Oprah: A Biography by Kitty Kelley

Because I refuse to not finish a book, I pushed my way through this, but it was pure torture. Apparently, I'm not a fan of the "unauthorized biography" because everything about this book annoyed me. After approximately 50 pages, I gave up and got the audio version...and yes, it was just as annoying. What a disappointment.

Kitty Kelley has a way of repeating herself that I have a hard time with, especially when a book is this long. If every story didn't circle back around so many times, the book probably could have been half the length and possibly slightly less annoying...but then again, maybe not. The author complains about Oprah's over exposure as well as her self-selected personal revelations...I'm sorry, but don't we ALL choose what we share with others? Especially in a public format?? And as far as being over exposed, DUH! She is on national television and has been for many years, she is also the most successful woman in the world, what do you expect?

Maybe it's just me, but I really don't care about all the guys Oprah dated or any of the lies she may have told, arguments she had with classmates, if she did drugs, none of that. I don't think those petty details make a person. In fact, I think it might say something about the author that she prefers to write "unauthorized" biographies about people without their input or consent...what makes you want to dig up every person someone has ever been at odds with and try to make a book about that? Just because you aren't giving them money doesn't mean they aren't getting something out of having you put their name and story in your book. Not my style...guess I'm just not into shady "non-fiction"...especially when it's read by the author who happens to have a really annoying voice.

Would I recommend this book? HELL NO!

Mennonite In A Little Black Dress by Rhoda Janzen

This was part of a package I received from my friend Sherrie who knows me as well as anyone in the world when it comes to books. It was HILARIOUS! Rhoda Janzen's memoir is everything I like in a book--honest, funny, engaging, educational--and I could NOT put it down!!! Janzen grew up in the Mennonite community, and returned after a series of life-changing events.

The author literally made me laugh out loud (which can be embarrassing when you're in the waiting room at the Dr's office with 20 other people) multiple times with witty tales of her family, friends, relationships and the Mennonite community. I especially liked her mother, Mary, who is of "good Mennonite stock" with an eternally positive outlook and a love of frugality and home making. I loved her spirit and wisdom.

I really enjoyed the information on the history of the Mennonite religion and the changes that Janzen has witnessed in her, and her parents', lifetimes; it was very diferent from the way I grew up. The Mennonite position on peace and caring for community as well as their overall passion for helping the less fortunate all over the world is admirable.

My favorite quote in the book is from Mary Janzen,"When you're young, faith is often a matter of rules. What you should do and shouldn't do, that kind of thing. But as you get older, you realize that faith is really a matter of relationship--with God, with the people around you, with the members of your community." I think that sums it all up...focus on the relationships, not the rules!

Would I recommend this book? Definitely!

Half-Broke Horses by Jeanette Walls

Second of Walls' books, this is story of her grandmother, Lily Casey Smith. I absolutely loved her memoir, The Glass Castle, and was excited for this one to be released. Walls calls it a "true life novel" since it's based on her own memories of her grandmother, tales passed down from her mother and historically verified events. Lily Casey Smith was a very tough, smart, and hardworking woman who lived a very interesting life. Walls, via her grandmother, gives an accurate depiction of ranch life in the south in the early 1900's.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, and I can't wait for her next book.

Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler

Again, I LOVE CHELSEA HANDLER!!! In this, her second memoir, the focus shifts from her love life to her family, which is equally hilarious. I also love books read by the author so I opted for the audio version of this one; I don't want to give away any of her stories, but I will say that if you enjoy her sense of humor, the tales will make you laugh out loud--her telling the tales might make you pee your pants or shoot soda out your nose. Take this as your warning!

Would I recommend this book? In the words of Chelsea Handler, ABSOFUCKINGLUTELY!!!

My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler

I can't count how many times in my life I've said the words "I LOVE Chelsea Handler!" but let me tell you, it's somewhere around 1000. I was SO excited when my book club chose this in December, but soon disappointed to find out that it was available neither in my local library nor Barnes & Noble. I decided to wait until one of my friends finished her copy and lent it to me. I was so excited when I finally got it that I read the entire thing in one day.

This is Handler's first book, a memoir of her many one-night stands, and it is HILARIOUS! If you've never seen/heard/read anything by Chelsea Handler, this is as good a place as any to start. She's got a very crude sense of humor that not everyone can appreciate, but personally, I LOVE Chelsea Handler! There, I've said it again...make it 1001 :)

Would I recommend this book? Only if you think you can handle her...definitely not for the conservatives among us. I've just picked up her 2nd book, "Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea." and CAN'T WAIT to get started!

Not Becoming My Mother by Ruth Reichl

It's no secret that I love Ruth Reichl, so I was excited to read this book. I actually checked it out a few months ago, but had to return it to the library before I could finish, so it went back on my request list IMMEDIATELY.

The book, unlike you'd assume based on the title, is a tribute to Reichl's mother, Mim. It's a relatively short book, but the story is a good reminder to all of us to not judge others based on appearances. Mim was a very educated woman, but because of societal norms, she became a housewife--a job she was not well-suited for! The book illustrates the struggles women in Mim's generation faced and how their situations led them to push their daughters to become more, to follow their dreams, and to NOT become their mothers.

I appreciate short books that can perfectly tell the full story without feeling the need to add "filler" to meet some absurd word count. Thank you, Ruth Reichl, for this wonderful tribute to the generation that faught so hard for our many freedoms, I'm glad you finally got around to writing it and I loved every page!

Would I recommend this book? Yes, in fact, it's in the running to be my pick for book club!

Traveling With Pomegranates by Sue Monk Kidd and Ann Kidd Taylor

I checked this book out and TRIED to read it 4 times, each time I barely made it 20 pages before losing interest. When I noticed it in the audio book section, I decided to give it another try. While it didn't put me to sleep, I still didn't think it was anything spectacular. In general, I prefer audio books that are read by the authors rather than actors, it adds some authenticity and engages me more, but even that had little effect with this book.

I have read, and loved, all of Sue Monk Kidd's previous books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I can't pinpoint anything specific that I didn't like, it could be that it's autobiographical and their story isn't very dramatic or unique? I get that they were exploring the dynamics of their relationship and they each felt like they were struggling with something, but the struggles they had seem pretty commonplace and simple compared to what most people are facing.

The mother (Sue Monk Kidd) is struggling with turning 50 and defining her career as a writer. Big deal, be happy you made it to 50, have a wonderful, loving family and the luxury of being able to start on a new path at your age! The visits to Europe are supposed to showcase the mother/daughter relationship and how it's been a constant throughout history, but honestly all it did for me was validate how self-centered and whiny the two are.

The daughter (Ann Kidd Taylor) is in a state of depression and trying to determine which direction she wants her life to take, but what recent college grad hasn't felt the same way?? She is "drawing strength" from the Virgin Mary, Joan of Arc and the goddess Athena throughout their journeys. Again, be thankful for what you have and quit feeling sorry for yourself!

The ONLY thing I enjoyed about this book was the illustration of some of the sites they visited. The whole book was too introspective for my liking and focused WAY too much on how they were all feeling and how terrible it is to be them--wah, wah, wah!

Would I recommend this book? Nope. And I'll take this as a lesson...if it takes 5 times to successfully complete a book, there's probably not a good reason to keep trying :(

Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl

Ruth Reichl is currently the Editor In Chief of Gourmet Magazine. A few years ago a friend from my book club lent me her copy of Reichl's Garlic and Sapphires--I loved it (Thanks, Laura!). I decided it was time to start from the beginning with Reichl's original memoir, and I definitely wasn't disappointed.

This book takes us back to Reichl's childhood and the events that led her to a career in the culinary arts. Her tale is truly as unique as her talent in the kitchen. I love the stories about the crazy things her mother served! I was laughing aloud while completely disgusted; it's a miracle any of them survived!!!

This book is followed by several other memoirs, including Garlic and Sapphires, which I fully intend to read as soon as possible.

Would I recommend this book? Absolutely!

Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts

I just realized I've been reading a LOT of historical books lately, wow. Not a norm for me, but a nice way to "broaden my horizons" when it comes to book selection. I read this book several years ago and liked it. This past Christmas, I gave a copy to a friend and decided to read it again so it's fresh in my mind if she wants to talk about it.

We all learned about our country's founding fathers in school, but the women behind them are generally skipped. This book tells the founders' story from the perspective of the women involved, which I found to be a very interesting angle. I was surprised at how involved the women actually were in the formation of the United States and all of the decisions that led up to it. The majority of the information in the book comes directly from the letters that the women passed between themselves and the men in their lives.

My favorite quote, a reminder from Abigail Adams to her husband John, was simple: "Don't forget the ladies." And though it took MANY years for women to be given equal rights, it's clear that from the beginning women were a force to be reckoned with in this country.

Would I recommend this book? Yes! It's a good nonfiction supplement to anyone's reading list.

Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough

Because I've been so busy and spent my free time on books I wanted to read, I'm a little behind on some of my book club reading. This book was discussed in December, but I just now finished it. This is a book I would never have selected on my own, but I really enjoyed it...in fact, I am planning to buy a copy for my Dad's birthday gift (don't tell!).

The book follows the life of Theodore Roosevelt, starting early in his childhood and ending prior to his presidency. I've never been a big history buff or anything, but I found this account truly engaging. The story flows very well, showing various sides of all members of the Roosevelt family. It's striking how our language changes over time; I can't imagine anyone saying some of the things Teedy said/wrote to his siblings and mother! I really learned a lot about how he became the man we knew as President and about the Roosevelts as a whole, the entire book captivated me. As a bonus, parts of the book are set in North Dakota so I learned a great deal about the history of the state in which I now reside as well.

Would I recommend this book? Yes, especially if you like history.