Book Review: Madly, Deeply by Alan Rickman

Author: Alan Rickman

Title: Madly, Deeply

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 469

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from a friend

Summary: 

Madly Deeply is a rare invitation into the mind of Alan Rickman—one of the most magnetic, beloved performers of our time.

From his breakout role in Die Hard to his outstanding, multifaceted performances in the Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and more, Alan Rickman cemented his legacy as a world-class actor. His air of dignity, his sonorous voice, and the knowing wit he brought to each role continue to captivate audiences today.

But Rickman’s ability to breathe life into projects wasn't confined to just his performances. As you'll find, Rickman's diaries detail the extraordinary and the ordinary, flitting between worldly and witty and gossipy, while remaining utterly candid throughout. He takes us inside his home, on trips with friends across the globe, and on the sets of films and plays ranging from Sense and Sensibility, to Noël Coward's Private Lives, to the final film he directed, A Little Chaos.

Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Rickman's public and private life. Reading them is like listening to Rickman chatting to a close companion. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.

Madly, Deeply features a photo insert, a foreword by Emma Thompson, and an afterword by Rima Horton.

Review:

I've been a fan of Alan Rickman since I was a wee thing. He was an incredible actor and he seemed like such a fun person to know. I delayed reading this for a bit, but I finally decided to jump in. 

We get to see some snip bits of Alan's life from 1993 to 2016. Emma Thompson, a very close friend, wrote the foreword and his love, Rima, wrote the afterword. 

I love diaries and autobiographies. They are so interesting and seeing a side of a person you never get to see. I still have my cringe school diaries and I tried writing some diaries as an adult but it never stuck. 

Writing a review on a person's inner most thoughts is SO hard. It is extra hard especially if the person is gone. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading more about Alan from Alan's POV. However, I felt like this was never meant to be published. It felt like....SparkNotes. Little notes from Alan to Alan for an autobiography or something. I wish he had had that chance! That would've been amazing! Or maybe if Alan had lived long enough to oversee how his diaries were to be released would've been awesome too. Sadly after his diagnosis he had so much to do and so little time to do it. So freaking sad.

Some entries were really good. I loved reading his thoughts about a show or a movie or a person. I especially loved seeing some bits of his vacations or travels. So cool! I loved seeing things from his POV. He really was an intriguing individual. So witty and introspective. There were sad moments that weighed on him. 

Some entries? I hate saying it but they were...boring. I hate sounding so harsh!!! Again, it just felt like a snapshot or a reminder for himself. I would've loved more explanation or details on certain events. Maybe if he had his hands on the release of this he could've added some additional details or thoughts. 

I did appreciate the afterword and foreword. If you read this, please read both entries. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this for what it is. It felt like little notes for himself and I wish he had had a chance to write his own story. I loved seeing a little bit of the man behind the scenes. He was so intriguing and witty. He was so beloved by so many people. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Book Review: English History

Author: Collins

Title: English History

Genre: Nonfiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 224

Published: October 4, 2018

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift from friend) 

Summary: 

The perfect stocking filler for lovers of English History.

A concise guide to key events, people and places in English history and how England has come to be what it is today. From prehistoric England, Stonehenge and the Romans to modern times.

Review:

While I was over in the UK last month my lovely friend bought this for me while we were at a museum. She is so sweet!

This is a run down of some big events, people, and etc that influenced the English culture and history.

I'm a huge history nerd so it was fun going through this and seeing English history through an English historians POV. I loved that it was "simplified" so it wasn't overly wordy. We also got some pictures too so that was an added bonus. 

But yes, a quick read but I took my time. I enjoyed re-reading certain sections. I think I'm ready for my English History exam! ;) 

Informative and interesting. Plus pictures are fuuuuun!

5 stars. 

Book Review: In Between Spaces

Author: Rebecca Burke

Title: In Between Spaces

Genre: Anthology, Nonfiction, Short Stories, Poetry

Format: paperback

Pages: 264

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I got It: My shelf (Given as a gift)

Summary: 

In Between Spaces, Stillhouse Press’s first ever anthology, centers the experiences of thirty-three disabled poets, short-story writers, and essayists as they navigate the physical and emotional complexities of disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and mental illness. Compiled by an editorial team of disabled writers, this timely collection of often-overlooked voices celebrates joy, freedom, and the power of agency, while at the same time confronting and challenging the stigmas and barriers, visible and invisible, that too often come to define life with a disability.

Review:

Someone gave this to me as a gift a while back and I'm finally diving in!

This is a collection of 33 pieces of work from people with disabilities. From poems to short stories to essays. These all navigate the physical and emotional complexities of disability, chronic illness, neurodivergence, and mental illness. 

I took my time with this because I wanted to enjoy each and every story. I found myself re-reading some of the passages since they were just so good. 

There was for sure a huge variety of style and messaging. I really enjoyed that! You never knew what story would be told next and in what format. Refreshing!

Not sure if I could really pick a favorite though since they were all good. Maybe the poems? I have a soft-spot for a well written poem! Especially if the format and style is different and unique....count me in!!! There wasn't any I didn't like which is RARE for an anthology. They were all good on some level. 

All-in-all, this will make you think, make you smile, make you want to cry. The poems were especially good, but everything else was good too. I for sure recommend this. 5/5 stars! 

Book Review: The Duchess by Amanda Foreman

Author: Amanda Foreman

Title: The Duchess

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Paperback

Pages: 456

Published: January 1, 1998

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used Book store)

Summary: 

Lady Georgiana Spencer was the great-great-great-great-aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, and was nearly as famous in her day. In 1774 Georgiana achieved immediate celebrity by marrying William Cavendish, fifth duke of Devonshire, one of England’s richest and most influential aristocrats. She became the queen of fashionable society and founder of the most important political salon of her time. But Georgiana’s public success concealed an unhappy marriage, a gambling addiction, drinking, drug-taking, and rampant love affairs with the leading politicians of the day. With penetrating insight, Amanda Foreman reveals a fascinating woman whose struggle against her own weaknesses, whose great beauty and flamboyance, and whose determination to play a part in the affairs of the world make her a vibrant, astonishingly contemporary figure.

Review:

I picked this up an eon ago. Been meaning to read this but you know how life goes. When I originally picked this up I swore it was more like the movie, but it is a nonfiction. Once I got going I realized that it was an informational instead.

This is a biography book about Georgiana and her life. She was extremely popular and famous in her day. She married one of England's richest and most influential aristocrats. She became the queen of fashion and a staple of the ton. However, money and fame can only buy you so much. She had an unhappy marriage, gambling addiction, and a rampant lover affairs. 

Yess this was very informational and it was nice learning more about this beautiful lady. I loved the movie and I really wanted to read this. Even though it wasn't what I expected, I still enjoyed myself. Lots of details and snip bits from letters and etc that survived. 

But yes. This was a nice read. Refreshing in a way. We got to see some deep detail about a woman who is still remembered today. 

Now...I want to re-watch the movie ;) 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Informational

Book Review: Haunted Jerome by Patricia Jacobson

Author: Patricia Jacobson

Title: Haunted Jerome

Genre: Nonfiction

Format: Paperback 

Pages: 131

Published: August 26, 2019

Where I Got It: My shelf (birthday gift)

Summary: 

Jerome was once home to the largest copper mine in Northern Arizona, built on the steep terrain of Cleopatra Hill. The small town, population fifteen thousand at its peak, was shockingly nefarious. Diversions for the hardworking miners came by way of saloons, gambling and ladies of the evening. Shootouts and murders, violent accidents in the mines and smelters and fires and diseases scourged its denizens. Life was tough on the mountain--death came too soon for many. When the copper mine closed in 1953, Jerome was rendered a ghost town, and its spirits still lurk among the living. The stories in this book will convince you they are here for a reason.

Review:

This was a gift from a friend because 1) love ghost stories, 2) love history, and 3) the name of the town is my hubby's first name. 

The city of Jerome was once the largest copper mine in Northern Arizona. This small town has one heck of history. Tragic in many ways and the town became a ghost town in more than one way in the 1950s. There are few people who have stayed and their neighbors are spirits who are stuck here. 

This was very interesting. I knew a little bit about Jerome, but not too much. I believe one of my Ghost shows went to a place in that town, but I can't be too sure (it's been so long and I watch too much to remember every episode lol). Apparently the city of Jerome is extremely haunted. Which this book does go over some stories, but also the history. With the history that town had I can def see a few hauntings. Lots of deaths. Lots of tragedy. 

Loved the pictures shown of buildings and the town. That was nice. 

I do feel some places were a bit long-winded. 

All-in-all, this was very interesting. Lots of town stories and ghost stories. If you need something interesting, but easy to read...this is good. :) 

4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Interesting

Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Author: Jennette McCurdy

Title: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Genre: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

Format: hardcover

Pages: 320 

Published: August 9, 2022

Where I Got It: Borrowed from friend

Summary: 

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

Review:

Many of my friends read this and I do remember liking iCarly in my youth soooo I had to read this.

Here we read Jennette's story in her words. We see her as a child becoming a star. We see her grow up with that stardom. We see her live her mother's dream. Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy so she went along for the ride. Even after her mother's passing, she would struggle to free herself from her mother's vision. 

This was so extremely sad. Yes, just like life, there is some humor which helped. Overall though, this was so sad. So tragic.

Just like a lot of child star's she had a mom who pushed her NOT because the child wanted to be a star, but because the parent wanted to live through their kid. Diets and abuse to keep the kid on track. So very sad. 

It took me forever to read this. Not because it was bad, but because it was good. It made me feel. It made me react. There are some parts that struck a little too close to home for me. I def had to take this in strides and in small amounts. This reminded me over an overly strong drink. Very good, but strong, so you need to take baby sips. 

The writing was great. I hope Jennette writes more. Maybe not about her life, but I could def see some self-help books or even fiction novels. She really had a way about her writing that I liked. 

All-in-all, this was really good. Even if you didn't watch the show or know anything about Jennette....I think you would really enjoy this. It was tragic with tiny sprinkles of hope and humor. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Tragic

Audiobook Review: Victoria & Albert - A Royal Love Affair

Author: Daisy Goodwin & Sara Sheridan

Narrator: Jessica Ball & Dugald Bruce Lockhart

Title: Victoria and Albert - A Royal Love Affair

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 21, 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

The official companion to the second season of the PBS/Masterpiece drama Victoria by award-winning creator and screenwriter Daisy Goodwin.

More than 16 million viewers watched the first season of the Masterpiece presentation of Victoria, created and written by Daisy Goodwin--the highest-rated PBS drama in twenty years, second only to Downton Abbey. But what happened after the Queen married her handsome prince? Did they live happily ever after, or did their marriage, like so many royal marriages past and present, fizzle into a loveless round of duty?

This all-new companion book by Daisy Goodwin and Sara Sheridan transports us to the private world of Victoria and Albert. Though first cousins, they could not have been more different: Victoria was impulsive, emotional, and capricious, Albert cautious, self-controlled, and logical. But together they forged a bond with each other and with their people that would change the world. Drawing on letters and diaries and fresh insights into royal history, this gorgeous book charts the constant ebb and flow of power within the couple's surprisingly ardent and modern marriage.

Sumptuously illustrated and full of rich insider detail, Victoria and Albert takes us behind the scenes of the magnificent TV drama, including fascinating, in-depth information on the actors, the props, and the costumes - and bringing an extraordinary royal marriage even more fully to life.

Review:

Awww I adored this show and so I was excited to read not only this behind-the-scenes...but this informational about the Queen and her husband. 

In this, we hear from the creator and writer of the TV show 'Victoria'. She gives us some glimpses behind the scenes of the TV show and she gives us a history lesson about not only Victoria but of her husband and the time-period. 

If you haven't seen the show....do. It was so good. After listening to this I am tempted to go back and do a re-watch. Such a fun show with a great cast. 

Honestly, I would HIGHLY encourage watching the show first before diving into this. I do not think you'll truly appreciate this as much as you would after watching the show. There are lots and lots of references to the show. 

I loved the blend of information we got here. Not only did we get some historical lessons, but we got to learn about how they did the show. Between costumes and set design...to her writing process and learning about the time-period. It was all so interesting on so many different levels. I love history, but I am so intrigued by the creation of TV shows/movies. 

Now, I did do the audio version which was REALLY good...don't get me wrong...but I was reading a couple of reviews on Goodreads and I guess the ebook/physical has actual pictures. Gah! I'm bummed.

All-in-all, this was a nice informational about not only our epic duo, but of the time-period and the show that goes with it. I do wish I would've read it instead JUST so I could see the pictures, but the narration was really, really good. I'll give this 4 stars.

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook Challenge - #5

Audiobook Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Author: Britney Spears

Narrator: Michelle Williams

Title: The Woman in Me

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 24, 2023

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Review:

I put myself in line for both the ebook, physical, and audiobook and we would see what would come first. I was in the library queue to borrow this book for a month or so. I didn't expect to get this for another month. Miracle upon miracle, the audiobook arrived early. 

This is Britney Spear's story in her own words. She covers her early childhood to currently in her freedom. For the first time, we get to see her truth and what her fame and family did to her. 

I have been a fan of Britney since I was a little girl. I remember learning her dance moves. Learning her songs. I wanted to BE her. She was a superstar in my eyes. As I grew up I still enjoyed her music. I remember watching interviews and the paparazzi harassing her. If you couldn't see how they treated her back then...you were blind. She was our version of Princess Diana.  They put her and her children in danger just to get a pic. I'm surprised they didn't get her hurt or killed with their antics. Nasty, disgusting. 

And then, like the rest of the world, I was shocked by the reveal that her father had her in an unfair conservatorship. Listening to her tales of her suffocated life during this time made me want to sob. The girl had to beg for food. She was on a strict diet. Strict work routine. Strict medical shit. Strict bathroom routine. Strict EVERYTHING. Her isolation she described had me itching to run outside and get in my car and scream "FUCK THE PATRICHY" while I smoke, eat, and wear nothing but a bikini. How her father got away with it for YEARS stuns me. Shame. Shame on all the people who did that to her. 

Yes, the author had ghostwriters to help her write her tale and then had Michelle Williams (the actress) narrate. I think it was good she had other forces help her collect her thoughts and tales and put them into a novel. It flowed well and I could feel her in those words. They felt like her words. 

The narrator was fantastic. I listened to this whole audiobook in a matter of 24 hours. Yes, it was that addictive. Now...as much as I liked this narrator's performance.....a part of me really wished that the author read her own words. I get WHY she didn't want to, but she had been silenced for so long, I feel this would've made this book more impactful. 

Overall, this was a quick read, but it was good. It will make you feel all the feelings. Even though I wanted Britney to narrate, the narrator she hired on was fantastic. I'll give this 4 stars.  

 

Challenge(s):

- #55 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry

Author: Matthew Perry

Title: Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing

Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 250

Published: November 1, 2022

Where I Got It: My shelf (Xmas gift)

Summary: 

“Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead.”

So begins the riveting story of acclaimed actor Matthew Perry, taking us along on his journey from childhood ambition to fame to addiction and recovery in the aftermath of a life-threatening health scare. Before the frequent hospital visits and stints in rehab, there was five-year-old Matthew, who traveled from Montreal to Los Angeles, shuffling between his separated parents; fourteen-year-old Matthew, who was a nationally ranked tennis star in Canada; twenty-four-year-old Matthew, who nabbed a coveted role as a lead cast member on the talked-about pilot then called Friends Like Us. . . and so much more.

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing is an unforgettable memoir that is both intimate and eye-opening—as well as a hand extended to anyone struggling with sobriety. Unflinchingly honest, moving, and uproariously funny, this is the book fans have been waiting for.

Review:

I got this for Xmas last year. Finally decided to start this on 10/26 while I was waiting at the mechanics for my car. Two days later the poor man passed away. I had to stop reading for a couple of days because my poor heart couldn't take it. 

Matthew Perry was known for his role in countless movies and for 'Friends' the sitcom that was beloved across the world. I had a weird relationship with the show personally. I didn't TRULY love it until I was in my mid to late 20s. I had watched it on and off but it never really resonated with me like others until I was the age of the characters in the show. And then I have been utterly addicted to it. I loved Matthew Perry because of a few of his movies and other shows. 

This book touched me in so many ways. I really could relate to him especially his early life when he was a kid. There was a section that had me in near tears while I was sitting at the mechanics. Gah. That is all I need is to be sobbing where people already don't respect me hahahahaha. But the memory he shared reawakened a core memory of mine when I was about 5. Whyyyyy hello trauma my old friend! It's been a minute! 

This book was honest and raw and you can't help but hear his voice telling us the stories. Gosh. I'm glad I didn't listen to the audiobook because I don't think I could listen to this without tears. 

After he passed and I finally finished this.....it broke my heart. He had so much hope for the future and had so many plans. It is devastating that he will never get to accomplish everything on his list. What a rough reminder that death does not discriminate. It takes and takes no matter the plans you have (and yes, I had to sprinkle in some Hamilton). 

I honestly believe that Matthew Perry wouldn't want us to mourn him. He would want us to take his story and learn from it (and chuckle a bit). 

The story had everything. Sadness, lessons, happiness, humor, and hope. My one and only issue is that I wish it was more linear. It does jump around a bit so be prepared for that. You def have to pay attention. 

All-in-all this was worth the read if you never heard of this author. It was an emotional roller coaster. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Movie Review: Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour (2023)

Title: Taylor Swift - The Eras Tour

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Music
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

Experience the breathtaking Eras Tour concert, performed by the one and only Taylor Swift.

Trailer

REVIEW:

So....I didn't get to go to the actual concert (damn) but this really was the next best and cheaper option!

I am so excited they did this for people who couldn't afford or just simply couldn't get their hands on the tickets. Now, the movie did cut like 5 or so songs. I'm sure for the "full experience" they will include it on the DVD. Marketing bebe!! *cough* I'll be buying it *cough*

This was so much fun and what a wild experience. A lot of people were dancing and singing and clapping and cheering. Loudest movie experience I have ever had and I loved every second. And noooo, I didn't get out of my seat to dance but I did a lot of singing and clapping and seat dancing.

Tay Tay knows how to put on a show FOR sure. A couple of my friends were able to snag tickets to the show and they said Taylor Live is a sight to behold. Seeing this movie I can def see it. She is great with the crowds and she can SING. As far as I could tell no lip-singing. On top of that, she can play SOOOO many instruments. Taylor is popular for a reason. 

I am sad there was one song that I absolutely adore that was cut from the movie, but I'm glad my top two songs were featured.

I'm going to be honest here....and you can't judge me.....when my number one fave song 'Love Story' came on....tears started streaming down my face. I can't explain why, but damn. I had liked her first album, but 'Love Story' was the song that had me go "Well....that's someone I can listen to for life." I remember daydreaming to that song and hoping I would have my own love story one day. 

All-in-all, I can't wait for this to go on DVD. I would bet any money they will include all the songs as a way to get you to buy it. And trust me....I will buy it. I'm a sucker. I've had my ups and downs with this singer and I have questioned her sincerity in her personal life, BUT I have ALWAYS enjoyed her music. Anyone can connect with it. THIS concert will make you feel all the feelings. She can put on one hell of a show. 5 stars from me.

Instead of the 5 stamp...enjoy this pic of me posing with the poster and the mini-poster they gave us. 

Audiobook Review: Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Author: Tom Felton

Narrator: Tom Felton

Title: Beyond the Wand

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 288

Published:  October 18, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

From Borrower to wizard, Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame saw him catapulted into the limelight aged just twelve when he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

Speaking with candour and his own trademark humour, Tom shares his experience of growing up on screen and as part of the wizarding world for the very first time. He tells all about his big break, what filming was really like and the lasting friendships he made during ten years as part of the franchise, as well as the highs and lows of fame and the reality of navigating adult life after filming finished.

Prepare to meet a real-life wizard.

Review:

I have been a HP girl since the first movie came out. Once I seen that first movie I HAD to dive into the books too. And I'll be frank......one of my first crushes was Draco. After the films were done, I actually grew to admire the actor himself. He's talented and he has always seemed like a guy I would love to be friends with. So of course I had to check out his book. I am SOOOOO glad I found this at my library because this had a lot of heart and now I want my own copy. 

This is written by and narrated by the famous Tom Felton who did not have a completely normal adolescence thanks to some early on commercials and then movies. His fame certainly heightened when he took the role as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films. Here we follow him as young Tom to famous Tom to troubled Tom to the still-growing Tom. He speaks with candor and humor and heart. 

I feel like this book has three parts....one, seeing Tom as a child and his family. Second part, his HP life. Third, the aftermath and where he is present day (as of when he wrote the book). I loved all three parts for different reasons. 

Part 1) I love a good origin story. How we are raised is so instrumental to us being adults so it fascinates me to see him growing up. 

Part 2) LOVED HP as a kid and I still love it as an adult. Naturally, I ate up this section. I loved getting to see the behind-the-scenes and learning more about not only Tom's role, but other folks onset. Can't get enough. 

Part 3) So many people can struggle with life after a huge role like that especially young actors and I'm sure he is not alone. I loved how honest he was with his mental health issues. As someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I can so relate to him on this base level. I am not famous or wealthy or whatever, but I am human and so is he. I wouldn't wish mental health issues on anyone, but it is nice being able to know you are not alone. He was so honest and I loved it. 

This was such a good book. He gives us the good stuff like behind-the-scenes of HP but then he gives us the truth about himself all at the same time. I can for sure see myself relistening or re-reading this. 

Now, I had no choice but to do the audio version. He narrates it himself!!!!! Duh! And boy o' boy he did a fantastic job. He was able to be serious when needed and then silly when needed (his little Tom kid voice had me chuckling). I'll have to look it up and see if he has done other narrations. If not....he needs to do some! I could listen to him read all day. He has a nice voice and really does an excellent job painting the world. 

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I loved the origin story, I loved the HP time, and I loved the brutal honesty of his life after HP. You can tell he really wrote this and narrated this from his heart. Honestly, I want him to narrate more! He did such a good job. If you at all like HP or even the actor or heck, if you enjoy a good story about a guy making his way through life....I highly suggest this one then. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #17 for Audiobook challenge

Book Review: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

Author: Rachel Hollis

Title: Girl Wash Your Face

Genre: Self-help, Nonfiction, & Memoir 

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 240 

Published: February 6, 2018

Where I Got It: My shelf (Book Depository)

Summary: 

Founder of the lifestyle website TheChicSite.com and CEO of her own media company, Chic Media, Rachel Hollis has created an online fan base of hundreds of thousands of fans by sharing tips for living a better life while fearlessly revealing the messiness of her own. Now comes her highly anticipated first book featuring her signature combination of honesty, humor, and direct, no-nonsense advice.

Each chapter of Girl, Wash Your Face begins with a specific lie Hollis once believed that left her feeling overwhelmed, unworthy, or ready to give up. As a working mother, a former foster parent, and a woman who has dealt with insecurities about her body and relationships, she speaks with the insight and kindness of a BFF, helping women unpack the limiting mind-sets that destroy their self-confidence and keep them from moving forward.

From her temporary obsession with marrying Matt Damon to a daydream involving hypnotic iguanas to her son's request that she buy a necklace to "be like the other moms," Hollis holds nothing back. With unflinching faith and tenacity, Hollis spurs other women to live with passion and hustle and to awaken their slumbering goals.

Review:

Recently, I joined a new little book club that is trying to get off the ground. The current theme is self-help books. We each pick a book and pass it around. So, in theory, later this month I should be borrowing a book from someone else while they borrow this. I am excited! Curious to see how this book club goes! I picked this one because I have heard non-stop good things....even my BFF has this on her shelf....so I figured it was time to check it out. 

This is written by Rachel Hollis who has a lifestyle website, is a CEO, and has written books in the past. This book goes over life, love, body-issues, motherhood, and so much more. 

Sooooooooooooo I avoided GR reviews because there is a def a split with half loving this...and half hating this book. I wanted to read this and not have their voices/words in my head to make me biased. I suggest you do the same. 

There were some really impactful sections and quotes that really hit my soul. There were some moments where I had to stop and really think about it. She talks about mental health issues, working on boundaries, setting realistic goals, never giving up, working hard, negative self-talk, therapy, trauma, and even body issues. 

There is a religious tone here and there, but, for me, it was honestly easy to ignore. Some of the quotes and life lessons were super relevant to drive a certain point home. It never felt preachy or that she was saying Christianity is the only way. Which I highly appreciate! 

Now...there was one part that really bugged me about her view on losing weight and whatnot. She made it so simple...too simple....just eat less and eat healthy. Boom. You'll drop weight and you will be healthy. You shouldn't eat anything bad because you need to take care of yourself. Sure...she is not 100% wrong and I can agree on some of her viewpoints! Eat good and take care of yourself. You owe it to yourself to treat yourself right. However, losing weight or gaining weight is not that black-and-white.

Now, I will applaud how she really promotes therapy. That is just so important.. Even if you had a perfect childhood and never had anything bad happen to you ever, I'm sure there is SOMETHING to talk about and work through. Therapy is a fantastic tool for deep issues or just day-to-day issues. I am so glad she kept saying it. 

But yes, this was a quick and easy read. I was able to finish this in just a couple of sittings. I did go back and re-read a few parts since I wanted to take notes for the book club coming up at the end of the month. She is funny and I enjoyed her writing style. This is def a good book if you want something not crazy involved for a self-help.

There are some good quotes! Like, "...the gift of life is that we get another chance tomorrow." Or "This is your life. You are meant to be the hero of your own story." OR, my personal fave, "SOMEONE ELSE'S OPINION OF ME IS NONE OF MY BUSINESS!" Some good gems FOR SURE.

In the end, I enjoyed this. It was good. It had some good things you can put in your back-pocket. Some good tips to navigate this wild thing called life. I had one big hiccup, but everyone is allowed their own opinion. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Book Review: Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It by Shad Helmstetter

Author: Shad Helmstetter

Title: Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It

Genre: Self Help, Nonfiction

Format: paperback

Pages: 105

Published: May 7, 2019

Where I Got It: Borrowed copy

Summary: 

Negative Self-Talk and How to Change It is an immediately helpful, life-changing handbook of how to deal with negative self-talk –– for yourself, or anyone in your life.

Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D., the best-selling author of more than twenty books, is the leading authority in the field of self-talk today.

In this ’60-Minute’ Book™ written for today’s reader, Dr. Helmstetter gives you all of the important information you need to change negative self-talk forever, in a short, easy-to-read, and condensed format.

Also included is a special “Guide to Changing Your Self-Talk” from The Self-Talk Institute.

Review:

Once in a while (maybe one or two books) I like to grab a self-help book. Sometimes we have read them for a book club or sometimes I find a random one. This time my therapist actually let me borrow her copy since we are working on my own negative self-talk and self-esteem issues. 

This book goes over the science behind self-talk and how our brain gets programmed that way. It also goes over how you can rewire your brain to cut out negative self-talk and how it will change your life. 

What I found extremely interesting was the part in the Q&A section about affirmations and activities like making notes for yourself (for instance, my therapist suggested I start putting sticky notes on the mirror to force myself to read them). The authors states it is good to do that, but it is a short-term remedy. The author states that in order to change the rewiring you have to listen to self-help audios and tapes. Listening and watching others helps more than reading words you yourself wrote. I found this interesting AND it makes sense. A lot of time the main reason we have these self-esteem and negative self-talk is because of listening to people and society shoving the idea that we are worthless down our throats. 

I also found interesting the first few chapters about the actual science behind why we are negative. Very informative. I won't even go into explanation hahaha. 

This is a condensed version of all his other works to give the reader a quick read and some good tips. It only took me about 30 mins and I was taking notes too. Super quick and an easy read. The author did a good job simplifying the science-y parts.

I do wish there had been more actually tips. The author goes over the 3 steps which were fantastic and easy to understand and follow. But I was hoping for more actual HOWs and tips/tricks. 

In the end, this was a quick read and I learned quite a bit. Very interesting. I do wish there were more tips and tricks to ACTUALLY working on how to change how you think. Luckily I have my therapist who has given me a lot of tips, but if I wasn't in therapy already and reading this I would feel like "well...cool. I should change how I think but I need more help than that." Maybe his other books have more? The author has a load of other books. 

But yes, not bad overall. Very informative. I'll give this 3 stars.