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| (Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
I love Han Kang's writing, so I'm excited to read her latest book. It's a nonfiction collection of essays, poems, diaries, and photographs titled, Light And Thread. I love that title, and I love the idea of getting to know her through these personal pieces of writings. How exciting!
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| (Thank you the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
A personal meditation on, examination of, and tribute to Black single motherhood, unapologetically told through poignant essays and candid interviews, by a celebrated cultural critic.Through her signature candid, humorous and yet often biting takes, Lemieux suffers no fools while also courageously revealing the scars of her own parenting journey and search for self-acceptance in a world that doesn’t see the full worth of women like her. With a particular verve and relatability—honed, in part, from her many years among “Black Twitter’s” most prominent voices—Lemieux puts the lived reality of Black single uncertainty, fierceness, and sensuality on full display. Interspersed with beautifully written personal narrative, readers will find cultural and historical analysis, and interviews with single mothers from all walks of life, telling it how it really is. Baby Mamas Day is a bold testament to the multifaceted Black single mother and an invitation to all readers to finally recognize this powerful figure for who she is—not bad, but so, so good.
my thoughts:
Wow. Jamilah Lemieux has written a book that is raw, honest, and brutally real. In Black. Single. Mother.: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging, she lets it all out and it is eye-opening and thought-provoking. Talk about reality at its most real.
Lemieux writes about single motherhood in all its beautiful and ugly glory. Her candid confessions can break your heart and make you laugh. She is smart, clever, and transparent. Her writing is tender, hard, and all the feels. She doesn't temper anything and so, you are going to feel the pain, the struggle, the hope and the love. And it is fantastic.
Black. Single. Mother. is a gem of a book. I would most definitely recommend it to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read. You are going to fell in deep with this one. Make sure to grab a copy! Happy reading.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!
Wishing you all a lovely week! Happy reading!
I love Miriam Toews writing. It is smart, strong, and unforgettable. All My Puny Sorrows was my first Toews book and it has stayed with me ever since. The beauty of that story just wrecks me. Two sisters, one who is truly depressed and suicidal, and the other sister who is desperate to keep her sister alive. Oh how my heart breaks just thinking about their story. I suppose I love it so much because it resonated so deeply. All this to say that Toews writing does that - it yanks on your heartstrings and yanks hard. Her writing is fierce, tender, raw, and powerful. So any book she writes I will read. And this new one is her memoir, A Truce That Is Not Peace. I am eager to lose myself in her words once more.
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| (Thank you to Plough Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (from Goodreads)
Between Two Sounds follows the life of world-famous composer Arvo Pärt from his birth in Estonia in 1935 through 1980, when the Soviets forced him to emigrate because of the nonconformist and religious nature of his music.
Based on years of research and close collaboration with Arvo Pärt himself, Joonas Sildre paints an atmospheric portrait of a restless artist who does not shy away from confronting state control or his own internal contradictions.
Arvo Pärt stormed Soviet-occupied Estonia's music scene in the 1960s as a brash young man pushing the limits of avant-garde modernism. Then he fell silent, no longer able to express what he felt through the musical language he had inherited. When he reemerged a decade later, he had found, in that silence between sounds, a new musical language inspired by ancient sacred music, the basis of his distinctive tintinnabuli technique. This graphic novel will appeal not just to fans of Arvo Pärt’s music but to anyone who has known the struggle to remain true to oneself whatever the cost.
my thoughts:
My knowledge about composers and Estonia are both nil, which is rather disappointing considering this wonderful book I had the privilege of reading. I was given an early copy of Between Two Sounds: Arvo Pärt's Journey To His Musical Language by Joonas Sildre and translated by Adam Cullen. Then again, my ignorance turned out to be for the best, because I was able to learn so much about a talented composer and his life's story, which made for an exciting reading adventure.
So, why did I fall in love with this book? Well, first off, I loved the title of the book - it immediately intrigued me. Secondly, the books' cover - oh, my! I loved it! It had me wanting to grab a copy of the book straightaway. And, third, it was a graphic novel - I love graphic novels! How could I resist reading this book, right? Plus, it was about a new-to-me topic, the composer, Arvo Pärt. I love learning new things and learning about a composer sounded like fun. It really did, especially given that it would be in graphic novel form - anything with illustrations will make learning a thrill. Suffice it to say, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book - it was eye-opening and fascinating. Learning about Arvo Pärt's journey is amazing - you can't help but get carried away in his story and the history - plus, the visuals add a layer of depth. Oh, and his music - what he composed was just brilliant! I found myself looking it up and listening to it as I read his story. Talk about an excellent soundtrack!
All in all, Between Two Sounds is a definite must- read! I enjoyed every second I spent with this book and would definitely recommend it to everyone - make sure to check it out!
Thank you to Plough Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
Wow! What an excellent read! I absolutely LOVED Slow Noodles: A Cambodian Memoir Of Love, Loss, And Family Recipes by Chantha Nguon - it was amazing! A definite must-read for everyone! This is one book you won't want to miss out on.
So, what is Slow Noodles about? (summary from NetGalley)
A haunting and beautiful memoir from a Cambodian refugee who lost her country and her family during Pol Pot's genocide in the 1970s but who finds hope by reclaiming the recipes she tasted in her mother's kitchen.How fascinating does that sound? You get politics, history, food, and all the feels rolled into one awesome book. Getting to know Chantha through her life story, you find yourself in awe of this resilient, remarkable woman. She has experienced way too much for anyone to ever have to experience in a lifetime, and yet she persevered and kept on going when so many others would have just given up. Her strength is inspiring. And the way she includes food with her memories of the family she loves and lost is so special. Food helped her to heal and to connect with her country. Slow Noodles is truly a gem of a book. The writing is just so powerful and thoughtful. I highly recommend you get your hands on a copy ASAP!
Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
A moving, heartbreaking, and inspiring true story of the author’s escape from an apocalyptic cult—and the deep understanding of the natural world that helped her find freedom.
My family prepared me for the end of the world, but I know how to survive on what the earth yields.
Michelle Dowd grew up on a mountain in the Angeles National Forest, born into an ultra-religious cult—the Field, as members called it—run by her grandfather, who believed that his chosen followers must prepare themselves to survive doomsday. Bound by the group’s patriarchal rules and literal interpretation of the Bible, Michelle and her siblings lived a life of deprivation, isolated from Outsiders and starved for both love and food. She was forced to learn the skills necessary to battle hunger, thirst, and cold; she learned to trust animals more than humans; and most important, she learned how to survive by foraging for what she needed. And as Michelle got older, she realized she had the strength to break free. Focus on what will sustain, not satiate you, she would tell herself. Use everything. Waste nothing. Get to know the intricacies of the land like the intricacies of your body. And so she did.
With haunting and stark language, and illustrations of edible plants and their uses opening each chapter, Forager is a fierce and empowering coming-of-age story and a timely meditation on the ways in which harnessing nature’s gifts can lead to our freedom.
my thoughts:
Wow! What a fascinating read. Michelle Dowd's memoir about growing up in The Field doomsday cult is personal, eye-opening, and thoughtful. She starts each chapter with an edible plant and how to use it, which related to the education she received from The Field. Nature was integral to her survival within the cult and as a means for her to find the courage to leave it. Forager: Field Notes for Surviving a Family Cult is a slow-burn chock full of memories about Michelle's relationship with her mother, the lack of love she was shown, the lessons she received on how to be a survivalist, and the various abuses she endured. It is an emotional and introspective book.
I found myself caught up in Michelle's recollections and thinking about her life and how young she was at the time. Her life was so cut off from the rest of the world and the loneliness she must have felt, especially when she began questioning it all. And, the way nature impacted her life - learning to live off the land, the dangers and beauties of nature, and the vastness of it all. She's a strong woman who experienced so much so young and was able to find a way out of a living nightmare. Talk about the epitome of brave.
I would definitely recommend, Forager, to anyone and everyone - you are going to fall in deep with this book. Make sure to get your hands on a copy ASAP!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
"A deeply inspiring, must-read memoir about the transformative power of books to heal and unite us."—Gabrielle UnionProfoundly moving, exquisitely rendered and ultimately uplifting, The Love You Save is a story about hidden strength, perseverance against unimaginable odds, the beauty and pain of girlhood, and the power of the written word.
my thoughts:
Wow. Just, wow. The Love You Save: A Memoir by Goldie Taylor is a beautifully written book that is brutally honest and intensely authentic. This is a story about a young girl who endured horrors in her childhood and still managed to find hope for her self and her life. In fact, she wound up becoming an acclaimed journalist and activist. She is the epitome of the magic of hope, strength, faith, and determination.
Taylor has written the story of her childhood in an honest and unflinching tone. She shares and shares, and the more she shares, the more your heart breaks for this little girl. We read about rape, abuse, and violence. And we read about books, the written word, talent, friendship, and hope. We read about a young girl who discovers her voice and finds a way to use it to create a better future for herself. Talk about a heartrending read.
The Love You Save is an important story. It's a thought-provoking, eye-opening, and powerful read. It's the kind of book that reminds you that no matter what, "hope is the thing with feathers."
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and everyone - make sure you get your hands on a copy! Make time to read this must-read story.
Thank you the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
Identical twins Isabella and Hà were born in Vietnam and raised on opposite sides of the world, each knowing little about the other’s existence, until they were reunited as teenagers, against all odds.
The twins were born in Nha Trang, Vietnam, in 1998, where their mother struggled to care for them. Hà was taken in by their biological aunt, and grew up in a rural village, going to school, and playing outside with the neighbors. They had sporadic electricity and frequent monsoons. Hà’s twin sister, Loan, spent time in an orphanage before a wealthy, white American family adopted her and renamed her Isabella. Isabella grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, with a nonbiological sister, Olivia, also adopted from Vietnam. Isabella and Olivia attended a predominantly white Catholic school, played soccer, and prepared for college.
But when Isabella’s adoptive mother learned of Isabella’s biological twin back in Vietnam, all of their lives changed forever. Award-winning journalist Erika Hayasaki spent years and hundreds of hours interviewing each of the birth and adoptive family members and tells the girls’ incredible story from their perspectives, challenging conceptions about adoption and what it means to give a child a good life. Hayasaki contextualizes the sisters’ experiences with the fascinating and often sinister history of twin studies, the nature versus nurture debate, and intercountry and transracial adoption, as well as the latest scholarship and conversation surrounding adoption today, especially among adoptees.
For readers of All You Can Ever Know and American Baby, Somewhere Sisters is a richly textured, moving story of sisterhood and coming-of-age, told through the remarkable lives of young women who have redefined the meaning of family for themselves.
my thoughts:
What a meaningful and powerful read. Somewhere Sisters is about Vietnamese twin sisters, Hà and Loan, who were separated. Hà was raised by an aunt in a rural village; while Loan went to an orphanage where she was eventually adopted by a wealthy, white American family. Loan grew up in Chicago and was renamed Isabella. Her new family had also adopted another girl from Vietnam, Olivia. However, when they eventually find out about Isabella's twin sister, they set out to find her. Eventually, they reunite the two sisters and bring Hà to America for her education.
Erika Hayasaki, an award-winning journalist, researched this story. She interviewed the families, she explored scientific studies regarding twin studies, and she also looked at the current dialogues surrounding adoption. She wanted to provide a thorough look into this specific case and allow for the families to share their thoughts and feelings about their experiences with it. And, she wanted to utilize her research as a way of looking deeper into the complexities of the situation and how it had affected/impacted the sisters. It all made for an engaging and compelling read. I found myself reading through the book slowly, as I couldn't help but stop every now and then, and just think about what these sisters had gone through and about their families. Such a great book.
I would definitely recommend Somewhere Sisters to anyone and everyone looking for their next nonfiction read - you are going to fall in deep with this one. Make sure to check it out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
The captivating inside story of the man who helmed National Geographic for six decades is a front-row seat to audacious feats of exploration, from the successful hunt for the Titanic to Jane Goodall's field studies. Offering a rare portrait of one of the world's most iconic media empires, this revealing autobiography makes an impassioned argument to know—and care for—our planet.
Though his career path had been paved by four generations of his family before him, Gilbert M. Grosvenor left his own mark on the National Geographic Society, founded in 1888 and recognized the world over by its ubiquitous yellow border. In an unflinchingly honest memoir as big as the world and all that is in it, Grosvenor shows us what it was like to "grow up Geographic" in a family home where explorers like Robert Peary, Louis Leakey, and Jane Goodall regularly crossed the threshold. As staff photographer, editor in chief and then president of the organization, Grosvenor oversaw the diversification into television, film, books, as well as its flagship magazine, which under his tenure reached a peak circulation of nearly 11 million. He also narrates the shift from a nonprofit, family-focused enterprise to the more corporate, bottom-line focused world of publishing today.
For Grosvenor, running National Geographic wasn’t just a job. It was a legacy, motivated by a passion not just to leave the world a better place, but to motivate others to do so, too. Filled with world travel, charismatic explorers, and the complexities of running a publishing empire, A MAN OF THE WORLD is the story of one man, a singular family business, and the changing face of American media.
my thoughts:
Wow! Love, love, love! I really enjoyed reading all about Gilbert M. Grosvenor and his legacy...National Geographic. What a cool, adventurous environmentalist to read about! Talk about world traveler!
Growing up within the National Geographic family formed Grosvenor's destiny of traveling the world and running National Geographic - which he did! And, so well, too. Yep, Grosvenor met iconic explorers at his family's home and soon found himself diving in Antarctica. Exploring the world was in his bones and he most definitely threw himself into that role, along with growing his family's business. He shares about it all and along the way also discusses the importance of conserving culture and the environment. It's thought-provoking, eye-opening, and fascinating to read about this popular organization that showcases our world and the man behind the scenes of it all. What a fantastic memoir! What a life!
I would happily recommend A Man Of The World to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you are going to enjoy this one so much! Make sure to check it out!
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
The New York Times bestselling book of essays celebrating ordinary delights in the world around us by one America's most original and observant writers, award-winning poet Ross Gay.
As Heard on NPR's This American Life
“Ross Gay’s eye lands upon wonder at every turn, bolstering my belief in the countless small miracles that surround us.” —Tracy K. Smith, Pulitzer Prize winner and U.S. Poet Laureate
The winner of the NBCC Award for Poetry offers up a spirited collection of short lyrical essays, written daily over a tumultuous year, reminding us of the purpose and pleasure of praising, extolling, and celebrating ordinary wonders.
In The Book of Delights, one of today’s most original literary voices offers up a genre-defying volume of lyric essays written over one tumultuous year. The first nonfiction book from award-winning poet Ross Gay is a record of the small joys we often overlook in our busy lives. Among Gay’s funny, poetic, philosophical delights: a friend’s unabashed use of air quotes, cradling a tomato seedling aboard an airplane, the silent nod of acknowledgment between the only two black people in a room. But Gay never dismisses the complexities, even the terrors, of living in America as a black man or the ecological and psychic violence of our consumer culture or the loss of those he loves. More than anything else, though, Gay celebrates the beauty of the natural world–his garden, the flowers peeking out of the sidewalk, the hypnotic movements of a praying mantis.
The Book of Delights is about our shared bonds, and the rewards that come from a life closely observed. These remarkable pieces serve as a powerful and necessary reminder that we can, and should, stake out a space in our lives for delight.
my thoughts:
Wow. What a beautiful book. I LOVED The Book of Delights by Ross Gay. This book of essays is written by an accomplished poet who has a penchant for finding joy in a year that was anything but joyful. His essays are short and delightful, sobering and thoughtful, and a great reminder to pay attention to the small details in life. Yep, it really is the little things that can jolt you out of your doldrums.
Gay has written a terrific book that you will love dipping in and out of. I know I did. I really enjoyed getting to know Gay through these essays and his writing, which I found to be top notch. I loved the variety, not just in topics, but in the writing styles. His love of words is evident and it makes each essay a treat to read. The Books of Delights is truly a delightful and thoughtful book.
I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - check it out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
In this inspiring travelogue, celebrated traveler and photographer Jessica Nabongo—the first Black woman on record to visit all 195 countries in the world—shares her journey around the globe with fascinating stories of adventure, culture, travel musts, and human connections.
It was a daunting task, but Jessica Nabongo, the beloved voice behind the popular website The Catch Me if You Can, made it happen, completing her journey to all 195 UN-recognized countries in the world in October 2019. Now, in this one-of-a-kind memoir, she reveals her top 100 destinations from her global adventure.
Beautifully illustrated with many of Nabongo's own photographs, the book documents her remarkable experiences in each country, including:
A harrowing scooter accident in Nauru, the world’s least visited country,
Seeing the life and community swarming around the Hazrat Ali Mazar mosque in Afghanistan,
Horseback riding and learning to lasso with Black cowboys in Oklahoma,
Playing dominoes with men on the streets of Havana,
Learning to make traditional takoyaki (octopus balls) from locals in Japan,
Dog sledding in Norway and swimming with humpback whales in Tonga,
A late night adventure with strangers to cross a border in Guinea Bissau,
And sunbathing on the sandy shores of Los Roques in Venezuela.
Along with beloved destinations like Peru and South Africa, you'll also find tales from far-flung corners and seldom visited destinations, including Tuvalu, North Korea, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Nabongo's stories are love letters to diversity, beauty, and culture—and most of all, to the people she meets along the way. Throughout, she offers bucket-list experiences for other travel-lovers looking to follow in her footsteps.
For armchair travelers or readers planning a trip around the globe, this arresting collection will awe and inspire!
my thoughts:
Wow! What an awesome book! The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World by Jessica Nabongo is absolutely a MUST-READ!! Chock full of personal photographs, travel experiences, a bucket list, and so much more - this book is the PERFECT way to see the world from the comfort from your own home. It is an AMAZING read that you won't be able to stop reading. I LOVED it to bits!!
Jessica is the first Black woman to travel the world and visit all 195 UN-recognized countries in the world. Her journey ended in 2019. This book documents 100 countries that she visited and it is fantastic. You get to know Jessica and her penchant for traveling and how she made this dream to see the world come true. And then, you get to go along with her as she visits all the places you've heard about or dreamt about seeing. It is such a delight to read and peruse her photographs. This book is just such a feast for travelers - not only will you be inspired to add more cities to your own private bucket list, but you won't be able to help smile at the excitement and experiences that Jessica shares about. Such a wonderful read!
I would happily recommend The Catch Me If You Can: One Woman's Journey to Every Country in the World to anyone and everyone looking for their next great summer read - you will fall in deep with this one. Check it out!!
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book: (summary from Goodreads)
“A celebration of the adventure that is other people.” —Ariel Levy, author of The Rules Do Not Apply
Lauren Groff, Elizabeth Kolbert, Pam Houston, Pico Iyer, T Kira Madden, Gregory Pardlo, Maggie Shipstead, and Peter Orner are among the 65 writers who grapple with this mystery: How can an ephemeral encounter leave an eternal mark?
When Colleen Kinder put out a call for authors to “write a letter to a stranger who haunts you,” she opened the floodgates. The responses—intimate and addictive, all in the form of letters, all written in the second person—began pouring in. These short, insightful essays by today’s best literary minds are organized around such themes as Gratitude, Wonder, and Farewell, and guide us both across the globe and through the mysteries of human connection.
Bestselling author Leslie Jamison, who provides the foreword, reveals she has been haunted for years by a traveling magician she met in Nicaragua. Journalist Ted Conover writes his missive to a stranger he met on a New Yorker assignment in Rwanda. From the story of Vanessa Hua’s shoe shopper in China to the tale of Michelle Tea’s encounter in a Texas tattoo parlor, these pieces are replete with observations about how to live and what to seek, and how a stranger’s loaded glance, shared smile, or question posed can alter the course of our lives. Moving and unforgettable, Letter to a Stranger is an irresistible read for any literary traveler and the perfect gift for anyone who is haunted by a person they met once but will remember forever.
my thoughts:
What a wonderful book! I loved Letter To A Stranger: Essays To The Ones Who Haunt Us, edited by Colleen Kinder. This is they type of book you can dip in and out of, depending on your mood. Or, the kind of book you can gobble up in one sitting, because you can't bring yourself to put it down. Either way, its a book you will want to read and relish. I just loved the concept - writing a letter to a stranger that we've encountered in some way and how that encounter affected us. I couldn't help but smile at the notion, because we all have these moments. These incidents with someone we don't know that somehow become HUGE moments in our lives, or memories that make us smile. I found myself immediately recalling memories from my past that warrant this idea - writing these folks a letter to let them know how much that moment with them meant to me. It sounds crazy, but it also sounds like something that should be done. Even if its a letter that you write in your journal as a keepsake to remember the moment and that person. What do you think? Do you have someone that fits that bill - a stranger who haunts you?
Letter To A Stranger is chock full of letters by a variety of authors who have penned their thoughts and memories to the ones who have haunted them ever since that chance encounter. Talk about fascinating. I just loved reading these letters and thinking about jotting down a few of my own. What a treat to read! This is one book I will definitely be gifting to friends and family. And, its one book I won't soon forget. I just loved it!
I would happily recommend Letter To A Stranger to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read - you will fall in deep with this one! Check it out!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book:
You know her. You’ve seen her. You may even see yourself in her.
If you’re arriving to the midlife crisis party—the one that’s serving low self-esteem, desperation, unreliable behavior, forgetfulness, carelessness, and the loneliness of loss—the stories and anecdotes in this memoir will assure you that you are not alone.
For Sara Arnell, it took a rogue lobster, a dying rock star, an eighteen-pound tumor, a meditation guru, a famous medium, and a former monk to put her on a path toward light, hope, and healing. If reading this book helps even one person, according to Sara, then telling this story is all worth it.
“Sara Arnell is the only writer I know who can make self-deprecation and wisdom look like the same thing. There Will Be Lobster is a darkly funny memoir with a big heart, and it’s the exact comeback story we all need right now.” —David Hollander, author of Anthropica and L.I.E.
“This book is a deeply personal story that’s not afraid to show you the crazy moments that we all have, but often don’t admit to. Read this memoir if you want to learn how honesty, vulnerability, and sheer perseverance can help you step into your light and illuminate a new path—one that is happy, healthy, and full of hope.” —André Leon Talley, author of New York Times bestseller The Chiffon Trenches and former Vogue editor-at-large.
my thoughts:
I love reading memoirs and learning all about someone else's life experiences. They make you think and reflect about your own journey in life. So, I was excited to pick up Sara Arnell's memoir, There Will Be Lobster: Memoir Of A Midlife Crisis. First off, what did the title mean, and secondly, what an eye-popping book cover. I was intrigued and so I dove right in. And, I read and I read some more. However, I had to stop reading, because I just could not get through the book. I liked the anecdotal essay style that Arnell used to share her personal stories. I just don't think I liked Arnell's stories. I couldn't really relate, and normally, I can always find a way to relate to what I'm reading. I just found myself wondering why I was reading this book. I think my feelings of disconnect stemmed from the memoir's lack of emotional depth. It just felt like the author wanted to write about something, but not truly address the emotional impact of the situation. Instead of sharing about something, she just told us about something. There's a huge difference between sharing and telling, and this book is all about the telling. All in all, the book was just not my cup of tea.
I'd definitely recommend reading the other book bloggers' reviews to get some other opinions of this book - some really seemed to dig There Will Be Lobster, so I may just be in the minority. Here's the link to the TLC Book tour schedule for: There Will Be Lobster
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| (Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book:
“I am the last nomad. My ancestors traveled the East African desert in search of grazing land for their livestock, and the most precious resource of all—water. When they exhausted the land and the clouds disappeared from the horizon, their accumulated ancestral knowledge told them where to move next to find greener pastures. I am the last person in my direct line to have once lived like that.” These lines open Shugri Said Salh’s captivating and utterly original debut memoir, THE LAST NOMAD: Coming of Age in the Somali Desert (Publication Date: August 3rd, 2021; $26.95.) Chronicling Salh’s remarkable journey from her idyllic childhood with a nomadic grandmother in Somalia to her escape from her country’s brutal civil war to her unfamiliar new homes in Canada and then California, THE LAST NOMAD is an unforgettable story of hope, survival, and the shifting definitions of home.
Born in Somalia in 1974 as the fourth daughter in a society that saw daughters as a burden, Salh was sent to live with her beloved ayeeyo (grandmother) at the age of six to learn a once-common way of life. She left behind her parents, her father’s multiple wives, her many siblings, and her home in the city of Galkayo. Though the desert was a dangerous place threatened by drought and hunger and plagued by predators, she grew up courageous and free, learning how to herd camels, raise her own goats, and become a part of the community found through the courtship rituals, nightly stories, and cooking songs of her ancestors. She was even proud to face the rite of passage - a brutal female circumcision - that all “respectable” girls undergo in Somalia.
After the death of her mother and the violent political turmoil that took over the country, Salh was wrenched from the nomadic life she loved. Living first in a refugee camp on the Kenyan border, and ultimately moving to North America, she became a different kind of nomad who was thrust into a new way of life – a life that required navigating everything from escalators to cold weather to marriage and parenthood. With engaging wit, a fierce feminism, and vivid writing that transports readers instantly, THE LAST NOMAD portrays a rich portrait of one woman’s indomitable spirit, and the many vastly different worlds she has encountered in one lifetime.
“There is a saying in my culture that loosely translates: death is inevitable, so make sure your words prevail,” Salh explains. “I realized that if I didn't write this story of mine, it would die with me. It is not only my story, but the story of my family, nomadic culture, my country, and what it is like to be a Somali woman. It is important for me to record my unique upbringing, so my children and their descendants know the strong women they come from. I hope my story ultimately inspires those who have faced adversity in their lives, and brings us all together as humans, regardless of our backgrounds, religion, nationality and gender.” Salh now lives in Sonoma County, California with her husband and three children, and works as an infusion nurse.
my thoughts:
Wow. What a book. The Last Nomad: Coming Of Age In The Somali Desert by Shugri Said Salh is AMAZING!! It is a superb piece of nonfiction that you will swallow up in one sitting. You won't be able to help yourself - you just won't be able to stop reading. This book is so damn good. I loved it.
Salh writes about her ancestors, her childhood - growing up with her grandmother - learning the ways of the desert land and her people. She was fearless and embraced her culture. And then, politics intervened and she found herself at a refugee camp and eventually living in Canada. Now, she found herself facing a new territory to embrace. A country that she needed to figure out how to live in - from the freezing weather to escalators to finding a partner. Salh shares it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly. She writes with such abandon - you can't help but fall in deep with her words and her wit. This is one book you need to read. A definite must-read!
I would happily recommend The Last Nomad to fans of nonfiction and to anyone looking for their next great read - you will LOVE this book to bits!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
about book:
Chip Gaines likes to sweat.
That’s been true ever since he was a little pint-sized hustler selling candy and Capri Suns down at the public tennis courts in northeast Texas. You’ve probably seen him sweat on his television show, Fixer Upper. Deep in his bones he has always known that hard work yields great results, even when there’s little observable evidence of it. On the cusp of launching into what might be the hardest work he and his wife, Joanna, have ever done—building a network—Chip realized that none of it would be possible without his network of people.
Call it a network, a community, a home team. We’ve all got one. Today it might be made up of your family, your neighbors, the people you work with. But if you want a network that will pull you into a life of meaning, a life of joy and connection, you need to be intentional about choosing the people in it. People who are enlivened and electrified by the power of living according to their purpose, who are always in pursuit of lifelong learning, and who have a sincere belief that relationships are more than transactions. Chip Gaines has been building that kind of network his whole life, and he can tell you, it doesn’t come easy.
To say it requires sweat equity would be an understatement. It requires faith in people. It requires hope. And it requires a willingness to grow even when it hurts. From hard-won lessons and personal stories from Chip, No Pain, No Gaines is a by-the-bootstraps manual for building a network you can count on.
my thoughts:
I was a fan of Fixer Upper and I am in LOVE with all things Hearth and Hand with Magnolia at Target. So, to say I was excited to read No Pain, No Gaines is a bit of an understatement. As soon as I received my copy, I settled into a cozy corner and started to read. I didn't stop reading until I turned the very last page later that night. I just loved reading Chip's personal stories and his advice - he's all about creating a strong network of people to have in your life, along with staying true to your self. No Pain, No Gaines is part memoir, part self-help and it is a fantastic read. I absolutely LOVED it!
Chip shares his struggles, failures, and his successes in his book. We learn about how he had to pivot rather swiftly once he realized that baseball was not going to be his future. We read about what woke him up to realizing that life is right in front of you and happening all around you - pay attention. He writes with such honesty and humor, that you can't help but enjoy the conversational tone of the book. No Pain, No Gaines is an engaging read that provides some interesting food for thought. I certainly enjoyed reading the bits about the Magnolia Network and how you have to just go for it - bigger dreams can come true.
I would definitely recommend No Pain, No Gaines for fans of Chip Gaines and anyone looking for their next self-help book - you will LOVE this book!
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!
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| (Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!) |
NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLER
Former Today show host Kathie Lee Gifford draws on stories from her remarkable life to weave together a beautiful reminder that whatever circumstances we face, God is still dreaming big for our years ahead.
When Kathie Lee Gifford stepped down as cohost of the fourth hour of the Today show with Hoda Kotb, you might have thought her best days were behind her. It turns out, she was just getting started. As Kathie Lee says, “I’m not retiring; I’m refiring!”
Taking us from her Chesapeake Bay childhood when she first heard God’s calling, to her skyrocketing fame with Regis, to her decision to leave television for Nashville, Kathie Lee inspires us to pursue what really matters. Because it’s never too late to forgive, to dance the cha-cha, or to make a difference in the world.
God placed His dreams in your heart for a reason. And like Kathie Lee, you might just discover that the best is yet to come. Whether you’re an empty nester, newly single, navigating a career change, or just eager for any change, Kathie Lee helps you hear God’s loving calling because It’s Never Too Late to . . .
Is it time for you to rewrite your story, unearth your hidden passions, and live with a renewed purpose? It’s never too late.
my thoughts:
Love, love, loved this book! I remember Kathie Lee and Regis in the mornings and watching her and Hoda, but I was never a super fan. However, after reading It's Never Too Late, I'm definitely a fan. I just LOVED her book to bits - it was refreshing, inspiring, entertaining, and such a treat to read.
Kathie Lee writes about her life and the ways in which God informed so much of it. She writes about her childhood, falling in love, working with Regis and their friendship, the 'sweatshop' scandal she endured with her clothing line, how she came to work with Hoda on the Today show, and so much more. She shares about the ups and downs she experienced in her life with such openness and honesty, you can't help but fall in deep with her and enjoy getting to know her. She writes about how God has always showed up for her throughout her life and how she's relied on her faith. And, she writes about it never being too late for anything - life can keep getting better and better as you age.
I found her stories to be fun and engaging to read. They can be emotional and thought-provoking. And, they can inspire you to take a look at your own life and the changes that you want to make, or are afraid of making. This is one book that you won't want to put down for anything. Such a great read!
I would happily recommend It's Never Too Late to fans of Kathie Lee and to anyone looking for their next inspiring read - you will fall in love with this book!
Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: It's Never Too Late
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!