Cute little book that guides you through ways to meditate or at least be more mindful while accomplishing the day-to-day tasks in your life. Washing dishes, riding the bus, sorting laundry will never be the same as you become more aware of everything that you do.
(#68-2022)
Adorable book that extols the virtues of the reader - would be an excellent gift for someone you want to be grateful for.
(#66-2022)
Mostly a picture book, and reiterated the thoughts from the biography read previously. Nothing much more to say here, though the photography was quite lovely.
(#60-2022)
Lengthy, but engaging biography of singer George Michael. This book contained details that I wasn't expecting and perspectives that weren't necessarily at the forefront during the years Michael was actively pursuing his musical career.
I've lost no respect for the artist, and have gained an appreciation for the personal struggle that he put himself through based on what he thought the world's expectations were for him.
Despite some amazing success and a lot of talent, it was not an easy life for Michael. And that makes the loss of his life at a fairly early age even more sad. Imagine what else he could have done if he hadn't gotten in his own way.
(#59-2022)
This was an interesting collection of "fictional" reminiscences of Hemingway's life in Paris. His connections to other notable authors, poets and artists and his family life and excursions are features as well as his thoughts and direction on writing and life.
It's an interesting book, and while not something I would normally have just picked up on my own, I don't feel that I wasted the time it took to read it. For one thing, I can now say that I've read Hemingway. And for another, there were definitely some useful lessons and thoughts hidden in the prose.
(#56-2022)
This is just such a cute, needed way to remind myself that I'm actually okay. And enough. It's well thought out, using the phrases and words that are most poignant for someone who is questioning themself and their enough-ness at any given moment.
And the best part is that it didn't take a lot of effort to read it. It's simple and does exactly what it needs to do in very few words.
(#53-2022)
As a shame researcher, Brene Brown takes an interesting perspective to teach us how to live our best selves. In Daring Greatly, she encourages us to embrace our vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives. Every moment where we choose to experience uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure gives us the chance to dare greatly in our life.
Jennifer Grey's memoir about her life before, during and after Dirty Dancing and the nose job heard around the world. From Hollywood parents and celebrity family friends to her own celebrity and struggles to maintain it, this book covers significant details that the world both was, and wasn't, privy to before.
Years ago, Wil Wheaton wrote a memoir. Recently, he's gone back to re-write, or more specifically annotate, that memoir making notes where previous Wil had room to grow, and showing us just exactly who that previous version has become.
This is a super fun book that contains anecdotes and stories from Gilmore Girls supporting recipes of foods that were essential to the show. With Luke and Sookie both spending a lot of time in kitchens, and Friday Night Dinner a staple moment of so many episodes, clearly food plays a big part in the show.
There were a couple of foods that made an impression on me in the show that I wish had been included (Mock Turtle soup, anyone?) but the items included are great and might actually motivate me to try one or two of them myself.
(#31-2022)
Mostly photos, beautiful photos, with some trivia and detail to discuss the photos, this is a beautiful book. The wedding and preparations were gorgeous, it's unfortunate that life following the wedding took such an unsightly turn.
(#30-2022)
Patrick Swayze's memoir, this book was written after the pancreatic cancer diagnosis that eventually ended his life. This book is full of the stories that led him to his over 30-year acting career and his love story with wife Lisa Niemi.
An assembled Cold Case Team takes an in-depth look at who may have betrayed the group hidden in what has become known as the Secret Annex. There have been innumerable theories over the years; the team recreates each scenario and dissects them in order to find the most logical possibility and maybe even come to a real, solid conclusion.
Cute little manual for self-care - for cats and their humans. Full of reminders of ways to keep your mind peaceful and to look after yourself (first.)
(#16-2022)
An inside look into the life of one of Hef's girlfriends. Before she was in the mansion, during and after; Holly's struggle to get away from the public perception, and how that public perception helped her find a life where she could finally figure out who she was meant to be.
The third biographical book by Valerie Bertinelli switches pace from her previous books to talk about life, loss and joy. This book isn't about a particular journey or struggle, but about all the journeys and struggles that make life what it is. And about learning how to be (and love) yourself today, despite societies expectations.
If You Ask Me (And of Course You Won't) by Betty White
One of many books that Betty White took part in writing. This one is a collection of memories, a nostalgic memoir separated into bite-sized pieces with snappy subtitles. A quick read, and not a waste of time, but definitely showcases White's humour and reflections on her life and career.
Bertinelli's second autobiographical book - capturing her journey and struggle to beat her self-image issues, and a goal to fit into a bikini for the first time since her twenties.
Valerie Bertinelli shares her story up to losing weight as a Jenny Craig spokesperson. She talks about her time on One Day at a Time, through marrying Eddie Van Halen, divorcing him, having her son and the acting roles she played up to and between. Her struggles with self-image and societal/Hollywood expectations are central to her continuing story, which she shares herself in a way that helps to motivate and inspire her reader, even if it's not necessarily her intention.
