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sarahthegaymer's Reviews (305)
As with every memoir I read; I do not ever given them a low-star rating because who am I to 'rate' their life?! However; my rating usually is based off of "how" the story was written or told. This one though...I'm mad I slept on it for so long because it is five stars all around!!!
This woman is a force to be reckoned with and I have an enormous respect for her! While most of us are obviously familiar with her time as the FLOTUS, she accomplished and experienced so much prior to that pivotal moment and is so, so much more than the wife of a former president.
She talks a great deal about growing up and how she was surrounded by family and how was the most influential in her life. From an Aunt that taught her piano and taught her how to 'stand up for herself' to her grandfather who was interested in politics that she spent time door-knocking with. She talks about her Father's struggles with MS, a guidance counselor that said she'd never make it at Princeton, and racism that she experienced first hand.
She talks about meeting Barack, their earlier days, their marriage and the start of his political career. She talks about grief; of friends and family. She talks about infertility, miscarriage, IVF. She talks about all of the criticism their family endured during their days in the white house. The tragedies that took place in our country at that time. And really, at the end of the day, while she experienced some amazing things as FLOTUS, she really was just a normal, every day person like each and every one of us.
I think that is one of my favorite things about memoirs; it's so eye-opening to realize that no matter what our status; we've all experienced love, heartache, loss..we all have challenges that make us who we are.
One thing I will note that for me personally; because I watched the show "The First Lady" on HBO (which I highly, highly, highly recommend); I knew a lot of this information prior to listening to the book which made certain area's slower or more boring, for me. BUT, listening to her tell the story and read it herself, definitely changes the impact it has.
If you are interested in memoirs about powerful women or women who have defied the odds; then I highly recommend that you check this out! You will not be disappointed.
This woman is a force to be reckoned with and I have an enormous respect for her! While most of us are obviously familiar with her time as the FLOTUS, she accomplished and experienced so much prior to that pivotal moment and is so, so much more than the wife of a former president.
She talks a great deal about growing up and how she was surrounded by family and how was the most influential in her life. From an Aunt that taught her piano and taught her how to 'stand up for herself' to her grandfather who was interested in politics that she spent time door-knocking with. She talks about her Father's struggles with MS, a guidance counselor that said she'd never make it at Princeton, and racism that she experienced first hand.
She talks about meeting Barack, their earlier days, their marriage and the start of his political career. She talks about grief; of friends and family. She talks about infertility, miscarriage, IVF. She talks about all of the criticism their family endured during their days in the white house. The tragedies that took place in our country at that time. And really, at the end of the day, while she experienced some amazing things as FLOTUS, she really was just a normal, every day person like each and every one of us.
I think that is one of my favorite things about memoirs; it's so eye-opening to realize that no matter what our status; we've all experienced love, heartache, loss..we all have challenges that make us who we are.
One thing I will note that for me personally; because I watched the show "The First Lady" on HBO (which I highly, highly, highly recommend); I knew a lot of this information prior to listening to the book which made certain area's slower or more boring, for me. BUT, listening to her tell the story and read it herself, definitely changes the impact it has.
If you are interested in memoirs about powerful women or women who have defied the odds; then I highly recommend that you check this out! You will not be disappointed.
Overall, Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan was a so-so book for me. I didn't despise it, but I'm not sure it's going to stay with me for very long outside of this review.
You'll follow one couple that's been through a pretty rough patch which ultimately ended in divorce. Through a series of events, can they get back to where they use to be? If you're a fan of second-chance romance, then I really think you'll enjoy this book.
One aspect of this book that I really enjoyed where the discussions around therapy and mental health. It doesn't treat it as taboo, and actually encourages it as a family - especially for men! Something that people don't feel comfortable discussing was brought up in a really positive way and I feel that was crucial in the plot for the book. I also like the discussion around ***TW*** miscarriage. So many women experience this and I think it's important to have those hard conversations surrounding it.
Now on to something I disliked...While I understand that the point of the book was likely for the main characters to get back together; I feel that the *spicy* scenes were just too much and unnecessary. I'm no prude and I don't mind sex in a story. But multiple orgasms in one chapter and three on one page in 4 paragraphs is just too much in my opinion. It didn't add anything to the story. #sorrynotsorry
With that being said, I really like the characters and felt like I could relate to them so I will likely continue in the series when they're released. Just not a book that I'm screaming from the rooftops about.
You'll follow one couple that's been through a pretty rough patch which ultimately ended in divorce. Through a series of events, can they get back to where they use to be? If you're a fan of second-chance romance, then I really think you'll enjoy this book.
One aspect of this book that I really enjoyed where the discussions around therapy and mental health. It doesn't treat it as taboo, and actually encourages it as a family - especially for men! Something that people don't feel comfortable discussing was brought up in a really positive way and I feel that was crucial in the plot for the book. I also like the discussion around ***TW*** miscarriage. So many women experience this and I think it's important to have those hard conversations surrounding it.
Now on to something I disliked...While I understand that the point of the book was likely for the main characters to get back together; I feel that the *spicy* scenes were just too much and unnecessary. I'm no prude and I don't mind sex in a story. But multiple orgasms in one chapter and three on one page in 4 paragraphs is just too much in my opinion. It didn't add anything to the story. #sorrynotsorry
With that being said, I really like the characters and felt like I could relate to them so I will likely continue in the series when they're released. Just not a book that I'm screaming from the rooftops about.
As the series continues, I'm sure my reviews will lessen in length as I don't want to give too much away if you're not familiar with the series.
This book is perfect for the age it is marketed for! It's simple to read but jam-packed with action that keeps the book moving quickly. There is hardly ever a moment where you're bored, whether you're reading it physically or listening to it via an audiobook. I think when we're looking at getting children engaged in reading, this is a really great series to do so with!
While the story of the orphans is still sad, and Count Olaf is up to his antics, as always, this story has elements of fun and surprises, while being frightening and urgent, too!
This book is perfect for the age it is marketed for! It's simple to read but jam-packed with action that keeps the book moving quickly. There is hardly ever a moment where you're bored, whether you're reading it physically or listening to it via an audiobook. I think when we're looking at getting children engaged in reading, this is a really great series to do so with!
While the story of the orphans is still sad, and Count Olaf is up to his antics, as always, this story has elements of fun and surprises, while being frightening and urgent, too!
*Takes a deep breath.*
This memoir was a lot of things, and a lot to process. I have seen/read about fifty reviews on this book and went into it with completely mixed feelings.
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely.
Is it the best memoir I've ever read? Absolutely not.
Jennette McCurdy is a classic example of a child-star that had a really, really terrible life. We (as in those of us who are not in the spotlight or famous) tend to have an opinion that anyone who is famous has a really cushy life that is all rainbows and butterflies. I remember growing up, watching iCarly, and wishing that I could have the life that these child actors and actresses have. "They must have everything they want." "I wish I could have their life."
Let me tell ya..after reading this? Not so much. I'll take my own childhood trauma and religious gaslighting over what she experienced any day. This memoir puts it all into a much different perspective and one that really brought me back to Earth when it comes to celebrities. Outside of whatever personality you're seeing them portray, on screen, behind the music, or even on Twitter/Instagram; they're just the same as all of us. Humans with a past, which is sometimes not good, regardless of how great it appears.
I truly feel bad for what she experienced and I'm glad that now as an adult she's processing some of that trauma and abuse and working towards creating a better life for herself. But, I will be *slightly* judgmental here for a moment and say that I don't think writing a memoir and pushing it off as "comedy" is necessarily the best way to deal with your trauma..therapy is probably the better way to go. For anyone.
So, four-stars because I can't ever truly give a memoir a bad rating..I mean..who am I to "star-rate" someone's life; but only four and not five because the whole idea and principle to me is sort of cringy.
But, also..I'm kinda glad her Mom Died, too.
This memoir was a lot of things, and a lot to process. I have seen/read about fifty reviews on this book and went into it with completely mixed feelings.
Am I glad I read it? Absolutely.
Is it the best memoir I've ever read? Absolutely not.
Jennette McCurdy is a classic example of a child-star that had a really, really terrible life. We (as in those of us who are not in the spotlight or famous) tend to have an opinion that anyone who is famous has a really cushy life that is all rainbows and butterflies. I remember growing up, watching iCarly, and wishing that I could have the life that these child actors and actresses have. "They must have everything they want." "I wish I could have their life."
Let me tell ya..after reading this? Not so much. I'll take my own childhood trauma and religious gaslighting over what she experienced any day. This memoir puts it all into a much different perspective and one that really brought me back to Earth when it comes to celebrities. Outside of whatever personality you're seeing them portray, on screen, behind the music, or even on Twitter/Instagram; they're just the same as all of us. Humans with a past, which is sometimes not good, regardless of how great it appears.
I truly feel bad for what she experienced and I'm glad that now as an adult she's processing some of that trauma and abuse and working towards creating a better life for herself. But, I will be *slightly* judgmental here for a moment and say that I don't think writing a memoir and pushing it off as "comedy" is necessarily the best way to deal with your trauma..therapy is probably the better way to go. For anyone.
So, four-stars because I can't ever truly give a memoir a bad rating..I mean..who am I to "star-rate" someone's life; but only four and not five because the whole idea and principle to me is sort of cringy.
But, also..I'm kinda glad her Mom Died, too.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Went into this book not really knowing what to expect and was pretty surprised when it hooked me pretty early in! 🪝
This story centers around two main characters, Alicia and Theo; and a swarm of minor characters. Alicia is a current patient in a psychiatric hospital after violently murdering her husband and..you’ve guessed it - she’s taken a vow of silence. 🤐
Enter Theo, a psychiatrist who has taken a particular interest in Alicia and in an effort to save the institution he’s working for, vows to make Alicia speak. 🗣 Becoming almost obsessed with Alicia, Theo leaves no stone unturned when it comes to digging into her background and pinpointing why Alicia did what she did & why she’s keeping quiet! Is he skilled enough to break her vow of silence? Can he uncover the truth? 🤷🏻♀️
The book is unique as it’s mostly told from Theo’s point of view in the present time, however; there are sections that go back and discuss the past, and parts that are told in the form of Alicia’s diary! 📔 I listened to this book on audio and I really appreciated that during the parts told from the diary, they switched narrators making it easy to follow and know whose point of view the story was being told from.🎧
Overall, I enjoyed this book and give it 4 stars! ⭐️ From its intriguing beginning to surprise ending, I wasn’t really able to guess anything and I loved that! 💜 If you’re into psychological thrillers, this one is for you!
**Edited on March 7, 2023 to add**
I re-read this book, the physical copy this time; for my book club & I enjoyed it just as much as the first! I forgot a lot of things and was pleasantly surprised to find myself wanting to keep reading so that I could see what happens next. While I knew the ultimate ending - a lot of the middle was like reading again for the first time. I ended up having a bit more disdain for some of the characters this time, but I think it is because I knew. My other book club has consequently chosen "The Maidens" for their pick in March, and I'm excited to see if my feelings about it stay the same or change when I read the physical copy of it, too.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Went into this book not really knowing what to expect and was pretty surprised when it hooked me pretty early in! 🪝
This story centers around two main characters, Alicia and Theo; and a swarm of minor characters. Alicia is a current patient in a psychiatric hospital after violently murdering her husband and..you’ve guessed it - she’s taken a vow of silence. 🤐
Enter Theo, a psychiatrist who has taken a particular interest in Alicia and in an effort to save the institution he’s working for, vows to make Alicia speak. 🗣 Becoming almost obsessed with Alicia, Theo leaves no stone unturned when it comes to digging into her background and pinpointing why Alicia did what she did & why she’s keeping quiet! Is he skilled enough to break her vow of silence? Can he uncover the truth? 🤷🏻♀️
The book is unique as it’s mostly told from Theo’s point of view in the present time, however; there are sections that go back and discuss the past, and parts that are told in the form of Alicia’s diary! 📔 I listened to this book on audio and I really appreciated that during the parts told from the diary, they switched narrators making it easy to follow and know whose point of view the story was being told from.🎧
Overall, I enjoyed this book and give it 4 stars! ⭐️ From its intriguing beginning to surprise ending, I wasn’t really able to guess anything and I loved that! 💜 If you’re into psychological thrillers, this one is for you!
**Edited on March 7, 2023 to add**
I re-read this book, the physical copy this time; for my book club & I enjoyed it just as much as the first! I forgot a lot of things and was pleasantly surprised to find myself wanting to keep reading so that I could see what happens next. While I knew the ultimate ending - a lot of the middle was like reading again for the first time. I ended up having a bit more disdain for some of the characters this time, but I think it is because I knew. My other book club has consequently chosen "The Maidens" for their pick in March, and I'm excited to see if my feelings about it stay the same or change when I read the physical copy of it, too.
*Goes out and purchases all of Kristin Hannah's back list of books.*
Holy. Moly.
When I started this book, while I was enjoying the audio, I had no expectation of falling in crazy love with it!
This is following a family from Oklahoma during the Great Depression and 'dust bowl' that moves West in order to provide for & save their family. Elsa Walcott wasn't suppose to live, let alone find love, a family, and a life with meaning. Together with her children; she is fighting for their lives in this moving (and tearful at times) novel.
Not only did I love the story as a fiction novel; but it created a sincere interest in this time in American History, which much like the time we're currently living in, was filled with much uncertainty. I'll definitely being doing some research and finding more to read about this time period.
The audio narrator did a FANTASTIC job and making you feel like you were living right there in the story with Elsa and again; I just can't say enough about this book. I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come!
Holy. Moly.
When I started this book, while I was enjoying the audio, I had no expectation of falling in crazy love with it!
This is following a family from Oklahoma during the Great Depression and 'dust bowl' that moves West in order to provide for & save their family. Elsa Walcott wasn't suppose to live, let alone find love, a family, and a life with meaning. Together with her children; she is fighting for their lives in this moving (and tearful at times) novel.
Not only did I love the story as a fiction novel; but it created a sincere interest in this time in American History, which much like the time we're currently living in, was filled with much uncertainty. I'll definitely being doing some research and finding more to read about this time period.
The audio narrator did a FANTASTIC job and making you feel like you were living right there in the story with Elsa and again; I just can't say enough about this book. I'll be thinking about it for a long time to come!
The second in the series, we're again following the Baudelaire children as they're moved to a new family member; one who is obsessed with reptile and snakes. Lo and behold; who finds them yet again but Count Olaf and the cat and mouse game takes place again.
While yet another family member dies; this book is not near as morbid or...sketchy as the first..but it's still a less than cheery tale.
While yet another family member dies; this book is not near as morbid or...sketchy as the first..but it's still a less than cheery tale.
While the first book in this series, "Dial A for Aunties" was really good; it's my personal opinion that this one just missed the mark for me. I'm finding a lot that sometimes the first book in the series is the best, and that's OK.
You're following the wedding of Meddy and Nathan, who meet in the first book & chaos, as usual, ensues. You'll follow the soon-to-be married couple and her crazy Aunties as they try to get themselves out of another tangled mess!
I don't want to say too much more since it is the second book and I don't want to give too much away, however; I will say to read at your own risk.
You're following the wedding of Meddy and Nathan, who meet in the first book & chaos, as usual, ensues. You'll follow the soon-to-be married couple and her crazy Aunties as they try to get themselves out of another tangled mess!
I don't want to say too much more since it is the second book and I don't want to give too much away, however; I will say to read at your own risk.
I had my first experience with Fredrik Backman a few months ago when we read "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" for Book Club. While his writing is definitely unique, I couldn't help but fall in love with the way in which he tells a story. When I saw that this Novella, "The Deal of a Lifetime" was available on Audio and was only a quick 45-minute read, I immediately jumped right in!
This story follow a young girl that is dying from cancer and a man that while he's lived what some may view as a fulfilling life, it's been far from perfect. He's presented with a potential "Deal of a Lifetime".
This novella was written beautifully and I feel that even though it was so short, I connected to each of the characters and was invested in the story and what was going to happen. And, no surprise here; but I cried!
I highly recommend giving this a go if you're a Fredrik Backman fan or if you're looking for a cute and heartfelt short story!
This story follow a young girl that is dying from cancer and a man that while he's lived what some may view as a fulfilling life, it's been far from perfect. He's presented with a potential "Deal of a Lifetime".
This novella was written beautifully and I feel that even though it was so short, I connected to each of the characters and was invested in the story and what was going to happen. And, no surprise here; but I cried!
I highly recommend giving this a go if you're a Fredrik Backman fan or if you're looking for a cute and heartfelt short story!
This book..you guys.
When I tell you that this is probably one of the best, if not THE best autobiography's/memoirs that I've probably ever read, I am not lying, joking, or exaggerating. Also, extra stars for the audio version where you get to hear sweet Leslie tell the story himself. And knowing now that he's gone..ugh! My heart!! Just so bittersweet!
Leslie was just an incredible and unforgettable person and this book reminds me why. Going back to his early life, Leslie talks about being raised in the South, in religion, and how it shaped his life as he moved into adulthood. He talks briefly about his struggle with addiction and coming out. He talks about what it's like to have a family that may or may not agree with your lifestyle and the choices you make. He talks about roles that he held over the years and even admits to when there were times when he wasn't fit for a role and gracefully had to bow out.
You'll learn about some of his idols, some of the folks he's worked with - Lily Tomlin, Vicki Lawrence, and Lady Gaga..I mean come on! You'll learn about how he stood up to some homophobes at a Starbucks in LA one time. Gosh, I just love him so much.
Do yourself a favor and LISTEN to this book. You won't regret it!
RIP Leslie Jordan!
When I tell you that this is probably one of the best, if not THE best autobiography's/memoirs that I've probably ever read, I am not lying, joking, or exaggerating. Also, extra stars for the audio version where you get to hear sweet Leslie tell the story himself. And knowing now that he's gone..ugh! My heart!! Just so bittersweet!
Leslie was just an incredible and unforgettable person and this book reminds me why. Going back to his early life, Leslie talks about being raised in the South, in religion, and how it shaped his life as he moved into adulthood. He talks briefly about his struggle with addiction and coming out. He talks about what it's like to have a family that may or may not agree with your lifestyle and the choices you make. He talks about roles that he held over the years and even admits to when there were times when he wasn't fit for a role and gracefully had to bow out.
You'll learn about some of his idols, some of the folks he's worked with - Lily Tomlin, Vicki Lawrence, and Lady Gaga..I mean come on! You'll learn about how he stood up to some homophobes at a Starbucks in LA one time. Gosh, I just love him so much.
Do yourself a favor and LISTEN to this book. You won't regret it!
RIP Leslie Jordan!