Valuable as a true memoir of events as they happened
350968
Very revealing document from 1942. Reporter Richard Tregaskis kept a daily diary while embedded with Marines on Gaudalcanal, and the result is a surprisingly frank portrayal of the situation and men he covered. The attitude toward the enemy is particularly interesting, as the Marines dehumanized their enemy and even the reporter wishes he was armed to fight back against snipers.

I suspect that if you wish to know what the average American soldier thought about the Japanese in 1942, the book is a gold mine of data
1709404
Andrea Simon has written a memoir filled with haunting memories.  I found her descriptions so realistic, her feelings so intense that I was transported to the time and place of her ancestors. It became clear as I turned the pages that what began as the author's personal journey ended as a  reminder to all readers, of events never to be forgotten.
112483
This is a book worth reading whether you have close personal experience with the world of mental illness or are looking for insight into a grim reality that most Americans try to pretend doesnt exist. Highlighting the humanity of both her patients and co-workers, Dr. Fords journal-like memoir conveys some of the best and worst of working in what has to be one of the most challenging careers possible.

While its not the gritty expose I was expecting, Sometimes Amazing Things Happen tackles some of the harsh realities of working at or being a patient in our nations severely dysfunctional criminal justice/mental health system. Its clear that the book could have been devoted solely to documenting the injustice and abuse present in the system but Dr. Ford instead emphasizes the element of hope in herself and others. The book doesnt offer any grand solutions on how to make things better but carries the simple message that actually caring about these patients is crucial and our lives are enriched when we do so.
3932400
There are fewer and fewer Holocaust survivors every year, and as more people deny that this huge catastrophe ever took place, it becomes more important for us to have personal accounts like this one.

What makes this book so appealing, however, is the immediacy of the author's recollections: the textures, odors, sounds of life during the years of Nazi occupation and mass murder of Jews in Eastern Europe. The book is heartbreaking in places, but also very human and moving.
3006037
Excellent storytelling, probably more focus on providing names of each person involved in each event than I prefer, but I get that these are real events, real people, and appreciate the time spent connecting the reader to them.
442453
Behind the perfect life, there may be an authentic woman who shapes the hurt and the humor into an imperfect but ultimately heroic life. The dichotomy of the life depicted by a series of treasured boxes is the insecurity and doubt Donnan reveals to the reader, while describing a life and relationships that the onlooker would consider prosperous and fulfilling. I read it once quickly, and then returned to it again to look more closely at the significance of details that were treated lightly but carried more weight. This memoir is not a strictly chronological life story, but rather a series of episodes about a vibrant, ethical, spirited middle class wife, mother and activist.
4605336
This collection of photos and essays was one of the few to come out in 2002 that did not smack of "we're in it for the money" opportunism. Thoughtfully put together by the staff of the New York Times, A NATION CHALLENGED, is a poignant reminder of the events of 9/11/01, events that have been talked about so much that we have run out of words. Fortunately, the expression a picture is worth one thousand words holds true. Each photo speaks volumes from pity to horror, shock to acceptance, destruction to hope.
While the compilation is slanted to the devestation that occurred in lower Manhattan, I don't believe that it's disproportionate. What happened here, to us, the carnage and destruction, was on such a huge scale that it merits the extra coverage. Also, so many of the events were captured on film by cameramen, professional and amateur, that there is a vast resource of horrific images from which to choose. Given that, I actually believe that the Times showed remarkable restraint. By no means does this diminish the outrages and sorrows of Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. New York's collective heart breaks for them, too, and the images of those scenes are no less dumbfounding.
A NATION CHALLENGED is a professionally approached and executed photojournal. I only hope we'll never need this kind of book again.
1801483
Kay Kennedy has served history in a way that biographers and historians have not. She has put together an anthology of historical events as seen through the eyes of those who actually lived them. This collection of stories, a too-little-known rich treasure, inserts the reader into the historical event itself and tells the story from the inside out of the events and mind sets that benchmarked America's growing pains as a nation.

Kay herself was present in Little Rock, Arkansas when the first black children were escorted by the national guard as they integrated into their new previously all-white school-- an inflammatory event of the times with a poignant burned-in-memory become memoir of "the someone" who lived it.

As someone who lived through the storm that was the sixties and early seventies and its assassinations of Martin Luther King, President John F. Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy, Malcolm X, Medgar Evers and Black Panther Party leaders, the Vietnam War, the Kent State University killings of students by the national guard, the Attica Prison riot, Watergate and Nixon's resignation, I can tell you America's growth came at a great price.

Kay awarded me the privilege of the inclusion of my own essay "When I Am a Grownup I Will Do Something" about the cold war and the age of Nuclear and chemical weapons and my activist work with Sister Cities, grantwriting and the funding of a USAID grant, and subsequent trip to Russia to help build the social capital and infrastructure for the START II Treaty weapons of mass desctruction decommissioning initiative. It chronicles the fear of nukes of my childhood years and a personal vow in the mind of a child that brought her full circle-- to find herself standing in Red Square in the land of the enemy to finally face down the haunting ghostly terror of childhood.

History professors have adopted the book for their history courses; I think it should be required reading. By putting together this collection, Kay has contributed to the healing of the witnesses to the events and the collective healing of America's scars from the wounds of a turbulent time in history.

As one who lived it, I highly recommend Kay's work that will take you there and make it personal for you too.
2552009
I was moved by the trials and tribulations that this author went through, from her poor upbringing to her college days, to her eventual...well, i don't want to give too much away. Needless to say, it's a book that everyone should read. There's some true enlightenment here. The writing style is strong, though at times rambles. It feels like it was put together from a series of essays rather than one complete book, but in this case, that works. Too many memoirs cover every little detail of life. This is a series of snap shots that show a greater truth. In the end, this is a story about inner truth and peace. Highly recommended.
2964180
Shannon Hale has written a riveting memoir that takes the reader through the complicated dynamics of friendship and sisterhood she had to navigate during her elementary school years. The needs of wanting to be accepted, wanted, needed even, by others is explored and contrasted against the question "Is my individuality worth sacrificing in order to be part of a group?" The friends Shannon makes and the kids she went to school with are worth discussing and empathizing with, the situations are still true today, and using Hale's characters as a safe way to analyze our behaviors and reactions might save readers from a few bumps and heartaches in this thing known as growing up. The Author's Note adds value to the memoir for many reasons: it explains that Shannon suffered from anxiety and mild OCD and how today there are ways to get help, opening up a gateway to conversation about similar things readers may be going through; and it reaffirms to the reader, that although it is difficult to wait for the right friend to come along, it will indeed happen, leaving readers with a sense of true hope.
1605948
What an interesting and inspiring memoir this was.  Now having said that, I will admit up front that I am not generally a big reader of memoirs, having only read one other (Solacers by Arion Golmakani).  Having come across The Little Girl That Could on an author discussion group site, I wondered to myself if this could be as enjoyable as Solacers -- as it turned out, I was not disappointed.  Though having been born in Germany before WWII and survived the horrors of the entire war as a young child, Marianne Tong's command of the English language was impeccable in all facets of the writing of this memoir.  If only many of us American-born citizens could write so clearly and express ourselves as well as she did.

It was fascinating to follow her earlier years while trying to grow up in a city that was always under siege by the Allied bombings -- ultimately to have her parent's apartment destroyed by those bombings.  As one continues to read through her eventual move to America at age 13 and ultimately becoming a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to many, it is easy to see how those first thirteen years set in motion the basis for all of her later behaviors and experiences when it came to raising her own children and, during the summer months, their children.

Having lost her own sense of innocence at a very early age, and somewhat hardened by her experiences, one is not surprised to read of her active role as an adult in righting wrongs and being a voice for those that are ignored by the general populace.  Her many letter-writing campaigns included presidents, governors, senators and representatives, mayors and many other notables as well.  At times she called into question the "apathetic spirit" of American ideals.  How could Americans shun their very own citizens during their time of greatest need?  In spite of her active nature, she never lost sight of the fact that she was first and foremost a wife and a mother.  We come to realize throughout the memoir that she fought hard (successfully) to maintain a loving, cohesive family -- something, as we sadly find out, she did not experience in her own upbringing.  I highly recommend Marianne's memoir to anyone who is looking for an inspirational read that cannot but help to put our own lives in better perspective.
4417751
This memoir of life in Maoist China is not only historically important, it is a snapshot of what life could be like here if we proceed along the path to totalitarian rule. Nien Cheng lived through horrific times with rare courage. It is a story of what it takes to stand up to corrupt power run amok. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and have recommended it to our book group; it is worth reading and discussing.
3048055
Cheren has written an autobiography and therefore readers looking for a carefully researched or well-polished volume need to adjust their expectations.  The book reads like a transcription of a taped interview or reminiscence.  It contains all sorts of memories, anecdotes, and reflections from a man who has reason to look back with truly mixed, powerful emotions.

The assertive ego on display here is part and parcel of the story.  Cheren's involvement in the record and nightclub industries all but promise self-promotion will be prominent.  He deserves some of his self-accolades, I'd say.  He did join into the record industry at a time when shifts in lifestyle and musical tastes were emerging.  He did shape the signings and releases that forged the genre that would be called disco.  He did participate in the nightclub and social world that exploded outwards following the Stonewall transition.  He did rally in response to the health crisis that exploded in the 80s.  He did survive HIV to tell the tale.

Regardless of authorial shortcomings, this book is invaluable in its first-hand portrayal of the NY gay scene post-Stonewall.  It stands as a companion to the other, much-cited document The Dancer From The Dance, which we must remember is fiction.  Cheren's autobiography gives the places, players, and events with all the details anyone could hope for.  He paints the picture vividly, bringing it all back to those of us who took part and depicting it clearly for those who weren't there.

Even more valuable to me, and what makes me keep referring back to the book time and again, is the timeline of emerging music.  Cheren's part in the music industry allows him to discuss early disco releases in authoritative ways that scholars have not been able to.  He was there, he can discuss the newness of the music and the responses of the audiences he danced with.  He worked alongside many of the notable DJs, remixers, and producers and watched with pride as his chosen musical motif developed throughout the 70s, 80s, and beyond.  He is one of the few writers who not only detail the important, magnetic musical releases of the early 70s, but also the pre-disco records of the 60s that dancers had to settle for in the early clubs.

This book has many merits;  for me, it is most revered for its musical insights into social dance soundtracks.  For fans of real disco, this is a must-have.  For people wanting to understand social dancing patterns in the US, it is essential.
1677826
Well written and covers all of the important events of the week-end and the Monday, May 4.  This short account gives a true pictue of what happened.  I know, I was there.  It brought back memories of things that were said such as on Sunday everyone was talking about a noon rally on Monday.  Most went to class but others stayed in because of the uncertain feeling.  The account of the sniper was heard on campus but then most of us dismissed it because it would have come from Prentice hall which was a girl's dorm.
197580
When reading Panzer Destroyer, a few items stood out to me right away. Most notably, its author, Vasiliy Krysov, gives what I find to be an honest account of events (some of which are corroborated by a short section of endnotes). Unlike the authors of some other combat memoirs Ive read, Krysov does not bloviate about his own heroism and battlefront ingenuity but instead relates events matter-of-factly. Though there are moments in which he is, in fact, responsible for a battle turning in the Russians favor, Krysov never dwells on his own accomplishments.

Krysov also clearly went to great length to research the broader history of the engagements in which he took part, as evidenced by the lengthy descriptions of units and officers involved. As such, Krysovs style comes across as more like that of a textbook than a narrative, which will undoubtedly please some readers and bore others. Personally, I appreciate the attention to detail and historical accuracy, even if it sometimes slows the memoir down. I will admit, however, that it was impossible for me to keep straight the dozens of different comrades and units Krysov lists; I often found myself flipping back to previous pages to maintain continuity in my own head, for Krysov seemed to change tank crews as often as tread links!

I was a little disappointed that Krysov glosses over some events I was most eager to read aboutnamely his time on the Stalingrad front and his final campaign in East Prussiaand instead spends most of his time recounting his role in the Battle of Kursk and in the 1944 summer offensive. This is my own prejudice, though, and I have not taken it into consideration in rating Panzer Destroyer.

If anything negative can be said of Krysovs memoir in this regard, it is that he often (but not always) leaves out the gory details of battle. The panzers went here, got this many of ours, we got this many of theirs, and we moved on is all he says about many engagements. Considering Krysov wrote his memoir decades after the war, though, it is little wonder the whole book isn't like this.

In particular, I really enjoyed some of Krysovs humorous and jaw-dropping anecdotes, the likes of which can only be found in memoirs. His recollection of the campaign wives enjoyed by most Russian officers during the war was an invaluable dose of information I have never seen described like it is here, and Krysov encountered enough dedicated Party members and political officers during the war to make for some very interesting stories. Similarly, Krysov also briefly shares his thoughts on officer politics, the execution of captured Germans, the prevalence of rape late in the war, and his own Christian faith, which was of course illegal for him to practice.

All aspects of Panzer Destroyer considered, I am probably overrating it a bit at 4 stars, because to tell the truth there were portions of it that I really had to slog through, but it is nonetheless a valuable contribution to the history of the Eastern Front. Krysovs honesty is what makes this memoir special, and it is one I am glad I took the time to read.
3717257
This 1997 memoir by Kathryn Harrison is the true story of her incestuous relationship with her father.  Her parents were divorced and there had been little contact throughout her childhood, but she had always been obsessed with him.  Then, after visiting her in college when she was 20, his kiss good-bye was passionate rather than fatherly. That was the beginning.
Ms. Harrison's writes in the present tense, with brief flashbacks and flash forwards, her language seemingly simple and yet poetic.  Always, it is startling with a deep underlay of sorrow.  The reader shares her turmoil, her guilt, her attraction to her father as well as her repulsion.  She's a victim, although a willing one, anorexic, bulimic and sad.
I've read two of her other books, "Poison" and "The Binding Chair".  I loved both of them.  And now that I've read this memoir, I've come to know her more and understand the deep well of discomfort which is present in her writing.  Now a wife and mother, and a writer of some renown, I admire the courage it took for her to write this book and come to terms with the demons of her past.  A mere 207 pages of large print, this book can be easily read in one sitting.  Like her other books, it's not a pleasant read but yet very worthwhile.  I definitely recommend it.
4573917
Jo Haldeman does a good job in her memoir looking back on the 1960s and 70s, giving readers a look at what it was like to be part of the Nixon White House years. Her husband, Bob Haldeman, was Richard Nixons Chief of Staff, and was often portrayed in the press as a type of Germanic tough guy. Both he and his wife were actually Angelenos, brought up in the Christian Scientist faith, and attended UCLA. When they moved to Washington from California in 1968, according to Mrs. Haldeman, life was fun, exciting and somewhat unbelievable; due to the fact the presidency was seen in a much holier light back then than it is now. There was great respect for the President of the United States, especially by those who supported President Nixon and believed he would make the United States a safer, more productive place to live, as well as end the war in Vietnam.

Its important to note that Jo Haldeman does not come across like a Stepford Wife, or a martyr, or anything other than an intelligent, sensitive, highly capable wife, mother and citizen. Much of this memoir concerns family life descriptions, including extended families on both sides, as well as Mrs. Haldemans concern that her husband was so rarely home after they moved to Washington; and when he was, he was chained to telephones. Shes not the complaining type, though, and back then wives often put their own needs far behind their husbands needs. With four children, White House social obligations and volunteer work, the author actually had little time to complain.

Then, there was a small newspaper article on a break-in at the Watergate apartments, and life would soon never be the same for the Haldeman family. Once again, Jo Haldeman handles everything that comes her way, even though she is eventually thoroughly traumatized by the idea her husband might go to jail; and how that would affect him, their children, their parents and their ability to pay the bills. Throughout it all, however, their marriage never weakens, because she and her husband are obviously a pair and part of a team, where there is no thought whatsoever of breaking up.  Their Christian Scientist faith obviously bonded them, too.

Bob Haldeman is presented in a very good light by his wife in this memoir, although she is happy to point out that the whole Watergate and prison experience made him a more sensitive, caring husband and man. Her belief of his White House career appears to be that he sacrificed himself for a greater cause and for Richard Nixon.  While there is a lot of political stuff and court stuff in this book, this is really not so much a book about politics or Watergate; but a book about being a dedicated wife, mother and family member; about being a very strong woman with faith and purpose; and about being a citizen of the United States during a very turbulent, exciting time.

*<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Send-In-The-Clowns/dp/B00122A1H2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Send In The Clowns</a>