Editorial Review

Fans of Augusten Burroughs's darkly funny memoir Read more

Reviews (191)

You have to read this!
As a recovering addict (3 years clean) I fell in love with this book. The way he describes his struggle to overcome the addictions, to get past his childhood trauma, and to just be a grown up was charming. I especially related to him describing how he could keep the electricity and phones turned on cause he couldn't pay the bills, not because he didn't have the money, but because he became overwhelmed at the thought of responsibility. Also the way he described his mother's suffocating needs, saying that even the smallest task ("changing a lightbulb) seemed so daunting and huge.
going through hell and back...
"Dry: A Memoir" is my second autobiographical book by Augusten Burroughs.His "Running with Scissors" was brilliant; I was awestruck at how any child can survive through such a bizarre childhood.In "Dry.." we discover that Mr Burroughs didn't exactly sail through early adulthood unscathed.Although remarkably successful in the frenetic world of advertising at a young age, the author quickly self-destructs.Alcohol, drugs and failed relationships find him in rehab while only in his twenties.From there "Dry.." recounts the author's attempts to get his life back together.A rough journey ensues.
Even Better Than Running...
Read this right after reading his childhood tale, Running with Scissors.This is more believable, more relatable and more heartbreaking.This is the one they should have made a film out of.At times I was proud of him, disgusted with him, sad for him, and found myself rooting for him.A sign of a well written book.Can't wait to read the next installment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Advertising agencies    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Copy writers    8. General    9. Literary    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. Novelists, American    13. Personal Memoirs    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (3)

Graceful and Often Affecting
Donald Spoto's new biography of Audrey Hepburn will please those who wish to gain a fuller understanding of Ms. Hepburn's private life and rise to stardom.
Enchanting!!!
I am very impressed with Donald Spoto's review of Audrey Hepburn. Reading Mr. Spoto's biography of Audrey Hepburn shows a huministic side of the actress and woman the world loved and adored. This book is a wonderful addition to Sean Ferrer's book and Barry Paris's book. I am sure anyone that buys this book will enjoy it as much as I do.

Hepburn's Life and Career Skillfully Examined With Sympathy and Offers Some Surprises
There are already a number of posthumous biographies of the fabled star on the market, the most notable being her son Sean Hepburn Ferrer's loving 2003 memoir, "Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers". Author Donald Spoto adds another one, a respectful portrait that may lack the personal detail Ferrer provides but at the same time, allows enough distance from the subject to be a bit more objective. In 1983, Spoto wrote a fascinating profile of Alfred Hitchcock where the legendary filmmaker came across as a repressed, twisted individual whose outlet was the terror he could instill in his films. This time, he etches an in-depth portrait of a woman whose vulnerability, personal insecurity, and innate love of family endeared her to all those exposed to her - Hepburn's inner circle, friends, colleagues, lovers and ultimately the world.
Read more

Subjects:  1. 1929-1993    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. Hepburn, Audrey,    10. Individual Movie Actors And Actresses    11. Motion picture actors and actresses    12. United States    13. Women    14. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (16)

Entertaining, Realistic, Sarcastic
If you want to get a peek at the investment banking world, then this book is the one.I found the book to be entertaining and insightful.It is difficult to find detailed, objective accounts of Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and Jonathan provides that here.
Stay on Story
As an I-Banker at a regional firm I always enjoy reading books such as this.This is a mixed bag.Knee starts the book discussing his internship in London, what a "rookie" does, what he did well, what he did not do well, and why he didn't want to do this forever.But, after an MBA and a short career with an airline, he's back at it again, and with success.He "accidentally" fell into a role and used his wit to carve out a successful niche.This is where this book is at its best and an excellent, fast read.
Entertaining and Insightful
The Accidental Investment Banker is an excellent and entertaining history of investment banking.Mr. Knee uses his experience and knowledge to accurately describe both the intricacies of the job and the role investment bankers actually play.Most importantly, he provides thoughtful insight on trends in the industry over the past ten years witnessing firsthand the decline of relationship banking and the impact of the internet bubble.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Banks & Banking    2. Business    3. Economic History    4. Economics | Business   

Reviews (2)

Another Great Book From Ms. Garrett!
I have read several of Ms. Garrett's books.They always make you feel as if you are walking in her footsteps.I, being an X-member of an Old Order Amish sect, was curious to see if there were any differences within her sect and mine.I learned alot from, "Born Amish."For my sect was a little different-which isn't shocking when there are so many Amish sects.I can't wait until she publishes another book.For she is a remarkable writer.I always recommend her books.I also recommend, "My Amish Heritage", by Ruth Irene Garrett; and, "True Stories of X-Amish: Banned-Shunned-Excommunicated", by Ottie Garrett and Ben Garrett.

Beautifully written
The book "Born Amish"is truly a beautiful book about women's roles in an Amish family in an Amish community.I read this lovely book in one setting.I hope there are more books on the way as detailed and honest as this one.I wish women everywhere could read this outstanding book.I enjoyed Ruth's first book "Crossing Over",but this is the one that details the facts of being "Born Amish"and growing up Amish.May God bless you Ruth Garrett. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1974-    2. Amish    3. Body, Mind & Spirit    4. Childhood and youth    5. Garrett, Ruth Irene,    6. General    7. Inspiration & Personal Growth    8. Iowa    9. Kalona    10. Kalona (Iowa)    11. New Age    12. Religion - Socialissues    13. Religious    14. Social life and customs   

Reviews (77)

anonymous
This book is amazing! I honestly can't speak highly enough about it. I heard Brother Yun preach last night, and he is completely authentic, real and in love with Jesus. Mostly what strikes me is that hearing the life story of this man makes me realize that God is all-powerful and trustworthy, and a victorious Christian life is possible!

The Heavenly Man
Read it in one day. I couldn't put it down. I had to stop half way through and pray about my spiritual life! I'm buying 10 copies for all the men I know who are serious about their relationship with Jesus Christ. It is like reading the book of Acts but it took place in the last quarter century. I checked to see if anyone could verify some of the incredible miracles mentioned in the book and found statements from people who are closest to Brother Yun and vouch for his integrity. The author checked with witnesses of the events to confirm their accuracy. God help us get as serious as Brother Yun about our relationship with Christ Jesus!

The Heavenly Man
If you feel that you are complaining too much about your life you need to read this book because you will find nothing in your life to complain about. This book is really life changing, it made me examine my own life. AWESOME BOOK, couldnt put it down. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Missions & Missionary Work    4. Religion    5. Religious    6. Biography & Autobiography / Religious   

Reviews (181)

Required reading for anyone serious about working on Wall Street.
Everyone has read this, and its easy to understand why. One of the best written books about Wall Street ever, Michael Lewis is superb as he goes about describing his experience at Salomon Brothers during the 1980's as a bond salesman. Introduces us to the legendary trader John Meriweather before he started Long Term Capital Management.

Interesting and well written...
This should be required reading analysts and associates along with `Monkey Business: Swinging Through the Wall Street Jungle' and `Goldman Sachs: The Culture of Success'. Each gives a different and illuminating perspective on the ups and downs of the many different departments that make up large, institutional finance organizations. Moreover, there are in totality especially useful if you have no idea about how finance actually operates on a day-to-day basis beyond what you see in your economics courses (definitely the case at Harvard, U Chicago, MIT and the like, where these firms heavily recruit). Can definitely give those without and an internship or direct experience the ability to level the playing field to a large degree.

Wall Street Demystified
For those of us that have an innate disbelief for brokers, traders, advisors and the likes working from Wall Street, this is a must read.For those of you who take lessons and advise from financial advisors, money experts, radio and TV charlatans, this book should be mandatory.
Read more

Subjects:  1. (Michael M.)    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Bonds    5. Brokers    6. Business    7. Business / Economics / Finance    8. Business/Economics    9. Corporate & Business History - General    10. Investments & Securities - General    11. Investments & Securities - Stocks    12. Lewis, Michael    13. Salomon Brothers    14. United States    15. Business & Economics / Economic History   

Reviews (68)

A must read for anyone who aspires to live better
While I find most food writing, particularly autobiographies, tiring to the core this book warmed my jaded little heart.
From Awkward Tourist to French Cooking Fame!
My Life in France is the most entertaining memoir I've read in 2006!It's a winner.
"Splendid"
What an incredible read!If you tire of the endless array of predictable fiction plots based on dysfunctional psychological drama, read this as a tribute to the life of a cultural icon.If you have any bias against French established cultures, please read this - it'll give you a more objective frame of reference from Julia Child's perspective. She not only embraced France but took that passion she found and made it her success.Positive and humorous.I loved it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cookery, French    6. Cooking    7. Cooking / Wine    8. Cooks    9. France    10. French Cookery    11. History    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Regional & Ethnic - French    14. United States    15. Women    16. Cooking / History   

Editorial Review

"Long before it legally served me, the bar saved me," asserts J.R. Moehringer, and his compelling memoir Read more

Reviews (82)

A Friend of Mine Recommended and I love her for it
A friend of mine recommended this book to me and I am so glad she did. A sweet and entertaining read that dipped into the more important parts of a young man's life. I loved Moehringer's moments of clarity that he disperses throughout the text - moments he remembers with "the men" that he knows shaped the man he was to become. Never overly sentimental but clearly emotional in a practical, thankful, respectful way. Well done.

"And Plaaaan-dome Roah---ohd!!!"
How many times have I heard the conductor (or The Voice on the Intercom) say this when I travel the LIRR -- but have I ever been there?? Never---well, wait... YES!! I've been there vicariously ...In the pages of JR's book!!
A great American memoir
Unlike any other memoir I've read.Yes, it has the telltale family strife, growing pains, life lessons etc., but the setting and premise of the story is very unique.I have never heard of a bar described in so many ways, it often reads likes poetry.I guarantee you will not be able to enter a bar and see it in the same light again! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arizona    2. Bars (Drinking establishments)    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    9. Journalists    10. Manhasset    11. New York (State)    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Social aspects    14. United States    15. Bartenders   

Editorial Review

Jezebel and Delilah have plenty to teach contemporary Christian women, according to Read more

Reviews (44)

Good Humor is truly God-given
And there's plenty of it to be found in Higg's work. This book is truly unique in several ways, one being that it's practically an anthology as well as a guidebook. Also, Higgs blessedly does NOT paint unrealistically good-girl pictures of what we should be like; her brutally honest recounting of her past is part of this. I found her transformation of old stories into new absolutely brilliant and insightful and her humor and bluntness often hilarious. Inspite of her occasional gushing of Christ (can you blame her?) and her extremely affectionate terms of endearment for the reader, Higgs never came across to me as condescending or fake. In fact, she's more real than certain people I've actually met. Some female Christian authors give the impression of being either the dance-through-daisies type or the whip-in-hand type that you can't at all relate to, but Higgs is wonderfully flesh and blood as well as Godly, which not everyone can accomplish! One feminist claimed that Higgs believes in women being submissive to men, but let's give her a little more credit here! While she does make a comment about wives submitting to their husbands, she only does this once and never says that women should be submissive in general. If there's one thing Higgs is not, it's a doormat. I did take away one star because I felt like she occasionally (in both her Bad Girl books) connected personal beliefs with Christian ones a little too much(I do not agree that nudity is inherently sinful or that morning-after pills are nasty), but we all do that to a certain point and Higgs still for the most part manages to steer clear of preachiness. If you'd like a down-to-earth and entertaining Christian guide, I highly recommend both "Bad Girl" books as well as "Mad Mary" (read the latter with a bunch of tissues, though). Higgs is truly in a class by herself :) God Bless you, Liz!

The most relevant book I've ever read
I bought this book more than a year before I read it. It sat on my shelf gathering dust until I finally found the courage to actually read it. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I read it for two days straight, grabbing it every chance I could.
Witty, fun, real and relevant
We have a small group of women meeting once a week and reading this book. I love the way Liz starts each chapter by retelling the story of the woman the way it may look if it was happening today and gives us a new insight into that life. She then goes step by step through the Bible verses and does a study on them - showing insights and ways that it relates to us today. The questions at the end of the chapter are good as well and the whole diverse group of us is learning... There are different types of women in the Bible and each of us relates to at least one of them! I like the catagories: Bad to the bone, Bad for a season and Bad for a moment. Witty, fun, real and relevant to me today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Stories - General    2. Bible - Study - General    3. Bible - Topical Studies    4. Biography    5. Christian women    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Religious life    9. Spirituality - Women's    10. Women in the Bible    11. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (12)

Bringing the message home
This is a book you will want to share with colleagues, patients, family and friends if you are in an integrative medicine healing practice. Those that "get" what you are doing will love it for its clear description of our vision. Those that don't "get" what you are doing, may very well after reading this extremely well written, passionate story. Matthew understands that yoga goes far beyond his personal experience or any story for that matter. He uses his story to share how yoga is indeed a "waking" of the human consciousness and a responsiblity for us all. His use of humor, irony and candor make for an engaging, personal experience while pushing the reader to look beyond their personal limits.

The Connection of Mind and Body
This memoir was a fabulous read.I couldn't put it down once I started.Matthew's story of his accident and recovery was heartbreaking, but the inspiration he provides for all of us gives ushope that we toocan overcome the obstacles we face in our ownlives. We do not stand apart from Matthew, but we walk with him, all of us.I feel that Matthew does not what us to feel sorry for him, but to learn from him that we all can be whole, healthy and live productive lives.I was amazed by his insights and the poetic elegance of his writing.This author will go far.Read it!

Waking, by Matthew Sanford
This was an awesome book.A great story for anyone really, but very helpful as well to those in the medical or alternative health care field, as I am a massage therapist. I found the linking of trauma and injury with the body very helpful in understanding clients and even my own limitations or prior injuries, it proves that your muscles do remember and even have flashbacks to trauma incurred to the body.I was totally inspired by Matthew and all he went through and accomplished during his journey back to health and Im so grateful that he shared it with us. It is also a good book for anyone experiencing aging in their bodies to read as well, lots of helpful insight for all of us as we start to disconnect from our bodies because of limitations or injury or age.Very inspiring and uplifting and hopeful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Health aspects    6. Paraplegics    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Specific Groups - Special Needs    9. Yoga    10. Biography: general    11. Coping with disability    12. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (105)

grand ole' time
Hilarious encounters and stories involving ample idiots and alcohol.A great read, but definitely not for the sensitive types.My female friends and I all loved it!Word for the wise, you need a cynical outlook and sick sense of humor to enjoy.But if you're a slightly twisted individual as myself who has no problem laughing at other's unfortune/stupidity, you will have a field day with this quick and easy read. I may even inspire you to take down some of your own unbelievable stories.

Hilarious
I didn't know how funny a book can be until I was reading this book. I didn't think reading it in public would be that bad, but apparently, bursting out in hysterical laughter on the eliptical machine in the gym is a little frowned upon, especially if I accidentally mension the fact that he shat all over himself during my laugh. I believe I fell in love with Tucker just a little, but too bad he doesn't look as good as he does on the cover, the little chubster. Hopefully, I hear of more encounters with women that aren't blonde haired and blue eyed. He should visit hawaii where he can get more variety.
A hilarious walk down memory lane....
I couldn't put this book down.This was an absolutely hilarious, and sometimes wincingly so, over-the-top account of random "hook-ups" with women that are glimpses of an earlier time in most college aged males lives that, for Mr. Max, seem to continue long past when the majority of us have sold out to marriage, kids, the white picket fence, stable pay check....etc.I found myself thinking during every chapter..."Holy cr**, what if his mother reads this?" Unforturnately fate has a sense of humor and I have three daughters now...maybe I'll have them read this book before they go off to college as a "heads-up" to what is out there.Mr. Max, I'll see you in hell and the first round is on me! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. American Satire And Humor    2. Conduct of life    3. Humor    4. Men    5. Topic - Adult    6. Tucker, Max    7. Biography: general    8. English    9. Fiction / Humorous    10. Humour    11. USA   

Reviews (6)

Shelley Christy (real name), Pittsburgh, PA
I read about "Nordie's at Noon" from my weekly PEOPLE magazine subscription.I actually bought the book on vacation and could not put it down--it is a quick read, but so very powerful and inspiring.I admire these four ladies' courage and their stance not to be victims.They are true survivors and are an inspiration to anyone faced with any type of illness.I passed the book along to a friend who has breast cancer as well.When you read the book, you definitely feel like you know the four authors.I recommend this book to ALL woman!

An excellent book for all women
I read the review of this book in People magazine, and was interested enough to buy it the next day.I was not disappointed-- this a wonderful book.Not only was it an interesting and well written chronicle of 4 women's fight with breast cancer, but it was educational as well. Reading first hand accounts of how breast cancer changed the lives of young women made I could relate to made me realize it's high time I knew what a BSE (Breast Self-Examination) was!

Live, Love, Laugh, Learn
This book is an amazing story about the four women authors on their journey with breast cancer, God, family, and friends.I feel so much more enlightened and comfortable with the topic of breast cancer; I've grown tremendously from my experience reading the book.One of the mantra's for one of the authors is Live, Love, Laugh.My mantra has always been Live, Love, Laugh, Learn.I Learned a great deal from this book and believe it will help others Learn about friendship and one very important part of life no one can escape.Of course, there is a huge emphasis in the book on Living, Loving and Laughing.I gave a copy of this book to approximately 100 friends across the nation.I hope this story will help many people Learn more about their family and friends who are, or who will inevitably, Live, Love, and Laugh their way through breast cancer.My Live, Love, Laugh, Learn Campaign - "PASS IT ON!" I ask that anyone who reads this review to read this book.Then purchase several copies for others.Many people will better understand this life experience.If everyone simply buys two books and asks the people with whom they share the book to "pass it on," the number of people we can reach is incredible.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Breast    6. Cancer    7. Consumer Health    8. Diet / Health / Fitness    9. Diseases - Breast Cancer    10. Diseases - Cancer    11. General    12. Motivational & Inspirational    13. Patients    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Coping with illness    16. Oncology   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (252)

One of the best you will ever read
This is an easy to read book, which managed to make profound points about life, pain, and fate.I enjoyed reading the first part of the book and learning about what it was like to be in such a hellish place (a concentration camp), and yet still being able to be positive about life.What more can I say than its an excellent book?

I learned: All the Auschwitz survivors, including the author, had something significant yet to do with their lives!
MAN'S SEARCH FOR MEANING
fascinating!
this is simply a must read for those interested in the human experience.Some of the positions concluded in this book may not be the only way to think on the issues involved, but still, this book is a great psychological workout with deep insights. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Austria    2. Biography    3. General    4. Holocaust    5. Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945)    6. Personal narratives    7. Psychological aspects    8. Psychologists    9. Psychology    10. Psychology of Religion    11. Philosophy    12. Philosophy / General    13. Psychoanalysis & psychoanalytical theory   

Subjects:  1. 1955-    2. Automobile Racing    3. Automobile racing drivers    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Elliott, Bill,    9. Motor Sports    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Sports - General    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Sports   

Reviews (12)

"Flags of Our Fathers" - A Timely Look at a Bloody Battle in Our History
Quite a while ago, Nick Olmsted, a graduate of the U. S. Naval Academy, recommended that I read "Flags of Our Fathers." I am glad that I finally got around to taking his advice. This story struck me on many levels at once, and this seems to be an opportune time to share some of my thoughts about this remarkable book, written by James Bradley, the son of one of the six Marines whose iconic picture of the raising of the flag over Iwo Jima riveted a war-weary nation.
A hard book to read.
World War II seems such a long time ago for so many of us. Most Americans today weren't yet born when it took place. For this reason, I believe everyone old enough to comprehend its stories should read this book. James Bradley and Ron Powers have written a heart-pounding record of the thirty-five bloody days it took to wrest Iwo Jima (Sulfur Island) from the Japanese. The photograph of the raising of the American flag on Mt. Suribachi (1/400th of a second's space in time) is recognized around the world. The men who raised it: John "Doc" Bradley (the author's father);Harlon Block; Rene Gagnon; Ira Hayes; Franklin Sousley; and Mike Strank became instant heroes (though Block, Sousley and Strank died not long after). Bradley, Hayes and Gagnon lived to tell the tale, though both Hayes and Gagnon would die with the pain of their experiences on Iwo Jima seared into their psyches to the point they could not live with it successfully.
A full 5 stars !!
It is kind of funny how I came up with this book. I was looking to buy some books on WWII and after deciding on 2 books, I was short 25 cents to recieve the free shipping. So, I looked for another book that was cheep in price and picked this one. Out of the three books I purchased, Flags Of Our Fathers was the first one I read thinking I will get through this before I get to the good ones. Boy was I wrong. This book was just so good! I could not put it down! I would find myself up and still reading at 1am in the morning. I would strongly reccomend this book to anyone! Now I am going to purchase the newest version (bigger with nice cover) to have as a keepsake. Take my word for it, buy the book and you will not regret it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. History    3. History - Military / War    4. Iwo Jima, Battle of, Japan, 1945    5. Military    6. Military - United States    7. Military - World War II    8. Photographs