Shannon's Review - American Rose by Karen Abbott

Title: American Rose

Series: Not at the moment
Author: Karen Abbott
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Lynn Buckley
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography, History
Publisher: Random House
Received: Bought
Release Date: December 2010
Pages: 353
Rating:


Author Karen Abbott’s Official Websites

Website:
https://karenabbott.net/

Blog:
https://karenabbott.net/blog

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorAbbottKahler

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AbbottKahler

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/abbottkahler/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

American Rose is a part memoir of Gypsy Rose Lee and part history of burlesque. Chapters jump back and forth into the life of Gypsy and the rise of The Minsky brothers theatres of burlesque.

I have always been a fan of the musical Gypsy which was written about the real-life actress/ burlesque star. I learned so much about her and her family. She not only had acted in movies but wrote 2 mystery books, and had a child. Every time she tried to leave burlesque she would always find herself back. Although the musical based on her life had its bright moments I think the truth is Gypsy went through much more dark times than this book expanded on.

I was less interested in the rise and fall of the Minsky brothers and their theatres. Yes, Gypsy’s history does cross with theirs but I just never cared about their struggles. Even though I learned so much about Gypsy’s life there were parts of her history that were so strange and shocking but were only glanced over. For instance, it was rumored Gypsy’s mother Rose and possibly Gypsy herself killed a homeless man. How can you just nonchalantly mention killing someone and then go back to Gypsy house parties? It was so shocking.

I might read more about Gypsy and maybe the books she wrote. I am still very curious about the fact Rose and Gypsy might have been serial killers.

Shannon's Review - Albert Einstein by Aimee Hawk

Title: Albert Einstein
Series: Inspired Inner Genius #1
Author: Aimee Hawk
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Irina Katsimon
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Biography,
Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 2021
Pages: 29
Rating:



Author Aimee Hawk’s Official Websites:





Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

This is a child’s introduction to the life of Albert Einstein. We learn what he disliked about school and how it was taught. He was an intelligent person and learn differently than most. As an adult, he achieved much in the field of science and won very prestigious awards.

I like the fact this does not shy away from the fact Einstein quit school and then returned able to learn at his own pace. I have a few intelligent friends who quit school and then became successful on their own. Most books would leave the fact that he quit even though the fact is he does return to learning.

It is a nice introduction for children but I feel like more could have been added about Einstein’s history.

I like the fact that this is a series of books about famous individuals like Albert Einstein. I will look forward to seeing more from the series. I think children will enjoy this series as well.

Shannon's Review - Mario And The Hole In The Sky by Elizabeth Rusch

Title: Mario And The Hole In The Sky
Series: Not At The Moment
Author: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Teresa Martinez
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Biography, History, Science,
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 40
Rating:




Author Elizabeth Rusch’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.elizabethrusch.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorelizabethrusch/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/elizabethrusch

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lizrusch/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Mario And The Hole In The Sky are about scientist Mario Molina's discovery of the ozone layer deteriorating. The Ozone layer is very important to all humans on this earth we would not be here without it. Mario has spent a lifetime on how to heal the ozone before it is too late. This book tells his story.

I was surprised that I had not heard of Mr. Molina. As I grew up I heard plenty about how we as the world found out the ozone had a hole in it. We were told to not use certain products, and to carpool so there would be fewer fumes. I never really wondered who was the first person to figure this out.

After the story, there is an epilogue that describes what Mr. Molina is doing now and the awards he has won. The epilogue is interesting but it is written differently than the biography that was just read.

I think this is an excellent book for children to read who may have to do research for a report on scientists or on the science of the earth. It is very informative and a good start. It a joy to learn new things and a bonus when it is an illustrated kids' book.

Shannon's Review - The Superlative A. Lincoln by Eileen R. Meyer

Title: The Superlative A. Lincoln
Series: None At the Moment
Author: Eileen R. Meyer
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Dave Szalay
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Poetry, Biography
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 48
Rating:














Author Eileen R. Meyer’s Official Websites:


Website:

https://www.eileenmeyerbooks.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/eileenmeyerbooks

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Writer_Meyer

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eileenmeyerbooks/




Shannon’s Thoughts:

One of the most loved presidents of the USA, Abraham Lincoln, lived in a time of hardship but overcame many obstacles to become the great man we know him as. Author Eileen Meyer adds tidbits of Abraham’s history after a quaint rhyming poem on every page turn. Written for children but even this adult learned some new facts.

The art by David Szalay and whimsical poetry make this book fun and interesting. Some of the facts about the president are well known but I found a few I did not know. Not only was he the tallest president he was also a farmer… but not a good one.

There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this book. It is nice to look at, the wordplay brings joy and I learned about a person that is part of my country’s history.

I would probably recommend this book for ages 7 and up. Of course, the “and up” in my mind definitely includes adults. After all, an adult wrote this and probably learn new things writing this as well.

Shannon's Book Review - Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

Title: Mountains Beyond Mountains
Series: None
Author: Tracy Kidder
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, Medical History,
Publisher: Random House Trade
Received: Purchased
Release Date: August 2004
Pages: 333
Rating:







Author Tracy Kidder Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.tracykidder.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/officialtracykidder/

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracy_kidder/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

In this non-fiction semi biography of Dr. Paul Farmer who has gone to great feats to helps those afflicted with TB and other life-threatening diseases in 3rd world countries.

The way author Tracy Kidder describes Dr. Farmer scheduled his time and hours from country to country sounded exhausting. Dr. Farmer’s drive is something I think most people wish they had, including myself. He seemed to have great persistence and drive to not only heal and help so many but to also encourage others to do the same.

This was my first book by Tracey Kidder and the book was interesting but the way the book was written was almost like a list of what Dr. Paul Farmer had done with his life. I feel I wanted more descriptions of people and situations not just “This guy was great at this.”. For me, this was a long-winded story with no actual story.

Even though I did not enjoy this book it does not mean I would not try another book by this author. I read this as part of the Life’s Library book club and to be honest, I do not read that much non-fiction so maybe this, not a book I was going to like even if it was written differently.

Shannon's Review - The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner

Title: The Bridge Ladies
Series: None
Author: Betsy Lerner
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography
Publisher: Harper Wave
Received: Paperbackswap.com
Release Date: April 2016
Pages: 320
Rating:






Author Betsy Lerner’s Official Websites:



Website:
https://betsylerner.com/

Blog:
https://betsylerner.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBetsyLerner/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/betsylerner



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Author Betsy Lerner records her time learning to play bridge so she can connect with her mother and her friends. She learns things about the women in her life, and she tries to use this knowledge to understand her relationship with her mother.

I read this book for book club. It is not something I would normally pick. There was so much potential for revelations for the author as she learns some of her mother’s history. The hope for some poignant feelings about the ladies was the only reason I kept pushing through to the end.

Sadly there was no great confession or a new bond between mother and daughter. None that I could see or felt.

Since I was able to finish means the writing still flowed for me but as a story, there was nothing interesting here. I have no interest in the people that are written about and the game bridge sounds even harder than I thought.

Shannon's Review - All You Can Ever Know by NIcole Chung

Title: All You Can Ever Know

Series: None

Author: Nicole Chung

Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography

Publisher: Catapult

Received: Purchased

Release Date: October 2018

Pages: 240

Rating:





Author Nicole Chung’s Official Websites:








Website:
https://nicolechung.net/


Blog:
None


Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nicolesjchung


Twitter:
https://twitter.com/nicole_soojung





Shannon’s Thoughts:



For author Nicole Chung, her adoption was more of a curiosity. Growing up Asian in a white family, Nicole always knew she was adopted. But she did not know much about her biological family and never had the urge to know until she had children of her own. Why was she left by parents she knew so little about? She knew she had been a sick baby and that she had older siblings; did those reasons have something to do with it? Chung eventually tries to start a relationship with her biological family, finding kinship but also some negative developments that keep her at a distance from this new/old family.

I love a book with short chapters. It helps make it more enjoyable and makes a quicker read. I read this for a book club and it is not something I would have picked on my own. It was an easy read and for people who enjoy biographies may like this.

On the downside I feel this was a story that could have been told as a short story or an article in a paper. There was a lot of stretching her story out.

All You Can Ever Know is a look inside the mind of an intelligent woman raised by a family full of love, but not all the information for a child of a different race. Adoptees and those who consider adopting will find solace and strength in a woman who learns that blood is not always thicker than water, but love can be a bridge to new horizons. As for me it was not a favorite but maybe others will gain something from reading this book.

Shannon's Review - Let's Pretend This Never Happened by Jenny Lawson

Title: Let’s Pretend This Never Happened

Series: N/A

Author: Jenny Lawson

Genre: Memoir, Biography

Publisher: Putnam

Received: Bought

Release Date: April 2012

Pages: 318

Rating:

Author Jenny Lawson’s Official Websites:

Main Website

http://thebloggess.com

Blog

http://thebloggess.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jennythebloggess

Twitter

https://twitter.com/TheBloggess

Shannon’s Thoughts:

After having successful blog, author Jenny Lawson, wrote this memoir from parts of her already written blog and her humor filled life...or imagination.  

As a blogger myself I had heard about this book through other bloggers.  I had never been to the bloggess aka Jenny Lawson blog before but now that I have read Let’s Pretend This Never Happened I am addicted to checking Jenny’s blog.  Her humor is just plain awesome.  She seems like someone I could be friends and we would laugh all day.  I that is probably romanticizing a friendship but I am trying to explain how much I love her sense of humor.

I have seen many reviews saying the book is not funny and whiney, or not like David Sedaris, or has to much potty mouth.   Ok first thing it is funny...so funny if have a sense of humor and do take things lightly. Secondly the book is not like David Sedaris but to me that is a blessing.  I find Sedaris unfunny and kinda mean.  As for the potty mouth, there is some but that does not bother me.  Cursing and words that make people uncomfortable for others is just part of life.  

I loved Let’s Pretend This Never Happened and I am now a fan of TheBloggess blog. She has a second book Furiously Happy which is added to my TBR pile.  It was actually a book that brought me out of a really bad reading slump.  I needed the humor to flood away the depression I have had recently and maybe if you are feeling the same I would say read this if it fits your humor.  

Shannon's Review - I Am Jim Henson by Brad Meltzer

Title: I Am Jim Henson

Author: Brad Meltzer

Series: Ordinary People Change The World:

Publisher: Dial Books

Received: Borrowed

Release Date: January 2017

Pages: 40

Rating:

Author Brad Meltzer’s Official Websites:

Website

http://bradmeltzer.com/

Blog

N/A

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/BradMeltzer

Twitter

https://twitter.com/bradmeltzer

Shannon’s Thoughts:

A small biography for kids about one of the most inventive people to have existed, Jim Henson. Henson was creator to puppets he called muppets and a show they frequented called Sesame Street.  

Kids are introduced to the kind and wondrous mind of Jim Henson.  We see how he came with the idea of muppets, including his first muppet Kermit The Frog.  He went to create movies that are family friendly and make shows that teach children to read, count, be imaginative and dream big.  Those movies and tv shows are still just as good as the day they were made.

The art is fun and cute.  Throughout the whole book Jim Henson is drawn with his trademark beard and long hair even when we see him as a child.  I think it’s a book Henson would found humorous and worthy of praise.

This book and the others in the series are a great introduction into biography of many influential minds of the world.

Shannon's Review - Bossypants by Tina Fey

Title: Bossypants

Series: N/A

Author: Tina Fey

Genre: nonfiction, biography, memoir

Publisher: Audio GO

Received: Purchased

Release Date: April 2011

Pages: N/A (I listened to the audio version)

Rating:

Author Tina Fey’s Official Websites:

Website

N/A

Blog

N/A

Facebook

N/A

Twitter

N/A

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Actress, and writer, Tina Fey writes her memoir with a little whining and humor.

I loved Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live and have been a fan of her movies, so I was eager to listen to this audiobook. Listening to Fey talk about her childhood and knowing where she is at now in her life, seems to me that her life has gone in the direction she was meant to be in.

As funny as Tina Fey is as a actress, I found this book to be funny but not laugh out loud funny.   Although I was listening to the audio and my hubby was listening as well.  He did laugh out loud quite a few times.  So maybe something is wrong with me and/or I wasn’t fully listening.  I was looking for the laugh out loud but for me it just was not there.

Although I could not relate to many things that Fey has been through, I still enjoy her as an artist in whatever field she may proceed in.  If you like Tina Fey and enjoyed 30 Rock (I did not) you will probably enjoy this more.

Shannon's Review - Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris

Title: Choose Your Own Autobiography

Series: N/A

Author: Neil Patrick Harris

Genre: Biography, Memior

Publisher: Crown Archetype

Received: given as gift

Release Date: October 2014

Pages: 291

Rating:

Neil Patrick Harris’ Websites:

Official Website

N/A

Blog

N/A

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/nph?fref=ts

Twitter

https://twitter.com/actuallynph

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Choose Your Own Autobiography is one of the most creative autobiographies I have ever read or even heard of.   We are welcomed into the life of actor Neil Patrick Harris best known for his acting roles as a young doctor named Doogie Howser M.D. or the womanizing Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother.   Like the Choose Your Own Adventure books from the 1980’s we get to decide how the stories (or in this case NPH’s life) unfold.

First off, I am a big fan of Neil Patrick Harris.  There is something about him that makes it hard to not like him.  This memoir really showcases his sense of humor not just because you get to choose what happens. As I continued to read I felt more and more like I was listening to an old friend chat about his life.  Which so far has been pretty awesome.

While the Choose Your Own theme was an awesome idea.  I had a hard time going back to past pages after meeting an early end. It just became tedious reading what I had already read.

Here’s to hoping that Neil Patrick Harris still has a long career in entertainment because I would like to see another book from him.   

Shannon's Review - As You Wish by Cary Elwes

Title: As You Wish

Series: N/A

Author: Cary Elwes

Genre: Memior, Non-Fiction

Publisher: Touchstone

Received: Purchased

Release Date: October 2014

Pages: 259

Rating:

Cary Elwes Official Websites:

Website

N/A

Blog

N/A

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/ActorCaryElwes

Twitter

https://twitter.com/Cary_Elwes

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Cary Elwes’ first memoir is just a piece of his life.  A piece where a heartwarming story by William Goldman became a heartwarming film and made Elwes a household name as Princess Buttercup’s love interest Wesley.

I have fond memories of the first time I watched The Princess Bride.  Now if you have not seen or read the book, you have to understand that this movie bombed in theatres.  I bought the VHS for $1 and watched it with family.  I will never understand why this film did not do well in theatres but I am so happy it gets recognition as a cult classic now.  The movie is as close to the book as possible and had a perfect cast. Most teenage girls fell for Elwes character Wesley/Dread Pirate Roberts as hard as Princess Buttercup did.  Elwes fills the book with charming and humorous tales with other actors like Andre the Giant, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal and Robin Wright.

The stories that Elwes share are wonderful and like viewing the movie and book you want more. I didn’t want it to end and now have a urge to hear every actor, from the movies take of the movie.  Actually you do get a little bit from the other actors in As You Wish I still wanted more.

For lovers of the book and/or movie you will enjoy As You Wish just as much.  I thoroughly enjoy the stories about Andre the Giant and he is a personality that is missed.  

Shannon's Review - Sipping From The Nile by Jean Naggar

Title: Sipping From The Nile

Series: N/A

Author: Jean Naggar

Genre: Memior, Biography, Non-Fiction

Publisher: Amazon Encore

Received: From Author For Review

Release Date: Feb 2012

Pages: 388

Rating:

Jean Naggar’’s Official Websites:

Main Site

http://www.jeannaggar.com/

Blog

http://www.jeannaggar.com/blog.htm

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/jean.naggar

Twitter

https://twitter.com/twjnaggar

Shannon’s Thoughts:

Sipping From The Nile, is a memoir of the author, Jean Naggar, life in Egypt growing up in 1950’s. Even though she lived a more privileged life than most at the time, she still had her own ups and downs.  

One thing I could relate with Mrs. Naggar is growing up with tight family bonds and then as you grow the family separates whether it be to separate homes or countries.

Other than the tight knit families I had a hard time keeping myself interested in the story.  The story reminded me of times when my grandmother, aunts and mother would sit around the table and gabbed about slightly interesting but also trivial gossip. I know the author described some tragedy and disappointments but I just could not completely dive into the book.

 Sipping From The Nile is probably much more interesting to her family (such as grandkids).  Helping the young ones see what it took for Jean Naggar to get the family where they are now.