Editorial Review

For most writers, the greatest challenge of spiritual writing is to keep it grounded in concrete language. The temptation is to wander off into the clouds of ethereal epiphanies, only to lose readers with woo-woo thinking and sacred-laced clichés. Thankfully, Anne Lamott (Read more

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Reviews (287)

Come as you are
Anne Lamott's Some Thoughts on Faith is delicious nonfiction. It's at once irreverent, reverent, poetic, rusty, sad and joyous. Anne starts by sharing her experiences with religion in childhood and then how she finally found a home in religion. But she is never preachy. She's at once religious yet more real than any religious person you've ever met, sharing her ups and downs in life, her struggles with various issues like alcoholism, bulimia, drug abuse, and, less seriously, her jiggly thighs and buttocks that she refers to lovingly as her "aunties." Her descriptions were like poetry in so many places as she describes the people she's met in her travels. Take this, for example:
An Honest Faith.
Let's be completely honest for a moment.Life is hard.Sometimes it can be incredibly hard.Bad things happen to good people and this happens quite often.We live in a fallen and sinful world.Contrary to the "Gospel of Prosperity" (aka greed) that seems popular in many places (and promoted by preachers such as Joel Osteen), you can sacrifice everything and still have nothing to show for it in this world.In fact, as followers of Jesus we have been promised "trials and tribulations".Yet, as followers of Jesus we have hope, joy, love, and peace.We have everything that the world (and what we ourselves) seek.It's not easy to not give into the despair and disillusions around us.We can get caught up in existing instead of living just as easily as anyone else.But, we can truly live and live a life abundant.It is a struggle, but it can be done.
We kill tree's to make books like this?
I wish I could have given this turkey zero stars. I tried very hard to connect with this train wreck of a book but I just couldn't. If this junk makes for good book fodder then I stand a pretty decent chance of becoming an author someday. I desperately tried to search for some kind of redeeming value in this book but I guess I just didn't get it. I'm not sure why this is a best selling "Christian" book either. It was this best seller status that led me to give it a read. Don't do what I did. Give this one a pass. She kept swearing and cursing, taking Gods name in vain, kept referring to God as a female, she stated that she prefers women pastors to men pastors, perhaps worst of all, had an abortion (almost got a second abortion) and prefers to have no father figure in her sons life. (It's pretty safe to say she doesn't like men, except for when she's getting knocked up of course...). So much for traditional American/Christian values. I don't see how this is considered a good "faith" story. It's a good thing I just checked this out from the library, I would have felt more than just alittle slighted had I bought it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Literary    5. Religious    6. Women    7. Biography & Autobiography / Religious   

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A nice companion to his other work
"On the Big Blackfoot" is a series of readings and narratives by Norman Maclean and his son, John, plus an interview with Norman Maclean that I found to be the most interesting part of the recording.The focus of the discussions is quite naturally "A River Runs Through It," but they do go a bit beyond it.If you are a fan of any of Maclean's work, then hearing his voice is a treat. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. General    4. Parental Memoirs    5. Sports - General    6. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    7. Nature / General   

Reviews (9)

Touching memoir
Read SINGING LESSONS by Judy Collins . . . this is a very What really matters at the end
The writting style is stunnigly beautiful and impressive,just as authour's music always had a certain healing power.Many singers/actors are not capable to remember anything more than their LP's and awards - celebrities memoirs are too often simply boasting about their career - but Collins have a perfect ballanced view on her past and she writtes about her inner life much more than her career,which is mentioned basically briefly. Portraits of her father and mentor Anthonia are described with affection and of course the book never stops reflecting on her son.This is a clear picture of Judy Collins life from her point of view - no celebrity gossip,no recording dates,what really matters here are feelings and precious memories she shares with reader.At times I thought her story about son sounds a bit obsessive - until it made me realise that I think about my mother every day and she died 12 years ago,so I guess we never really let go.Not only that second half of the book brings very helpful observations how to cope with depression,Collins also have sharp witt and she saved certain original sense of humour which must be life-saving quality (on her knees in the bathroom of the White House,she laughs at herself),the whole book is a warm,affectionate celebration of spirit still shining bright after tragedy and life downfalls.

"A book of rare honesty, sensitivity, and warmth!"
While listening to the current recordings of this remarkable performer, humanitarian, and personality, one is immediately struck by the warmth ofher voice and its enduring stamina and honesty, the same can be said about,"Singing Lessons, A Memoir of Love, Loss, Hope, and Healing. If anyonewonders if it is possible to survive unbearable tragedy, and thrive, theyonly have to read this book.If anyone wonders about physical, spiritual,and emmotional vibrancy, beyond the age of 40, they have only to read thisbook!It has been said that to survive any great tragedy, you have to gothrough it and experience it honestly.For those of us who have gonethrough far less than the loss of an only child, this book is a triumphantroad-map on how to grow and survive any of lifes unfathomable, unexpected,and unreal experiences.Judy Collins is a shinning example, not only forthose trying to cope with an enormous tragedy, but many of the new comersin todays music and entertainment industry who could well learn a"lesson" from her tremendous example on how to be a"good" star, someone who is truly grateful for the position theyhave achieved, and seeks to give back to the world, a true sense of caring,a steady sense of responsibility, and most of all, an enduring sense of the"real" kind of love, that makes this book "sing," andthe journey possible and worth the effort to continue. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Other    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Composers & Musicians - Pop    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Family relationships    8. Singers    9. Suicide victims    10. United States    11. Women    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

General Powell may have undertaken this book as a form of paid political test marketing, but it turns out to be a success of an altogether different kind. We don't learn from this book if Powell is presidential material, but his recounting of the various steps of his career give us an unrivaled view of the ins and outs of military bureaucracy and shows how the modern American military, with its consistent emphasis on can-do attitudes and actual results, is a much more congenial place for realizing one's talents than our still-alarmingly pigeonholing general society. ... Read more

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thought for the day
I read this sometime after Powell had already become Secretary of State, but before 9/11. At the time I read the book, I thought differently about politics than I do now, and this book had a subtle, but important effect on that change in perspective. It was among the factors that served a deepening in me. I have become less reactive and superficial when it comes to politics. That deepening was served not so much by virtue of what Powell says in this book -- although he does make a number of concrete points which were enlightening to me. It was more as a result of the fact that although he must have written it because he was toying with a bid for the presidency, I sense that he represents himself here pretty faithfully. I could therefore incorporate that feeling about him into my understanding of subsequent events.
There must be something about Colin Powell...
There must be something about Colin Powell. All through his career his superiors continually sought him out; and wherever he worked they always wanted him back.
Inspirational book
I enjoyed reading "My American Journey" and was thrilled that Colin Powell wrote an excellent, candid and honest autobiography and resisted the temptation to be self-serving. General Colin Powell achieved his remarkable success through merit and despite the various obstacles (which he saw as challenges) such as racism that could have thwarted lessor people.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Afro-American generals    3. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    4. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    5. Audiobooks    6. Biography    7. Biography & Autobiography    8. General    9. Generals    10. Military    11. Military - General    12. People of Color    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Military   

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An Inside Peek at Theatre and Life
Are You Hungry Dear is an easy read. Doris shares an inside peek of theatre, her early life as well as some recipes she recommends. I enjoyed reading about her childhood, complete with cold grandparents and a busy, absent mother. Her grit and determination to make a life for herself is truly inspiring.
Violent and Depressing
In this gritty crime novel, author Doris Roberts tries to conjour the ghosts of the pulp greats of the past.Unfortunately her characters are wooden cliches and the action turns gruesomely violent quickly.Roberts attempts at stylish atmospheric flourishes are, frankly, laughable, and the whole thing smacks of the amateurishish ramblings of a freshman creative writing student.A for effort, D- for result.

Hearty and Heart-Felt
Doris Roberts seems to be a very hearty, generally happy woman at least that's what the book conveys. A fabulous collection of her very personal memoirs and stories and advice, it's almost like having a conversation with the archetypical grandmother. But far from old-fashioned and foppish, Miss Doris is downright hilarious at times and speaks with the energy and zeal of somebody less than half her age (in fact, she puts most young people to shame when it comes to fully embracing and enjoying life). Her stories, taking place everywhere from New York theatre to Los Angeles tv to her bedroom, are all colorful and more entertaining than fiction ever could be. You can't make this stuff up! She opens herself up admirably, sharing her personal struggles and her darkest times as well as her triumphs and good days. Throughout, the conversational style of her and Danelle Morton's writing makes you feel more like you are spending time with a friend than reading a book. If you want advice from somebody who has been there before, or colorful tales from the world of entertainment, or a touching autobiography, or an endless source of laughter, or just some fabulous recipes (which the book is peppered with) then this book is for you! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Actors    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Audiobooks    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Cookery    8. Cookery, American    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Television (Performing Arts)    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Editorial Review

David Sedaris became a star autobiographer on public radio, onstage in New York, and on bestseller lists, mostly on the strength of "SantaLand Diaries," a scathing, hilarious account of his stint as a Christmas elf at Macy's. (It's in two separate collections, both worth owning, Read more

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Caution, this book will make you laugh....hard.
I reread this recently and I laughed as much as I did the first time I read it.David Sedaris is quite a national treasure even though most people don't know who he is!His writing is wonderful, poignant, sentimental and hilarious.The man knows how to write well and you can tell he continues to love his craft.
Don't take life too seriously. You'll never get out alive.
David Sedaris just might be the funniest man alive.
Me tAlK PRettY ONe DAY
"I know the thing that you speak exact now. Talk me more, you, plus, please, plus," Says David Sedaris, "talking pretty" in his book, Me tAlK PRettY ONe DAY. (page 173) The quote above is from a story about the absurdities of taking French lessons. The book is a collection of funny memoirs about such awful experiences as speech therapy in elementary school, his father forcing him to take guitar lessons from a midget and moving to France and not being able to speak French. Most of the stories center around his bizarre siblings and parents, including his obsessively swearing brother Paul, his alcoholic, chain-smoking mom and his drama-obsessed sister Amy. As the book progresses the stories take place later in his life and follow him into adulthood. We see him growing older but still being the same timid, disturbed outsider. While this book is not part of a series, David Sedaris has written many other humor books like it, such as Naked, Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, Barrel Fever and Holidays on Ice.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Audiobooks    3. Form - Essays    4. Humor    5. Unabridged Audio - Humor    6. American English    7. Biography: general    8. Humor / Essays    9. Humour collections & anthologies    10. Novels, other prose & writers: from c 1900 -   

Editorial Review

A compelling chronicle of a nation and its leaders during the period when modern America was created. With an uncanny feel for detail and a novelist's grasp of drama and depth, Doris Kearns Goodwin brilliantly narrates the interrelationship between the inner workings of the Roosevelt White House and the destiny of the United States. Goodwin paints a comprehensive, intimate portrait that fills in a historical gap in the story of our nation under the Roosevelts. ... Read more

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One of the very best books ever written!
Doris Kearns Goodwin is a marvelous writer. She combines real history and real people in a way that is non-judgmental, educational and very redable. All of her books are a MUST.
Wonderfully Portrayed History
Excellent book. Unfortunately educational textbooks only give a surface version about the lives and interaction between Franklin and Eleanor. This book peels layer by layer about their relationship (negative and postive) and the reality of what the United States went through pre-war, during and post-war.
Worthy of its Pulitzer - Biography at its best.
Goodwin takes a really interesting approach here to what is essentially the biography of a couple.Doing a biography of a couple is fairly unique as a starting point, but Goodwin gets more creative, using the time period of the Second World War as a magnifying glass to really bring the traits of her subjects into focus.The result is amazingly well done.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Biography    4. General    5. Presidents    6. Presidents & Heads of State    7. Presidents' spouses    8. United States    9. United States - 20th Century/WWII    10. World War, 1939-1945    11. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

Malcolm X's searing memoir belongs on the small shelf of great autobiographies. The reasons are many: the blistering honesty with which he recounts his transformation from a bitter, self-destructive petty criminal into an articulate political activist, the continued relevance of his militant analysis of white racism, and his emphasis on self-respect and self-help for African Americans. And there's the vividness with which he depicts black popular culture--try as he might to criticize those lindy hops at Boston's Roseland dance hall from the perspective of his Muslim faith, he can't help but make them sound pretty wonderful. These are but a few examples. Read more

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Reviews (265)

eye opener
Mike Young obviously did not read the book.I read it 3 times and it changed my life forever.The book clearly states that it is the autobiography of Malcolm X AS TOLD to Alex Haley and if you had read the book yourself you would realize that Malcolm was simply telling the story to Alex Haley.He was too busy to sit down and write the book himself and predicted his own murder in the last pages.Maybe you, Mike Young, should take on the challenge of being a thinking human being and read it on your own with an objective mind and then come back and tell us your real thoughts.

People Can Change!
Simply, one of the most amazing stories of change ever told in the English language - and still one of the most mis-understood men in the 20th century.

A tribute to Black Manhood
Some books can change your perception, but only a few can wipe out age-old assumptions, and force you to rethink everything you thought you knew. The question of RACE is at the heart of the American society, and in this book, not only African-Americans, but Americans of all colors, black, white, red and yellow, will find themselves reassessing what racism entails, for Malcolm X life, is a poignant testimony of the black man's struggle against both individual and institutional racism.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Afro-Americans    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Black Muslims    7. Ethnic Studies - African American Studies - General    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Islam - General    10. People of Color    11. Political    12. Specimens    13. Talking books    14. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    15. Biography & Autobiography / Political    16. Biography: general    17. Black studies    18. Human rights    19. USA   

Editorial Review

Celebrated Stanford University historian Clayborne Carson is the director and editor of the Martin Luther King Papers Project; with thousands of King's essays, notes, letters, speeches, and sermons at his disposal, Carson has organized King's writings into a posthumous autobiography. In an early student essay, King prophetically penned: "We cannot have an enlightened democracy with one great group living in ignorance.... We cannot have a nation orderly and sound with one group so ground down and thwarted that it is almost forced into unsocial attitudes and crime." Such statements, made throughout King's career, are skillfully woven together into a coherent narrative of the quest for social justice. The autobiography delves, for example, into the philosophical training King received at Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University, where he consolidated the teachings of Afro-American theologian Benjamin Mays with the philosophies of Locke, Rousseau, Gandhi, and Thoreau. Through King's voice, the reader intimately shares in his trials and triumphs, including the Montgomery Boycott, the 1963 "I Have a Dream Speech," the Selma March, and the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize. In one of his last speeches, King reminded his audience that "in the final analysis, God does not judge us by the separate incidents or the separate mistakes that we make, but by the total bent of our lives." Carson's skillful editing has created an original argument in King's favor that draws directly from the source, illuminating the circumstances of King's life without deifying his person. Read more

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Reviews (37)

like Malcolm X's autobiography
I read The Autobiography of Malcolm X earlier this year, and it gave one radical image of the civil rights movement.Then I read the Autobiography of Martin Luther King, which gave another radical view of the civil rights movement.In my history class, I argued that MLK was over glorified by history, and none of the students read this book.It shows how he was a simple man who was tired of segregation and wanted to fight it, through nonviolent means.
Excellent
I couldn't describe in words how amazing this book is. I read it and felt its beauty.The DVD, "USA THE MOVIE" also has excellent segments that are haunting in which Dr. King speaks over intense footage, DEFINITELY worth watching.I read this book twice and it left me thinking.

Martin Luther King Jr.
Bang! and just like that perhaps the greatest Civil rights leader was assonated, shot, and killed. Martin Luther King was born in Atlanta on January 15, 1929. He was raised in a Baptist church where his father was a pastor. Then after childhood King went to Morehouse University in 1944. After he received his masters degree Martin became a pastor like his father and married. Later Martin Luther King organized black leaders in the SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). After writing a book and making a trip to India King returned to be a pastor with his father in 1960. Then in 1963 King's way of peaceful protest was becoming difficult because of police brutality beating and arresting blacks. King is arrested and writes "A Letter from Birmingham Prison" to keep up black spirit. Towards the end of 63 and the beginning of 64 King won Person of the Year and the Nobel Peace Prize. Also soon after that he joined the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). It seemed things were leading to integration until April 4, 1968 when king was on the balcony of a black hotel with to other Black Leaders when he was hit in the neck with a rifle bullet. King died to soon to see integration but his dream would live on.I would recommend The biography of Martin Luther King Jr. because it is a good book about a man's dream to see blacks with whites.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Afro-Americans    3. Audio - Autobiography / Biography    4. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    5. Baptists    6. Biography    7. Biography & Autobiography    8. Civil rights workers    9. Clergy    10. Historical - U.S.    11. People of Color    12. Religious    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / People of Color    15. Biography: general    16. Civil rights & citizenship    17. USA   

Editorial Review

Maria Shriver's warmth, humor, and wisdom are evident on every page of this little book. Inspired by her commencement speech at the College of the Holy Cross, the book contains stories and insights that will be helpful, entertaining, and encouraging to graduates at every stage of life. The lessons themselves--"be willing to fail," "stand your ethical ground," "marriage is a hell of a lot of hard work"--are nothing new. What makes them interesting are the life stories that accompany them and Shriver's personable, friendly style. Reading this book feels like having a cup of coffee with a wise and funny friend. Tales of her first television experiences are surprising and hilarious, and she takes balancing motherhood and career to new levels--imagine postponing an interview with Fidel Castro to get your daughter to her first day of kindergarten! Each chapter is easy to read and ends with a focused lesson--kind of a bullet point from her original speech--that encourages readers to be ultimately true to themselves and their dreams, while cutting through harmful illusions. The last chapter, on laughter, is one to read again and again. Shriver maintains that without laughter not much else matters, and in life's toughest times it's laughter that gets us through. For anyone starting a new adventure--graduation, marriage, parenthood, career shift, or a milestone birthday--Read more

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Reviews (112)

A triumphal accomplishment!
With this book, Maria Shriver makes this world, a better place.
A Good Start
I bought Maria's book "What's Heaven" for my Granddaughter when her Grandmother (my mother) died 6 years ago. Now my Granddaughter will graduate from high school next year and Maria has followed her to college, with her last 2 books.Next I will buy my Granddaughter the Marlo Thomas books. As a Grandmother I believe it does take a Village. My Granddaughter will take 2 real good role models with her to college and now we have to set her free.

Worth the Read, but Not the Money
Maria did have some excellent points.The majority of the book is just an autobiography, though, and I skimmed through those parts.My advice would be to stop by the book store and look at the table of contents and then the very end where she gives a list of some other things she wishes she knew, because they explain themselves.A lot of her things I already knew, and she points out that she's not trying to help us avoid those things, just let us know we're not alone.If the great, talented Maria could get through life, then we can too!That was sarcasm. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Self-Help    2. Audiobooks    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Conduct of life    6. General    7. Rich & Famous    8. Youth    9. Biography & Autobiography / Rich & Famous    10. Biography: film, television & music    11. USA   

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio Adult: Other    3. Creative Ability    4. General    5. Psychology    6. Music    7. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Editorial Review

Like Kurt Cobain, Nick Traina lived for punk rock (his bands made two CDs, Read more

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Reviews (186)

A Mother's Heartache
As a Danielle Steel fan since the dawn of her writing career, I've often wondered how she captures emotional anguish so vividly.In researching manic-depression while writing LOVING LARRY, I found the answer apparent in HIS BRIGHT LIGHT.From the heart of a mother she lovingly introduces her children, shares her personal history and bares her soul in this painful account of her son's struggle with manic-depressive illness and its effect on her family.The poignant portrayals she creates in fiction come--at least in part--from heartbreaking first-hand experience.

Steel's best work to date
Widely known for her romantic novels in far off places, Danielle Steel managed to create a career that likely exceeded her wildest dreams. Yet beneath the veneer of gentile refinement, the famous author struggled to help her son Nick Traina, a young man who was taken from Earth before his time. Lucky for him, and for us, Steel didn't let his passing go without triumph for those like him.
His Bright Light Can Save Lives
Danielle Steel wrote this book with a purpose greater than many may realize. As a pure and loving tribute to her son Nick's life and as a direly needed awareness among people about how BPD (Bipolar Disorder, or manic depression) is a disease that kills people, because they do not have proper medical diagnosis or treatment.
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Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Depression    5. Family relationships    6. General    7. Manic-depressive persons    8. Mental Illness    9. Parental Memoirs    10. Specific Groups - Special Needs    11. Suicide    12. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    13. United States    14. Women authors, American    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

No athlete has changed his sport the way Tiger Woods has transformed theworld of golf. The Tiger phenomenon has created a new legion of golfers, seducedby Woods's almost effortless mastery of this most difficult game. In Read more

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Reviews (73)

the perfect borther in law gift
Bought this book on Amazon for my borther in law's birthday.He loved it.Five stars.

Good coffee table golf book
Just like the author of it, the book is heavyweight, literally. In fact, this book is so heavy I can't hold them in bed for more than 10 minutes.
excellent
excellent book that not only gives plenty of technical advices but that is also inspirational for the mind attitude to have when you play golf. must have it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Misc. Nonfiction    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. General    5. Golf    6. Golf - General    7. Golf - Instruction    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - General    10. Sports & Recreation / Golf   

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A latter day film noir protagonist on Wall Street
Reading this great book reminded me of the movie Night and the City. The central character Lou Pasciuto is very much in the mold of the famous noir protagonist in Night, "Harry Fabian." Always hustling, always scheming, but with a 21st century twist, and all true.

Goodfellas meets Boiler Room
If you can imagine a book written that blended these two movies together, bada-bing, there's your book. There's your review.

very disturbing
It nevers ceases to amaze me that people could be so gullible as to send a check for a large sum of money because some guy with a great line of BS says he can make you rich and he represents an official sounding brokerage house.Wow.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    2. Audio Adult: Business    3. Biography    4. Business    5. Business & Economics    6. Corporate & Business History - General    7. Criminals & Outlaws    8. New York    9. New York (State)    10. Personal Finance - General    11. Securities fraud    12. Stockbrokers    13. Wall Street    14. Business & Economics / Personal Finance / General   

Editorial Review

Hip radio comedy fans and theater folks who belong to the cult of Obie-winning playwright/performer David Sedaris must kill to get this book. These would be fans of the scaldingly snide Sedaris's hilariously described personal misadventures like Read more

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Chuckle out loud humor!
"Naked" is a bizzare, yet humorous, glimpse into the life and times of David Sedaris, made even more bizzare when the fact sinks in that it's a memoir. Through his essays, Sedaris treats us to an insider's look at his warped childhood, and subsequent warped adulthood, touching upon subjects such as his golf-obsessed father, the relationship between his old-world-stalwart grandmother and his end-of-her-rope mother, and hichhiking days accompanied by a parapalegic. The essays are superbly written, perfect for reading out loud, enthralling, and endowed with a usually-hitting, self-depracating humor. Some jokes are hit or miss, but it averages out to a definitely amusing read. For anyone with a strange family, or a skewed view of the world, there's something in "Naked" to relate to.

Not too shabby
Sedaris' Naked is a quick, enjoyable read. The honesty and incisiveness he uses to portray his family members is excellent, although the accompanying cruelness from such honesty can be off-putting. Some of his essays, such as c.o.g., about his experiences as an apple-picker and then an Oregon-shaped clock maker's assistant who declares Sedaris to be a 'child of god' are both hilarious and incisive. However, other essays, while humorous, are largely forgettable. Looking back through the book I found essays that I barely remembered even though I had read them only days before. Sure, they were funny at the time, but a lot of them lack impact. However, when Sedaris is on, he is on, and some of his stories, such as his description of his grandmother, Ya-Ya, his attempt at being a childhood detective to clear his name, and his visit to a nudist colony, are both funny and memorable. It's these kind of essays that make the book really worth reading.

David Sedaris, laughter cover to cover
Brilliantly hilarious, carefully crafted, beautifully expressive! Thumbs up for David Sedaris' Naked.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Literature/Classics    2. Audio - Literature / Classics    3. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Form - Essays    6. General    7. Literary    8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

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The plain truth of the matter
Jim has a tremendous gift to share the realness of struggle and not exclude 'you' from the potential of what can be accomplished.This is an awsome audible book and I would recomend it to anyone caring for and feeding a positive reading habit.Great for kids too.

The book that changed the way that I view my life!
This book is the best book that I myself have ever laid hands on.I have read it numerous times and have always found something that changed my veiw of life and how I respond to it.Mr. Stovall has more strength and trueintegrity as well as character than any other. I admire him and look up tohim because of his will to survive,and his love for God and life together,and am honored that he has chosen to share it with all of us. Please readthis book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Audio - Inspiration / Philosophy    2. Biography    3. Blind    4. Case studies    5. Christianity - Theology - Protestant    6. Employees    7. Inspirationa