Tag Archive: nonfiction



Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are?Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are? by Frans de Waal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thank you, Laura, I love this!

I mentioned to my daughter that I was learning to button-train my dog. She suggested I might be interested in this book. She was right.

From the time my children were born, I saw they wanted to learn about the world. I saw that they were deep in thought long before they could speak words. Just as I have noticed with my dog and cats, they saw a lot but had no way to speak in completely understandable ways. Sure, they somehow teach us when to give snacks, clean the litter, or go outside. They seem to understand our words; we understand their actions. But I will still try to find buttons to teach them to talk to us. There is a whole science about this now.

Frans de Waal addresses animal intelligence and how they communicate in their own groups. I cannot find the narrator’s information. After you get used to his way of speaking the text flows and keeps the reader’s interest. This was an Audible version so I can read it again later.

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The Fallen: The Lost Girls of Ireland's Magdalene Laundries and a Legacy of SilenceThe Fallen: The Lost Girls of Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries and a Legacy of Silence by Louise Brangan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Louise Brangan narrated her book about the girls who ended up in the doomed life of doing the laundry for the Catholic nuns (a very loose description). Her Irish accent makes the dreary tale delightful. I could listen to her read the phonebook. Does anyone remember those?

My review sounds lighthearted, but this book is a serious study of a part of Ireland’s history. A part of women’s history. My husband recommended the book to me. He told me it is a subject that he finds interesting.

The author follows a few of the young women’s stories personally, from bad family starts or misguided starts, and the way they were misjudged and punished for implied sins.

Libby didn’t have it when I was looking for it, so I bought the Audible version. I highly recommend it to all of you.

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Trees Tall as Mountains (The Journey Mama Writings #1)Trees Tall as Mountains by Rachel Devenish Ford
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This one has been on my TBR shelf for over a decade. I’m glad I finally got around to reading it. Well, listening to the Kindle text-to-speech British voice.

If you want to be inspired on your journaling journey, Rachel Devenish Ford may be able to help. She keeps it all honest and yet light enough to reach the deeper fears and regrets we all have problems putting on paper.

I wish her all the best and hope to get around to her other books. I love her expressive ways.

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I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with YouI Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You by Miranda Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Since meeting Chummy on Call the Midwife, I have loved Miranda Hart. Then I watched a fun series called Miranda that had me giggling like I was twelve. This woman has the most wonderful sense of humor and depth of emotional intelligence I’ve seen in a long time.

I bought this Audible book quite a while ago and finally got around to listening to it. It was definitely worth the wait. It wasn’t just an autobiography. It was more of a self-help book for anyone who has undiagnosed issues. Ms. Hart had dealt with some bad health issues that doctors couldn’t figure out.

This book, with a little humor, helps us all find our way to healthier thinking and lifestyle. Instead of being comedic or preachy, it leads you through her thoughts and experiences to find your own truth at your own time.

I wish there were a workbook to concentrate on each item and work it through in your own life. Maybe I’ll read it again with a journal nearby.

Thank you, My Dear Lovely Chummy for this book.
Your MDLC

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I. AsimovI. Asimov by Isaac Asimov
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After watching the Foundation series on Amazon Prime, I found the Prelude and then this autobiography on Kindle. I wish I had found it as an audiobook. The text-to-speech voice didn’t feel as good as an actual voice. Because of that, I may go and buy the Audible version.

If you are a writer, if you love sci-fi, if you love Isaac Asimov as much as I have most of my life, I think you will enjoy this book. He relates much of his life, but also shares his writing style and drive.

And he does it all with a sense of humor. I didn’t expect that. I found myself giggling and fearing I’d wake my husband.

If you get the chance, check it out. I think you’ll love it, too.

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You with the Sad Eyes: A MemoirYou with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How do you review a life? That’s how I feel when I report on an autobiography. Christina Applegate has lived a complicated life, with goals met and enjoyed, and others missed. or regretted. And it continues.

The author did her own reading. I always appreciate that. One could hear her angst, fears, or sadness in her voice. I have to admit it brought up my own empathetic emotions for her. Maybe I should warn you to bring Kleenex?

While she has had the dream jobs, much of her life has been the pits. And now, as she lives with MS, she has a podcast offering support for others. I think her love for others shows through everything.

Libby loaned this audiobook. Thank you!

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How to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and BeyondHow to Raise the Perfect Dog: Through Puppyhood and Beyond by Cesar Millan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As much as I want to love this book and Cesar’s teachings, his methods do not sink into my head or my dog’s. I’ll keep trying. I love my Milo.

The other reason this audiobook didn’t work for me was that it was directed to newly adopted puppies. My guy is now an adolescent. Maybe when we can get him neutered, it will calm him a bit. He is quite trainable. He loves his treats and does many tricks. By the way, the book isn’t read by Cesar but rather John H. Mayer. I was disappointed not to hear Mr. Millan.

This copy came from Libby. I think I need a book on correcting behavior instead. There are a lot of other books I need to read to get the perfect behavior for an already perfect pup. 🙂

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Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!: My Memoir - The instant #1 Sunday Times Bestselling MemoirKids, Wait Till You Hear This!: My Memoir – The instant #1 Sunday Times Bestselling Memoir by Liza Minnelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Here is a memoir worth listening to. Liza Minnelli tells her story of over 80 years on this earth. In her own voice. It was fascinating.

I’ve never been her greatest fan, but since the book, my respect has deepened to the point I want to go find everything she ever did and enjoy it with new eyes and ears.

Libby supplied this audiobook. Enjoy.

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Your Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button TrainingYour Dog Can Talk: A Step-By-Step Guide to Button Training by Christina Hunger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have thought for a while that communication is what we all need, and that goes beyond humans. Remember the conversation Koko held with Betty White? It doesn’t take much to see that animals have adapted to our language. Outside? Food, water, hugs, shake paw, roll over, etc. My dog understands my English words. I have no idea what he needs to say to me. I do not know doglish. What if he could talk to me? What would he say? Today I think he cursed out the cable guy nonstop for hours! No amount of reward for silence or punishment in the crate, stopped the heart stopping and ear splitting sounds. I do wish we could sit and have a talk we could come away from with understanding.

The zoo shows on Animal Planet, etc. show how even the most dangerous animals can be trained to do simple tricks to make their care more efficient. And so I feel obliged to do what I can to make my pets’ care better for all of us.

I started reading this on Libby but soon bought all the versions and joined all her websites. And I just bought my first two buttons. Outside, and water is what I’ll assign them.

If you get the chance find the books but even if not find Christina Hunger’s Instagrams and Facebook pages. See the many dog talks and cat talks people are having with their pets.

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Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly ImperfectGetting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect by Valerie Bertinelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This autobiography was pleasant even when dealing with life’s heartaches. I felt lighter after reading it than I usually do after an author shares their highs and lows. I’ve always appreciated the positive energy Valerie Bertinelli shares with her audience.

In this audiobook from Libby, I found the author’s voice uplifting and loving to everyone.

I highly recommend this book. Refreshing!

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