Upon first finishing this short story, I thought "That's it?!" There was no big, shocking twist or scandal, and I felt let down. But upon further reflUpon first finishing this short story, I thought "That's it?!" There was no big, shocking twist or scandal, and I felt let down. But upon further reflection I realize that was the point. This is a wholesome story about good people that gives you faith in humanity, and it was a pleasant and quick read....more
I'm utterly perplexed about what exactly makes this book a modern classic. It was so boring, so tedious, and so anticlimactic. I kept with it, expectiI'm utterly perplexed about what exactly makes this book a modern classic. It was so boring, so tedious, and so anticlimactic. I kept with it, expecting a twist or a shock that never came. Just pages upon pages of dialogue between a man and a whiny kid, with no quotation or emotion. There were a few parts that held a bit of tension, but not enough to save this mess. I guess I just don't get it....more
This book caught my eye as I was scrolling through self-help audiobooks on Libby, and I snagged it up because as a single-mom with a full-time career,This book caught my eye as I was scrolling through self-help audiobooks on Libby, and I snagged it up because as a single-mom with a full-time career, various autoimmune health ailments, a home to maintain and all of that, I often feel like I am drowning and slacking on the cooking, cleaning, lawn care, etc. My laundered clothes rarely make it into the closet. We often use paper plates and bowls and eat frozen dinners. I usually clean a room in stages so I'm not overwhelmed. In short, I'm already doing a lot of the tips provided in this book.
The lessons here are not intended for homemakers like me, who simply don't have the time or energy to make our homes picture perfect. This book is geared more for neurodivergent and/or depressed people who are really struggling with "care tasks". I happen to love and adore a person dear to me, who has some of these struggles. And I think this book was a great resource on how I can reframe discussions when I talk to this person about caring for themselves and their possessions when they're in a dark and paralyzing place, and hopefully I'm better equipped to really help them, after listening to this book....more
After Tina's death not long ago, I wanted to know more about her life. In my life, she was the What's Love Got To Do With It, Beyond Thunderdome, fierAfter Tina's death not long ago, I wanted to know more about her life. In my life, she was the What's Love Got To Do With It, Beyond Thunderdome, fierce singer in pumps and denim mini skirts, with red lips and wild hair..But I always knew there was much more to her than that. This autobiography is succinct and endearing. From her rural upbringing, to discovering her vocal talents and getting mixed up with Ike, to her perseverance to make a name for herself on her own, Tina maintains a positive outlook and attitude through all the ups and downs. Even as she describes interacting with other big celebrities, she remains grounded.
I especially enjoyed reading about public moments in her career from her perspective, then finding YouTube clips of those very events, such as her appearances on Hollywood Squares after nobody wanted to hire Tina without Ike. Sadly the book wraps up with her explaining her struggle with kidney disease and other ailments. My own mother too had been on dialysis and undergone a kidney transplant, and I did not know this about Tina. Her thoughts on mortality and enduring medical procedures very much reminded me of my mom's own mindset, further elevating my opinion of Tina. She was simply the best....more
I enjoy the comedy style of Jim Gaffigan, and his delivery in this audiobook had me giggling quite a bit. I wonder how often other motorists on their I enjoy the comedy style of Jim Gaffigan, and his delivery in this audiobook had me giggling quite a bit. I wonder how often other motorists on their way to work glanced over at the middle-aged women giggling behind the steering wheel, at a stoplight, as I listened to this. I actually slowed down the playback to 0.95xs so I could catch all the subtle silly observations.
I really enjoyed how Gaffigan gave props to some unforgettable regional food chains and specialties he's enjoyed throughout his travels. The Shellfish (bug meat) and Salad Bar bits were my favorites. But while I sympathize, I could have done without all of the bits referring to his kids as impatient and messy. And ending the book discussing "last meals" that coincide with your manner of death certainly ended an otherwise lighthearted book on a somber note....more
Do you want to be less stressed? Simple. Don't do things that you don't want to do. Say "No" to anyone who asks for help. Your boss will thank you forDo you want to be less stressed? Simple. Don't do things that you don't want to do. Say "No" to anyone who asks for help. Your boss will thank you for your candid honesty when you turn down work assignments. Just be an overall selfish, self-centered jerk. Put your needs and wants above all other's, and you'll be a happier person.
I don't disagree with the message about how we all are worn too thin. I was hoping for some insight into how to stop this from being a problem, when I checked out this book. Unfortunately, this is one of the most unrealistic and unhelpful self-help books I've ever encountered. If you have anyone in your life who depends on you, the suggestions in this book are going to be useless. Real life is not as simplistic as this book likes to pretend. Some points have a tiny bit of truth to them, such as the importance of surrounding yourself with capable people who do not need to be micro-managed, and that "busy" does not equal "productive". But overall this book is a little insulting in how it assumes it shouldn't be too hard to cut the tedious stuff out of your life....more
I'm not really a Kristin Chenoweth fan. I've never seen her perform live in person, and I didn't know much about her when I started this audiobook. I I'm not really a Kristin Chenoweth fan. I've never seen her perform live in person, and I didn't know much about her when I started this audiobook. I decided to listen to it after watching an interview where she was plugging her book, and she said something my mom told me once, when I was a child and she was in the hospital, nearly 40 years ago that has always stuck with me. I asked my mom "Aren't you angry about being sick? Don't you want to ask God "why me?". My mom said she'd thought about it a lot and she decided "Why not me?" and she went on to explain that she's better equipped to deal with a chronic disease than a lot of people may be. Kristin said nearly the same "Why not me?" quote in that interview. When Kristin said it, the news corespondent interviewing her gushed about how profound it was. When my mom said, it I just nodded and said "Hmm..well, I'm still mad that you have to be sick all the time, and in the hospital instead of here."
My mom passed in 2020 at age 68, and I wanted to listen to this book for more nuggets of wisdom that may remind me of my mom. I didn't get get that, so much. But, I still enjoyed it. This audiobook is fun, insightful, wise, and very easy to listen to without zoning out or getting bored....more
I'm 46 and I occasionally read Young Adult Fiction. Especially considering this was a Reece pick, WOW, THIS WAS BAD. Every character was so dang annoyI'm 46 and I occasionally read Young Adult Fiction. Especially considering this was a Reece pick, WOW, THIS WAS BAD. Every character was so dang annoying and entitled. I stuck with it, through pity parties, ludicrous camp mishaps, and silly love triangles. I was eager to get to the secret-sister backstory, which turned out to be more idiotic than I ever could have imagined. It's been awhile since I've read a book this boring and unrealistic. As a parent, the way these parents spoke to their children was so very disingenuous. The whole thing actually made me angry....more
Both an uplifting and infuriating story. I read this because it was assigned reading for my 14-yr old daughter, and I liked being able to discuss it wBoth an uplifting and infuriating story. I read this because it was assigned reading for my 14-yr old daughter, and I liked being able to discuss it with her. I remember seeing ads for the movie based on the book, and I'm glad to have read the actual story of each of these brilliant kids, their teachers, and Stinky. It really nails down the importance of perseverance, and how despicable our immigration policies are....more
The title of this book is a bit of a misnomer, as I felt most of these stories were about women who were more mentally-ill and out of control than eviThe title of this book is a bit of a misnomer, as I felt most of these stories were about women who were more mentally-ill and out of control than evil and conniving. I already knew of some of these stories, and I enjoyed learning about others. Some of the stories were drawn out and even a bit complicated. But as a whole, this was an interesting and enjoyable book....more
This book really pales in comparison with other TJR books I've read. The characters were never fleshed out enough for me to buy or understand what wasThis book really pales in comparison with other TJR books I've read. The characters were never fleshed out enough for me to buy or understand what was supposed to be endearing about the protagonist, Emma, or the two beaus. It was an interesting premise, that I liken to Helen Hunt's character's POV in the movie Cast Away. And I did like the idea that the best partner is the one that makes YOU feel like the most natural version of YOURSELF, when you're with them. This is something I need to occasionally remind myself of. But so much of this book was slow or downright silly. There were details that added nothing to the story at all (specific details about her friend's sexuality and her neices being deaf, for example). I thought some of those details might play into a surprise twist. But nope, they were entirely pointless. The story really just dragged, and painted the protagonist as an entitled, delusional girl. It wasn't great....more
For at least half of this book, I couldn't put it down. Each chapter ended on a cliff-hanger and I was hooked. At work all day, I couldn't wait to getFor at least half of this book, I couldn't put it down. Each chapter ended on a cliff-hanger and I was hooked. At work all day, I couldn't wait to get back to this story. But things got frustrating as soon as the wannabe sleuths swung into action. Some of the leads and conclusions were downright perplexing to me. Clearly, this story took place in the time of Facebook and LinkedIn, but you wouldn't think so with the tactics deployed in this convoluted mystery. Then the "big reveal" wasn't all that big, in my opinion.
The set-up was outstanding. However, I feel like there was a missed opportunity to take this story in a more realistic, yet shocking, direction.
Merged review:
For at least half of this book, I couldn't put it down. Each chapter ended on a cliff-hanger and I was hooked. At work all day, I couldn't wait to get back to this story. But things got frustrating as soon as the wannabe sleuths swung into action. Some of the leads and conclusions were downright perplexing to me. Clearly, this story took place in the time of Facebook and LinkedIn, but you wouldn't think so with the tactics deployed in this convoluted mystery. Then the "big reveal" wasn't all that big, in my opinion.
The set-up was outstanding. However, I feel like there was a missed opportunity to take this story in a more realistic, yet shocking, direction....more
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