Reviews (322)

Excellent book!
Joan Didion is able to capture for the reader what a terrible ordeal losing any loved one is, let alone two within a very short time. She deals with the fast death of her husband and the longer, slow death of her daughter. The writing is excellent, the sadness you feel is unbelievably real. What's true is that in all of our lives, what is one way one minute can change ever so quickly the next.Ms. Didion captures this feeling to a tee.

A beautiful book, but it's not really intended for other people
I'm trying to think of how to delicately recommend against reading Joan Didion's latest (for which she won a National Book Award). Some disjointed notes:
Two types of Research
More than anything else, I think Didion's latest book shows her truest colorsas a reporter.Though ostensibly a memoir, The Year of Magical Thinking is at its center an in-depth investigative report on the effects of grief, from its onset and onward a year.Didion blends research in the "field" -- hospitals, all the venues of her own experience -- and research with doctors and through print media to give us not only a moving record of her own experiences, but also a critical study into the personal, psychological, physiological toll grief can take on a person.Like her earliest works, thisbook seems effortless, almost spoken, in very measured and easy prose, which seeps into the reader and makes you even more moved by her accounts.An excellent book, both from the stand point of memoir and reportage, and an exceedingly excellent book from the stand point of being both blended into one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Didion, Joan    7. Didion, Joan - Prose & Criticism    8. Dunne, John Gregory - Prose & Criticism    9. Dunne, John Gregory,    10. Family relationships    11. Journalists    12. Literary    13. Novelists, American    14. Personal Memoirs    15. United States    16. Women    17. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Reviews (113)

Informative but casts too wide a net.
Bruce Bawer's book is informative and covers quite a lot of ground in its description of the insidious nature of radical Islam in Europe and how the political elite are more enamoured with political power over a propagandised electorate instead of applying themselves to the defence of freedom. But that is what European style government is all about despite the contemporary terrorism of radical Islam, and is--like democracy--the antithesis of freedom.
While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West
Hardly a more timely subject can be found.Perhaps long overdue, if you want to educate and inform yourself about what is really going on behind the press headlines, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Thoughtful, but exaggerates Europe's fate
Having lived in Europe for a few years, I can safely say that the extreme liberal PC policies of "Sure! Anyone can live here!" mentality towards immigration have lead to a dangerously large anti-European Muslim population. This will be a large issue for the continent in the current century, but is Europe going to become part of a monstrous Islamic Calliphate? Highly doubtful
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Europe    4. Islam - General    5. Islamic Government    6. Islamic Studies    7. Islamic fundamentalism    8. Muslims    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    11. Public Opinion And Foreign Policy    12. Public Policy - Social Policy    13. Public opinion    14. Religion    15. Religion, Politics & State    16. Sociology    17. Political Science / Social Policy   

Reviews (6)

Brief, lovely read
This memoir managed to be both incredibly sad and yet positive and life-affirming at the same time.Abigail Thomas describes the journey she must take in the years after her husband's accident and how she manages to progress from inner turmoil (and at times, the inability to function at all), to a place where she is at peace with her life.Though her husband must remain at a hospital for brain-injured patients, she is able to bring him home for visits and spends time with him at the center. The comments and thoughts from his head are so fascinating...I found myself eagerly waiting to see what he would say the next time.Just wondering about the brain and all that we don't know about it is truly amazing to me.Sometimes he makes pronouncements that appear so profound, and other times he seems in total confusion, and while it's incredibly heartbreaking, it's also mesmerizing to read their conversations together.
A voice to be heard
I discovered A Three Dog Life through an article in the New York Times this summer. An excerpt from Abigail Thomas's book appeared in the column, Modern Love. She titled it: "My Husband Survived, the Man I Married Didn't." That is the crux of her book. And with this title, she got me. I, too, have a husband who survived a traumatic brain injury (stroke), and the man I married did not fully survive either.
Rave Review for A Three Dog Life
*****
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Animals    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Dogs - General    9. Healing - General    10. Inspiration & Personal Growth    11. Literary    12. Pets    13. Thomas,Abigail    14. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (32)

The Confession
I know that a lot of people in the gay community do not think that James McGreevey should be classified as a hero.But as a gay man who struggled with trying to be the "Best Little Boy in Town", I can emphasize with him.Trying to live in a straight world all the while knowing that you are different takes a tremendous toll on your personality and your self worth.
The Confession Jim McGreevey
All of New Jersey and the country were probably anticipating the release of former Governor Jim Mcgreevey's book. Some of the hype may have been due to the scandal involving his sexual encounters. I am completing the book and am very impressed with the wealth of information included.
The people have lost a great man
Isn't it sad that we dispose of gay people like they were garbage once it is found out that someone is gay?Governor McGreevey was an excellent politician, with a keen intellect.Who knows what good he could have done for the people of this country had he stayed in politics?Instead, we force people like this to resign.This is a great loss to society.Many gay and lesbian people have great gifts to offer and yet...we throw them out with the bath water.It is our loss, not their's. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Gay politicians    6. Governors    7. Homosexuality    8. New Jersey    9. New Jersey - State Government    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Political    12. Specific Groups - Male Gay Studies    13. Biography & Autobiography / Political    14. Biography: general    15. USA   

Reviews (3)

Inspiring Must Read!!!!
What I Know for Sure is that Tavis Smiley's testimony and transparency through this book was a refreshing read.He is a prolific speaker and a voice for this generation. I applaud him for allowing us to share intimately into his life. I was deeply moved by his honesty in retelling the experiences that shaped the man we now see today. The candidness expressed in each chapter allowed us to witness the forces that birth his purpose and propelled his drive, ambition, and advocacy. His love for people was greatly evident. This book is a must read not just for African-Americans but for anyone who has faced adversity, challenges and trying circumstances in life.Greatly inspiring!

A Must Read!
Who is Tavis Smiley?Initially Tavis' prominence in the media led me to think this guy was just a 'talking-head' - a person simply trying to find a means to move up in this world.However, years have shown me I was wrong.
Brother Tavis Smiley is the Truth
I've always dug&Respected Tavis Smiley big time. I've always respected his Vast Knowledge&Ability to communicate&be direct&just do his thing. this Book takes you back to his upbringing. this Book pulls no punches about what he dealt with as a Young Black Man growing up in a Household of a Large family,also dealing with getting whippings(this was the Pre-Pre Time-Out Era which back in the day only applied to Sports Games)and dealing with his own self in the Process. everybody sees&Hears the Success,but not many people are aware of the struggle this Man had to endure&the many lasting images&things he had to deal with Mentally.I applad Brother Tavis Smiley for not being afraid to settting the Record Straight.this Book will hit you in so many ways&depending on your own upbringing it might be close to your own story. I can relate to it big time.Tavis doesn't back down to BET or NPR Either.Tavis without a doubt is one of the most Important Voices out here.he keeps it real&this Book is very direct&real. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Discrimination & Racism    4. People of Color    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Radio personalities    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Television personalities    10. United States    11. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (27)

Engrossing, Frustrating
I have been nourished in my faith by Barbara Brown Taylor's writings and presentations over the years.This book is no different.Once I began reading it, I was engrossed in her images and descriptions and connections, as she described her spiritual and professional journey.In many passages, she writes moving descriptions of the grace that happens in congregational life.I highly recommend this as an example of intellectually honest and deeply rooted faith.I have been thinking about it a great deal in the months since I read it.
Cathartic, Even for Me
Barbara Brown Taylor never claims that her approach to the ministry was typical, nor does she advocate that other people follow her footsteps in leaving the church (although she does have some interesting suggestions for empowering churchgoers and the faithful in general).Her story of "finding, losing, and keeping," is merely one personal narrative that successfully avoids the pretense that everyone shares the same dramas and should therefore listen to her wisdom.She is not selling anything.Her book is rather an intimate, articulate self-revelation about her path in the world.
Missing a Sense of Call
I have enjoyed Barbara Brown Taylor's essays in The Christian Century and there is no question that she is a talented and descriptive writer. This book is a pleasant (and quick) read largely because her prose flows so beautifully.
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Subjects:  1. Anglican Communion    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Christianity - Episcopalianism    7. Clergy    8. Episcopal Church    9. Episcopal Churches    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Religious    12. Taylor, Barbara Brown    13. United States    14. Women    15. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (6)

A Valuable Recovery Read
Broken is outstanding!I am an alum of Hazelden, sober 22 years, and have worked as an adolescent chemical dependency counselor.This book is the best description of addiction, treatment, relapse and recovery that I have come across.It is well written and well documented from the author's journals and correspondence from his father.
Powerful and Brutally Honest
I was amazed once I started reading at how well this book reads.Even more amazed that it wasn't one of those books about someone who went into recovery and never relapsed. The pain of relapse is something Mr Moyer described perfectly. I share in Mr Moyers addiction and now I have been blessed with sharing his recovery.I have ordered from Hazelden for some time now, so when this book came out, it was a must add to my recovery library.Thank you William, for sharing your story in print so that so many struggling addicts can see that there is hope and the miracle is just around the corner.It works if you work it!

Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption
Thank you so much, William, for sharing your story.It takes enormous courage to ascend out of the nightmare of addiction, and further courage to tell that story!You do an immense service to the many millions who struggle with this disease, both as addicts and alcoholics themselves, but also for the many others who love them and want to do the right thing.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cocaine abuse    6. Drug Abuse    7. Drug addicts    8. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    9. Journalism (General)    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Rehabilitation    12. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

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 (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   

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 (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.
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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   

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 (340)

Superb Read
This true story really takes you into the hair raising lifestyle of Vegas, and then propels you into the blackjack world and the realities of getting caught at counting cards.Hell of a read, makes me want to learn to count cards.

Novel-like
Bringing Down the House tells the story of Kevin Lewis and his teammates from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who formed a team to win millions from Las Vegas by counting cards at blackjack.The story focuses on "Lewis" and chronicles how he is brought into the group and becomes entranced by the excitement and the money.
Bringing Down the House
When I read a half of the book, I can imagine the rest half.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Boston    4. Cardsharping    5. Gamblers    6. Gambling    7. Gambling - General    8. Gambling - Table    9. Games    10. Games/Puzzles    11. Indoor Games    12. Las Vegas    13. Massachusetts    14. Nevada    15. Other Miscellaneous Crimes    16. Personal Memoirs    17. Games / General   

Reviews (26)

How does Handley look now?
One measure of a good book is that it assists us to understand events after it is published. By this measure, Handley looks very good now. Even the self-censoring Thai press has reported that the palace was intimately involved in the Sept 19 military coup.

Taksin Shinawatra paid the author to fabricate the story
The author who wrote "The King Never Smiles" should be discredited because it is generally believed that he was hired by Taksin to write the book to provide the international world a biased view of the Thai monarchy. It may be very difficult for foreigners to understand the Thai people's deep love, respect, and reverence for the King, but our King is a good, pious King --- the "King of Hearts," and Taksin's insults to the King is the greatest insult to all Thai people. It may also be very difficult for foreigners to understand the Thai style of democracy, which has the constitutional monarchy. Our King is not only our supreme spiritual and moral leader, but also the living symbol of our nation's peace and harmony who unites the people and helped us sail through many political turmoil and turbulences in the past thirty plus years.
If only it could be sold in Thailand . . .
I live in Thailand and when attempting to find out about this book, every website that mentioned it was censored by the Royal Thai Police as being a threat to national security. So much for 'Thailand' being translated as the 'Land of the Free.'
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Subjects:  1. 1927-    2. Bhumibol Adulyadej,    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. General    8. King of Thailand,    9. Kings and rulers    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Thailand    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: historical   

Reviews (16)

Nothing new here - move along
It is shameful that "Best Friend" Billy Noonan felt the need to dish about John Kennedy and his family.We all know that John valued his privacy and one would think that he would be horrified at this betrayal.
Boring, Screams, "I'M THE REAL BEST FRIEND", and Poorly Written
Carol Radziwill's book was a tribute to her husband, and wonderfully and warmly written.The mentions of John and Carolyn were in context of their relationship, and truly showed their personalities.The retelling of John singing a boyhood song to Anthony brought tears to my eyes.
Poignant and Humorous Story of Friendship
The author does summon up a particular demographic (affluent Irish-Catholic third-generation young men in the Boston/Hyannis/Cape Cod area) and epoch (those coming-of-age between the mid-70s and 1990s) in this tale of friendship set against a larger backdrop with regard to the identity of one of the friends and, of course, the ultlimate tragedy that overtakes them.Noonan is generous with the details and challenges in his own life, from testicular cancer (and apparently a recurrence a year ago made him all the more intent on sharing his own story with readers) to the loss of his own father to personal flounderings with regard to college and overall life-direction. Naysayers who regard this story as an "invasion of privacy" overlook the fact that this tale is an intensely personal one and that it is the privelege of a writer to share as he pleases. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Celebrities    6. Children of presidents    7. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    8. Historical - U.S.    9. Noonan, William Sylvester    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Publishing Industry And Trade    12. Rich & Famous    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs