A few months ago a friend and I were deciding on what movie to see. I was interested in a film with some historical relevance and she dismissed it coldly saying “I already know it ends.” Why should that make the journey any less interesting? I suppose we all know how this story ends: Michelle Obama became the First Lady of the United States, and then she wasn’t anymore. We all know many parts of the story as well–it’s a very public life, belonging to […]
Biography/Memoir
Maybe just nudge the puppy with your foot a little?
I picked this up because I absolutely loved Gurwitch’s book Fired; for a couple bucks at the library, that and a general regard for the former Dinner and a Movie hostess was enough to part me with my cash. There was a lot of good will going into the purchase. And this wasn’t bad, per se – I got my money’s worth at least, and Gurwitch has an amiable tone with some interesting stories – I’m just not sure there was enough to sustain a […]
Professional Reading #1
It Worked for Me is a collection of about 30 vignettes and stories intended to offer leadership advice from one of America’s most famous military leaders of the last 35 years. I think it does that and does it well. Powell reflects on a life of service, both military and civilian, and recounts instances when he made decisions and describes the generalized thoughts and ideas that led to the choices he made. This book, let’s call it a memoir, feels quite genuine and honest but […]
Who would have thought that something that happened that long ago could have such power?
I already knew Alice Sebold from The Lovely Bones, but I had not heard of Lucky (1999) by the same author until I saw it on my 50 Books Every Woman Should Read Before She Turns 40 List. Written just before The Lovely Bones, it is the true story of Sebold’s violent rape, on the last day of her first year of college. This book was good. It was well written, tense, often difficult to read, and eye-opening. Sebold is very honest about the rape and how it affected her. […]