She's captured the "real" Anna Wilmot!
937943
When I met Neenah must have been the morning after she had camped under Anna's window.  I too was awake early the August morning, waiting for Anna to come home from her morning row.  It was the day after one of her many birthday parties, and I wanted to tell her how nice she looked on the tv.  I hopped on my boat just as Anna was nearing the shore and cruised my way over there before she started up her hill.
  Anna introduced me to Neenah, saying that Neenah was going to share my dear Anna with the rest of the world.  And after reading this book, I'm here to tell you that Neenah has truly captured the real Anna.
  I'll admit I originally only bought this book to read about my friend, but I found myself drawn to all of the Centenarians and the stories they had to share.  In the mean time I learned things about Anna that I never knew.  I never knew Anna's husband Fred. He had died before I was born!  Anna was my favorite babysitter (when she was 70 something, and I was in grade school).
  She is still in fine health all though her hearing is going and her knees are bad.  She often calls me up to find out how my love life is going.  Anna has promised to dance at my wedding, and I'm going to hold her to that.  But she has told me that she's getting tired so I better get to it!!!

And just remember this....
  Don't eat the fish!!!

Addition:  Aug 2005... Anna has just celebrated her 107th birthday, and is still going strong.

Addition: May 2009... Anna has lost her battle with old age... She passed away on Mothers Day at age 110.  She shall be remembered.
1849706
This is a very well written book that contains a lot of information considering it was written just a few months following the escape of Natascha Kampusch.  It appears that she was absolutely HOUNDED by the press and others almost from the very beginning of her freedom, and it is a miracle to me that she was able to be true to herself in deciding what the public had a right to know about her ordeal, and what it doesn't.  Talk about the strength of one's convictions!  I think it is more than admirable that she has been able to set boundaries for herself and stick to them!  Who's to say that she shouldn't be allowed to do this?

The book is what a reader should expect from journalists.  The authors gathered all available sources and information and put it all together, always seemingly non-judgmental.  We, the public, have no right to any personal information that another person decides to keep to his- or herself.  For heavens sake, this girl was TEN YEARS OLD at the time she was abducted off the street while heading to school.

At the time I am writing this, Elizabeth Smart has just finished her testimony against her captor; everyone agrees that she is a fearless and brave girl.  Natascha Kampusch never had the opportunity to accuse her kidnapper since he was dead. I am sure she would have made the right choice for herself regarding testimony if given the chance, and I think the so-called public should give up the diatribe against her.  It is unfair and un-called for!  She is a brave girl, and I wish only the very best for her.
3626321
well written - some real suprises as the tale unfolds.. aa genuine heroine with help from some unlikely sources. You feel her pain!  and her joy!
4930007
I was truly surprised by this autobiography. Not expecting a page-turner, I sat down with it Monday night, and had finished it Tuesday night. Julie-Anne weaves a story that is both authentic and fascinating. A highlight for me was the wide range of subjects explored: water skiing; bullfighting; travel (and the travel business); the EMT profession; firefighters; depression and abuse; sex; marriage . . . the list goes on and on.

Julie-Anne writes in a clean, crisp style and her narrative flow is right on--and so is her pace and timing. She has lived through a great deal and has triumphed over much adversity. I recommend this very highly!
4761761
This is a delightful mini-memoir that can be read in one sitting...a good thing because you won't be able to put it down. Anna's great storytelling takes you right along on her and her husband's adventure to Antarctica. A place you think you know, but where the reality will amaze you. The stories Anna shares are not those of your typical travelogue. She shares the off-beat tidbits such as dealing with lost luggage, overcoming sea-sickness, casual conversations with Polar Medal winning explorers and New Year's Eve at the Akademik Vernadsky Station. And yes, there are stunning pictures of penguins, seals, whales and beautiful scenery. Just one warning. If you read this you'll find yourself desperately wanting to go on this adventure yourself!
348794
Princess Anna Tarasova has been in London for two years at her uncle Henrys. She was sent to her mothers native land by her father until the danger has passed. Since the extent of her wealth has become public knowledge, Anna has had to fend off suitors who have been descending upon her like birds of prey. Her heart has always belonged to Misha, now a soldier in the Russian army. At a ball, trying to avoid unwanted prospective grooms, Anna thinks she might have espied Misha amongst the crowded room. The following day, she learns it was not an illusion. Misha, Captain Mikhail Abromovich, the son of Annas father stable master, has come up in the world. However he is not merely a soldier but an envoy in secret negotiations, which will take place in the greatest of secret: the fate of several countries depends upon it. Misha has always been in love with Anna, but his mission makes it all but impossible to do what he most wants, as to succeed, he must betray Annas trust, and all may be lost.

To begin with, upon seeing the blurb, I knew Ms. Broadfield would get everything Russian right, and thus merits a full, shiny star. The Russian last names, patronyms, nicknames are all spot on; nothing was left to chance, and its also evident that she did extensive research to make the story as authentic as possible, for which I will be eternally grateful. The historical context is impeccable, and most intimately tied in with the romance. I loved the abundance of little details, which served to enrich the story while not detracting from it.

While the premise seemed rather predictable from the onset, I knew my heart was eventually going to break for both Anna and Misha. They had not seen each other in six years, and I very much appreciated that while Annas love for Misha never faltered, she was nevertheless cautious and reasonable and needed to make sure that what had once been was still there, and this from both sides. The prose is subdued and sublime, with a bittersweet undertone that reflects the melancholy of the Russian soul, as well as the inevitable heartbreak that will crush both Anna and Misha. There were a few little things that marred the whole, among others when a romantic moment occurs, a mishap involving puppies made the interlude somewhat unsavoury for me, and I was perplexed at addressing a Russian princess by her first name! However, where I had thought a misunderstanding unnecessary, I was proved wrong, as a national disaster was barely averted. ONE LAST KISS is remarkable because its very distinctive, as it shows us the Russian side of the war, all the characters are very well defined, and Anna and Misha are very engaging; the romance is absolutely lovely!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
3727456
Having had a lifelong fascination with Ziegfeld, I was so thrilled so find such a meticulously researched and beautifully written biography of his first wife, Anna Held. Eve Golden brings Anna to life as more than just a "naughty" French showgirl. Golden makes Anna a three dimensional woman who was both strong and weak, loving and spiteful. It is sad that today Anna is not well remembered. In her time, she was a major trendsetter and a precursor to the free living flappers of the 20s. The highlight of the book is Golden's description of the Ziegfeld-Held marriage. She uses portions of Anna's autobiography but, like any good reporter/author, takes some claims in the book with a grain of salt (especially since Anna's autobiography was ediyed by her daughter, who happened to despise Ziegfeld). This makes the book even more compelling and thought provoking. I hope Even Golden writes many more books on theater and film history. She makes them interesting like no other author!
3394381
a stunning and realistic enactment of a true to life drama
365373
I loved this book!  From the outset, I was cheering the heroine on!  She and several of the other characters in this story are the type that make you wish fiction were real!
3114978
Very funny and real- never heard of her before I read this, but now I am a fan of the blog
4065542
This book was so totally real.  From the office politics to the relationships between husband and wife the book captured it all.  I read this book in one day.  I could not stop turning the pages.  In particular, Kimberla captured what really goes on behind the scenes in the workplace.  I particularly liked the way she dealt with Anise's budding romantic interaccial relationship.  I also appreciate the fact that Kimberla did not sugar coat the plot so that everything would come out like a fairy tale.  This book is definately worth purchasing!  A very quick read!  Thank you Ms. Lawson for another outstanding portrayal.
4767195
The Realist was an absolute pleasure to read! A fictionalized biography of Berenice Abbott, the 20th century photographer, it was a rip roaring catalogue of adventures, populated by the likes of Man Ray, Stieglitz and Dali. I thought Coleman was superb at depicting the steady, clear sighted vision of Abbott, the Realist, at the same time as showing how hard her choices were, and how much she struggled to make them. "Of course, without the benefit of intimacy or hindsight, her life can be viewed as a string of glittering successes." Coleman provides that intimacy, and also one of the most beautiful mature relationships I've encountered in literature. Reminded me of William Boyd's "Any Human Heart". I shall be buying this for my mother!
3235316
The author writes in a voice that is true to the region and the many individuals who contributed stories. Her writing delights with strong visual images and are complimented beautifully by photographs of the area. This an excellent book to read around a campfire or under the covers when you want a little chill! However, you might want to sleep with the light on!

I totally disagree with the previous review regarding the stories needing to be expanded on. Being from the area, I am thrilled that she remained true to the stories many of us have heard whispered around slumber parties for years. I applaud her for remaining true to the versions she was given instead of sensationalizing them for effect. I'd rather have an honest version of a local "true" story then a sensationalized bit of fiction.
1327549
I was really impressed by this book and by the author as a person. There is no doubt in my mind that Anna Kendrick worked her way to her success, and has had more than her share of fun and interesting stories along the way. It's a challenge for anyone to discuss their hard work and success without inspiring some negative opinions from people taking it the wrong way, but Kendrick strikes such a light and humorous tone that makes her instantly likable and had me rooting for her every step of the way.

She took a near-death boating experience and had me laughing out loud at her changing opinions of "The Sea," she made struggling in LA seem like the typical young adult experience, and she gave us a bomb-ass wearing-a-gown-boarding-a-private-plane photograph. Would definitely recommend picking this one up!

All I can say is, I'll be pre-ordering her tell-all when she's 70!
3303608
Good G*D! This woman knows what she is doing! The arrangements and tonal structures of her voice leave you both breathless and mesmerized.

I heard it once, and knew it was special, though I was a bit skeptical of all the electronic effects.

But now this replaces THE MOTHMAN PROPHECIES soundtrack as my most listened-to album(Low, TomandAndy).

May she succeed, and further, Loreena McKennitt, Lisa Gerrard, and Shelia Chandra have nothing on her.
4187620
I have seen her live. Its real! I have every CD I am aware she is on! "Up Close and Personal" got me hooked and I have been gathering Antonia ever since. If you don't buy one you will miss out on something special. The voice is a mixture of England, USA, and the Caribbean. The passion that makes all that possible is a sustaining love of GOD!
4712258
OK, I read Rachel Held Evans' "Girl from Monkeytown" and really loved it, so I subscribed to her blog, and was there for at least part of her journey through her Year of Biblical Womanhood. But I tended to dip in an out of the blog at that time, so it was more that I registered what she was doing than that I followed her progress closely. But I listen to audiobooks a lot, and when I saw this was available, I bought it, And I am so glad I did. Rachel is intelligent, thoughtful, passionate, wise, and incredibly gifted--she came out of a very conservative evangelical tradition, which she still honours without being in any way enslaved by it. I have no idea how she did it, but she is pretty much fully awake and aware--a true "Woman of Valour"! This book will make you laugh, maybe shed a tear or two, and make you think--HARD.