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laurieb755's reviews
759 reviews
So, Anyway... by John Cleese
4.0
I am a Python Fan, but that doesn't mean I was automatically prepared to like John Cleese's writing. Having no idea what he is like beyond his screen persona, of which there are many, and knowing he is a comedy writer, neither of these implied what type of life he may have had or how he would write about said life.
And then the book got off to, what was for me, a slow start. I found the first few chapters interesting but wordy and slow. Gradually, though, the boy and his adult writing grew on me. And eventually I did not want to put Cleese's book down, for I was far too engrossed in his tales. Then he started sharing some sketches. Yes, I took a picture of the zookeeper swallowed by the boa and emailed it to my younger son in college. It was hard to resist!
Cleese keeps his book focused on his professional life, yet it is obvious to me that he maintains great affection for Connie Booth, his first wife. (As an aside, I recent read about and heard an interview with Connie and her husband where they openly discussed her growing forgetfulness and dementia.)
I enjoyed discovering how the Pythoners met and appreciated the openness with which Cleese describes his nerves and aversion to making a fuss (which is directly opposite his love of pranks) and other insecurities that befell him as an actor, more so than as a writer.
And he leaves the book ripe for a sequel. Of course. So anyway, what happens next?
And then the book got off to, what was for me, a slow start. I found the first few chapters interesting but wordy and slow. Gradually, though, the boy and his adult writing grew on me. And eventually I did not want to put Cleese's book down, for I was far too engrossed in his tales. Then he started sharing some sketches. Yes, I took a picture of the zookeeper swallowed by the boa and emailed it to my younger son in college. It was hard to resist!
Cleese keeps his book focused on his professional life, yet it is obvious to me that he maintains great affection for Connie Booth, his first wife. (As an aside, I recent read about and heard an interview with Connie and her husband where they openly discussed her growing forgetfulness and dementia.)
I enjoyed discovering how the Pythoners met and appreciated the openness with which Cleese describes his nerves and aversion to making a fuss (which is directly opposite his love of pranks) and other insecurities that befell him as an actor, more so than as a writer.
And he leaves the book ripe for a sequel. Of course. So anyway, what happens next?
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
5.0
I finished this book over a week ago and it has been percolating in my thoughts. What began (and remained) as a book filled with curiously engaging people (and some who simply made me laugh - a good laugh, not a scathing one) wound up surprising the heck out of me as the story progressed. I could not put this book down, though the further I read, the more I winced.
Liane Moriarty paints pictures of people that go enough beyond caricatures as to seem real. And I particularly enjoyed the style she used of interspersing the story with snippets from the interviews, and beginning with the story with the scene just before the climax (which you don't find out till much later) and then backing up to several months beforehand and telling the story from there.
This book, and the topic it addresses, demand of the reader that they pay attention. And I paid attention, and the topic wouldn't leave my mind. I found the resolution quite satisfying.
Liane Moriarty paints pictures of people that go enough beyond caricatures as to seem real. And I particularly enjoyed the style she used of interspersing the story with snippets from the interviews, and beginning with the story with the scene just before the climax (which you don't find out till much later) and then backing up to several months beforehand and telling the story from there.
This book, and the topic it addresses, demand of the reader that they pay attention. And I paid attention, and the topic wouldn't leave my mind. I found the resolution quite satisfying.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
4.0
Yikes, was so sure I had already written comments about this book, only to discover this evening (a good month later) that it was stuck in my "currently reading" queue. Sigh. ADVANCE NOTICE - what comes next *might* be considered a spoiler by some, so read at your own risk.
Well, nonetheless, I enjoyed the book, though the ending was a bit tough to digest. Not because it didn't flow or wasn't believable, just because it made me sad. By tale's end I had determined to read all of the stories that A.J. has commented on. Turns out I was not the only one with that idea ;-) because a quick search of books turned up numerous links to people having the same quest. Also turned up many of the stories in pdf format, and a few that I wound up reserving at the library.
If the stories are a representation of the man, then I suspect A.J. was not my type of companion, as most of the short stories were a bit off-putting for my tastes. On the other hand, they sure did seem true to A.J.'s karma - the way he presented himself to many of the people he met. At least until he became a papa. It's up to you, dear potential reader, to decide for yourself. Definitely worth jumping into this story that has, I suspect, spurred many a reader to read more, which would have given A.J. great delight.
Well, nonetheless, I enjoyed the book, though the ending was a bit tough to digest. Not because it didn't flow or wasn't believable, just because it made me sad. By tale's end I had determined to read all of the stories that A.J. has commented on. Turns out I was not the only one with that idea ;-) because a quick search of books turned up numerous links to people having the same quest. Also turned up many of the stories in pdf format, and a few that I wound up reserving at the library.
If the stories are a representation of the man, then I suspect A.J. was not my type of companion, as most of the short stories were a bit off-putting for my tastes. On the other hand, they sure did seem true to A.J.'s karma - the way he presented himself to many of the people he met. At least until he became a papa. It's up to you, dear potential reader, to decide for yourself. Definitely worth jumping into this story that has, I suspect, spurred many a reader to read more, which would have given A.J. great delight.
Dreaming Spies by Laurie R. King
3.0
Definitely predictable in many ways, but still a fun read for a very cold week and weekend (just past). I quite liked King's first Mary Russell-Sherlock Holmes novel. Indeed, couldn't resist reading it for my love of Holmes and the many, many hours I joined him out on the moors or scurrying throughout England while I swallowed my way through after-school snacks of hamburgers and potatoes (would you believe the dehydrated flakes that came in a box!) That was my regular habit in high school back in the 1960s - home from school, prepare my snack, sit at the counter, and devour both a meal and multiple chapters of Sherlock Holmes.
Back to Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I tried book number two in this series but the library copy was rather gross to hold, so back it went. This newest book is in excellent condition, and when looking for some easy reading to fill my mind on work nights, before bed, I am tempted to reserve some of the more recent precursors.
Meanwhile, good night.
Back to Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. I tried book number two in this series but the library copy was rather gross to hold, so back it went. This newest book is in excellent condition, and when looking for some easy reading to fill my mind on work nights, before bed, I am tempted to reserve some of the more recent precursors.
Meanwhile, good night.
Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty
3.0
This is my second Liane Moriarty book, read because of how much I enjoyed my first one (see prior book review). My close friend Ann suggested I might not enjoy this book as much as the first, and she was quite correct. In describing this book to my husband, I said that Moriarty had perfected her voice with her last book, and this Three Wishes being her first book, her voice was still finding its way.
After starting with a verbatim read, I spent a large portion of the middle with a skim read, only to finish up verbatim. And that is all there is to that!
After starting with a verbatim read, I spent a large portion of the middle with a skim read, only to finish up verbatim. And that is all there is to that!
The Last Anniversary by Liane Moriarty
4.0
She's getting better. I can see it in her characters and plot lines. Liane Moriarty is beginning to come into her own in this, her second book. Thoroughly enjoyed the premise and unfolding of the plot. The believability of many of her characters.
Well worth curling up with a yummy cup of tea or cocoa or whatever, or just sitting in a comforting arm chair, and reading yourself into contentment.
Though will confess here that I could not do that with The Husband's Secret. I started it but couldn't will myself to visit beyond the first few chapters. Perhaps it is a tribute to Moriarty's success at setting up a thriller? A good writer coupled with my vivid imagination can transport me into the time and place of the story. That can be a problem if the story is a bit grey or horrific, so I am apt to censor a book, if need be. Seems to happen mainly with more current authors than those who I grew up with, and it happened with The Husband's Secret. I was leery of what I might find…
Well worth curling up with a yummy cup of tea or cocoa or whatever, or just sitting in a comforting arm chair, and reading yourself into contentment.
Though will confess here that I could not do that with The Husband's Secret. I started it but couldn't will myself to visit beyond the first few chapters. Perhaps it is a tribute to Moriarty's success at setting up a thriller? A good writer coupled with my vivid imagination can transport me into the time and place of the story. That can be a problem if the story is a bit grey or horrific, so I am apt to censor a book, if need be. Seems to happen mainly with more current authors than those who I grew up with, and it happened with The Husband's Secret. I was leery of what I might find…
The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life by Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander
3.0
The rating of 3 is a waffler - could be a 3.6 or a 3.7 - it's more than a 3, but not quite a 4. Why the waffling? Because every so often I felt that Ben or Rosamund was rambling. Yet the book is fairly short at 196 pages, so perhaps my assessment stems from having read portions at night, when I was tired.
This book has been on my "to read" list for quite awhile. I discovered Ben Zander via a youtube video of the Davos Annual Meeting 2008 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErpOnYZZH0) and immediately had an awakening based upon several of Ben's anecdotes.
What was it that stuck with me? Ben, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, woke up one day and said "I realized that my job was to awaken possibilities in other people." As a support specialist in education (computer teacher, technology facilitator, and STEAM integrator), this described so simply exactly what I aimed to do.
Then he went on to describe how he tells his students that "If you make a mistake – How Fascinating!" Simple words of wisdom but so perfect, for all learning comes from trying, making mistakes, revising, and trying again. So if you make a mistake, how fascinating; as a teacher this is what I try to instill in my students.
Ultimately, Zander talks about "radiating possibility".
In the "Art of Possibility" Zander and his wife share twelve practices they have culled from years of trying to bring out the positive possibility in their personal and professional relationships. Most made much sense to me, a few had me drifting (see my opening paragraph), yet combined they all provide a way to find your way forward into a world of possibility rather than a world of anti-possibility.
This book has been on my "to read" list for quite awhile. I discovered Ben Zander via a youtube video of the Davos Annual Meeting 2008 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zErpOnYZZH0) and immediately had an awakening based upon several of Ben's anecdotes.
What was it that stuck with me? Ben, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra, woke up one day and said "I realized that my job was to awaken possibilities in other people." As a support specialist in education (computer teacher, technology facilitator, and STEAM integrator), this described so simply exactly what I aimed to do.
Then he went on to describe how he tells his students that "If you make a mistake – How Fascinating!" Simple words of wisdom but so perfect, for all learning comes from trying, making mistakes, revising, and trying again. So if you make a mistake, how fascinating; as a teacher this is what I try to instill in my students.
Ultimately, Zander talks about "radiating possibility".
In the "Art of Possibility" Zander and his wife share twelve practices they have culled from years of trying to bring out the positive possibility in their personal and professional relationships. Most made much sense to me, a few had me drifting (see my opening paragraph), yet combined they all provide a way to find your way forward into a world of possibility rather than a world of anti-possibility.
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy by Rachel Joyce
4.0
One year and a day after finishing The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye I have completed Queenie's point of view.
Oh my. Eyes welling up at The Third Letter, the final chapter. Oh my.
From a literary perspective, I found the two books fascinating - being able to read from two points of view - Harold's and then Queenie's - each in their own narrative in their own book.
From an emotional perspective, they tugged at me for differing yet perhaps not so dissimilar reasons.
This is not a "read in bed before falling asleep" type of book. This is a "read during the day, perhaps with a cup of tea or cocoa, and with time to ponder" type of book.
And most of all, both stories are a strong message to be in the moment and make use of each moment, as active participant or calm observer - just be full with your choice.
Oh my. Eyes welling up at The Third Letter, the final chapter. Oh my.
From a literary perspective, I found the two books fascinating - being able to read from two points of view - Harold's and then Queenie's - each in their own narrative in their own book.
From an emotional perspective, they tugged at me for differing yet perhaps not so dissimilar reasons.
This is not a "read in bed before falling asleep" type of book. This is a "read during the day, perhaps with a cup of tea or cocoa, and with time to ponder" type of book.
And most of all, both stories are a strong message to be in the moment and make use of each moment, as active participant or calm observer - just be full with your choice.
Get What's Yours: The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security by Laurence J. Kotlikoff
4.0
While reading this book (borrowed from my local library) I ordered a copy to give to my brother on his upcoming birthday. Then I returned to taking copious notes on those chapters that currently or potentially apply to myself and my husband.
Kotlikoff, Moeller and Solman have written an accessible short book on the ins and outs of social security and it is a must-read for anyone wanting to correctly understand what they are eligible for in terms of social security benefits, and when to apply for those benefits.
For me it was an eye opener (as it was for Paul Solman) that there is something called Spousal Benefits and making use of them can add dollars to retirement benefits. The book is packed with information to cover just about any circumstance that you might encounter in your own quest for social security benefits, as well as tips that you might not know about and benefits you might not know exist.
So why a 4 instead of a 5? I have not yet decided if the authors' brand of humor agrees with me. Although it did make me occasionally grin. Okay, my rating is a 4.5. :-)
Kotlikoff, Moeller and Solman have written an accessible short book on the ins and outs of social security and it is a must-read for anyone wanting to correctly understand what they are eligible for in terms of social security benefits, and when to apply for those benefits.
For me it was an eye opener (as it was for Paul Solman) that there is something called Spousal Benefits and making use of them can add dollars to retirement benefits. The book is packed with information to cover just about any circumstance that you might encounter in your own quest for social security benefits, as well as tips that you might not know about and benefits you might not know exist.
So why a 4 instead of a 5? I have not yet decided if the authors' brand of humor agrees with me. Although it did make me occasionally grin. Okay, my rating is a 4.5. :-)
The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion
4.0
At times this book was incredibly irritating to read. I was becoming exasperated with Don and his constant analysis of activities. And that is precisely what I imagine it is like to live with him. Graeme Simision has followed The Rosie Project with the perfect follow-up, and once again he has taken me inside the world of Don, Rosie, and their growing set of friends, and caused me to care about all of them.
He has also caused me to laugh quietly both at the scenarios Don finds himself in and the logical-to-Don shenanigans he employs to extricate himself from those scenarios, and the responses to Don by the New York perveyors of power. And then there is the estimable cocktail expertise that Don (and Rosie) have amassed and use to great effect. And the rock star. And the restauranteurs. And the police. And Lydia. And the antenatal group. And the men's group Don so effectively starts and shepherds. And Columbia research. And so on.
Don and Rosie caused me to ponder the following, upon finishing their story. If we marry someone else, will who we are change as we learn to live with them. And if that is the case, if we marry yet another person, will we change yet again. The obvious response is yes, as we are currently changing as we grow and age. But at heart, do we remain the same person regardless who we are married to, or does our personality undergo a change based upon the influence of the person we live with. I think I know my own answer, but thanks to Simision, this is what crossed my mind upon closing his book.
Ever see The Runaway Bride? Julia Roberts plays a bride who has a habit of abandoning fiancés at the alter. What stayed with me from that movie was she always chose as her favorite egg dish the same dish favored by her current fiancé. Resonates with my prior paragraph.
He has also caused me to laugh quietly both at the scenarios Don finds himself in and the logical-to-Don shenanigans he employs to extricate himself from those scenarios, and the responses to Don by the New York perveyors of power. And then there is the estimable cocktail expertise that Don (and Rosie) have amassed and use to great effect. And the rock star. And the restauranteurs. And the police. And Lydia. And the antenatal group. And the men's group Don so effectively starts and shepherds. And Columbia research. And so on.
Don and Rosie caused me to ponder the following, upon finishing their story. If we marry someone else, will who we are change as we learn to live with them. And if that is the case, if we marry yet another person, will we change yet again. The obvious response is yes, as we are currently changing as we grow and age. But at heart, do we remain the same person regardless who we are married to, or does our personality undergo a change based upon the influence of the person we live with. I think I know my own answer, but thanks to Simision, this is what crossed my mind upon closing his book.
Ever see The Runaway Bride? Julia Roberts plays a bride who has a habit of abandoning fiancés at the alter. What stayed with me from that movie was she always chose as her favorite egg dish the same dish favored by her current fiancé. Resonates with my prior paragraph.