Minefields by Hugh rimington was fantastic. He’s an Australian journalist who spent a lot of time over seas in war torn countries. It was an incredibly fascinating book
I read “The Glass Castle” last year. It was recommended to me by the director of our guardian ad litem program. Anyone concerned with child welfare should read this book.
Actors Brian Cranston “A Life in Parts” and Jon Cryer “Well That Happened” were both great. The latter was an audiobook read by the author, who did a great job.
It really is. It had never occurred to me that she was such an avid reader. It should have. I knew Bill Clinton was. I also was educated on what it takes to pull together a campaign. I really liked the book.
Please nobody laugh but I read two autobiographies more than 10 years ago that were fascinating. ‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’hara (2004) and Girl Singer by Rosemary Clooney (2001). Having watched many classic movies they gave some really context to their lives. Not all fun and games by any means.
Interestingly enough I don’t remember whether or not there was the “casting couch” issue of today. Hmm. Of course maybe neither star had the strength to publish that if it existed. I really don’t recall. Again hmm.
I was really touched by Alan Cummings NOT MY FATHER’S SON … for all those who see only the glamorous side of show business, they need to take a look at what it took to get there!
I just finished “Promise me Dad” by Joe Biden. It was fantastic. The primary focus of the book is his son Beau’s cancer and death. Interwoven with that is his work as Vice President and his preparations for—then decision not to—run for President. Any politics aside, it was such a human look into a good man and his role as a father. I loved it.
I love Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild”, I’ve read it 3 times and am currently listening to an audio version. Roxane Gay’s “Hunger” was the best memoir I read last year.
I have so many i loved but here are a few interesting ones.: 1. The Raw Scent of Vanilla by Emilia Bresciani 2. Bluewater Walkabout: Into Africa by Tina Dreffin 3. All the Fishes Come Home to Roost: An American Misfit in India by Rachel Manija Brown 4. 104 Horses: A Memoir of Farm and Family, Africa and Exile by Mandy Retzlaff
An AUtobiography by Agatha Christie. MY History by Antonia Fraser. WAit for Me! By Deborah Devonshire. AProns and sliver spoons by Molie Moran. OVer a Hot Stove by Flo Wadlow
I’ve never read a memoir before. But I have to read one for the book challenge I’m doing. Think it has to be a celebrity memoir so if you guys know any good ones…
To hear him do the accents of all the different people is an amazing thing! I got it through a free trial at Audible which they run a lot. You get w free downloads and then can cancel right after if you don’t want to be subscribed.
Just finished Unbreakable by Yelena Dokik. Enjoyed it, and my heart broke several times for her, though it annoyed me that she said Tennis Australia and the police could have done more, when she lied to them on several occasion to cover for her father. I *get* that she was an impressionable teenager being coached by a reprehensible father figure, but she still lied to those who were trying to help. Though on other occasions she admits she understands why Tennis Australia washed their hands of her, so perhaps it’s something that was taken out of context?
The Red Devil and Coming Alive in Hindi by Katherine Russell Rich. The Boys of my Youth by Joann Beard Anything by Maya Angelou Autobiography of a face by Lucy Grealy and then Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett. So many many more that I loved, but these stood out in my mind.
Trevor Noah – Born a Crime!!!!
I would like this one multiple times if I could. Very good booj
Me too.
Hello! Thank you, I will check it out!
Stephen King – On Writing
I’ve read many of his books but not this. Thanks for recommending
Brain on fire
Great book
Loved it so much!!!
This sounds interesting. I’ll check it out. Thanks
Ghost boy
I’m reading that right now. Very eye-opening!
Extremely!!! I couldn’t read for a couple weeks after .
Thank you!
What is this about?
Glass Castle ??
I loved that book
Open by Andre Agassi,Swanson on Swanson, Million Dollar Mermaid by Esther Williams.
Thanks!
ugly by robert hoge
I just got a copy for my classroom. Can’t wait to read it!!!!
He is an amazing man.
This looks really good. I think my son would enjoy it as well. Thank you!
Boys in the Trees by Carly @Simon
Thank you!
Betty White
Wow! It looks like she has several books I’d be interested in reading!
Just Kids by Patti Smith. How a person becomes an artist and how the people around us are so essential in that process.
This sounds very interesting! Thank you
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson
As soon as I read the description I knew this was a must read!
Minefields by Hugh rimington was fantastic. He’s an Australian journalist who spent a lot of time over seas in war torn countries. It was an incredibly fascinating book
Angela’s Ashes , The Glass Castle , Breaking Night – Liz Murray
Happiness by Heather Harpham
Angela’s Ashes I laughed while I cried
The Orchard by Theresa Weir.
My Life in France by Julia Child
my favorite!
Greatest expat book of all time!
As soon as I read her name I could hear her voice! Thank you
Tina Fey’s and Kevin Hart’s if you’re looking for a laugh
I always love a good laugh! Thank you!
When We Were the Kennedys by Monica Wood
I loved this book so much!
This book looks great! I will read it for sure.
Everything by Jen Lancaster. Yes, Please, by Amy Poehler.
Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen. Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cuming.
So many. A natural woman by Carole King
I loved Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
This one looks interesting!
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Angela’s Ashes by Frank McCourt
Loved Glass Castle!
The like is for Glass Castle. @Tina, I know you would like that one.
@Lindsay I loved it! The movie was good too but didn’t do the book justice IMO.
Thanks @Ellen
@Tina i haven’t seen the movie
I read “The Glass Castle” last year. It was recommended to me by the director of our guardian ad litem program. Anyone concerned with child welfare should read this book.
The only one I had read is ” When Breath Becomes Air” by Paul Kalanithi
And is great, really sad though
I love them too. Under the Tuscan Sun has to be a favorite of mine because of my love for Italia.
I just Finished her Southern memoir Under Magnolia , Not as great but not bad
Loved Under the Tuscan Sun!
I enjoyed Everyday Tuscany also.
On Living – Kerry Egan
This looks really good. I am a nurse and think it would be a beneficial read for sure.
Believe it or not, Easy Street the Hard Way by Ron Perlman was great. Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick was funny.
The Hiding Place, Life is So Good, The Boys in the Boat, Unbroken
All the Dogs of my Life, by Elizabeth von Arnim.
Unbroken was really great !
Running With Scissors has always been a favorite of mine – but I love the genre!
I loved Eat, Pray, Love
Actors Brian Cranston “A Life in Parts” and Jon Cryer “Well That Happened” were both great. The latter was an audiobook read by the author, who did a great job.
<3 Brian Cranston!
Just downloaded “Carolyn” as in Ma, Little House on the Prarie
I read all of the Little House Books and I believe I have seen every episode and special of the show too. I am adding to my TBR list!
The Glass Castle and Half Broke Horses were amazing.
<3'd both!
Angela’s Ashes by: Frank McCourt
What Happened by Hillary Clinton
I am now reading this book by Hillary, it is a good book.
It really is. It had never occurred to me that she was such an avid reader. It should have. I knew Bill Clinton was. I also was educated on what it takes to pull together a campaign. I really liked the book.
The Glass Castle is one of my all time favorites. Boys in the Boat was amazing. Opened up a piece of history about which I knew nothing.
Please nobody laugh but I read two autobiographies more than 10 years ago that were fascinating. ‘Tis Herself by Maureen O’hara (2004) and Girl Singer by Rosemary Clooney (2001). Having watched many classic movies they gave some really context to their lives. Not all fun and games by any means.
Never a time limit on a good read Elaine!
Interestingly enough I don’t remember whether or not there was the “casting couch” issue of today. Hmm. Of course maybe neither star had the strength to publish that if it existed. I really don’t recall. Again hmm.
I would guess that there must have been.
Oh absolutely. It was part of the ‘audition’. But for that to still exist 50 years later is criminal, shameful and despicable.
Finding Magic by Sally Quinn. & A Good Life by Ben Bradlee
Hillbilly elegy, out from the underworld, welcome to shirley
a heartbreaking work of staggering genius
just kids
What Fall’s Away by Mia Farrow the audio read by Mia Farrow. Sublime.
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
This sounds amazing and perfect for me; I love snails! Just added it to my want to read list. =)
@Annie I recommend this book so highly; It’s such a beautiful read
Eat, Pray, Love
A Year By The Sea: Thoughts of an Unfinished Woman
Three Dog Life by Abigail @Thomas
The Apprentice: My Life In the Kitchen, by Jacques Pepin
My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
I second 700 Sundays!! So touching…
Glass Castle, Born A Crime, Not My Father’s Son, Just Mercy…
I was really touched by Alan Cummings NOT MY FATHER’S SON … for all those who see only the glamorous side of show business, they need to take a look at what it took to get there!
Don’t lets go to the Dogs tonight. Alexandra Fuller
Michael Ondaatje Running in the Family
Chosen By a Horse by Susan Richards.
White Dresses was good if you like Glass Castle
Tuesday’s with Morrie by Mitch Albom, Dry by Augusten Burroughs, A Million Little Pieces by James Frey
Following
Wow! I am overwhelmed with the amount of responses! Thank you SO much to everyone! I can’t wait to read these!
Things I Overheard While Talking To Myself by Alan Alda… hilarious! I could hear his voice in my head.
‘Daring to Drive : A Saudi Woman’s Awakening’ by Manal Al-Sharaf. Fantastic Audi book!
Oh, a couple more…Out of africa by Isak Dinesen. Travels with Charley, John Steinbeck.
Following
I do too, I loved “The Glass Castle” and I am currently reading, “The Loneliest Girl in the World.”
Sorry, “The Only Girl in the World.”
https://www.amazon.com/Only-Girl-World-Memoir/dp/031646662X
The Glass Castle
Crazy Brave by Joy Harjo and An Autobiography by Janet Frame.
I laughed out loud repeatedly to the audiobook of Love, Nina by Nina Stibbe.
It’s Always Something, Gilda Radner
I Must Say by Martin Short on audio.
Glass Castle
I’m looking forward to reading this, it’s out 2/20/18
I just added this to my tbr list!
This looks great! It reminds me of one of my favorites “North of Normal” by Cea Sunrise Person. Have you read it?
no, just the description, which sounds good.
ooohI want to read this
No I haven’t! I’ll check it out!
@Tina actually north of normal is on my tbr list already!
Desi Arnez
?
Desi Arnez – his autobiography is called “A book” and it’s just great
I love him. SO sexy!
@Susan – his book made me think he was even sexier! He was SO intelligent
@Beth my dad looked a lot like him.
@Susan – Really? How cool is that?!
Tom Jones
Willie Nelson
Clive Davis
When breath becomes air was really good. I read it in an evening. Angela’s Ashes is my alltime fave.
Dead end gene pool
I just finished “Promise me Dad” by Joe Biden. It was fantastic. The primary focus of the book is his son Beau’s cancer and death. Interwoven with that is his work as Vice President and his preparations for—then decision not to—run for President. Any politics aside, it was such a human look into a good man and his role as a father. I loved it.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I want to read this but it will probably make me sad. Joe Biden is an amazing person?
Joel Grey
Alan Cumming
Kate Mulgrew
Harry Carey, Jr.
Night
By Elie Wiesel
@Tina, please tell me you’ve read that one already. If not, watch out. It’s devastating.
I have; read the two companion novels that followed also.
?
?
@Nevar were they uplifting? I don’t think I could stomach them. Read that book at age 13 and am still scarred.
No; but they’re also works of fiction–kinda.
Dawn and Day were Elie working through some stuff.
The Night Trilogy are his first 3 books.
Katherine Graham’s.
Memoirs of a Geisha, Story of My Life by Hellen Keller
“Geisha”‘s a beautiful book but it’s fiction.
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls
Mommie Dearest by Christina Crawford. Wire hangers and all: daughter’s view of Joan Crawford.
I just finished a book about the feud between Bette Davis and Joan. OMGosh!
Haha…great isn’t it !
The Color of Water by James McBride.
Hitch 22 – Christopher Hitchens was a fantastic read
The Orchard by Adele Crockett Robertson is one I loved.
I love Cheryl Strayed’s “Wild”, I’ve read it 3 times and am currently listening to an audio version.
Roxane Gay’s “Hunger” was the best memoir I read last year.
I LoVED Wild!
Third vote for Wild
Glass castle by walls.. Wow
Justin St. Germaine’s Son of a Gun!
I have so many i loved but here are a few interesting ones.: 1. The Raw Scent of Vanilla by Emilia Bresciani 2. Bluewater Walkabout: Into Africa
by Tina Dreffin 3. All the Fishes Come Home to Roost: An American Misfit in India by Rachel Manija Brown 4. 104 Horses: A Memoir of Farm and Family, Africa and Exile by Mandy Retzlaff
An AUtobiography by Agatha Christie. MY History by Antonia Fraser. WAit for Me! By Deborah Devonshire. AProns and sliver spoons by Molie Moran. OVer a Hot Stove by Flo Wadlow
Stuart, A Life Backwards by Alexander Masters is both funny and sad. Great writing and an extremely colorful character!
Claiming Ground by Laura Bell!
I’ve never read a memoir before. But I have to read one for the book challenge I’m doing. Think it has to be a celebrity memoir so if you guys know any good ones…
I’ve just finished reading Lord Snowdon, very interesting, I hadn’t realised that he did so much for disabled people.
Glass Castle.
Wonderful book.
I like westerns
I just read Unwifeable by Mandy Stadtmiller and it was amazing!!!
the moon is a balloon – David Niven …..classic
Haha we all have our fave genres ?
Trevor Noah’s Born a Crime, especially the audiobook.
I was so sad that this audiobook was not on Libro FM. I have read the book and plan to listen too. Will have to try my library.
To hear him do the accents of all the different people is an amazing thing! I got it through a free trial at Audible which they run a lot. You get w free downloads and then can cancel right after if you don’t want to be subscribed.
@Amy I did one of those once, so I probably can’t again. ?
I think it just depends on how much time has passed. I’ve done it 3 times!
Michelle Knight’s-
Finding Me: A Decade of Darkness, a Life Reclaimed: A Memoir of the Cleveland Kidnappings https://www.amazon.com/dp/1602862796/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_z0GEAbDYJR1HE
And Carolyn Jessop’s-
Escape https://www.amazon.com/dp/0767927575/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_W1GEAb7838EHN
Another really good set of memoirs is Ruth Reichl’s. Tender at the Bone, Comfort me with Apples, and Garlic and Sapphires.
Those titles alone! How intriguing!
@Jaimie she was a restaurant critic in LA and then for the NY Times, & editor in chief of Gourmet Magazine. They’re all 3 extremely entertaining.
@Susan Added to my “to read” list! Turns out, I’ve read one of her books, not a memoir though – I read “Delicious!”
@Jaimie the memoirs are better, IMO.
@Susan I remember enjoying Delicious! but yeah, I can imagine the memoirs are more engaging
Bossy pants!
It’s not for everyone but https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trafficked-Terrifying-Story-British-Forced/dp/0007438885
Another couple of favorites of mine:
Bill Bryson’s Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid
Annie Dillard’s An American Childhood
Girl Interrupted
Prozac Nation
Have you read Buddha and the Borderline?
Yup. And many it to a friend. .. .. never got it back!!!
^lent
Personal History
The Light of the World by Elizabeth Alexander.
Estranged by Jessica Berger Gross
The Glass Castle by Jeanette Wells
Oliver north
Currently enjoying Winston Churchill by Boris Johnson, which is a biography ?
Do you like it? I want to learn more about Churchill after seeing the Darkest Hour.
Kinski Uncut.
Bettyville by George Hodgman
Running with Scissors
Just finished Unbreakable by Yelena Dokik. Enjoyed it, and my heart broke several times for her, though it annoyed me that she said Tennis Australia and the police could have done more, when she lied to them on several occasion to cover for her father. I *get* that she was an impressionable teenager being coached by a reprehensible father figure, but she still lied to those who were trying to help. Though on other occasions she admits she understands why Tennis Australia washed their hands of her, so perhaps it’s something that was taken out of context?
Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cummings.
That was really good .
Condoleezza Rice
Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and My Life in France by Julia Child
Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott!
I love Anne Lamott! Going to see her next month in Seattle. So excited…
Trevor Noah’s ‘Born a Crime’, audio if you can get it. I recommend this beautiful, heartbreaking, and joyous life story to everyone.
The Tender Bar
The Red Devil and Coming Alive in Hindi by Katherine Russell Rich.
The Boys of my Youth by Joann Beard
Anything by Maya Angelou
Autobiography of a face by Lucy Grealy and then Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett. So many many more that I loved, but these stood out in my mind.
Memoirs of a geisha by Arthur Golden, but I haven’t read maany memoirs
That’s fiction. It’s great, but not a true memoir.
Tender at the Bone by Ruth Eichel (spelling?)
Reichl. That’s one of 3.
Thanks!
The other 2 are great too. Comfort me with Apples, and Garlic and Sapphires.
Great! I will look for them!
I have gotten the most amazing sounding recommendations! My TBR list has gotten much longer! Yay!
Any non fiction by Saint Annie Lamotte
I love her! Going to see her next month in Seattle, so excited…
??
Not Quite Lost by Roz Morris!
sort of memoir, sort of just personal essays — all about books
https://www.amazon.com/Ex-Libris-Confessions-Common-Reader/dp/0374527229
Incredible book
@Jackie It’s my faaaaaavorite!
@Lindsay I buy this as a gift for my book loving friends
@Jackie so smart! I’ve given a couple copies away, too. I always find it at Half-Priced Books on my favorite shelf “Books about Books”
She has s new book out.
whaaaat! to the library i go!!
Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast
Gastronomical Me, part of The Art of Eating by M. F. K. Fisher.
Oh, and The Boss Dog !
Speak, Memory by Vladimir Nabokov
Tuesday’s with Morris.