Book Reviews: 31 - 35 of 2017

I didn't manage to finish all my book reviews last year, so I will be catching up with those before posting the books from this year. If you're not into books, please just wait until later this week when more sewing will post :)

Theft By Finding is a collection of actual journal entries written by David Sedaris from 1977 to 2002. If you've ever read any of his other books, this one is right in line with his style - all his other books are written by consulting his journals for memories. These journal entries are equally hilarious as his stories from his books and with his same wit and sarcastic way of looking at the world. Some of the entries are more introspective, some are just to talk about something he noticed that was ridiculous. I highly enjoyed this book, and I would definitely recommend the audio book - just like most of his other books, this is read my Sedaris himself, so you get the true sound behind the words. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Hedda Gabler is a classic play by Ibsen that I picked up at random. Hedda Gabler is a beautiful, well off woman who marries a man she thinks will be a genius of his time. She soon realizes that he will no climb as high as she once hoped, and due to her lack of any sympathy or moral fiber she starts envisioning other ways to improve her situation. She begins manipulating old friends and finds herself in a compromising position she has not anticipated. All her conniving eventually lead to her demise. I have to say I don't really understand the significance of Hedda Gabler. She is deliberately written as a terrible person, which makes me not really care what happens to her... I can see how this might make for an interesting play to watch, just not super interesting to read. My fault there. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

White Oleander is the story of what happens to the fictitious Astrid Magnusson, daughter of a murderess. When Astrid is young her mother poisons her ex-boyfriend and is put in prison, leaving Astrid in the hands of "the system", passed between group homes and foster care. Astrid is not the typical child to be in this position, so she sticks out from all the other children. She deals with being shot, the death of a beloved foster mother, the interest of an older man, and much more. Astrid tries to reconcile her situation with her mother as she deals with the life she has been thrust into. I picked this book up because I loved the film so much when I was in high school, and I was surprised at how close an interpretation the film is. I enjoyed the books just as much as the film. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Salt Sugar Fat is an exposé of sorts written to enlighten us about what is actually in the food we eat. Big food companies have had little regulation with chemical additives in the foods we eat, letting them take advantage of consumer trust where food is concerned. Large food companies need to have something to make you want to buy their product over the competitor, so the 70s through the 90s became a free for all of added sugar, salt, and fat to improve the flavors of the foods we love, all things that toy with our brain chemistry and make us crave the foods more. This book talks a lot about the science of craving and how it has been studied and exploited. From a business aspect, this is all fair and it's technically our fault for not questioning the things we put in our mouths all along. From an ethical standpoint, it's a blatant breach of public trust. We thought food was food, so how would we question one of the most basic needs of human life when we had no reason to do so at the time? The result of all this salt, sugar, and fat is now one of America's most common health problems: obesity. The end of the book talks about what some companies are doing to help with the childhood obesity crisis, but really isn't it too little too late? We are all completely addicted to these additives to the point that we can't stand the taste of foods without them.

The books poses an interesting argument, but it was a little hard to get over the out and out "vigilante for justice" tone of the book. It's trying too hard to sell you on this idea. I prefer to have the information presented objectively, then maybe add the opinion of the author in the conclusion instead of having it throughout the entire book. This book was written to call out our food producers and government for allowing this to happen, but it in my mind this does bring up how much our personal involvement can be factored in. Did these companies add this junk to our foods? Absolutely. But did we, as consumers, pay attention to what we were eating? No we didn't. We just bought what tasted good, which we still do to this day. There is fault on both sides. In spite of my dislike of the books tone, there is still very good information in its pages. This is definitely worth a read, just keep in mind that you should try to hold off the open persuasiveness of the author. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

The Omnivore's Dilemma is an objective look at what our foods go through before they reach our plate. Michael Pollan does research from plant to plate on 4 separate meals: a modern, processed meal at McDonald's; a modern, processed "Certified Organic" meal; a local, non-processed organic meal; and a non-processed self gathered and hunted meal. The first meal reveals that everything in the McDonald's meal is made of corn in some way, going into detail about our government's ties with our corn producers and how it plays the major role of everything in our grocery stores. The second meal is obtained at Whole Foods with all certified organic products, involving research into the few regulations that actually make something "organic" legally speaking (basically just that no fertilizer was involved). The third meal is obtained from a small farm where the animals are all grass fed and circulated around the land to do the least damage to the ground, also the animals are killed on the premises and go straight to the hands of those who will eat them. The fourth meal is obtained entirely by the hands of the author - hunting for game, gathering plants, doing any additional processes himself.

I really loved this approach to understanding what happens to our food before we eat it - this really broke down some of the mysterious practices of food production as well as explaining the why behind each step. While the author does seem to lean toward the 3rd meal more than the others (frankly, after reading the book I don't see how you wouldn't), Pollan largely keeps his personal opinion out of the meals. He presents the information as it comes to him, but he still eats each of these meals himself. What I really liked was the discussion about the practicality of each meal in our modern society. While it would be great to be able to produce all of our food ourselves, it's just not realistic with the pace of the world today unless you completely unplug, which most of us are not able to do. This book really brings out great questions to ask yourself about what you are paying for and why with food. While it may not change everything you eat, it definitely gives you an honest look at exactly what you are eating. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

Book Reviews: 11 - 15 of 2017

Naked by David Sedaris is yet another hilarious collection of his quirky life view. I'm a definite biased fan of most anything Sedaris writes as I just really connect with his dark and somewhat inappropriate humor. This book is no different. I will say that the title story at the end was interesting, but it wasn't as grabbing for me as the rest of the stories in the book. I love the memories of his childhood, and I particularly relate to his mother's treatment of his ticks. All of his reminiscences are funny but sad, which feels more realistic. I love the way he describes the world, and I was definitely entertained once again with this book. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin follows the story of Eilis Lacey, an Irish girl in who immigrates to Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s. Eilis comes from a poor Irish town where job opportunities are non-existent, so her sister, Rose, arranges with a priest in Brooklyn to find Eilis a job and a place to live. The story shows how she adjusts to being alone in a new country. She meets a boy after a few months and things begin to get better for her, then a tragedy calls her back home and has her questioning if her future lies in the US or Ireland.

I enjoyed this story for what it was - a story. I was doing a lot of family history and research at the time I read this, so I call serious foul that anyone in Ireland in the 1940s would name a baby Eilis, particularly when their other kids names are Rose, Jack, Martin, and Patrick. Eilis is a modern, Gaelic style name, not a traditional Catholic name like would've been used back then. There were a few moments in the book that felt unnecessary and were simply added to seem more modern (in my opinion, obviously). Overall the story was good, and it was a nice little escape to a different time and place. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is a classic mystery thriller from the 1930s. A very rich man marries a young nobody after his first wife dies, but the new wife soon learns that things are not all well in her husband's home. Rebecca was his first wife, and while his new wife tries to be sensitive about his loss, it seems she is always doing things wrong that upset him; not to mention the strange behavior of the housekeeper (who adored Rebecca). She begins to feel she is haunted by Rebecca's ghost when she's done nothing but try to avoid it. Eventually the truth of their situation comes to light and they can no longer go on the way they had.

I went into this story knowing absolutely nothing about it, which made for an interesting experience. I didn't even know this was a mystery when I began, lol. That said, the book does a very good job of giving an overall creepy feeling. The book is very well written with very poetic imagery throughout. You are easily able to understand the feelings of the protagonist, even if you think she's a spineless ninny sometimes. While I had a hunch about the big secret at the end, it was very well done and I enjoyed reading it through. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

My Week With Marilyn by Colin Clark is a memoir of a young man who spent a week with Marilyn Monroe while she was filming The Prince and the Showgirl. It's a very short story where Marilyn, put off by the British members of the crew and cast of her movie and having issues with her new husband (Arthur Miller), reaches out for attention from this 20-ish year old 3rd assistant to the director. He obviously idolizes her and feels that everyone really is picking on her, so he strokes her ego to help her along. At first no one wants Colin to see Marilyn because they are worried it will negatively effect her, but the two of them run off together and do a little sight seeing in London. Colin's time with Marilyn ends with a sad miscarriage that is shut up so the others don't find out about it. All in all it was an odd glimpse into the life of the biggest star in the world during her time, though I could never really get over how much Colin fawns over her and feels that she is controlled by these other evil people who only want to mooch off her stardom. Maybe it's my own notion that your life is your own and choices you make put you where you are, but I just couldn't enjoy it like I hoped I would. It was fine for a short escape though. I give this book 3 out of 5 stars.

Kim by Rudyard Kipling is the story of an Irish boy growing up as an orphan on the streets of Lahore City India. Kim's mother died in childbirth, and his father (Kimball O'Hara of an Irish regiment) died when he was about 5, leaving only a "talisman" that Kim wears around his neck always, and instructions that Kim's young mind weaves into the vision of a "red bull on a green field" that will change his fate. Kim meets a holy Lama and becomes his chela, helping him on his holy quest to find a river The Buddha washed in. On their quest for the river, Kim sees a flag that has a red bull on a green field, so he goes to investigate and learn his fate. This leads to Kim being forced into school for white men, but he eventually is able to use his abilities on the streets as well as his English schooling in a big way.

This was a very interesting book, and it would be great for adolescent boys. The story takes a little work to get used to as there is so much Indian slang, but you quickly get into the swing of things. The story moves along very well, which I feel would keep even kids interested. Learning the mystery of Kim and what he will become turns into your main concern, keeping you wanting to read more. I very much enjoyed this story (and I loved the old school Indian insults Kim spouts to everyone, lol). I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris

This is the 4th David Sedaris book I've read, and it certainly did not disappoint. Just like his other books, Me Talk Pretty One Day is a collection of short, humorous stories from the author's life. Many stories are from his childhood (again, this is usual), and several involve his family. I had a sudden epiphany with this book - I only just put two and two together that when he talks about "my sister Amy", he's referring to Amy Sedaris to comedienne. I'm a little slow, I know :) Also in the pattern of his other books, the last third or half of the book is all stories about his time when he first went to live in France. The title is from a story about taking his experience in a French language class taught in Paris, which (of course) was very funny.

One thing I have to say in regard to this book - it is totally worth it to listen to the audiobook. David Sedaris reads the book himself (as usual), but there is a story about when he was a kid and decides that his musical talent is to sing commercial jingles in the style of Billy Holiday (which is seriously the most random thing ever, lol) and he actually sings the lines like he did when he was a kid. It was the weirdest and most fantastic thing ever, and everyone deserves to hear it :) I want to record just that part to pull out and expose others to it. It's that good.

Anyway, I clearly loved this book. If you are in the mood for a weird point of view and consistent laughing, I highly recommend you give this a read. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: When You Are Engulfed In Flames by David Sedaris

This was my second trip into the world of David Sedaris and it did not disappoint :) I listened to most of this on our mini vacation to Fort Lauderdale and even my husband enjoyed it.

When You Are Engulfed In Flames is another collection of essays/short stories from David Sedaris' life, all of which are not short on ironic humor. I really loved the story about an unfortunate plane ride when he accidentally coughed his lozenge into the lap of his already perturbed seat neighbor (luckily she was sleeping). And I never knew that French birds would attack your house unless you put pictures of human faces in the windows (he used record jackets, lol). Valuable info if ever there was any. My favorite of all was the story of when he tried wearing a bow tie to see if it "fit him." The best description of this choice is a quote from a friend of his, "The bow tie is like the pierced eyebrow of the Republican Party." lol So true.

Almost the last half of the book is devoted to his story of when he quite smoking. He tells of his life while he smoked, then how horrible it became to travel as a smoker in the 1990s and beyond. He eventually quits not for the health reasons behind it, but so that he can stay at the Four Seasons again, lol. He read that it helps to quit if you change up your normal routine, but being a writer who doesn't have a set work place or time, he decides to live in Japan while he quits. I LOVED his account of Japan, and since my sister is living in Tokyo right now it was particularly meaningful. His description of Japan is really interesting. I would recommend reading this book if only for this final section. Even though it's humorous, it really gave me a new viewpoint to addiction in general and how the non-addicted world treats them.

I very much enjoyed this book and it solidified David Sedaris as a writer I would happily read again and again. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book Review: Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris

I'll admit - I first only added this book to my list because of the crazy title. Oddly enough this method of choice has worked well for me before and didn't fail me here either.

Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls is a collection of essays/short stories, most of which have a humorous tone. It opens up with what ended up being one of my favorites about the author's search for a real taxidermy owl. I knew at that point that this guy was my kind of person. David Sedaris tells many stories of his life and childhood - many instances with his very authoritarian father, his book patrons, his foreign friends. I loved an essay about when he tried to learn German using the Pilsner Language series - apparently the German version is more affected by German customs than other Pilsner language discs. I also really loved when he describes one of his book tours. During the meet and greet portion, he always asks each person who comes up to meet him a random question. When one woman came up, he suddenly drew a blank and couldn't think of what to ask. He just blurted out, "When was the last time you touched a monkey?" He thought that the woman would say not since she was a child or many years ago, but she responded, "Ooh, can you smell it on me?" lol It turned out that she worked in some kind of monkey sanctuary.

I found the style of this book much like the style of one of my favorite authors, Chuck Klosterman, making me just want to read more from David Sedaris. I very much enjoyed his wit and sarcasm  and the way he can make these seemingly everyday situations worth remembering. I can't wait to see what his other books hold :) I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.