If you bother to read this book, and I don't think you should, certainly don't do it in audiobook form. The main character is supposed to be a 20-someIf you bother to read this book, and I don't think you should, certainly don't do it in audiobook form. The main character is supposed to be a 20-something woman but the narrator makes it sound like a woman in her 50's or 60's. Also, the "mystery" in this was terrible and the romance was excruciating. Seriously, it's like Maddie Day read a formula for how to write a cozy mystery, and basically read a soulless book. Do not remotely recommend. Is it possible to rate a book 0 stars?...more
When I was in college and grad school, I played soccer. I ran, training for marathons and triathlons. I swam. I did Tang Soo Do. I hurt my ankle on JuWhen I was in college and grad school, I played soccer. I ran, training for marathons and triathlons. I swam. I did Tang Soo Do. I hurt my ankle on July 3, 2001 playing soccer (went up for a head ball and came down on the outside of my foot). The last run I ever went on was in May or June 2003. I had ankle surgery in 2002 to fix torn ligaments and it was one of my first real runs trying to get back to "normal". I had pain in the back of my ankle, behind my ankle bone, so I called my doctor, who referred me to a "better" doctor. It turned out that the tendons used to fix my ligaments tore and after 2 more failed surgeries, I was referred to another "even better" doctor who fused my ankle. I miss running. The closest I can do now is get on the elliptical, which I've had an on-and-off affair with since. Before covid, I was working out 6 days a week. 2 of those were lifting, the other 4 were just elliptical at the gym. When covid hit, I bought an elliptical and set it up in my basement.
It turns out Peter Sagal and I have a lot in common, more so than I'd have thought. We've both been hit by cars, we've both torn tendons, we've both broken our backs. I enjoyed listening to his words of wisdom while working on the Virtual Running Club Get to Sesame Street challenge. I'm doing the 100 and the 500, so I'm seeing a lot of my elliptical. I felt a little guilty listening to the book when I got to the section where he talked about why he doesn't run with headphones. But even then, I get his point. When I get on the elliptical or go for a walk, it's in part to think. So I usually listen to things where it's ok to be distracted (ok, or work calls. I've done a lot of work calls on the elliptical. My job is so glamorous...). I mostly wasn't distracted listening to this book, but found myself thinking about it when listening to other books or podcasts. I have to look back through to find one of the books he mentioned. I think it'll be another good listen.
There was one section I really appreciated. "Perhaps you would like to start running. You never have tried before, or you did and you hated it, and now you wonder how to begin moving in a way that will keep you going. Get up. Start. Go. Move. Take a rusty first step, like the Tin Man. You will squeak. Go." (page 34 of the Kindle edition, per my phone)...more
I'm not crying, you're crying. Ok, there was only crying at the end of the book. I started the book on Kindle, where it was a quick pick up and read aI'm not crying, you're crying. Ok, there was only crying at the end of the book. I started the book on Kindle, where it was a quick pick up and read a little bit book, but in order to be able to read more, I bought the audiobook because it has WhisperSync for Voice and I ended up listening to the last half or so. Ken Jennings does most of the narration (at least for what I listened to), except for a few chapters. I finished the book while on the elliptical and the last chapter (narrated by Alex) is where he discusses his decision to stop further treatments.
This book was really enjoyable, especially if you're a fan of Jeopardy. Each chapter is a little vignette about his life or Jeopardy or a contestant on Jeopardy. It's also deeper, touching on topics of depression and illness and pain. I found it hard to keep back tears at times. RIP, Alex Trebek. ...more
Thanks to work, I devoured this (pun intended). I didn't like it quite as much as I did Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in DisguiseThanks to work, I devoured this (pun intended). I didn't like it quite as much as I did Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise but it was still enjoyable. I never subscribed to Gourmet, but my mom was a long-time subscriber. I remember looking through her issues. When I started cooking on my own, I would use their recipes (from epicurious -- I didn't know the insanity behind THAT decision, either!). It was interesting to see the history of the magazine and how Reichl changed it..and what was working against her. Definitely recommend, even if not 5 stars....more
In a thread in the Sword & Laser group, a member mentioned how good this book was and how it might be made into a movie (thanks, Trike!). He's absolutIn a thread in the Sword & Laser group, a member mentioned how good this book was and how it might be made into a movie (thanks, Trike!). He's absolutely right. I devoured this and was fascinated not only on the experience as a NYT food critic but as a person forced to have multiple personalities--and finding herself through those personalities. I have to agree with Trike...this would be a great movie, kind of in the same vein as Julie & Julia. If you like great food, you'll probably like this book....more
I guess I don't read too many biographies/autobiographies, because I had to create a shelf for them. I actually only decided to read this because I waI guess I don't read too many biographies/autobiographies, because I had to create a shelf for them. I actually only decided to read this because I was going to see her on the tour for the book (I went on the 25th of November and it was fantastic). I was excited to see that the audiobook was narrated by Mrs. Obama, so that was how I consumed most of it.
I enjoyed it. While the tone of the book was generally positive (as most of these are), there were a few parts in the book where it didn't "all work out" as she'd hoped. But that's part of the narrative - rolling with the punches and putting your feet in the direction that you want to go. The book had very happy moments and some moments where I swear the room was dusty. I wish it could have ended on a more positive note. The book is chronological, though it's not specifically reliving the outcome of the 2016 election that got me down. There were other difficult times, times that seemed to get worse and worse, towards the end of the Obama administration.
Mrs. Obama reminds me a bit of my 7th grade reading teacher. She was another strong African-American woman, who always admonished us to stand up for our names and be proud of who we were. Somehow, I think they would have gotten along....more
terpkristin
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bio-and-autobio
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