Delightful insights, with a colorful and amusing narrative style
593927
Some memoirs are fascinating because one relates to them very intensely, and some because they are totally foreign to ones own experience.  My (Part Time) Paris Life by Lisa Anselmo is in the latter category for me.

Anselmo describes vividly her codependency with her strong willed but smothering mother.  After her mothers death from cancer, Lisa began to re-invent herself, beginning with the purchase of a studio apartment in Paris.  During the months of renovation of that apartment, she commuted numerous weekends to oversee the work and establish herself in the neighborhood as something other than a tourist.  Her career in the magazine publishing industry at first permitted and facilitated these frequent trips across the ocean, but when the magazines for which she worked began to fold, she reached another crisis point, concerning whether or not to take the risk of moving to Paris full-time and developing her more creative side as a writer in her own right.

Obviously, never having had anything like an urge to live in any part of Europe, especially not on a part-time basis with frequent trans-Atlantic flights, I did indeed find Anselmos willingness to engage in this sort of lifestyle a bit incomprehensible.  However, she describes it vividly, with all sorts of intriguing vignettes, including the experience of participating in the Gay wedding of two of her friends, one of the first such events of its kind at the time.  She certainly shares some delightful insights into the life of an American expat in present-day Paris, and her narrative style is both colorful and amusing.
2310049
What lingers after reading "A Year in Provence" is certainly a positive impression. Peter Mayle has an aptitude for deftly producing, here and there, a memorable description or turn of phrase. Moreover, I know a lot more about the Provenal temperament and milieu after reading this book and, I must admit, experienced not a small amount of envy during some of the passages. However, do not approach this book with the lofty prepossessions that some of the reviews attempt to inspire. Reading "A Year in Provence" is like entertaining a well-informed, loquacious dinner guest who can transform the minutiae of his domestic details and incidental observations into an amusing, undemanding narrative. Expect nothing more. But also nothing less.
1740855
Under a different hand, it would have been all too easy for The Job Pirate to have become another autobiographical survey of poor career moves and an endless succession of jobs - but then, we're not talking about the usual approach with Brandon Christopher; which is why his book is being recommended here as an inviting, lively read for any who have an interest in a humor-spiced memoir chronicling good and bad job experiences alike.

Christopher's intention is to shock and amaze with the unexpected, and this is evident from the very first sentence of his introduction (which should serve as adequate warning to prospective employers).

And while this won't delight the job seeker who has unwittingly come upon The Job Pirate in hopes of perhaps gaining some employment-fostering tips during the process of re-careering, there are plenty of books on the market which better serve this purpose - and none with the whimsical delivery of of The Job Pirate.

After all - the full title gives away this book's focus (The Job Pirate: An Entertaining Tale of My Job-Hopping Journey in America), so there should be no cause for confusion or dashed expectations - and plenty of appropriate anticipation of a fun journey.

This is no singular path, either: Christopher's jobs range from porn magazines and moving vans to sewers, and his West Coast journeys make for particularly fun reflections for any who reside on the 'left bank' of the country.

Be prepared to laugh. Be prepared to recognize that boring jobs become enlightening and fun only under Christopher's hand. And be prepared to be delighted; for in the vast world of career and job experience books, The Job Pirate doesn't just stands out: it shines.
2589771
I've been savoring this book in pieces, which has given me the pleasure of several mini retreats in the French countryside with warm company (friends and dogs), touching discoveries of nature's little wonders and deep-belly laughter.  Ken offers this joy in his book through a fresh curiosity, a genuine appreciation for wildlife and simple pleasures in life, and an unpretentious, highly-amusing point of view.

Whether you are suffering from nature deficit disorder or simply need to recharge the batteries, this book is sure to please.
145286
If you've wearied of nice old ladies tending to their cats and petunias, you will enjoy this feisty and articulate lady's take on aging and what it may or may not mean.

I happened upon this book and liked the whimsical cover art and title, so thought I spend a few comfortable hours boning up on crochet techniques and bingo strategies. I was amusingly mistaken.

Houston Robertson lays bare (figuratively and literally) her life and its lessons, sharing in short vignettes, her determination and her opinion that life does not end when senior status is attained, but actually begins afresh.

Standing squarely atop her slightly outrageous soap-box, this vibrant author shares her personal history, life commentary, intimate poems,  clever essays,  private scandals and triumphs in what turns out to be an easy, but interesting read.  I was touched by her candor and applauded her victories.

The author herself makes it clear that this is her book, her story, and her vision of life but, agree or disagree, you'll respect her for clearly and endearingly making her points.

Ms Robertson seems to lecture to senior citizen and senior advocate organizations, speaking on the foibles and frivolities of aging as her little gift to humanity, there's a link to her blog on the last page.

While I still can't personally celebrate my aging process , it's good to know there people who've taken the journey to embrace who they are, and are willing to sit down and write to the world about it.
4783561
witty, funny, charming and an amazing journey of some very colorful characters
1373459
Delightful, humorous, intriguing, insightful, thought-provoking, touching.  The author provides a fresh and creative way for us to observe and evaluate human interactions, perceptions and behavior which, at the same time, makes us more aware of our own.
2829528
I am a woman that can laugh at myself and I found these musings delightfully entertaining.  Although I disagree with some of the generalizations and perspectives, I appreciate the candid commentary of the author's view on gender relations.  Even though this is clearly not meant to be a self-help book, it may just clue you in to understanding male/female dynamics a little better.
1148993
Akinnurun, Adedoyin. Comedoes: A Journey of Unbounded Laughter. Bloomington, IN: WordClay, 2008.

It takes a delicate touch to write a humorous work - the task might even be described as fine art: the writer/artist must select his words with great care to paint a narrative that will bring a smile to his reader's eyes. Add to this the additional task of teasing out a laugh across the wide-open spaces of cultural understanding, and it becomes easy to understand the challenge encountered in crafting a book that describes "a journey of unbounded laughter." Yet that is precisely what Doyin Akinnurun has done with Comedoes.

This delightful collection of short stories rewards us with an open-minded look at life in the US and Nigeria from the perspective of one who is still learning the rules of the game in the former and knows them all too well in the latter. It isn't slapstick comedy, and there is nothing here that is offensive or inappropriate. Rather, Doyin's tales describe situations we all find ourselves in from a totally new and fresh perspective.

The author paints his characters with a delicate touch and in such fine detail that they very nearly come to life. It's a pretty easy thing to draw a mental picture of the officially efficient Embassy Lady; to feel the chagrin of meeting Father Kinte in his workplace; and to regret the unending interruptions from Tosin's mother, who repeatedly checks in as she impatiently waits for her daughter to get home. And of course, anyone who has tried to change currency any place on Earth can relate to the frustrations and pitfalls of that process.

Akinnurun's love for his home in Nigeria shows in a variety of ways, from his colorful descriptions of places and events to his funny, shoulder-shrugging, "that's the way it goes" attitude toward life's little (and not so little) frustrations. Throughout the book, he uses idiomatic language and colloquial expressions to bring to his readers an intimate view of his world. The comments at the end of many stories suggest that his Nigerian fans are highly appreciative of his work.

Comedoes speaks most clearly to the reader who is able to open up to new ideas, new cultures and new ways of interpreting life - the reader who is excited to see the world through different eyes. You may need to read his stories more than once to get their full effect, but this engaging portrait of a young man's life experiences is worth the effort.
Colleen Morrison, Ph. D.
MCM3 Research Services
4323600
Cilla is a delightful character to spend time with. While she waits with dread for her baby sibling to arrive, Cilla chronicles her life in memoir format and her observations are witty, tender, and fun. The book handles some racism that Cilla encounters quite well, in a way that younger readers can understand and empathize with- without getting preachy or heavy-handed. The illustrations are cute and cheerful. Cilla faces some conflicts with a blended mixed-race extended family and it is a joy to watch how the children (Cilla and the new baby) bring the two families closer together. This one is a must-read for kids who like Ivy and Bean, Clementine, etc. Don't miss out!
4831776
In an engaging and entertaining style, the authors trick their readers into learning how to engage in crucial confrontations that enable them to meet their goals and maintain healthy relationships. The authors begin by defining what they mean by crucial confrontations and then teach us what to do before, during, and after them. The book is loaded with stories and dialogues that illustrate each step of a crucial confrontation. The humor sprinkled throughout makes this book not only an informative, but also an enjoyable read.
717341
[I received this book as a gift from the author, whom I know.]

While faith-based Christian literature and commentary are not typical genres I follow, this books clever narrative style draws and engages the reader, regardless of genre or classification.

Situating the reader with conversational ease, the author uniquely alternates from autobiographical shorts to close reads of his primary text. Providing reenactments of biblical verses in engaging prose, he transforms commentary into something vivid and experiential for the reader. Reading is much like attending a play and watching a colorful scene unfold.

5-stars for the sharp writing (often laced with humor at just the right times), but also for the eloquent style that deftly braids story, autobiography, and commentary into one cohesive narrative.

Theres much to be gleaned from the writing strategy itself for those interested, and certainly the messages and questions of the book itself will resonate with many across Christian tradition.
1046995
Focusing on advice and inspiration for mid-life and beyond, Marsha Sinetar's latest book is a winner. She takes a whimsical new approach, exploring how to live a spirit-filled life through a correspondence between two lively, intellectually curious longtime friends.
The two friends discuss their contrasting viewpoints: one, which should be familiar to Sinetar's fans, looks at a prayerful life, while the other friend has a more secular style. But Sinetar ultimately shows readers how they can age well, with humor and an open heart. "Don't Call Me Old" is a charming, quick read, but a book readers will want to revisit again and again.
3262398
With self-deprecating humor and reverence for his subjects, Adams explores the environments of some of the most scarce and threatened species that share this planet with us. His stories weave the hilarious difficulties of traveling to remote and inaccessible regions with his amazing wildlife encounters (inches from a wild mountain gorilla?!). Adams, a gifted storyteller (who I had never read before), successfully personalizes the fascinating history, habitats and behaviors of species who often number less than a few of dozen. By visiting their world and conveying the plight of animals bordering on extinction through "unnatural selection", Adams reveals the value of a biologically diverse planet while highlighting the extraordinary efforts of naturalists to preserve it.  Last Chance to See documents a charming and insightful journey that only a dedicated and privileged few will have the opportunity to experience in person. So, while Adam's odysseys send him slogging for hours through vegetation in an early morning rain or carting along live chickens to remote islands for food, the rest of us will have the pleasure of sharing his delightful but arduous adventures while cozily curled up in our favorite recliner.
1328808
I related with this book and its author, having spent most of my 20s gallivanting around the planet myself. There were anecdotes that made me laugh out loud, others that made me tear up and grab a Kleenex, and plenty of moments that reminded me of my travel years: the cultural misunderstandings and the language barriers; the thrill of living an adventure and the difficulty of doing so on a shoestring. I appreciated the insights that only come with maturity and time, and I loved the photos that brought the stories--and the deep love of Stefano and Kathleen--to life. A fun read.
896220
The essence and the fun of this book are encapsulated in a couple of sentences from the blurb. The writer goes to France to take on the `simple' task of looking after `an 82 year old English lady' who looks `like everybody's favourite grandmother until Jean-Louis arrives to pick her up on his Kawasaki 1200'. She discovers later that this old lady, Betty, when she heard that her daughter planned to ship her off to Brittany to stay with her other daughter, `decided to have a slight stroke'.
The text is marked throughout with wit and humour that range from the gentle to the (almost) outrageous. Ducal's characters (included herself as narrator) are beautifully drawn, not with any ostentation or wordy pretentiousness, but through observation of what they say and do. (The deceptive simplicity of `she decided to have a slight stroke' is an example of the sort of economy I mean.). Ducal and the irrepressible Betty make a terrific couple. They also make a nonsense of the preconceptions about age and competence.
This was written by someone who loves life and knows how to live it. Unlike other British writers who've produced self-aware, often patronising books about life in France, Ducal knows what is meant by joie de vivre and contributes her own take on it. She and Betty delight in what the country has to offer and she uses her writer's gift of observation to identify and select the elements - large and small - that make up its attractive reality. Her voice is clear, direct, inviting as she celebrates her own and Betty's absorption into French ways. It's great fun to read and, at this price, a steal.
2324183
I was lured in by the expression of the boy on the cover, that ever-curious mix of mischief and sweetness. Already I could see what I was in for just by the question wrapped around his head.

Told in loose chronological order, the stories inside are done in an anecdotal style, one per chapter, as the author follows a young mother through the triumphs and pitfalls of raising two young boys. The tales are charming, often times funny, and occasionally bittersweet (though I bravely managed to hold back tears at one in particular!). Whether or not you've raised boys and whether or not you're a mom or a dad (or even if you're just a grown kid who's reading from the OTHER perspective), there are many things to enjoy, reminisce about and commiserate over with this book.