I don't read many celebrity memoirs, for two reasons: 1. It's hard for most people, famous or not, to examine their lives with an appropriate degree oI don't read many celebrity memoirs, for two reasons: 1. It's hard for most people, famous or not, to examine their lives with an appropriate degree of self-awareness and context and 2. many celebrities don't have that much to say.
I don't mean #2 as a slam at all; many fictional books, from very successful authors, suffer from the same failing. A series of connected events can move you from Point A to Point B and that can be the end of it. But a plot becomes a story, and a biography becomes a memoir, when it has something more to express about the author's view of his or her place in the world. Tippi, written by the iconic Hitchcock star of The Birds and Marnie, is probably the most satisfying celebrity memoir I've ever read, in no small part because Tippi Hedren expresses passion and purpose in every aspect of her life.
Whether she's writing about her childhood or early beginnings as a model (I love books and films set in the 40s, 50s, and 60s, and this book provides wonderful detail about what it was like to be a young woman embarking upon a career in that era) or luminaries of the screen or passing acquaintances, she writes about the people in her life with extraordinary warmth and generosity. Of particular note are the way she describes her relationship with her parents and her daughter and granddaughter (actresses Melanie Griffith and Dakota Johnson), and the pride she feels in how their extended families have retained relationships. She writes about her marriages with clear-eyed candor and appreciation, examining how each of her four major relationships led to other great loves in her life.
One of the most important was her second marriage, which led to a project that sparked her dedication to animal activism. I've been longing to go to her Shambala Preserve in southern California for ages (safari tours? overnight tent stays? yes, please!) and after reading this, I want to go even more. The lengthy chapters describing Tippi and her then-husband's efforts to make a film about the big cats slows down the book pacing-wise quite a bit--this is probably the book's biggest misstep--but they do effectively make you understand her passion and determination to educate and provide sanctuary for endangered exotic felines.
It's also fascinating to read about a young Jan de Bont's dedication to getting the perfect shot--so much so that this future cinematographer/director/producer of DIE HARD, SPEED, THE HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, MINORITY REPORT was literally scalped by a lion but was back to work within days; Tippi and her husband's initially cordial but eventually fraught involvement in THE EXORCIST; and of course, of particular interest to a lifelong lover of Hitchcock films, the day-to-day details of the actress' work on THE BIRDS and MARNIE. (I could go on and on about that last part obsessively, but I'll spare you.)
After many years of being circumspect in her interviews, the author finally talks about the way she was essentially groomed, sexually assaulted, and then blackballed in the industry by Alfred Hitchcock. These are all allegations I've heard before, but not with this detail; I cannot feel anything other than enormous sympathy for anyone enduring this, particularly as she is publicly questioned for the veracity of her statements. It's so easy to doubt victims, especially when it involves people you revere.
I come away with this with a great deal of admiration for the way she handled herself then and now; this is a self-portrait of a woman is sure of herself, aware of her own worth, and gracious and appreciative under all circumstances. Throughout the book, she repeatedly expresses gratitude for friends and employees who have been with her for decades, particularly through exceedingly difficult circumstances at Shambala; what she doesn't say, but what should be noted, is that it also speaks volumes that people have chosen to stay with her.
I got more than I expected with this celebrity memoir, and anyone who is interested in Hitchcock history should definitely pick this up. Tippi Hedren has things to say--and she says them exceedingly well.
Oh, PS! Tippi talks about how her daughter threw big parties for her 75th and 80th birthdays. I used to live 5 minutes from Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas' house, so I'm rather tickled to think that was happening literally a few blocks away. :)...more
Well, this was utterly delightful! Tricky cannibals, a ball of nightmares that follows you around, and many more strange and wonderful inhabitants. ThWell, this was utterly delightful! Tricky cannibals, a ball of nightmares that follows you around, and many more strange and wonderful inhabitants. This short but rich book is written with masterful style, and manages to make its characters endearing without being maudlin--and without trying too hard for sentimentality and quirkiness. And it's funny! In a very sly, deadpan way, particularly in the first story which cleverly implies the origins of the phrase "an arm and a leg."
Closest thing I've read in modern lit to Grimm's fairy tales--complete with macabre events and the occasional thoughtful morality tale. This is an author whose writing style is sophisticated and shows great restraint, and one who trusts in his readers--no matter their age--to follow along.
Audio Notes: LOVED the audio version narrated by the incomparable Simon Callow, whose plummy voice pronounces the delicious words with utmost care. I very much liked his different voices as well, and special applause for voicing young female characters with sympathy and appreciation.
Those who enjoyed the Harry Potter audio versions (Jim Dale or Stephen Fry) should definitely pick this one up, as I think the stories are similarly appealing and this voice performance is even better.
An audio version was provided by the publisher for review. ...more
THE THOUSANDTH FLOOR is a sleek, smart, guilty pleasure. The opening chapter begins with an unnamed girl falling to her death from a skyscraper in 22nTHE THOUSANDTH FLOOR is a sleek, smart, guilty pleasure. The opening chapter begins with an unnamed girl falling to her death from a skyscraper in 22nd century New York, and the questions of "who" and "why" are ever-present as this thriller unfolds. The major raised eyebrow comes from the main character's love for her adopted brother, which sits rather uncomfortably for YA and in this context; but despite a few reservations, this story is surprisingly well-written and enjoyable.
Positives:
-- super, super fun world-building. This is a mystery/thriller in a futuristic setting, with cool tech that feels organic to the story and the way the characters would use them. In addition to stuff you might expect, such as smart contacts with Google-glasses-type capabilities, there are imaginative touches like gummy bears with nano chips installed that make them move (and scream!), floating alcohol bubbles you drink from a straw, enviable closets and immersive shopping experiences, a boy with a frighteningly intuitive computer linked to his brain, and so much more. It's all incredibly well-thought-out, and none of it is there purely as set decoration.
-- 5 distinct POVs, each of which add significantly to the plot. I'm the first person to complain about excessive and superfluous narrators, but you truly couldn't have lost one of these without changing the story. They're all well done, and all make you understand and sympathize with the characters' motivations, even when they're at odds with each other. One of the POVs is a teenage hacker's, and the description of how he infiltrates systems and uses information to his advantage is fascinating.
-- realistic, layered friendships, especially between the girls. Affection, history, competition, and jealousy all come into play.
-- There are major underlying themes exploring class division and privilege that I didn't expect. The towering, 1000-floor Manhattan building these kids live in is almost its own character, and the author skillfully and convincingly portrays the glittering lifestyle and mindset of the wealthy uptower kids and contrasting POVs without turning them all into cliches, or hammering readers with specific agendas and lessons.
-- this future world is matter-of-factly diverse, with many persons of color, as well as LGBTQ characters.
-- Sex-positive
-- adults take a back seat here and maybe could have been developed a bit more, but they're not merely token presences; there are interesting subplots that happen with them.
Stuff I wish had been better:
-- Avery is in love with her adopted brother. It's not handled in an icky way, but romanticizing incest for young readers is something that does concern me, particularly when it involves kids who were mostly raised and grew up together. It's less of an issue for me in other situations--dire ones like Forbidden come to mind--but here, the single-mindedness and focus on this romance would make me less inclined to recommend this for younger teenagers, especially since the connection between the two of them isn't as well-developed as it could be. Atlas is kind of a pleasant but oblique non-entity; Avery, despite her genetic perfection, is much more interesting.
-- I really, really wish (view spoiler)[the girl who is killed isn't the bisexual one. With all the "kill your gays" issues of late, (hide spoiler)] I think increased mindfulness and sensitivity to this trope is necessary.
-- I'm not sure this needed a sequel, since I think the story would have more of an impact if it had stuck the ending. But I enjoyed this so much, I'll definitely be picking up book two!
This was longer than I intended, but since there are so many mixed/negative reviews I thought a countering opinion might be useful. Despite a couple of not-insignificant issues, I think this one has a lot going for it, and I liked that it wasn't a typical fast-paced, action-heavy thriller, but more of a character-driven story with a futuristic setting. I was completely engrossed as I went down all the rabbit holes of the plot, and the future tech is so freaking cool. Damn, it's fun to live and play in this world, even if it's just for a little while....more
Fact and fiction are woven together in the infamous Whitechapel murders, ghosts, and the peculiar case of London H4.5 stars Love love love love love.
Fact and fiction are woven together in the infamous Whitechapel murders, ghosts, and the peculiar case of London Hospital's The Elephant Man, all from the perspective of a girl who has been severely disfigured by phosphorous necrosis. This story doesn't shy away from the gruesome nature of the crimes nor the rough realities faced by a woman without position, or a man who was put on display as a sideshow attraction. And yet it is imbued with a transcendent awareness of human dignity, and the beauty of soul and intellect.
Writing is textured and sharp, yet exquisitely restrained, the setting is vivid, and the historical details are seamlessly integrated. (I had such a good time looking up various figures and events referenced in the story!) I hope this author writes more historical fiction, because he has a knack for storytelling, an ear for dialogue, and an empathy for his characters that gives readers the rare sense of being completely immersed in the world he created. I felt the same level of excitement when reading this book as I did when reading my first Marcus Sedgwick and Sarah Waters novels, and I don't say that lightly.
Review to come. If you liked certain elements of THE MADMAN'S DAUGHTER or THIS MONSTROUS THING, you'll love this. ...more
This is somehow a magical blend of adult Sarra Manning + Sarah Mayberry + Jennifer Crusie. It's funny and sharp and serious, with seething workplace rThis is somehow a magical blend of adult Sarra Manning + Sarah Mayberry + Jennifer Crusie. It's funny and sharp and serious, with seething workplace rivalry and career drama coupled with crazy great chemistry and delicious banter. It also has unbelievably sweet and tender moments (view spoiler)[one of my favorite parts is them simply holding hands (hide spoiler)], though you'll easily laugh a minute after that! It captures that weird obsessive behavior you can't help when you first fall in love, and also convinces you that after a hard-won relationship, these two won't ever stop being endearingly, ridiculously fussy over each other. Hate-to-love relationships are so fun when they're done well, and this is the best one I've read, in no small part because the "hate" part is pretty convincing in the beginning. It hits all the tropes and scenarios you've read before, but the way they're done here is just irresistible.
Katy's review also talks a lot about the heroine's feelings of loneliness and failure, as well as the way a big argument between them is resolved: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... I feel so much affection for them both--it's one of those things where you come out so pleased that they found each other.
In short, it's basically everything you could possibly want out of a romance, with the added benefit of having so many cute and quirky details in it. I felt giddy with happiness reading this book, and I kept trying to prolong the experience because I know it's the author's only book...so far! I can't wait until the next one. <3 Hurry up, Thorne #2.
Update, 2022:
I reread this (again) during a particularly stressful period, because I wanted to soothe myself. And I had finally watched the movie and wanted to envelope myself in the Lucy and Joshness again.
One of the tragic things about being so out of the loop with the book world is I DID NOT KNOW THERE WAS AN EPILOGUE. And not only an epilogue, but probably the best epilogue ever written, anywhere, anytime!
It’s the most perfect ending, to the most lovely story. I loved this book when I read it years ago, but I couldn’t have predicted how often I’d return to it—swooning, laughing, touched, and comforted every time. Thank you, Sally Thorne....more
"You see it in all animals - the female of the species is more deadly than the male."
4.5 stars Holy shit, this is good. It sounds like it's going to b"You see it in all animals - the female of the species is more deadly than the male."
4.5 stars Holy shit, this is good. It sounds like it's going to be a revenge thriller, and it is--but it's also a searing takedown of rape culture and a merciless examination of the way violence begets violence. Riveting prose, three clear POVs, and a relentless story that doesn't try to provide answers, but forces you to think about the things we excuse legally and socially. In a year in which we've stood by and watched Brock Turner get a slap on the wrist, seen serial abusers publicly disparage the victims they attacked, and witnessed the repeated objectification of women on a national platform, this could not be more timely. I wish this book were in the hands of all teenagers, boys and girls, for the invaluable conversation piece that it is. There are a fair number of contemporary YA "issue" novels that deal with rape or abuse, but this one, in the guise of a thriller, hits home intellectually and emotionally in a way I haven't seen before.
But boys will be boys, our favorite phrase that excuses so many things, while the only thing we have for the opposite gender is women, said with disdain and punctuated with an eye roll.
There are a few things you have to accept for the purposes of the story, the biggest of which is a logistical issue (view spoiler)[namely, that physically, it's not that easy to do the things Alex did to Comstock (hide spoiler)]. I'm okay with looking past that, however, because the author provides enough convincing detail to make it worthwhile. The only thing that really niggles me a bit (aside from a slightly rushed ending) is that, in my view, Alex's feelings for Jack develop and progress a bit too quickly to fit the near-feral, loner mindset she was in. There's definitely chemistry between them, but I was still never fully convinced the two of them would have been a thing that quickly, especially considering his background and baggage. However, I liked that Alex didn't judge Jack or other girls for his past, I liked the way a real obstacle came between them (view spoiler)[that is, that he had a real problem absorbing the disturbing information she revealed to him; too many books let the BF/GF give the MC a pass (hide spoiler)], and I liked the fantastic way the story ended. OVARIES OF STEEL, Ms. McGinniss.
Bonus: there isn't the faintest whiff of the type of pretentious posturing and tiresome smoke-and-mirrors plotting that's become so popular in YA thrillers lately. (I'm looking at you, We Were Liars.) This book has things to say, and the writing cuts like a razor so that words nearly bleed off the page.
I'm really pissed off at the weirdly quirky cover art for this book, however. WTF is that? It does absolutely no justice to the intensity of the blistering words and emotions inside. This book is full of feminine rage, and while some readers might flinch at the violence within, I think it's rage that's been justly earned.
Trigger warnings for violence, sexual and otherwise....more
Good thrillers are few and far between--and they're even scarcer in YA. This one has the heroine lying in a hospital bed for almost the entire book, aGood thrillers are few and far between--and they're even scarcer in YA. This one has the heroine lying in a hospital bed for almost the entire book, and yet it manages to be full of suspense.
It features: characters who reveal their true natures gradually, a slower but well-paced plot, and methodical police/legal/medical procedures. (Obviously it takes some liberties, but enough ground work is laid to satisfy the inexpert reader.) These elements all fit neatly together into an entertaining puzzle of a story that touches on the dark underbelly of friendships and the uncertainty of new passion, as well as the terrible things that can happen when we're pushed to our limits. It also accurately portrays the culture of internet trial by jury, as well as skillfully rendered records of court transcripts and interviews.
I really liked the (view spoiler)[somewhat ambiguous, but knowing (hide spoiler)] ending. I can also relate to (view spoiler)[ the betrayal of discovering a longtime blog troll is someone you know. I couldn't explain to you why I continued to talk to this person for a long time afterwards even though I had proof of who she was. And though the contact has mostly worn off, I'm still friends with her on GoodReads. Go figure. (hide spoiler)]
All in all, a really well-crafted book that I liked immensely; even if you guess the ending, it's an enjoyable experience. I was surprised to find that I've actually read two of the author's previous books, both of which I was lukewarm about. I hope she writes more thrillers in the future, though! She has a rare talent for it.
3.5 stars Seriously, how cute is this book? It makes you remember feeling shy and giggly and melty-puddly around the guy you like. *sigh*
It took me a 3.5 stars Seriously, how cute is this book? It makes you remember feeling shy and giggly and melty-puddly around the guy you like. *sigh*
It took me a bit to get into the story and I didn't love the music-heavy playlist conceit, though the latter was obviously the pitch that got the book sold. (view spoiler)[I was also a bit upset over the way June repeatedly put down other characters' ignorance or lack of smarts, both internally and verbally. Denigrating someone's intelligence is one of the worst things you can do in my book, and while one sexist pig of a character in particular deserved to be put in his place, I was still bothered by the number of times this issue came up, and not just with him. But I'm glad that later on, June comes to see partially why he behaved that way, and that her expectations of other people were challenged. (hide spoiler)] I'm never crazy about books set up around prom either (I genuinely didn't care about it in high school and I still don't!), but I know it's a big thing to a lot of kids so I'll tolerate the cheesiness because it's written so sincerely and with such good humor.
I enjoyed everything else so thoroughly. The book is diverse and sex-positive. The school routine feels solid and real. June and her affectionate, razzy friendship with her gay BFF Shaun gave me warm fuzzies. Oliver's girlfriend isn't a stereotypical bitch. June's girlfriends are so fun and funny, and it all feels so comfortable and familiar, like you were hanging out with TV characters you've been watching for years. Everyone has agency, everyone is memorable. (view spoiler)[I didn't love Itch, but hey, neither did June. I did love the whole way their break-up unfolded, though, especially the very end. (hide spoiler)]
The book also portrays another notable thing exceptionally well. One of the most fundamentally life-changing things occurs when you're a teenager: the realization that your parents aren't necessarily who you thought they were. The maelstrom of complicated feelings that arise from that aren't to be taken lightly, and in the context of this romance, it's handled with just the right touch.
And all that is before we even talk about Oliver and June. Guuuuys. They are so flipping cute! Because they're both with other people in the beginning and they're forced to spend time together, they have to learn about each other slowly and become friends first. They know each other before anything ever happens, and it's so ooey-gooey good watching them fall for each other.
Technically speaking, there were a few minor things that I think might've been smoothed out or fleshed out a bit more; the whole issue with why June's not driving, for example, and a few other random bits like suddenly finding out she volunteers with animals late in the book.
But the book is a really well-crafted contemporary otherwise. The characters are believable, all of them evolve in their story arcs, and the author made me care about what happens to everyone. And it's cuuute. So cute.
Excited to see what this author, who is a writer for GREY'S ANATOMY, does next. I might have to try watching that show after all.
4.5 stars This story is told from the perspective of a smart, dreamy boy who's buzzing with hormones and focused on his sport, but can't quite let go 4.5 stars This story is told from the perspective of a smart, dreamy boy who's buzzing with hormones and focused on his sport, but can't quite let go of his feelings for his childhood sweetheart. It treats love--of all kinds--and loss with exquisite delicacy, but doesn't descend into sentimental wallowing thanks to the wry narrative voice and the realistic relationships. It also poignantly shows how the loss of one small person can create a crater of grief in everyone around him, and how that grief can overwhelm life and relationships. Strongly recommended if you loved THE LAST TIME WE SAY GOODBYE.
I don't know what the 2016 debut class has been drinking, but they've made a lot of magic happen this year.
3.5 stars A really terrific high-concept scifi novel--except it kinda lost me once, well, midnight is burned. It's the same problem I had with THE FOL3.5 stars A really terrific high-concept scifi novel--except it kinda lost me once, well, midnight is burned. It's the same problem I had with THE FOLD--great premise, engrossing plot, decent characterization, engaging narrative voice, and then the direction the story went/the reveal felt rather silly.
I liked it tremendously up until that point, however, so I'm rounding up in star ratings, even though the resolution and ending felt underdeveloped and a bit rushed. (Surprising, considering how carefully and methodically the pieces were assembled in the first two thirds of the book.)
I hope the author writes more YA in the future, though. I'd definitely check that out.
My absolute favorite book of 2016 so far. So smart, so funny, and feminist as fuck, without stomping all over other girls' choices.
It's out in stores My absolute favorite book of 2016 so far. So smart, so funny, and feminist as fuck, without stomping all over other girls' choices.
It's out in stores today, and I'll have a review and author guest post on the blog next week, but in the meantime:
Ave is pretty, too, but she's like a wilted version of Ashley with braces and slightly duller hair. If they had been fetal twins, Ashley definitely would've consumed Avery for nutrients, and all that'd be left of Ave would be a tumor with a few teeth in it.
This is the funniest YA book I've read in years. YEARS. I couldn't stop laughing throughout the entire book. Scarlett is also a fucking heroine, and I love her to pieces.
More awesome things: memorable characters, messy parent/teen relationships, teen/older adult friendships, lower lower middle class that's not portrayed in a tragic way, teachers who give a shit, cute love connections, girl friendships...I could go on and on, but you should really just read the book and find out for yourself.
4.5 stars Bursting with vivid characters, infectious humor, adorable romance, and bittersweet truth--as well as one of the best depictions of depressi4.5 stars Bursting with vivid characters, infectious humor, adorable romance, and bittersweet truth--as well as one of the best depictions of depression/mental illness I've ever read.
Lovely, lovely book. It's Dessen but deeper and brighter, and painterly with words like Jandy Nelson, but sharper and more true.
4.5 stars I didn't believe all the high ratings, and now here I am with them.
A good example of why it's good to try authors again, btw. I'd read a cou4.5 stars I didn't believe all the high ratings, and now here I am with them.
A good example of why it's good to try authors again, btw. I'd read a couple of the author's earlier books and found them likable if a bit unmemorable, but there was absolutely no indication that one day she'd write a brutal book--or an uncompromising heroine--like this.
Vlad the Impaler re-imagined as an aggressive girl! Fantastic. ...more
Wendy Darling
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