Reviews (2)

A life as funny as his work...
Peter Falk has written the ultimate autobiography, although Mr. Falk himself insists that it isn't an autobiography.The book is written in short chunks, each a hilarious anecdote from his life, which would make it very easy to put down between stories--except that it is so much fun that you can't put it down.
Peter Falk, at his best
This book deserves more than five stars: it is Peter Falk at his best... the great actor can entertain in many roles.. as actor, as artist, as author. He has a lot of interesting stories to tell. And he does it in a brilliant way. He brings us a lot of interesting stories - about his life and work. No doubt, Peter Falk is one of the greatest!
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Subjects:  1. 1927-    2. Actors    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    9. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    10. Falk, Peter,    11. Personal Memoirs    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Subjects:  1. Artists, Architects, Photographers    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cartoonists    7. Friends and associates    8. Graphic Satire And Humor    9. Great Britain    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Steadman, Ralph    12. Techniques - Cartooning    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (35)

wish I had gotten it at the library
This work was well-drawn, as is all of Bechdel's work.It was also incredibly boring, kind of aimless, self-absorbed catharsis.I also thought we'd get to know more about her father's life, thoughts, feelings...along with hers.
Not your typical family. Terrific drawings.

What a fabulous find
I stumbled into this book and couldn't be happier about it.I knew nothing about Alison Bechdel other than what I read in the author's blurb on the dust cover so I certainly wasn't brought to the book by the lesbian aspect.Nor had I ever read a memoir graphic so that wasn't a hook either.
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Subjects:  1. 1960-    2. Bechdel, Alison,    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Cartoonists    7. Comic books, strips, etc    8. Fiction - General    9. Fine Arts    10. General    11. Graphic Novels    12. Graphic Novels - General    13. Lesbian Studies    14. Personal Memoirs    15. United States    16. Comics & Graphic Novels / General   

Reviews (61)

Troubling
In STORM the Germans are an impersonal calamity, like Katrina.We see French of every class and sort scatter like ants whose anthill has just been stepped on. There's good sardonic social observation here and I'm afraid it's probably accurate.But as a reader you sit and feel rather smug at the spectacle.In DOLCE we meet the German occupiers. They are not the evil Huns we have met hundreds of times in the war movies. They have names, faces and, be it confessed, impeccable behavior.(The irony of what was in store for the author is heavy here.) But the troubling part is how naturally so many of the French in this particular village fall into the routine of collaboration.Without judging or condemning, Nemirovsky shows us how it must have happened.The scenes are so vivid here you can't help placing yourself there, and wondering if you would have been a whit more heroic. Or, for that matter, if you had been one of the Germans, would you have been much different than they? Be honest.
How it was possible
Reading these two novellas was, for me, like standing for hours, looking at painting after painting by a great artist.For every page, every chapter was filled with amazing colorful details; the details that make up the lives of those populating these novellas--lives torn apart by the terrible earthquake that results from a defeat.
Novel of the year
Storm in June is the best book I've read since Vikram Seth's An Equal Music.The second part of Suite Francaise is good, but Storm in June is a gem everyone will love.I didn't expect to laugh out loud with the Nazi's at the door.Happy reading.I'm wondering when Nemirovsky's earlier novels will be translated into English. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Fiction - General    4. Historical - General    5. Literary    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Untranslated Fiction - French    8. Biography: general   

Reviews (10)

Outstanding - Helps One Appreciate What We Have in the U.S.!
Pomfret provides insight into China's Cultural Revolution through the eyes of his classmates at a Chinese university who participated.The result of youths gone wild, even abusing their own parents for trivial issues, is bone-chilling, almost otherwise unimaginable.We also learn of serious discrimination against females during that same time period.Everyone is encouraged/required to report on each other for any form of non-conformist behavior.
Class Struggles
Not a bad book, but unworthy of the rave reviews given by many.
Interesting, but a period piece only, and already dated
There's been something of a buzz going around the China blog world concerning this book, so I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. John Pomfret is one of the better China journalists, certainly light years beyond Nicholas Kristof, although his coverage never grabbed my attention like that of Patrick Tyler or Seth Faison. He definitely has the bona fides, however, having spent a couple of years as a student in the PRC almost immediately after it opened up to the West, and as a reporter in the country during the events of spring and summer in 1989.
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Asia - China    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. China    5. China - History    6. History    7. History - General History    8. History: World    9. Personal Memoirs    10. History / China   

Editorial Review

In Read more

Reviews (298)

Highly recommended for those interested in history
"Wild Swans -- Three daughters of China" is the true story of 3 generations of Chinese women.The front of the book boasts a review by the NY times, saying "the importance of this book cannot be overstated," and I think they are right.Simply by following the lives of these three women and extended family you get to see the sweep of history -- the helplessness of the avereage person in traditional China, the abuses that women were exposed to, the financial predations of the ruling classes, the warlord (post ming) era, why and how communism took hold on China, how the war for a communist China was fought, and how they (being individuals) slowly woke up from fighting rampant abuses in their society to being prisoners of a revolution of their own making.I would literally say "If you read one book this year, Wild Swans by Jung Chang should be it."Far from being just about the Chinese experience, it really has a lot to say (indirectly) about culture, human foibles, the making of good and bad societies, human relations, and I can not help seeing all of it through a prism of today's political reality.

Who?
I have taught English in several universities in southern China, students and adults. When Chinese students ask, "What do Americans think of China?", I reply that "We learn about China from writers like Jung Chang". I show them my copy of Wild Swans. None of the students have ever heard of Jung Chang, but they seem eager to read it. Recently, I saw four copies in an English language bookstore in Guangzhou.

Mao's China-Tales from the Dark Side
If you've never encountered a full historical biography of what China was before, during, and after Mao, then, this is the book to read.I was suprised at the level of violence against its own people, under the disguise of the "Cultural Revolution", the "Great Leap Forward", and other such titles.China did not have a much better "quality of life" prior to Mao (many warlords fighting over territories, women treated as possessions, etc), but it did not get that much better with Mao heading the Red Guards, or their numerous cultural "cleansings".Millions have died under dire circumstances, and we are only now beginning to realize the inhumane treatment brought on by the mind of one man.Communist China was an experiment, of the most sordid kind.The writer points out how they just "stopped thinking", they just obeyed "the system" because it had been engrained in their brains by so much propaganda, that they just repeated the slogans and no longer thought if they were true or not.It is surprising to me, that this "experiment" was brought onto so many millions of people, albeit, the vast majority illiterate and peasants.This is why the "peasant revolution" caught on... I could not tear myself away from this book, from this well told story of three generations of women (and their men), with their unfortunate set of circumstances, and their small but meaningful victories.Their voices deserve to be heard.The uncompromising ideals of one man eventually have the ability to sink the whole family into chaos.It is from this chaos that the offspring realize that there must be more to the "revolution", than the level of sacrifice and commitment asked of them, which seem insane.It is also the realization of the parents, that bought into the "revolution" that is so poignantly told in this story.The awakening of the ideas, of the self; amidst all the collective sharing and the collective appartus, which was really the mask of Mao (again, one man).
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Subjects:  1. 1909-1969    2. 1931-    3. 1952-    4. Asia - China    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Chang, Jung,    9. China - History - 20th Century    10. Historical - General    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Women    13. Xia, De-hong,    14. Yang, Yu-fang,    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (3)

behind andy's camel
Out of all The Police guys, Andy had the most wicked sense of humor. He saw, and still sees, things a tad differently than the rest of us. Having chatted with him a few times in person, I can say he is a most interesting man. I had no idea he wrote so well. I was a bit surprised when I heard this book was coming out. Andy, despite his mischief in The Police, always seemed the most private of the three. I also learned a few things I didn't know. And,to me,that's incredible. I have listened to his music since I was a teenager. Part of his appeal as a guitarist is his love for his instrument, of course. But Andy is also one of those rare performers that thinks more of "the song." He's not a flashy-solo kinda guy. The song is more important than any one member's part in it. A highly enjoyable read to be sure.

Rock 'n' Roll Story
When I was in junior high, The Police was one of the biggest bands in the world and I was a huge fan.I had grown up listening mainly to sixties music like the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, etc.The Police was the first band I came to on my own and from my own era.No music group before or since has meant as much to me.
A funny blitz-force adventure of the highest order!
This is an amazing "life story" told with heaping amounts of humor and insight -- easily accessible to both the hardcore Police fan, and the reader simply interested in gaining perspective on the churnings of themusic business amidst a more spiritual pursuit.Andy uses his fantastic sense of humor to great effect here.I was constantly giggling at the absolute mayhem surrounding him at every turn.I had no idea he was such a roving wild man -- but from the man who wrote the classic "Behind My Camel" -- who would expect otherwise.I admire someone who enjoys Spinal Tap and Camus.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Composers & Musicians - Rock    6. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    7. Guitarists    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Rock musicians    10. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Subjects:  1. Basketball - General    2. Basketball coaches    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Olson, Lute    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Sports - Basketball    10. United States    11. Sports & Recreation / Basketball   

Reviews (4)

Fascinating and thought provoking
There is something to be said of a person who can go through a horrific journey such as the atrocities of Auschwitz and recall it with such clarity in order to help others. I was completely emotionally overwhelmed by the first half of the book-which is a narrative of what he experienced and fascinated with the next half which is an explanation of logotherapy.
viktor frankl wrote this book in 8-9 days; you can read it in 2 ~
a Best Seller through the 1950s and 1960s, this is one of the 20 top books to read before you try to live your life...
A must read!
I'm surprised there aren't a lot more reviews on this book. It might just be the best book I've ever read (and it's really short and easy to read).
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Historical - Holocaust    3. Personal Memoirs    4. Psychology    5. Psychotherapy - Counseling    6. Social Psychology    7. Psychology & Psychiatry / General   

Reviews (17)

Really Great Book
If you want to know the history of your parents or grand parents on a more personal level this is a great book to have. It would be nice to have a CD included to type on the computer, because not everyone has the best hand writing

Book ?'s Too Focused on Emotional Rather Than Factual Data
I bought this book for my 62-year-old mother and my 95-year-old great-aunt to fill out so that I could keep a written document of their memories.Both separately told me the same thing - that the book asked far too personal of questions. Neither was willing to fill it out.It asked questions about their feelings about their childhood, feelings about marriage, etc.I had not wanted to record their feelings, but rather more historical type of data such as the cost of bread, the local scenery when it was all orchards, etc.If the book were full of more factually-based questions as opposed to emotionally-based, it would be more suitable.
A Beautiful Way to Preserve Memories
My grandparents are elderly.One evening my grandfather was recounting an interesting story about his father that we had never heard before - it suddenly dawned on me that there may be many more wonderful stories that we may never hear.I searched and searched for a journal or diary that they could use to preserve these memories and stumbled across this Journal.First of all it is a beautiful hard-bound book - truly a keepsake.Inside is is divided into logical sections and provides a good mix of questions as well as space for additional thoughts, pictures or memories.I really liked that it had questions that covered all parts of my grandparents lives (i.e. growing up, high school, college, military etc) - they don't have to fill out every section - but at least it gives them some guidance.I would recommend this to anyone who is interested in preserving their family history.A beautiful gift. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books / Diaries / Memory Books    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family Relationships    4. Family/Marriage    5. Genealogy    6. General    7. Inspiration & Personal Growth    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Reference   

Reviews (167)

the rose that grew from concrete
It has been a great inspiration and very deep in emotions, Tupac wa s and still is a great human being with all our ups and downs...a great man with a hard core, but very sensitive and deep in his thoughts..

he was a thug, but he was deep...
the poems are raw and grimey...he shows you the pride of a pantha in his words. he was a gangsta, but he was also an intellectual and a philosopher; he had great pedigree( his mom was a black pantha ) his poems about her made me want to cry; he was better read than you think. he did so many things well: wrote poetry, danced, rap, made movies. seems like the most brilliant people are the most tragic and self-destructive. it's like god gave them an achilles heel to balance everything out. whenever i would read about him getting arrested or hear about drama he had been in, i thought he was just fronting his image, being a poser, because rappers were supposed to be like that. but i think he tried to please too many people. don'tcha hate people who have the world in the palm of their hand and they kiss it goodbye? He had money, he was popular, he could have any woman he wanted, yet he couldn't let the streets go....

There will never be another Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur is a true poet and one of my idols... When I started reading "The Rose That Grew From Concrete", I was like "Dayum! This brutha is DEEP!" After reading the book, when I listened to his songs and concentrated on the words instead of the beats, I realized that Tupac is a true poet, in my definition... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African Americans    2. American - African American    3. American - General    4. Genres & Styles - Rap & Hip Hop    5. Personal Memoirs    6. Poetry    7. Rap (Music)    8. Poetry / General    9. Works by individual poets: from c 1900 -   

Editorial Review

One of the most beautifully crafted books I have ever read, with some of the most poetic prose passages I could imagine, such as the following, resonating with a stately and timeless quality so absent in our modern life: Read more

Reviews (97)

FEMALE AFRICAN BUSH PILOT IN THE 30's GIVES INSIDE VIEW
Beryl Markham's book West with the Night is a true story of how she lived and worked in Africa as a push pilot back in the 1930's -- almost amazing for a woman...what an experience alone-- what an adventure-- but her writing -- ahhh that's something amazing in itself....from dealing with the Blackwater Die to the lion who almost ate her to search for a Libyan port and a fallen colleague-- a beautiful book...each chapter is written almost like a true short story....she's a beautiful writer and to think this is a piece of our women's past that is here to still cherish-- belongs on the shelf of every women's studies office...great for a young woman to read....especially great gift to a chick going off to college.

Beautifully Written
West With the night is Beryl Markham's memoir of life as a bush pilot in 1930s Africa. The beautifully written prose paints evocative pictures of the Serengeti in the reader's brain, and each paragraph is dense and satisfying. A wonderful read, especially for fans of Out of Africa - and some of the same people are mentioned in this book.
Probably the most beautifully written book I have ever read.
The exceptional wordcrafting in West With The Night brings Africa alive and makes it almost a personal experience. Beryl Markham was a most interesting individual and her life growing up in Africa is the beautiful background for this book. I have only reread one book in my sixty-some years and this is it. I enjoyed it at least as much the second time around.
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Subjects:  1. Africa    2. Aviation - History    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Great Britain    7. Markham, Beryl    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Women    10. Women air pilots   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Personal Memoirs    5. Regional Subjects - Midwest    6. Women    7. Biography: general   

Reviews (217)

And I thought The Lovely Bones was hard to put down...
I rarely find a book I just Cannot Put Down.One of the rare ones was The Lovely Bones--and it wasn't just the plot.It was the language, the crystal-clear voice-in-your-head narrative that spoke and spoke of pain and sadness and resolve.It was infused with a realism and was both beautiful and haunting.Like the lean, hard and seemingly lengthened muscles of a runner, Sebold's voice is discernable above the din of modern fiction yet it is not haughty or self-involved... Hearing her voice is like the moment you know you are going to be really good friends with someone you just met:comforting and clear, it makes you want to lean closer to absorb it.It made me a devoted fan of Sebold as I am sure you are, too.
A difficult, but engaging read
I suspect I'm like most people who have read this book.I read an interview with Sebold and she said as she was writing "Lovely Bones" she was struggling with the rape scene.Because she had been raped herself, she wasn't able to write about it effectively in "Lovely Bones" until she had dealt with her own stuff.She put down "Lovely Bones", wrote "Lucky", and then picked up and finished "Lovely Bones."Very interesting.
An Incredible and Worthwhile Read, But ...
I was disappointed by the ending. It seemed quite hastily concluded. I wanted more details on her recovery process--how she was able to save herself. That would definitely help readers who have been through similar experiences. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Case studies    5. General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Rape victims    8. Trials (Rape)    9. United States    10. Women   

Reviews (1)

More please
So here we finally have Robbie Huge's autobio, and it turns out that a little corner of Julian Schnabel's intuition works after all.Only a very little corner though, since Robbie is more tie-er than tie-ee, not to mention decidely heterosexual too (big surprise, twice).
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Subjects:  1. Art Criticism    2. Art critics    3. Australia    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Criticism    10. Personal Memoirs    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

The same sharp intelligence and self-deprecating wit that made MichaelJ. Fox a star in the Read more

Reviews (187)

Here is a book to relate to
Michael's book is a fantastic account of his life leading up to and including his struggle with dealing with Parkinson's. As a person with a Parkinsonism who was diagnosed after Michael exposed his disease, I can say he truly made it easier for others to deal with this devastating blow. His hiding of the his disease is common of so many people who are diagnosed with PD at crucial points in their lives. An extremely good book about life rocky road, and for those with PD or any illness for that matter who are trying to create a somewhat normal existance for themselves and their families.
Great book, great story, very good read.
A friend gave this book to me. It was such a good read. I had no idea Michael was so sick, and had such a difficult life. While I did not respect ways he wasted his body by alcohol, drugs, and stupid habits before he found out, at a still very young age of mid-20s, about his Parkinson's disease, his remarkable change to a new man was a very good story. The anectodes from this book will stay with me, and it has a great message for everyone.

Surprising
I've been a fan of Michael J. Fox for many years and was sad to learn of his Parkinson's disease.I expected this book to be largely about the disease and Fox's coping with it.However, I was pleasantly surprised to read an honest account of all of the ways he had messed up his life before coming to terms with himself as well as with his disease.Although I don't like to read sad stories of drinking spinning out of control, Fox's matter-of-fact tone and willingness to take full responsibility for his actions was refreshing.I felt privileged to be allowed this glimpse into his life and his psyche, and I ended up liking him better after finishing the book than when I started. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Actors    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Canada    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. Parkinson's disease    10. Patients    11. Personal Memoirs    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (10)

Awesome Book!!!
I was so moved by this book, this is truly one of the best books I have ever read!!!It was so encouraging to see these women getting through this horrific event by leaning on one another.This truly makes you appreciate your life and thankful for the little things each and everyday.
Inspirational
I was truly moved by this book. I initially wasn't going to purchase it as I thought it might be too depressing. Not at all! What a beautiful testimony to their spouses and to their friendship with each other. Makes you appreciate every girlfriend you have! GREAT BOOK!

Truly Inspired
I was truly inspired by this memoir.These women are solid.I can only hope to be as dignified and sincere as they have have proven to be in their moment of despair. Throughout reading the book I realized I want to and need to appreciate my husband and my life more fully.These women represent love and honor. Their husbands are surely proud of the women they married.I almost do not want to recognize this for fear that some kind of loss or tradgedy will strike me or my family.I cannot help myself.I am moved and must acknowledge it.Please update us to the new chapters in your lives.I will be anxious to hear aboutAnn's (husband Kevin?) and her beautiful kids. Julia's (possible child from china?) Claudia's great future with her sincere husband, John and Pattie's new house and sale of her old house in the Hampton's.Oh, Lola, too.Thank goodness for Lola.LYMI.Amy ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. New York    7. New York (State)    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Psychological aspects    10. September 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001    11. Widows    12. Women    13. Family & Relationships / General   

Reviews (166)

Ten kids, No work-ethic
A gritty memoir of life in the white ghetto where tribal loyalty struggles with justice. A portrait of the struggle for personal responsibility a primer and how to use and abuse the system.

Accurate. From someone who didn't live in "Southie" but in "Old Colony" at that time!
You'll see some people chime in here about this book, from "Southie". But Southie and Old Colony don't equal the same thing. You can be from the point and not be anything like someone growing up in Old Colony. Old Colony wasn't the same as D street or Old Harbor.Secondly, my aunt is mentioned in the book as skoochie(sp?). I'm not particularly fond of being from Old Colony or having my aunt in this book, but it's who i am. Lastly, i was good friends with Tommy Veins before he got out of cotrol and died. It's a sad story overall, if tommysdad is here, i'd like to say that my condolences, but this portrayal is not far from fact at all. I was there and grew up where these things happened. And let me tell you, the book is pretty accurate. Slight details here and there might be slightly off, but for the overall idea, Accurate. Everyone knew his mom... she was an outcast for sure and he mentions this several times. I personally couldn't put my own mom out there, but kudos for him for trying to be accurate.
Sad but true
Growing up in Southie and now living in Florida it was good to look back. The book broke my wifes heart who is not from Southie but it was everyday life fo us. Good read! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Boston    6. Ethnic Cultures - General    7. General    8. Irish American families    9. Irish Americans    10. Massachusetts    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Regional Subjects - New England    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (19)

It's bigger than Southie
I love this book! Once I started reading it I found it impossible to put down. I was laughing and crying not because it was sad but because it was so unbelievably familiar. MacDonald's honesty was frightening and liberating and to be honest comforting. Reading it gave me a sense of relief; relieved that someone had been where I'd been and seen what I'd seen.
Easter Rising
Easter Rising is an engaging and observant account of survival--how people,families, and communities struggle to reconnect and heal under extremely difficult circumstances, using whatever happens to be handy and available.
Great
Having grown up in Boston in the same music scene as Michael Patrick MacDonald and being of Irish heritage, I expected to identify with much of his book and i did. What I didn't expect to do was to recognize something amazing in my own mother that I had never really given her credit for: Toward the end of the book, while MacDonald is in Ireland with Ma (and is often embarrassed by what he perceives as her inappropriateness), she encounters a stranger whose son has died. Because her own losses have been so staggering (and because she is not embarrassed to try) she is able to console him.With a new understanding and appreciation of her, MacDonald writes:"You never know when you'll need to give whatever you've got to give."
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Boston    7. Irish American families    8. Irish Americans    9. Literary    10. Massachusetts    11. McDonald family    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Biography & Autobiography / Literary