I’m always looking for something to listen to on my walks and while I’m attempting to dabble into books with more “plot” (term used as loosely as possI’m always looking for something to listen to on my walks and while I’m attempting to dabble into books with more “plot” (term used as loosely as possible), my go-to of choice remains the humorous essay. This popped up on the library’s recommendation feature and the title was truly a “you had me at hello” moment. But while I thought said title was going to be a little funny ha-ha regarding the awkwardness of coming into one’s own, unfortunately it was a pretty good descriptor for how I felt while listening.
I knew nothing about this author before checking this out (see above regarding what an easy mark I am when it comes to titles/covers). Had I known she was “Twitter famous” I may have steered clear. And while I did get a few chuckles here and there – I mean I truly thought this was going to be a gem when it opened with . . .
And then telling people that they better have Google handy if they don’t understand pop culture references – sadly those moments were few and far between.
Mainly because I am a Boomer who doesn’t feel someone’s personal reflections on growing up need to be over explained as to not offend. (And sometimes, there is no differential to begin with. Dear 18 year olds, you are bad at sex things. Universally. Zero gender, race, sexuality qualifiers are necessary.) The fact that this book had ALLLLLLLLL the monikers used in every sentence – while being presented by a cis, white, straight, privileged upbringing woman came off very much like the well-intentioned social justice warriors who really end up hurting rather than helping any particular cause. And the ending saying this isn’t an advice book, accompanied with some self-deprecation “oh could you imagine? #cringecringe” – while also pretty much advertising she writes an advice column left me shaking my head.
This one is for the people who think Hannah from Summer House is a real knee slapper instead of insufferable. ...more
I was searching for a new, funny memoir to listen to and when this popped up as a recommendation on the Reddit I snagged it from the library real quick. I assumed the title was just a little funny ha-ha and that it wouldn’t really be her philosophizing, but it wasn’t so I’m a wrongreader (or wronglistener, as the case may be here). I’m just not a religious (or even spiritual) person so this wasn’t for me. Also, it appears it was intended to be some sort of almost devotional sort of workbook with various prompts, so other than the bonus of listening to her delightful delivery, it was really intended to be on paper rather than audio. ...more
Of course I never read it because why would I ever read things I own???? However, I am a big fan of humorous essays and my ride-or-die here is a true Southern belle so when I was perusing the Hoopla looking for an audiobook to check out I snatched it right up.
I had no idea of the original publication date having only purchased this a couple of years ago, but unfortunately it has aged like milk in the 20 years since it originally came out. Rivenbark was apparently one of a handful of original “mommy bloggers” who contributed to the local newspaper (insert youngsters asking what are those?!?!?!) back in the day. Had I known this collection would feature not only outdated material, but a heaping helping of “aint’ she sweet” tales of child-rearing I would have steered clear. I am more than happy to admit I only enjoy my own children . . . . and I made sure to NOT be one of those people who overshared every unremarkable thing both little Billy and Bobby did whilst marking their milestones.
Also, Neil Diamond is a natural treasure so anyone who dares besmirch his name can kindly kiss my grits. And also 2.0, every woman I know who is roughly my age wants to bang the bearded middle-aged Marshall Mathers (and some of us even named one of our cats after him) so take that, Boomer . . . .
(Oh and since this was on audio: I don’t know if it was because I am old and need to crank things up to eleventy to hear or the recording or the reader, but OH MY GOD THE MOUTH NOISES! Y’all know what I’m talking about, right? Like a smacky sort of noise while she opened her mouth before speaking? Barf!)...more
I have no intention of bashing this book, but it 100% did not meet my expectations. I don’t really care for the most part if a celebrity chooses to glI have no intention of bashing this book, but it 100% did not meet my expectations. I don’t really care for the most part if a celebrity chooses to gloss over some of the more personal aspects of parts of their life or any traumatic experiences of their upbringing and instead focus on their journey to fame and fortune, but they have to give me something.
RuPaul was coming into his own in New York Freaking City during the time of Club Kids, the AIDS crisis, closeted lifestyles, you name it. I didn’t just want to hear how/why he decided to become the “prettiest girl in the room” – I wanted to get to know him. Although well-written, this felt more like an extended fluff piece for a publication like Vanity Fair.
The one good thing? The audio was great and it certainly helped me get more than 5 miles in while listening and attempting to . . . .
In homage to “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” I have lovingly been referring to Augusten Burroughs as “Darkly Delightful David” for years since I have enjoyedIn homage to “Darkly Dreaming Dexter” I have lovingly been referring to Augusten Burroughs as “Darkly Delightful David” for years since I have enjoyed his memoirs nearly as much as my one true love, David Sedaris. While Burroughs has always leaned waaaaaay more into the macabre memories of his coming of age and adulthood than Sedaris, he has done so often in a laugh out loud way that makes you feel like (even more of) a terrible person.
This time around he tackles his childhood – back when his parents were still together, in a VERY dysfunctional marriage, and before he went to live with his mother’s shrink. Much like Sedaris’ Happy Go Lucky this one delves into true darkness – including alcoholism, untreated mental illness(es), and domestic violence to name a few. And then there’s this hinting around nearly at the end that maybe his father was, if not a serial killer, potentially at least a murderer of one person that has become a reoccurring dream for Augusten.
I was really ready to pan this one . . . but then at the end Burroughs explained it was sort of a “modern art project” for him so take my rating with a grain of salt. I’m giving this 2.5 Stars and rounding down for the audio version because I absolutely HATED all of the interludes of sound and music that, unfortunately, were 100% Burroughs’ own idea. He also includes four songs at the end and I really didn’t like the Patty Smith one . . .
(But how absolutely kick-ass is it that he could just call PATTY SMITH up and say, “hey, wanna write me a song for this audiobook thing I’m doing?”)...more
This morning while perusing Reddit like I do I came across a post talking about how Rebel Wilson basically lost money doing Bridesmaids because she onThis morning while perusing Reddit like I do I came across a post talking about how Rebel Wilson basically lost money doing Bridesmaids because she only made $3,500, plus she had to pay agent/manager/taxes, plus more to be in the union/SAG (are those the same thing?), AND bought her own dress for the premier. And being that Reddit is the dumpster fire that it is the whole thing was steeped in a “poooooooor Rebel” tone that took others who had actually listened to the interview rather than simply reposting a click-bait article to explain that REBEL wasn’t bitching and whining – she was simply pointing out that the return on that investment ended up being what got her discovered, turned into a $10M per movie going rate, jumpstarted her ability to provide for herself, her family, develop her own television series, become a producer, etc., etc., etc. NEVER CHANGE YOU REDDIT DE LU LUS!
So anyway, what better time to puke up a review than now. This was my latest “walk ‘n talk” and while I’m nowhere near what you would call a Rebel Wilson superfan (I did not even know she had a child or anything about her sexuality), I absolutely was one of the billions of people who fell in love with . . . .
But even more than that? Isn’t It Romantic (which probably got panned by every reviewer in the universe) is a movie I have watched eleventy trillion times over. First, I love Rebel’s “work husband” Adam Devine and their obvious chemistry on set together, but more importantly I loooooooove the theme that everyone is worthy of love, but most importantly you have to be able to love yourself. And also?????
This maybe wasn’t the most fascinating memoir I’ve listened to – I mean the big “shocker” that was the headlines pre-release date was that Sascha Baron Cohen – a man who has made an entire career out of being shockingly offensive – was, in fact, shockingly offensive in real life . . .
But the parts about being okay with your body up to a point where you reach a certain age and start thinking about potential health concerns that come with aging or the inability to get pregnant or carry a baby were so relatable. Also, that women in general (and famous women even more so) are in a damned if they do damned if they don’t situation no matter WHAT they look like, getting scrutinized both for being fat or for trying to lose weight. And the absolute best was explaining the basics of long-term sustainability when it comes to losing weight. Explaining that diets and fads may work for the short-term, but until you come to terms with changing your lifestyle, calories in/calories out and deficits the weight probably won’t stay off forever. For a person listening to this while going on my 7 mile hike up hills and more hills to become a more physically fit version of myself this was music to my ears.
I picked this up because it was recommended to me after finishing Under the Banner of Heaven I was alllllllll about finding out more when it comes to I picked this up because it was recommended to me after finishing Under the Banner of Heaven I was alllllllll about finding out more when it comes to “Secret Ceremonies” of the Mormon church. But then I listened to it and . . . .
While it does share some behind the scenes moments from a marriage in the temple, for the most part it reads like something from the 1950s by an author who would have been classified as “prone to hysteria” as she frequents the local psych ward for being an oversexed, “boy crazy,” chronic masturbator. Bizarre....more
If you follow me you have already heard that I started dabbling in audiobooks to accompany me while I go on my daily walks. Memoirs have always been mIf you follow me you have already heard that I started dabbling in audiobooks to accompany me while I go on my daily walks. Memoirs have always been my go-to when it comes to nonfiction reading, so those are what I have tended to pick up in audio as well. This one came to be when I found myself on eternal wait lists for sure to be Pulitzer winners like Paris Hilton and RuPaul's autobiographies and I Googled "funny memoirs." It's probably pretty safe to say I would have not picked this up had it not been for my fellow Redditors, but I'm really glad they steered me in its direction.
Simultaneously hilarious (I mean, just how many things can one guy find shoved up orifices???) to heartbreaking (note this was an OBGYN so there's a solid chance of tears when discussing still births - even for a robot like me). But right when he breaks your heart the next entry is a dry-heave inducing gross out that will have you gag laughing. These journal entries from Dr. Adam as he attempted to make his way up the food chain of the NHO deserve all the Stars....more
I mean, I am literally shoving a Panera Sierra sandwich and heaping serving of salad into my maw simultaneously while typing this. But as I
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I mean, I am literally shoving a Panera Sierra sandwich and heaping serving of salad into my maw simultaneously while typing this. But as I have mentioned before, much like Jim Gaffigan I am an eatie, not a foodie. I’m also trying to avoid being on My 600 Pound Life by doing these lunch hour/weekend walks (with some guilty pleasure viewing of various Househoes and all other things Bravo has to offer while either on the rower or elliptical as “two a days” as penance for killing all of my brain cells on trash T.V.).
You would think a book all about food might be counterproductive. You’d be wrong, though, . . . well at least as far as the audiobook is concerned. As I’ve already said I’m an eatie, so tons of the dishes referenced were things I would need to Google which leads to another plus of audio which is the inability to Google while hauling my dumper around the park and trying to avoid the very goosey geese who oftentimes are blocking the trail . . . .
Since I’ve started these “walk ‘n talks” I’ve leaned toward memoirs since they don’t have a plot to follow or typically more than a mention of additional “characters.” My preference is for them to come off as conversational rather than simply reading off a script, delivery is important and the more intelligent (be it I.Q. in the writing or emotional as far as the reflection on their life) the better. But most importantly is that it gets my ass moving. Bourdain’s frenetic pace of narration and almost free association style of rambling off menu items, kitchen banter, whathaveyou most certainly did the trick. Such a shame he’s no longer with us, his passion for food and life just oozed out of every page (minute) of this book.
When I put my hold at the library for this audiobook, I had no clue I would be investing 16.5 hours of my life listening to Les Dogggg get me through When I put my hold at the library for this audiobook, I had no clue I would be investing 16.5 hours of my life listening to Les Dogggg get me through my walk ‘n talks for the week. And when I saw the Kindle version came in at less than 300 pages, the math simply was not mathing. That didn’t stop me from immediately dumping my planned listen in order to get right to this one – and it didn’t take long to figure out why there was such a discrepancy in the length. The Kindle version is going to be a condensed version of the audio, polished up by a ghostwriter. The audio is pure Leslie. She spits truth and offers sage advice with her infamous “trumpet voice.” If you are allergic to fucks or motherfuckers, keep your distance. But if you are like me (who, unfortunately, was pretty late for the party since I’m an old die-hard SNL fan but not much of a comedy special sort of fan) and fell in love with Leslie’s love for Colin Jost . . . .
I have probably put this on hold at the library only to remove my name when my turn came around over a dozen times. I tend to be a wrongreader when itI have probably put this on hold at the library only to remove my name when my turn came around over a dozen times. I tend to be a wrongreader when it comes to releases that become part of a massive hype train and since I’m an old lady I have to confess that I, Carly was one of my least favorite things to endure when my kids were little. And Sam Puckett????
Seriously? Butter sock? That ish was annoying as hell.
The great news is Jeanette McCurdy thought the show/her character were annoying as all get out as well!
So while I didn’t have the same reaction as someone who grew up as a superfan of McCurdy’s child stardom, I thought this book was very well put together and really provided a lot of insight with regards to coming to terms with an abusive childhood as well as disordered eating and removing toxic people from your life (hopefully on your own and not because they finally kicked the bucket).
I listened to this on audio and it most definitely held my attention so 4 Stars. The hype was pretty real here....more
It makes me terribly sad to only give 3 Stars on this edition of my “Walk ‘n Talk.” Watching reruns of The Carol Burnett show at my Grandma and GrandpIt makes me terribly sad to only give 3 Stars on this edition of my “Walk ‘n Talk.” Watching reruns of The Carol Burnett show at my Grandma and Grandpa’s house are some of my favorite childhood memories and I couldn’t wait to hear all about the behind the scenes and unknown (to me, at least) stories of the “company” she kept with Vicki Lawrence, Lionel Wagoner, Harvey Korman and the absolutely hilarious Tim Conway.
While the trip down memory lane did reminisce on some unforgettable moments in comedic history . . .
Hours were spent giving detailed play-by-play of various skits that really should simply be watched rather than listened to in order to get the belly laughs. This was a book for already existent fans – we KNOW these skits as they have been on repeat for 50 years! Also unfortunate was that Carol’s favorite bits were often not my favorite bits and at times I considered maybe fast-forwarding.
Burnett is still a national treasure, much like our dearly departed Betty White. This just missed the mark a bit for me. ...more
When I went to add this latest “Walk ‘n Talk” (that’s what I’m calling these from now on) to my Currently Reading, Goodreads gave me a surprise by infWhen I went to add this latest “Walk ‘n Talk” (that’s what I’m calling these from now on) to my Currently Reading, Goodreads gave me a surprise by informing me not only had I marked I had read this 11 years ago, but that I had given it 2 Stars. I have ZERO recollection of ever picking this up, absolutely nothing was familiar about any of the essays, I barely read memoirs to begin with, and really the only thing I found terribly funny that Silverman ever did was . . . .
Was this the Mandela Effect in action? Did future me time travel back and try to prevent present me from listening to a meh selection while torturing myself on my daily lunch hour trek? The world may never know. Anywho, whether it’s present me or the me who apparently read this eleventy twelve years ago, we both stand by the 2 Star rating. I’m all for low brow humor and fart jokes sometimes, but Silverman’s brand of “funny” is truly bottom of the barrel. Be vulgar, be offensive, but be unquestionably brilliant. You know, like Dave Chappelle.
P.S. Please don’t troll me if she’s still “canceled.” I didn’t even like this one....more
Like bajillions of other true crime addicts around the world, the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard is one that is like a trainwreck I couldn’t simply looLike bajillions of other true crime addicts around the world, the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard is one that is like a trainwreck I couldn’t simply look away from. From Mommy Dead and Dearest to binging The Act to reading fictitious takes on Gypsy’s story in novels such as Darling Rose Gold, I have been hooked on this wilder than fiction tale of murder and Munchausen By Proxy for years now. When I saw a book was being released you bet your butt I was the first on the library waiting list. What I didn’t realize this was simply a sampler of around 100 pages – otherwise known as . . . . .
These transcriptions of phone calls from the prison leave nearly all of the story left untold (and would have worked so much better as an audiobook than in hard copy). I 100% anxiously await Gypsy’s full memoir and want to hear her side straight from the horse’s mouth. I will say, the general reaction of “YAAAAAAS QUEEN” by the public upon her release has been more than a little disconcerting to me. Yes, Gypsy-Rose was a victim, but are the same folks who seem to be offended by nearly everything really celebrating murder now? Odd. Also, her Peter Griffin looking husband skeeves me out to the max so it will be interesting to see if he is an opportunist. Let’s face it, Gypsy is an easy mark. She clearly suffers from a severe case of arrested development and dives right into relationships head first looking for her fairy tale. Or is it all an act? She certainly drops her bubbly persona and lets it be known she has some serious sour grapes off of others making money from her tale without her getting a cut (as explained in this book – the public record is free for the taking). The one thing that is certain is she has fully embraced being front and center in the public eye and her millions of new followers on social media. Time will tell if there is to be more than 15 minutes of fame. ...more
In case you don’t know me and this is popping up randomly on your feed because you are a Seth Rogen superfan, please accept my apology for not LOOOOOVIn case you don’t know me and this is popping up randomly on your feed because you are a Seth Rogen superfan, please accept my apology for not LOOOOOVVVVVVING this one and realize that 3 Stars is a perfectly acceptable rating and one which means I wouldn’t ever attempt to steer people away from reading this book.
(Apologies to those who ARE familiar with me for this next bit.) Late this summer after my time of putzing around in the yard had come to an end I noticed my body was hurting pretty much all the time because all I did was sit around on my fat a$$ and watch trash television once I didn’t have plants to plant and weeds to pull. I decided to blow the decade’s worth of dust off the treadmill and only allow myself to imbibe in my Housewives/1000 pounder/90 Day addiction if I was moving. And oh my god I fucking DESPISE the treadmill so when the temperatures dropped out of the 100s I gave walking outside a whirl - and guess what? Watching the leaves change and the squirrels out squirreling while listening to an audiobook is an easy way to get a shitton more steps in. Buuuuuuut since I live in flyover country I only got about 12 seconds of decent weather before it started raining every day and the wind was blowing 40 mph on the regular – soooooooooooooooooo . . . .
Why not? I could get away from my desk for an hour and be more physically fit? Killing two birds with one stone sounded pretty good to me so I’ve been doing 3 to 3.5 miles every time I'm in the office during my lunch hour. I still don’t have the ability to follow a plot via audiobook, however, and I only go in the office three days a week so memoirs have been a great option. This one took even longer than usual since I’ve had plenty of vacation days, but the comedic essay style meant there wasn’t ever a chance to get lost in what was going on.
Like I said above, I’m not a huge Seth Rogen fan, but turns out he directed a movie I really loved . . .
This is all about Dolly’s signature style (which she happily admits was inspired by the “Town Tramp” when she was a little girl).
If you follow me you know I’ve started listening to audiobook memoirs while walking. My turn at the library came up for this one when it was still pleasant outside and I was making my way to and from the park with a walking trail a couple miles away from my house. I could listen to Dolly forever and easily get a minimum of five miles in anytime she’s in my ear.
I snatched this selection by Burroughs when I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to walk to next during my lunch hour/on the weekends. I’ve had much success with his work before, but I have never listened to him. This wasn’t my fave, but it held my attention and that’s pretty much the only thing that I need for an audiobook to be a winner right now. And I listened to it in November, so yay me I'm smart and read nonfiction ; )
(I will say he’s atrocious at accents, so in spite of this being some bleak subject matter anytime he tried to be British or Southern my first inclination was to laugh – which just reaffirms I’m a heartless monster.) ...more
I’ve been pretty vocal about books that came to fruition during the lockdown portion of the pandemic. Even one of my favorites (Lisa Jewell) stumbled I’ve been pretty vocal about books that came to fruition during the lockdown portion of the pandemic. Even one of my favorites (Lisa Jewell) stumbled a bit with the very unnecessary The Family Remains (good news is, she has another release coming up this Summer and that one is a banger). When I saw Samantha Irby was getting ready to release her own pandemic offering, I was so there for it. I mean she’s hilarious to begin with so her take on quarantine life was sure to be a winner. Right?
Unfortunately, wrong. I mean there were times when I was like oh yes bish, you are me . . . .
“Quietly hostile is how I would describe my public personality. I am mild-mannered and super polite, but just beneath the surface of my skin, my blood is electrified and I am one inconsiderate driver away from a full Falling Down-style emotional collapse.”
And there were the standard LOLz from stories of a weak bladder (and anal sphincter), a near-death experience via allergic reaction and how delicious a “dip dinner” can be. Buuuuuuuuuut then there was a deep dive into which Dave Matthews songs are her faves and over 20% of the word count spent analyzing porn and breaking down Sex and the City eps . . . .
As someone who still calls it Sex IN the City – I was obviously not the target demographic for any of that. I was also not aware the Irby wrote “The Pool Episode” of Shrill (but I have actually watched it and thought it was the only 100% great one in the first season so kudos to you, Irby). Nor did I know (or really care) that she was a part of the Sex and the City reboot.
I wanted an analysis of the mundane daily motions she went through to make it past Covid – not this.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
As noted in the comments below, I would not recommend Happy-Go-Lucky as the jumping off point to David Sedaris. There was definitely a darker tone to As noted in the comments below, I would not recommend Happy-Go-Lucky as the jumping off point to David Sedaris. There was definitely a darker tone to this release than any of his previous stuff. Mind you, it has been a darker time in general the past several years. He touches on all things COVID in a deliciously David sort of way . . . .
“The terrible shame about the pandemic in the United States is that more than eight hundred thousand people have died to date, and I didn’t get to choose a one of them.”
To an outlier, he might come off as someone with nothing but first world problems, or a privileged white male, or a one percenter. To established fans, you are well aware that HE is well aware he is all of those things.
The death of his father is also covered in this book – and there definitely seems to be a sort of “talk” (written) therapy where he spits truths that he was perhaps not brave enough to mention while his father was still alive. When he wrote of his mother’s passing, I felt like I grieved with the family and cried the ugly cry – with Lou I felt like a stranger who walked in on a private conversation that was not meant for me to overhear. Perhaps those entries should have been saved for a future “Diaries” submission, or maybe left on the cutting room floor completely, but obviously it is David’s call with regard to what parts of his life he shares with the public.
That being said, along with some of the dark, there is most assuredly plenty of light. Stories featuring Amy are always my favorite and they abound here. David (and Hugh) also hopped back across the pond purchasing not only an apartment on the Upper East Side, but the neighbor to the Sea Section on Emerald Isle as well. While stories of “The Rooster” were certainly missed, Amy, Gretchen, Lisa and Hugh more than brought the hardy-hars.
I read this back in March and wasn’t sure what to say. My rating is obviously weighted, as I am a Sedaris superfan. I gave it a re-read to see if the uncomfortable entries were as uncomfortable as I originally thought, and YEP – sure were! Buuuuuuuut, no Sedaris experience is complete without a listen too, and his delivery on audio helped lighten the vibe considerably on some of the eyebrow-raisers.
For all the #tldr people out there all you need to know is I will most assuredly continue to put my bra back on whenever my Darling David beckons.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!
Read as part of the library’s Winter Reading Challenge – “Humor Me”...more