review Summary: A memoir about a woman who was born with polio and her fight for equal rights for people with disabilities. Judy Heumann was denied the rights to go to her local school. Then she goes to college without having the buildings being assessable for her wheelchair. Then the state denied Read more
Review of “The Lie About the Truck: Survivor, reality TV, and the endless gaze” by Sallie Tisdale
This is a short review. Overall: 2.5-3 star review: I got this book thanks to a Goodreads giveaway! Summary: Survivor fans unite! This is a book all about the TV show Survivor. My thoughts: I was expecting more from this book. I am a HUGE Survivor fan. I did not know if she was bashing Read more
Review of “Rebel Girls: Climate Warriors” by
This is a short review. I got this ARC from Netgalley! Thanks for the chance to read and review! WOW! I really enjoyed this book a lot. The subject matter of women and climate warriors was very inspiring. It was full of powerful words. This is exactly what a young girl needs to read about Read more
Review of “The Johnstown Flood” by David McCullough
Overall: 4.5 star review Summary: This is a very detailed non-fiction novel about the Johnstown flood. It starts from the before, during, and after the flood there. It was one of the worst disasters in the USA’s history. This tragedy dives into the greed of people and how this tragedy could have been easily avoided. Read more
The Great Peace by Mena Suvari review
Rating: 3 star review Summary: A memoir for Mena Suvari- best known for American Pie, American Beauty, and Six Feet Under. Mena talks about her childhood. Mena is an addict to sex and drugs. From being a model to starring in movies, she talks about this very little. She shares poetry that she wrote growing Read more
Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood by Danny Trejo and Donal Logue review
Rating: 3.5 star review Summary: Danny Trejo has been in show business for a while. But his personal life is just as interesting as his career. This memoir begins with Danny’s childhood. He was brought up in a broken and abusive home. Danny also was in prison and was a drug addict. Danny takes us Read more
Review of ” The Beauty of Living Twice” by Sharon Stone
Overall: 3/5 star review! Summary: This is the memoir of the actress, Sharon Stone. Sharon Stone has played in a lot of great movies over the last 2 decades, including Basic Instinct, Casino, and The Quick and the Dead. She talks a lot about her upbringing in a rural town in western Pennsylvania. She also Read more
Review of “The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember” by Fred Rogers
This will not be a typical review. This is a 5 star review! I really enjoyed this book a lot. Mr. Rogers has always been a hero to me. His view of people and the world is outstanding. If only we could be like Mr. Rogers- the world would be a better place. I have Read more
Review of “Year Book” by Seth Rogen
Overall: 100% listen to the audiobook vs. the book. He has sound effects and guests! He reads it like he is actually just sitting around and telling stories. Summary: A collection of personal essays from Seth Rogen. He tells his stories with humor. He tells stories from his childhood and family to his work. My thoughts: Read more
Review of “Stories I Only Tell My Friends” by Rob Lowe
Overall: 5 star review Summary of Review: I was not a huge fan of Rob Lowe until I watched the TV show Brothers and Sisters. After watching the show, I picked up his memoir. I am very glad that I did. Summary: Rob Lowe writes a well-written memoir about his life and work (up to the Read more
Review of “Stranger Beside Me” by Ann Rule
Overall: 4 Stars Summary of review: My second true crime novel. There was not too many details that I did not know. I did get some insight from someone who knew Ted personally. Summary: Abridged edition: This is a true crime novel written about Ted Bundy’s life, crimes, and trial. It is written by Ann Rule Read more
Review of “In Pieces” by Sally Field
Overall: 4.5-5/5 Stars Summary of review: A memoir of Sally Field’s personal life with a little mix of being on set in her early acting days. Summary: This is Sally Field’s raw and honest memoir. She discusses her childhood, beginning to learn her craft, starting in TV, and winning an Oscar. She also discusses her marriages, Read more
Review of “And Now I Spill the Family Secrets: An Illustrated Memoir” by Margaret Kimball
Overall: 2.5-3/5 Stars Summary of review: A graphic novel memoir that is beautifully drawn, but fell flat for me. Summary: A graphic novel about the author’s childhood. She navigates her mother’s bi-polar disorder and several hospitalizations associated with that. She also goes through her parent’s divorce, her father remarrying, and other adolescent problems/issues throughout her family. Read more
Review of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive” by Stephanie Land
Overall: 3/5 Stars Summary of review: This book was just okay. It was not the best memoir but not the worst. Summary: This is a “Rags to Riches” story. What people would call a single mother’s pursuit of the “American Dream.” She gets pregnant at a young age. She is a single mother and works as Read more
Review of “This Is Me: Loving the Person You Are Today” by Chrissy Metz
Overall: 4.5/5 Stars Summary of review: Even if you are not a fan of “This Is Us,” this is a great memoir to read. It is fast and funny! Summary: Chrissy Metz is an actress who is best known for being on the TV show “This Is Us.” This is a memoir that is told through a Read more
Review of “Brat: An 80s Story” by Andrew McCarthy
Overall: 3.5-4/5 Stars Summary of review: A well-written memoir by Andrew McCarthy of “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Weekend At Bernies,” and “Pretty in Pink” fame from the 80s. Summary: Andrew McCarthy shot to fame in the 80s as being a member of the “Brat Pack.” He starred in many movies in including “Pretty in Pink” and “St. Read more
Review of “The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig
THE COMFORT BOOK is exactly that- a book about comfort. With every Matt Haig book, it makes you think about everything in a much deeper way. This “self help” type of book really makes you think and think hard about your life and a new way to see things in your life. He tells his Read more