Genre: Memoir

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I LOVE Billy Crystal.  Through the years he has made me laugh, made me cry and made me think. "When Harry Met Sally" made me believe in real love.  "City Slickers" made me laugh about aging, and "Forget Paris"...well, it was Paris.   I believe he was the best Academy Awards host.  I even believe he is a good family man.  This book took me through all of his experiences, good and not so good, with a smile on my face.

Billy is a baby boomer, and boomers have always proclaimed that proudly.  Suddenly he is seeing the downside...sixty-five isn't always booming.  With his amazing wit, Crystal talks about the aging issues that we all face, but only Billy can make a colonoscopy funny.  The book jumps through the stages of his professional life, and the reader remembers them fondly.  "Saturday Night Live", "Soap", his stand-up routines and of course, "When Harry Met Sally" to name a few.

To be totally fair, there were parts of the book that I wasn't thrilled with, and parts that seemed out of character.  He seemed angry at times and disrespectful at other times.  Humor is an interesting thing though, and one man's disrespect is another man's humor.  Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book and read it in the same way you watch the comedian...with an open mind and sense of humor.

- Beverly


Publisher - Henry Holt and Co.
Date of Publication - September 10, 2013

Genre: Memoir

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Gloria Steinem is a writer, lecturer, editor and activist.  She helped pave the way for women of my generation, those of my daughters generation and those of my granddaughters' generation. Not in a small way did she contribute to Hillary Clinton and Carly Fiorina being presidential contenders this year. It was rarely easy, but somehow Gloria's varied fights for the rights of others seemed like something she was destined to do.

Her father was a traveler, and she learned to love the road along with him. The family spent most of the year exploring different parts of the country, and it became a way of life for young Gloria. When she became an adult she continued her nomadic ways both in America and abroad.  She became a political activist and involved herself in advancing the causes of many.  She is best know for her fight for the equality of women and Ms Magazine.

I remember hearing my mother's generation of women speak a bit disdainfully about her at times, and their reactions made me curious.  I ended up researching her years ago and becoming an admirer.  I looked forward to this book and wasn't disappointed.  Ms. Steinem writes with the same humor that has carried her through some trying times.  She peppers the book with some of her philosophies that run close to mine. She explains that instead of two sides, many questions have "three or seven or a dozen" sides, and she seems to try to discover those sides when working with her passions.

She tells a story of coming across a motorcycle "gang" and becoming a bit fearful.  In those days the tattoos and leather jackets signified some rough riders.  While in a diner, a couple from the "gang" came to her table.  They had recognized her and were fans. The woman explained that they had been riding for years.  For most of the time she rode on his machine while clutching his back.  After the kids were grown and gone she decided she wanted her own bike, and bought a purple Harley with Ms. on the license plate.  Now she rides next to her husband instead of behind him.  This led to another bit of Steinem wisdom:
"I've come to believe that, inside, each of us has a purple motorcycle. We have only to discover it---and ride."

I admire the woman, enjoyed the book and have decided to go find my motorcycle.

- Beverly


Publisher - Random House
Date of Publication - October 27, 2015

Genre: Memoir

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Nujood of Yemen was only 10 when she was sold into marriage by an impoverished family.
This is an amazing account of a very brave little girl who defies the system she was born into and divorces the man who continually rapes and beats her. Her family included many children and a father with two wives who never quite made enough to support them all.  He agrees to Nujood's arranged marriage to a man three times her age.  Although one of the conditions of that marriage was no consummation until a year after she gets her period, her new husband has sex with her immediately.

It is so difficult to comprehend the lives that women live in many of these countries, but this book helped me to see that there are many good men who step up and help these women. In this case several judges came to her rescue, as did attorney Shada Nasser.  Not only did Ms. Nasser stand by young Nujood, she became a role model as to what women in the area can accomplish.  As one can imagine, going against your parents, husband and Sharia law is not easy, and Nujood is one brave young woman.

The book is both troubling and inspiring, and it allows us to peek into the windows of a society that is totally different than the one with which we are familiar.  It is difficult to read of her plight objectively, and I had to keep reminding myself that our local customs might seem strange to those from another country.  Keeping that in mind did nothing to change the fact that what happened to this 10 year old was criminal.
 
This book is a short one, and Nujood's age and meager education is offset by the easy to read style of her co-author, Delphine Minoui.  I think it is important for us to take a peek into other cultures and recommend this as a good way to do so.

- Beverly


Publisher - Random House LLC
Date of Publication - March 2, 2010

Genre: Memoir

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Amanda Lindhout's childhood years were rough, with a father who moved in with his boyfriend and a mother who allowed her abusive and alcoholic boyfriend to move in with her.  She and her brother went dumpster hunting for treasures and bottles they could turn in for spending money.  Through it all Amanda found a rich world in her "National Geographic" magazines. Each issue offered another amazing place to add to her travel wish list.

As a nineteen year-old cocktail waitress she saved her tips for traveling. She began backpacking through places that most of us would never think to visit.  She had adventures in Syria, Bangladesh, and Laos to name a few.  She worked as a freelance journalist and became a television reporter.  In 2008 she decided to travel to Somalia, which was one of the most perilous places in the world at that time.  She convinced her boyfriend, Nigel, to accompany her, and they were both kidnapped several days later.

During the 460 days that she was held hostage, Amanda endured more than the reader can imagine.  She relied on her memories of the places she had visited to help her keep her sanity. She realized they were part of a holy war and feared they would never be found.

A House in the Sky is  a well written book with vivid descriptions and a voice that helps the reader become part of the story.  When we see how Amanda reacted to her life, both as a child and then as a captive, we realize that our reactions to circumstances make the difference in our lives.  Sometimes we can't prevent what befalls us, but we can take charge of our reactions. This book tells an interesting story and gives the reader a great deal to ponder.

- Beverly


Publisher - Scribner Publishing
Date of Publication - September 10, 2013

Genre: Memoir/Humor

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Comedy is always best when it is relatable, and we can all relate to parents who made us uncomfortable while growing up. Most of us survive our childhood though, and some, like Justin Halpern, even gain an appreciation for their parents' words of wisdom. When he realized his dad's words were actually making people laugh, he put a selection of them in a book and shared them with all of us.

Justin was twenty-eight when he decided to move back to San Diego and live with the love of his life.  Unfortunately she had a different idea, and he found himself dumped in San Diego.  He decided to move back in with his parents until he could get back on his feet.  His book follows his time in his parents' house and the words of his father.  Far from tactful, his dad was always truthful, and when we reach adulthood, that is something we learn to admire.

Several years ago this book was actually turned into a sitcom.  It lasted a season or two and gave us a few laughs, but I think the book is actually funnier.  The book is filled with stories about his dad, and each chapter padded with the politically incorrect quotes that dads have a way of sharing in front of their children's acquaintances.  I loved the mom too.  When his dad explained that they are family and would love him unless he went on a "killing spree or something," his mom piped in with, "I would still love you Justy. I would just want to know why you did it."

If the use of George Carlin's "seven words you can never use on television" offend you, then this is probably not the book for you, but if you can deal with the language then you will surely get an hour or two of laughs from this short and touching father/son book.

- Beverly


Publisher - Harper Collins
Date of Publication - April 20, 2010

Genre: Humor/Memoir

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Tina Fey makes me laugh.  She made me laugh on SNL, she made me laugh in 30 Rock, and she made me laugh in Bossypants.  Her sarcasm hits my funny-bone every time, and I felt it as I turned the pages of this surprisingly warm memoir of a woman who has gotten high up on the career ladder by believing in herself.  She was a "change of life" baby, and her family and friends gave her the strength to believe she could do whatever she wanted to do.  It is all in the way you look at something, and Tina looks at the positive.  When she was five she was attacked with a knife by a stranger and left with a scar on her face.  Her family and those around her made a fuss over her - giving her the extra candy and attention - and somehow what could have made her feel self-conscious made her feel beautifully special. That is the way she continues to look at life...as special.

Through the humor in this book we also feel the inspiration.  I loved her reaction to the pamphlet "Growing Up and Liking it."  I remember my mother handing me the same pamphlet when I hit puberty.  My best friend Harriet and I secreted ourselves away for two days reading it as if it was a porno magazine.  Looking back, the advise was silly and the descriptions far from understandable, but as Ms. Fey explained, a girl knew she reached womanhood when her mom handed her that book.

I loved reading about her growing up, jobs in show business, dating and marriage. Her descriptions about the differences in men and women in show business are hilarious.  She even managed to make her honeymoon interesting to the reader. It is not just one joke after another though.  She lets us see her struggles to balance her family and work life...a struggle most women face daily.  She doesn't let us in on major shocking Tina Fey secrets; instead she lets us know, with great humor, what her life is all about.

It may be me, but I think we all need a bit of Tina Fey humor in our lives.

- Beverly


Publisher - Reagan Arthur Books
Date of Publication - April 5, 2011

Genre: Memoir/Humor

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I really enjoyed this book, and it made me like Amy Poehler more than I did before I read it. Her television series, Parks and Recreation, is a "grown-up comedy" that uses words rather than sight gags to make us laugh. Don't get me wrong, there are some very funny physically driven scenes in the show, but those with an appreciation for sarcasm and irony get the most out of this weekly sit-com.  Yes Please is written with a tongue-in-cheek maturity that keeps the reader's attention without talking down to him/her.

Ms. Poehler got my attention when she chose a quote from Wordsworth while trying to set the book's tone - "Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity." She amends it slightly by saying that the book is a spontaneous overflow in the middle of chaos, not tranquility.  I realized at this point in the book that she was not just writing a typical performer's memoir.  She wanted to dig deep and write more than a fluff piece.

Amy Poehler is as complicated as her humor, and this book gives us insight into her childhood (near perfect student, young performer), life (marriage to Will Arnett and two much loved children) and her career. She explains it all with honesty, telling the reader about her experiences with drugs and the withering of her marriage.  She doesn't try to cover things up or make excuses.  She is what she is...a very funny, very talented lady. I enjoyed the snippets from Parks and Rec, and I enjoyed seeing her succeed as a woman in a " room filled with men."

The book does have its slow parts, but on the whole it was fast and enjoyable reading. I really enjoyed reading it and learning more about Amy and recommend it to you.

- Beverly


Publisher - Dey Street Books
Date of Publication - October 28, 2014

Genre: Biography/Humor

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Joan Rivers made everyone laugh, even when they didn't want to admit that she was funny. Her humor was a bit raunchy and didn't spare the feelings of others, but there was a genuineness about her that was captivating.  She was having fun!  She loved making people laugh, and she loved her daughter Melissa...not always in that order.  According to Melissa, Joan believed that making an audience laugh was the reason she was put on earth.
Maybe that is why she was spared the horror of a long and drawn out death.  Death is always unexpected and tragic, but this might have been the way she wanted to leave...quickly and having work done.  Melissa Rivers, who shared a part of Joan's career, decided to come to terms with this tragedy through writing this book.  It is obviously written with love and gives us snippets of information about Joan that we might not have known. For example, I never knew that she had a degree in English Literature from Barnard College, or that her first real job was at Bond Clothes in Manhattan. 

The book strings together little bits of information and lots of Joan's humorous wisdom.  Melissa shares stories about her mother's love of flying first class...especially the food and chocolates.  She talks about Joan's support of those she loved.  The book definitely gives us a look at Joan through the eyes of the person who knew her best.  I still have a few chapters to read, but I am saving it until tomorrow.  I read most of it in one sitting.

It is not an epic, not a deep read, and certainly not  an unforgettable piece of literature.  What it is, in my opinion, is a memoir from a daughter to a mother who she will always love and deeply miss.  I am glad Joan had that in her life and glad Melissa shared a bit with us.

- Beverly


Publisher - Crown Archetype 
Date of Publication - May 5, 2015

Genre: Memoir

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Deborah Rodriguez has lived a life that most women live vicariously in novels. Her first non-fiction book,  Kabul Beauty School, describes the adventures she found in establishing a beauty school. She changed the lives of many women in Kabul, giving them jobs and a role model.  Unfortunately, the kind husband she married became a quasi-warlord with questionable values.  She was forced to leave the beauty shop and cafe she owned and loved when faced with the threatened kidnapping of her son.

Her next memoir, Margarita Wednesdays: Making a New Life by the Mexican Sea, starts off where Kabul Beauty School left off.  She flees Afghanistan in 2007 and lands in California.  She is nervous and feels as though she doesn't belong.  She reluctantly goes for therapy to deal with her PTSD, but she finds the "homework," (“I want you to go into the fields at night and sit with the glowworms.”) just strengthens her distrust of therapists.

After conversations with her gardener and a cruise to Mexico, Ms. Rodriquez decides to find her old self by relocating there.  It is interesting watching her go through the trials and tribulations of acclimating to totally different surroundings. She does make friends and starts another business. Reading about her starting yet another life is inspirational, and her humorous style of writing makes this a fun book to read.  I did not read her first book, but I am going to put it on my list. It might be better to start with that one, but I do believe that she is an author to be read.

- Beverly


Publisher - Gallery Books; Reprint edition 
Date of Publication - June 10, 2014 

Genre: Autobiography

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Music and musicians were always a bit mysterious to me.  As a young child, I envied their glamorous lives, but as I grew older I realized that there was little to envy.  Aside from their talent, the lives of these men and women were often more pitiful than enviable.  The sixties brought us sex, drugs and rock and roll, and Eric Clapton ranked up there with the best.
Clapton is very open in telling the story of his life.
     "Early in my childhood, when I was about six or seven, I began to get the feeling
       that there was something different about me."

His mother was not married when he was born, and she was unable to raise him.  His grandparents became his parents and he believed that Pat, his mother, was actually his sister.  His grandparents adored and spoiled him, but he knew that something was amiss.  When he was nine, Pat came to visit.  By then he was aware that she was his true mother and asked her if he could call her mom.
    "I think it's best, after all they've done for you, that you go on calling your grand-
      parents Mum and Dad."
Although she said it kindly, he still felt rejected.  It was difficult for him to understand the dynamics of his family.

Rose, his Mum, loved music and encouraged his interest in it.  It was in music that he found peace.  As he talks about his career, we realize what music means to him.  It could not save him from his addictions though, and he bluntly discusses them.  He also discusses the women in his life and his mistreatment of them.  Even his obvious true love, Pattie Boyd, would have probably been better off having never met him.

The book is interesting and informative but far from a light celebrity read.  If you have any interest in Eric Clapton or the drug fueled music of those days, this book is a good choice.  If you are looking for some fun and gossipy little stories, this will disappoint.

- Beverly


Publisher - Three Rivers Press
Date of Publication - October 9, 2007