Books and other stuff I feel like discussing
By education and experience - Accountant with a specialty in taxation. Formerly a CPA (license has lapsed). Masters degree in law of taxation from University of Denver. Now retired. Part time work during baseball season as receptionist & switchboard operator for the Colorado Rockies. This gig feeds my soul in ways I have trouble articulating. One daughter, and four grandchildren. I share the house with two cats; a big goof of a cat called Grinch (named as a joke for his easy going "whatever" disposition); and Lady, a shelter adoptee with a regal bearing and sweet little soprano voice. I would be very bereft if it ever becomes necessary to keep house without a cat.
Read/Post Comments (1)
Books Update - Non fiction
PRISCILLA - by Nicholas Shakespeare
The author has published several respected biographies of well known people, and began to wonder about a member of his own family. His aunt Priscilla had spent the years leading up to and including WWII in Paris - with a British passport. Although the family was curious about how she managed during those years, she was evasive and close mouthed when asked to relate her experiences. After her death, the author unexpectedly found a trove of documents which answered some questions. He continued to investigate and the result is this absorbing book, which raises some uncomfortable points for readers to ponder.
THE SPLENDID THINGS WE PLANNED - Blake Bailey
One of the few memoirs I can think of which focus almost exclusively on the author's relationship with one person. Bailey's brother struggled his entire life with mental illness. His parents and brother also struggled with limited success to help him manage his life and health. Bailey's book is highly readable and very poignant.
HEIR APPARENT, A LIFE OF EDWARD VII by Jane Ridley
Not sure why, but I've always been fascinated with the history of the first half of the 20th century - and the various personalities who led lives in the spotlight. I heard the author interviewed in a radio program and sought the book out at the library. I really enjoyed it, and got a deeper understanding of a man who had seemed to me to be only a womanizer and bon vivant.
and reading now -
DREAMS FROM MY FATHER by Barack Obama
This was written and published more than ten years ago, before most of us had the foggiest notion of who the author was. I'm finding it very interesting indeed, particularly the chapters which relate his work in Chicago as a community organizer. I don't know if this was ghost written - if so, he doesn't credit anyone else. If he wrote it himself, he deserves every penny of his royalties.
The author has published several respected biographies of well known people, and began to wonder about a member of his own family. His aunt Priscilla had spent the years leading up to and including WWII in Paris - with a British passport. Although the family was curious about how she managed during those years, she was evasive and close mouthed when asked to relate her experiences. After her death, the author unexpectedly found a trove of documents which answered some questions. He continued to investigate and the result is this absorbing book, which raises some uncomfortable points for readers to ponder.
THE SPLENDID THINGS WE PLANNED - Blake Bailey
One of the few memoirs I can think of which focus almost exclusively on the author's relationship with one person. Bailey's brother struggled his entire life with mental illness. His parents and brother also struggled with limited success to help him manage his life and health. Bailey's book is highly readable and very poignant.
HEIR APPARENT, A LIFE OF EDWARD VII by Jane Ridley
Not sure why, but I've always been fascinated with the history of the first half of the 20th century - and the various personalities who led lives in the spotlight. I heard the author interviewed in a radio program and sought the book out at the library. I really enjoyed it, and got a deeper understanding of a man who had seemed to me to be only a womanizer and bon vivant.
and reading now -
DREAMS FROM MY FATHER by Barack Obama
This was written and published more than ten years ago, before most of us had the foggiest notion of who the author was. I'm finding it very interesting indeed, particularly the chapters which relate his work in Chicago as a community organizer. I don't know if this was ghost written - if so, he doesn't credit anyone else. If he wrote it himself, he deserves every penny of his royalties.
Read/Post Comments (1)
Previous Entry :: Next Entry
Back to Top
