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Review: The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir by Griffin Dunne

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 2 Comments
October 14, 2024

The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family MemoirThe Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir by Griffin Dunne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I can’t remember where I learned of this book. I had no idea who it was about, and it took me forever to figure that out. For those of you who are clueless like I was, this is the guy who played Uncle Nick on This is Us. My husband knew who he was and a lot more about his life. This was a learn-as-you-go reading for me.

If you are knowledgeable about Hollywood, this book will reap deeper rewards. Mr. Dunne name-drops every page. I would only know who was being referred to occasionally. I’m sure my husband would have known everyone. I’ve never been that impressed with famous people.

Still, as an autobiography, I was able to wander through someone else’s life and experience the depth and heart of the man and his family. It was worth the journey. He read his own, so he knew what it was all about. It made a great audiobook. Libby loaned it to me.

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Review: The Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House by Nancy Pelosi

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October 13, 2024

The Art of Power: My Story as America's First Woman Speaker of the HouseThe Art of Power: My Story as America’s First Woman Speaker of the House by Nancy Pelosi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was more interesting than I thought it would be. I like autobiographies, but I don’t like history or politics much. But the history was of my lifetime, and the issues presented were clearer in the book than it was living through all the news and drama presented every night.

And I didn’t think I would like to hear Nancy’s voice, but she did a good job keeping her voice interesting and I wanted to learn her secret for reading and being kind to her throat.

I realize this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I hadn’t thought it would be mine, but I am glad I read it. I felt I learned a lot in the process.

Libby was the way I was able to listen to this book.

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Stream of Consciousness Saturday, Clip

Filed under: Blogging — 2 Comments
October 12, 2024

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “clip.” Use it as a noun or a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!
Not how I hold hair, but I needed a picture.

As a young adult I was a cosmetologist. I loved the job in every way but my legs and back couldn’t handle that much time on my feet.

Even now as I pass a salon I will take in the smell of hair color and the sound of the clip, clip of shears and the clatter of clippers for necklines and around the ears.

I love cutting my own hair, or coloring it. But recently my husband asked me to grow it out again. It is now below my shoulders. I’ve gotten to where I like long it short. With long I can throw it in a ponytail and go. But short was so much easier to wash and go.

Here’s the last haircut YouTube I followed.

Using clippers made it fun.

Now I’m thinking I need to straighten it out so I’m looking to get one of these CreaClips. That would give me a blunt cut and give a bit more body to my hair.

And to bring some fun into a rather depressing part of my life I’m getting ready to put in a bit of pink and purple. It’s not permanent so no worries.

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Review: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys

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October 11, 2024

Salt to the SeaSalt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading Lily’s Promise about World War Two atrocities, I wasn’t sure I could get through another. But this seemed to be a different take. And it was written as a Young Adult novel. So, I was curious. Then I was surprised.

Jorjeana Marie (Narrator), Will Damron (Narrator), Cassandra Morris (Narrator), and Michael Crouch (Narrator) all brought Ruta Sepetys’ book to life. I’m not a historian, so when others start to spout names and facts of the time leaves me drowsy and mind-numb. But right off, Ms. Sepetys presents characters that seem plausible. I found I cared for all of them, even the not-so-loveable ones. Well, there was one I couldn’t stand, but he wasn’t a very good person. The rest were flawed humans just trying to survive.

I had never heard of the Wilhelm Gustloff ship, which proved to be in existence. When I mentioned it to my husband, he had never heard of it either, and he’s a bit more of a history buff, so that added something that rang true to the story.

Being a Young Adult book doesn’t make this immature but helps readers like me gentle into the story.

Again, this was a Libby Audiobook, which made it even better. I hope you get the chance to read it. It’s worth it.

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Review: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Filed under: Audible, Reading, Reviews — 5 Comments
October 10, 2024

A Man Called OveA Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Man Called Otto is the movie with Tom Hanks. I hope you got to watch it. As grumpy as the main character, I must admit that this man warms your heart. I had watched the movie and then learned the book it was based on. There was the Audible available for one credit, and now it’s mine to read whenever I want. It is bittersweet and often funny but with wonderful truths woven right in.

J.K. Simmons does the narration, which sounds like Tom Hanks. Same sourpuss grumpiness as in the movie.

I enjoyed the book so much that I needed more, so I looked up the movie, and I had to watch it. I think it was on Netflix.

I highly recommend both ways to enjoy the story.

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One-Liner Wednesday

Filed under: Blogging — 8 Comments
October 9, 2024

A new kitty is a lot of work despite the cuteness!

One-Liner Wednesday is a Linda G. Hill prompt.

Sammi(y) yells at the top of the Sammi(y) lungs about everything they don’t like. I finally got Sam to play with me with this thingy:

The toy she seems to like enough to steal it and hide it under the table.

What we woke to this morning needs no picture and please turn off the smell-a-blog. She knows to use her two kitty litters, but my brother, trying to earn points, gave her warm milk. I didn’t know such a little kitten could hold that much &**& We had to throw the blanket away where she had her accident. Aren’t you glad I don’t show everything? LOL!

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Review: Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad

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Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life InterruptedBetween Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted by Suleika Jaouad
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I ran out of things to read a couple of nights ago and found this available. I had to give it another listen. I love it so much that I may try to find this book on Audible and paperback. There is so much wisdom in this book. It offers ideas for anyone or anytime one needs to take their mind off worries and find something creative to do, such as the 100-day challenge. Once again, I highly recommend this book!

Below is my previous review.
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For the depressing diagnosis, this book turned out to be quite positive. And a very interesting read. The author was quite the narrator, too.

What started as itching feet and legs became leukemia. Readers go with Suleika Jaouad as she learns the cause of her discomfort and how to navigate medical issues while only in her twenties.

I highly recommend this read. Ms. Jaouad not only writes well but does quite the podcast. Oh, and I feel quite silly. I didn’t realize that the Jon she talks about towards the end was none other than Jon Batiste.

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Review: Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

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October 8, 2024

Sea of TranquilitySea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will re-read this one in the future. As with many time-travel audiobooks, I found myself confused—until I didn’t. There came a time when it all started gelling.

As a writer, I was stunned by the most boring first chapter ever. I get it. I know now why the author did it this way, but wow, I nearly quit reading/listening from the very beginning. What drew me on? The blurb of what was supposed to happen in this book. There was to be time travel and time to be on the moon. Stick it out as it all circles back and makes sense.

Emily St. John Mandel’s book is brought to life by a host of narrators. Because of these people, I think the audiobook is the way to read it: John Lee, Dylan Moore, Arthur Morey, and Kirsten Potter.

It’s interesting, if nothing else. And, like all time-travel books, it makes you think.

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Review: The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters by Susan Page

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October 7, 2024

The Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara WaltersThe Rulebreaker: The Life and Times of Barbara Walters by Susan Page
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Susan Page wrote and narrated this book. As much as I enjoy learning the process of an autobiography, a biography seems less personal and often feels a bit of a betrayal to the person, even if it wasn’t meant to be. I guess that’s why folks say, “It wasn’t my tale to tell.” Sure, it might tell unflattering things that may actually be more honest, but often, the motivation of why a person did this or that, even if in self-delusion, is still more honest than hearsay. The ‘why’ is important.

Barbara Walters has passed, so sadly, she couldn’t put her two cents in on this book. Still, I did learn a few things that happened within my history that I didn’t realize. So I don’t cross off this book. It just wasn’t a favorite. You may like it better. Besides, I wasn’t feeling well when I read it. I know life and health can color how you feel about books.

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Sunday Smile

Filed under: Cats, Happiness — 14 Comments
October 6, 2024

One of the outdoor kittens is now inside. My husband wants to call her/him Sammy. She/he seems comfortable and smiles. We’re hoping she/he likes it in here, and us.
She’s/he’s come out of the carrier and talks to us.
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