Thanks to Judi Dench and Brandon O'Hea for this truly illuminating and highly original memoir of life in the theater. Dame Dench has a prodigious memoThanks to Judi Dench and Brandon O'Hea for this truly illuminating and highly original memoir of life in the theater. Dame Dench has a prodigious memory, can recall in many cases the Shakespearean roles she has embodied over the past seven decades. But more than that, her deep understanding of and reverence for Shakespeare, his poetry, his insights, his contributions to the English language, are all inspiring. She discusses the characters' motivations and inner lives, incorporating them into flesh and blood women and not just dusty facsimiles. It gave me a better understanding of Shakespeare and an appreciation of his work. Even to the rhythm of iambic pentameter and even how some works deliberately would shift between text and poetry to establish a character. Also how every emotion in human experience is delineated and timeless. Loved this even more than I thought I would....more
Devastating. There is no word in any language for the loss of a child by a parent. There is widow, widower, orphan. But not when the natural order is Devastating. There is no word in any language for the loss of a child by a parent. There is widow, widower, orphan. But not when the natural order is upended. Diane Foley not only lost a son in the most horrific way possible, but met the man face to face who had perpetrated the deed. Jim Foley was a journalist, a seeker of truth who felt it imperative to inform the American people what was happening in Syria and of the actions of Isis when he and a number of other reporters were captured and taken hostage. After 18 months of grueling captivity, Jim was murdered publicly. This brave book, written ten years after those events, portrays Diane's story, how the family coped and how she became an activist, establishing a foundation bearing her son's name that fights for American hostages held abroad. In the audible version, Jamie Lee Curtis reads Diane's words, evoking the passion and in some instances outrage she experienced. Highly recommended but with caution....more
What a pleasure after enjoying her fiction, to meet the woman behind her words. Generous and honest, Ann Leary provides insight with humor and self deWhat a pleasure after enjoying her fiction, to meet the woman behind her words. Generous and honest, Ann Leary provides insight with humor and self deprecation, and gives of herself, warts and all. Particularly nice is her chapter on dogs and her lifelong friends among them. ...more
It's always fun reading about lives of newspeople, and Calvin Trillin is fun to read even if it's a novel about parking in New York. And reading behinIt's always fun reading about lives of newspeople, and Calvin Trillin is fun to read even if it's a novel about parking in New York. And reading behind the scenes at the New Yorker can always be as much fun as reading the magazine itself. ...more
In Disappointment River, Brian Castner follows the trail of Alexander MacKenzie, who sought to find the Northwest Passage in northern Canada during thIn Disappointment River, Brian Castner follows the trail of Alexander MacKenzie, who sought to find the Northwest Passage in northern Canada during the 18th century. Castner, a former ordnance disposal officer who served in Iraq, does the trip in a 2 person canoe, accompanied by three others who join him at various stops along the way. Looking at a map of the area only heightens my admiration at his desire to accomplish such an undertaking. Interspersed with the story of MacKenzie and his party as well as the brutal history of the region, this makes for unputdownable reading. ...more
There is no word for a person who has lost a child, even one fully grown to adulthood. They are still your child. There is the term widow, widower, buThere is no word for a person who has lost a child, even one fully grown to adulthood. They are still your child. There is the term widow, widower, but no term exists in English for that reversal of nature when a parent outlives a child. Grief takes over, and the memory of that person who a parent has known since before birth haunt and flood, and all aspects of that person recur. When Alexandra Fuller's son, aged 21, dies in his sleep, she and the entire family is encompassed by grief. Gifted with a poet's soul, she adds to her memoirs with this depiction of that grief, shattering and redemptive at the same time....more
Immersive account that transcends its title. I chose this thinking it would only cover the movie of the Blues Brothers, not knowing that it would deliImmersive account that transcends its title. I chose this thinking it would only cover the movie of the Blues Brothers, not knowing that it would deliver far more, what amounts to a deep dive into the culture that made the movie possible. The backstories and early lives of Belushi and Ackroyd, also of Lorne Michaels, of Saturday Night Live and how the members of Chicago's Second City formed what became the defining comedy of the day that continues in one form or another to the present time. It did see that, like the fans, de Visé was more intrigued with Belushi, that his explosive personality overshadowed everything around him, and his story was predominant. Stands to reason. His talent and tragic, senseless early death have never lost their fascination....more
Although I can't claim that I was an avid viewer of Happy Days back when tv had to be watched in realtime or not at all. But you'd have to have been lAlthough I can't claim that I was an avid viewer of Happy Days back when tv had to be watched in realtime or not at all. But you'd have to have been living under a rock not to be aware of Henry Winkler's depiction of the iconic Fonzie. I became a fan of his later work, most notably in Barry, and admired what I heard about the person behind the personna. This audio performance, which he reads himself along with contributions by his wife of over 40 years, gives a beautifully cadenced account of a life well lived despite its drawbacks, of perseverance personified. ...more
It is easy to see, from page one, why this is one of the most anticipated books of the Fall. Safiya Sinclair is an award winning poet, a woman who hasIt is easy to see, from page one, why this is one of the most anticipated books of the Fall. Safiya Sinclair is an award winning poet, a woman who has lived many lives but who was forged first and foremost in her native Jamaica as the oldest child in a Rastafarian family. I admit to ignorance of this culture, of the extreme patriarchy at its heart, explicitly espousing the double standard. Sinclair credits her father's artistic side, but her accomplishments and those of her siblings arise from a wellspring of strength: "My family lived in close quarters and knew the subtle dialect of each other's dreams." In this as in other examples, her prose rumbles like poetry, moving and dipping like the patois of her native country. As she matures she becomes more aware that her father's way of life is not necessarily correct, however she obediently adheres to the strictures he imposes until she finally is able to live her life as herself and not chattel to a man. It is the power of the written word, exemplified by poetry, that gives her the strength to find herself. And this book generously and honestly describes that journey....more
Meg Kissinger, an award winning journalist, generously shares her personal history of growing up in a well-to-do family with seven siblings that harboMeg Kissinger, an award winning journalist, generously shares her personal history of growing up in a well-to-do family with seven siblings that harbored secrets. Until circumstances brought them a certain notoriety. Her focus has been on the silence and shame that surrounds mental illness, hoping that her own experience will encourage readers to view sufferers of bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia with as much compassion and understanding as, say, cancer. This memoir honestly approaches life with the afflictions in the house, and how it was not acknowledged. In fact, when a beloved sister ends her own life, their father insists the family reply that it was the result of an accident. ...more
Christian Cooper's encounter with another person named Cooper shot him squarely into the national spotlight. A frazzled woman, looking more like she'sChristian Cooper's encounter with another person named Cooper shot him squarely into the national spotlight. A frazzled woman, looking more like she's strangling her dog than protecting it, is filmed by a man she's accusing of threatening her, his calm voice saying "Go ahead. Call the police." But there is so much more to this man than what the media chose to highlight.
By now everyone is familiar with this woman who used her white femaleness to weaponize a man of color who was only asking her to leash her dog, as not only was it unlawful to let dogs run free in Central Park's Ramble, it was harmful to the habitat of the birds he had been seeking. All his life. In this generous memoir, he remembers growing up black, gay, "other" in two categories, son of teachers in Eastern Long Island. Closeted until his college years, he developed a passion for birds at an early age, relishing their their unique songs as well as their plumage. Mr. Cooper includes detailed accounts of several of his many travels. Also, rooted in his DNA is his family's love for fantasy and science fiction, which has allowed him to enjoy "dream jobs" with Marvel and DC.
And then this, a strong sense of justice pervades the family since having been pushed in a stroller to protests by his activist mother and father. In one interview, he uses the example of the way Black People need to adjust to protect their everyday life, by explaining why he chooses to wear wire rimmed glasses instead of contacts. He removes his glasses, pointing out that as a large, fit man of color, he would appear more threatening without them.
So here is an account from deep within personal experience, and the reader is rewarded with insights and information, beautifully rendered. Yes, this book changes the way one looks at the world and the creatures that populate it. To the uninitiated like myself who take birds for granted, Christian Cooper has opened a world of possibilities....more
Read in her own voice, Elizabeth McCracken weaves a testament and recognition of her very special mother, a woman who is ordinary but special in many Read in her own voice, Elizabeth McCracken weaves a testament and recognition of her very special mother, a woman who is ordinary but special in many ways, and although she calls this a novel, it is too close to the mark to be merely fabrication. ...more
With such a rich well-rounded life, Stevie Van Zandt cannot be defied easily. Behind the role of consigliore of glorious leadman Springsteen, also to With such a rich well-rounded life, Stevie Van Zandt cannot be defied easily. Behind the role of consigliore of glorious leadman Springsteen, also to Tony Soprano, is a razor sharp brain and focussed intellect imbued with an accurate, encyclopedic memory for the history of rock music from its genesis and plans for keeping it alive, vital, accessible in many ways to all generations. Reading this gave me a deeper appreciation of his Norwegian series, Lilyhammer, especially the behind the scenes activity in its creation. Also nice to know Jo Nesbo is such a force in his country....more
Jack O'Brien has had an enviable career in the theater, and here he shares generously. There are tips about directing, what it means to be one and whaJack O'Brien has had an enviable career in the theater, and here he shares generously. There are tips about directing, what it means to be one and what contributions can be expected. But also there is quite a bit of dish, well, not nasty enough to earn the title dish, but some personal insights into many famous names. I personally found interesting the section on casting, as I've been present at a low level during that process, and found myself projecting different auditionees in different combinations, hoping to achieve that ineffable quality known as chemistry that will result in the best fit....more
We have loved Top Chef from day one. Therefore, when offered it, I chose to read this book to get lowdown on what it was like for a contestant. I didnWe have loved Top Chef from day one. Therefore, when offered it, I chose to read this book to get lowdown on what it was like for a contestant. I didn't know that I would be getting so much more. Fatima Ali was a memorable force during her time on that show, selected by viewers as Fan Favorite, and her passion for her native Pakistani cuisine was paramount. She saw this appearance as a stepping stone toward her ultimate goal, that of opening her own restaurant and introducing those distinct flavors to American palates.
Tragically, her wish list evolved into a bucket list of restaurants worldwide in order to taste specialties of renown chefs, of which she wanted to become a member. Her dreams cut short by a virulent, cruel cancer, taking her life before the age of 30. This memoir is a marvel. Despite the tragedies, it is never maudlin or self pitying, and the fact that Fatima's words were processed and presented by Tarajia Morrell, who only had a week to work with her, remarkable. Interspersed are chapters by Fati's mother, Farezeh, heartfelt and wrenching. The world has lost the chance to celebrate Fati's talent and appreciate her food, but Farezeh lost a piece of her heart yet bravely contributed to this beautiful book. I was reminded of When Breath Becomes Air, by Dr. Paul Kalinithi, written during his final months and finished by his wife, Lucy. Both books will occupy the same chamber of my heart....more
I came to this book in an unusual way -- Matthew Specktor reviewed my favorite book this year in the Sunday New York Times Book Review, and, intriguedI came to this book in an unusual way -- Matthew Specktor reviewed my favorite book this year in the Sunday New York Times Book Review, and, intrigued, I listened to him narrate his own biography. NYT's choice of him to review Anthony Marra's Mercury Pictures Presents shows that they choose reviewers who share a commonality with the subject matter of the books they are presenting. This memoir by a Hollywood native, a person who grew up in the industry and counts among his friends many of Tinseltown's famous, contains insights into people who had blazing careers that crashed and burned, sometimes intentionally. I loved Specktor's style and honesty, his generous sharing of motivations. I plan on going back and reading more of his work....more
A most unusual memoir in that the author has said that no matter where a reader begins, they can proceed. Having experienced the audible version, I waA most unusual memoir in that the author has said that no matter where a reader begins, they can proceed. Having experienced the audible version, I was unable to move from episode to episode except but lineraly, this aspect didn't affect me, but Durastanti's writing is lively and her memories at times hilarious in this unsentimental recapturing of what it meant to be raised by two deaf parents in two countries, and how the importance of words and meanings can affect relationships....more
As a young man, Ron Shelton had a brief career in the minor leagues, and built upon that experience in the creation of the iconic Bull Durham. This isAs a young man, Ron Shelton had a brief career in the minor leagues, and built upon that experience in the creation of the iconic Bull Durham. This is a deep dive into the creation of that movie in all its aspects, and brings together two of my favorite subjects -- baseball and movies. Loved it. ...more
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