Tag Archive: autobiography



My Grape Wedding (The Grape Series, #5)My Grape Wedding by Laura Bradbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this autobiographical series! I read them on Kindle on my old phone. These are the only books I actually read with my eyes: no text-to-speech or audiobook. My tracking issues take a long time. But I love the French phrases scattered throughout. With the little bit of French, I do on Duolingo, these are easy enough, and I mostly don’t need help. But Kindle has the feature to show translation if needed or a dictionary lookup for words I might not get, such as food or other things that are foreign to me.

I feel I am traveling as I read these, and I love Laura Bradbury’s family, friends, and her sweet husband.

Look, I know it is a book about a wedding, and the series seems to surround the romance of Laura and Franck, but these are more the growing process and educational adventures of Ms. Bradbury. As I mentioned, it seems more travel and food than the yucky, sweet, snuggling stuff that can get annoying in other books.

I look forward to reading more of this series. Sorry, it takes so long.

View all my reviews


In Gad We Trust: A Tell-SomeIn Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some by Josh Gad
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all, is there a connection between wishing for snow, singing to my husband, ‘Do you want to build a snowman?’ He and I laughed and and ‘pht-no’ And cold temps and snow that lasted more than a week so far, and listening to Josh Gad narrate his book? Okay, probably no connection. Still…

This was a fun book. I felt maybe one of the best autobiographies I’ve read. For a young man I feel Josh has the wisdom of an old soul. His sense of humor keeps it light even when discussing less than best times.

I highly recommend Josh’s book, especially the audiobook.

View all my reviews


Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your NarrativeMaster of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative by Keke Palmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Keke Palmer has quite the personality. I remember seeing her as a child actress. Her energy was terrific. And I remember her in Grey’s Anatomy as a pregnant teen. She has always been a great actress with a lot to say.

Though I wanted to love this book it seemed Ms. Palmer couldn’t decide if she was writing an autobiography or a self-help book for herself. Either way was okay. I still enjoyed her take on life and trying to make it a good place for everyone.

Probably teens or young adults will connect to this best. But if you like Keke, you’ll enjoy it, too.

View all my reviews

This post is part of Just Jot it January, and the prompt word, “personality,” comes to us from Astrid. Check out her blog here!


My Grape Paris (The Grape Series, #4)My Grape Paris by Laura Bradbury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this series. It is the only one I truly read. (I usually need audiobooks due to tracking and dyslexia issues). I keep it on my phone on my Kindle and just read it when I have a few quiet moments alone. Laura Bradbury writes in such a way that I never feel lost, even when I have to neglect the read for a while.

The other fun thing about the books is the use of French words or phrases, just occasionally, nothing overwhelming. But it is a great chance to practice my elementary concepts of that language. And don’t worry; it is all contextual and she adds the translation if needed.

The best part is how well you get to know Laura and her boyfriend, Franck, their friends and family. As life continues, you see them grow and learn.

In this episode, Laura needs to take a year of college in Paris to study her educational major. So you learn about her love of ancient French writings. Meanwhile, she and Franck get to visit all the wonders of Paris. I feel I am traveling with them. And Laura learns to stand up for herself and figure out how to do that while in a relationship.

I highly recommend this series. It isn’t too horribly mushy. In fact, I found a few things at 75 that Laura learned when she was still in her 20s.

If you wish you could travel to France, this series, this book is for you.

View all my reviews


Cher: The Memoir, Part OneCher: The Memoir, Part One by Cher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

And the Beat Goes On for the best member of that team!

I loved, loved, loved this autobiography from one of my favorite singers from the 60s. It was a chance to relive my life. She kept me singing, dancing, or laughing during good or bad times.

Cher wrote an accessible story about part of her life. As she stated, dyslexia is one of those abilities many share, and can understand why she needed a part-time narrator. Stephanie J. Block took over the story seamlessly. Sometimes, it was hard to tell who was reading. But suddenly, there was a deep voice and accent that made you realize it was Cher. But I never could tell when Ms. Stephanie took over.

I can hardly wait for part two. But I may try to listen to this one again and add my musical playlist to bring it to life. I would love to see this as a movie or series. Cher has been through several lifetimes of good and bad times.

I highly recommend this autobiographical masterpiece. Please enjoy the audio version!

View all my reviews


Lovely One: A MemoirLovely One: A Memoir by Ketanji Brown Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As soon as I can, I will buy this audiobook. I was charmed by Ms. Jackson’s way of telling a story. I love her ability to show her deep faith and fair justice. Oh, and her ability to sing hymns. If I weren’t supposed to be getting to sleep, if I weren’t supposed to be quiet so my husband could sleep, I would have been singing along. She has a beautiful voice both musically and in narration.

Autobiographies mean more to me now that I’ve written my own. And now, I look for different things in what I listen to. I have to admit that those who seemed to cause their problems without learning the lessons of that action are not as interesting as those who learn not just from their mistakes but take note of what happened to others. Ketanji is exceptionally intelligent. She loves learning.

This audiobook made me feel as if I were having coffee with her. She is so interesting. This is a book I highly recommend, especially the audio. I got this one through Libby.

View all my reviews


You Can’t Be SeriousYou Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was fun. And educational. And laugh-out-loud-after-everyone-was-asleep funny. Sorry, dear.

I’m really sad that the book ended. It was the distraction I needed. As a humorist, Kal Penn sees serious matters that a lot of people do, but he can find the levity in it all.

I remembered Mr. Penn from House. I hadn’t seen the movies he was in, so for me, there was only the author and his voice. And I enjoyed both thoroughly.

I highly recommend this audible book.

View all my reviews


Walking in My Joy: In These StreetsWalking in My Joy: In These Streets by Jenifer Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a good bedtime book. Ms. Lewis is boisterous and loud. Occasionally, she is ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny; other times, she is angry and shows it. It’s okay. It’s her autobiography, her life, her experience. Who can judge that?

I picked this up from Audible a while ago and needed a book to finish my night reading time. It was too long to finish in one sitting, so I spent two nights trying to listen quietly on my headphones and not wake my husband with my laughing.

I’ve never watched Jenifer Lewis’s shows. I have seen her belt out a song. Quite the voice! I had never read her previous books, so a bit of this left me a bit lost. But not so much that I couldn’t enjoy her take on life and love.

I bet this would be a great commuting listen.

What is interesting in this book is she sings or recites poetry that is strong and lovely.

View all my reviews


The Woman in MeThe Woman in Me by Britney Spears
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was surprisingly intriguing. Ms. Spears writes eloquently. Michelle Williams narrates with heartfelt empathy.

I’m not star-driven, but since writing my memoir, I have read many of them. The mechanics of the writing and reading aside, we dive deeply into Britney’s well-known life. The crazy news surrounding her from the beginning always made me feel sorry for her and angry for her. Hearing her side of it, I feel even more compassion for her.

I was able to pick this up on Libby. If you get the chance, you might like the book, too. Memoirs give us a chance to walk in another’s shoes.

View all my reviews


The Glass Castle: A MemoirThe Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I saw the show a while back and wondered how it was as a book. I finally got a chance to listen to it from Libby. I didn’t realize this was autobiographical until I was setting up for this review. Whew! As the author’s personal story, her voice made it sound real enough. Though it’s been a while since I watched the movie, I remembered a lot of it. I didn’t like the movie’s ending but felt more depth in the book.

There are elements that I recognized from my upbringing. Maybe people who have had less money will see the positive effect of dreams and affirmations, even when it seems hopeless. Jeannette Walls and her siblings found strength in each other and whatever truths they could hang on to. Even the sad or maddening parts keep you reading or listening. I think there is a lot we can learn from Ms. Walls’ story.

If you get the chance, it is worth the read. I plan to watch the movie again soon.

View all my reviews

THE AVOERIA ARCHIVE

The Depth Behind The Ordinary

Life of Chaz

Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.

Pieces Of My Heart

"Words & Wonders - Where thoughts meet art

💫The Afterlove Voice💫

Justice, Channeling,Spiritual,Astrology,Truth- Seeker.

Amin Academy

Education, Information, Motivation

Luso Loonie — Devin Meireles

Exploring Portuguese Culture, Azorean Heritage, and Luso-Canadian Identity Through Writing

UNDER THE WILL... OVER THE DRAMA...

Inheritance. Narcissism. Turf. Welcome to the family.

Selma

Finding the extra in the ordinary

Sip, Snack, See

A Blog About Food and Travels

Golu lodhi

I upload photos & videos Golu lodhi village pairakhedi

Creative

Travel,Tourism, Life style "Now in hundreds of languages for you."

intricate cantrips

twisted yarns, unraveled

Introverted Growth

The Introvert's Roadmap to Self Discovery and Growth