y'all.... SO ... I have waited almost a month to write about this book. Maybe because I loved it so much, I had to actually read it twice. Yep. Truth.
Mental Schmutz
Saturday, December 02, 2023
The Ballad of Speedball Baby by Ali Smith is a winner! OMG such a winner....
Sunday, September 03, 2023
I have been reading, just not posting.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enjoyed this creative collection of short (some very short) stories. I requested via netgalley as a jumping off point to start reading again this summer after a short respite from reading to review.
What a nice way to get back in the saddle.
The author really captured the voices of each of his characters which was a delight and unexpected. The titular character had the same voice as I recall reading from her diaries back many long years ago. The other characters from Putin to Dolly Parton to Elvis are all covered here and with seemingly great care to not disrupt their professional spirit.
This is an easy read and a fun journey into what could be, could have been and what a character can be in a short story.
I really enjoyed it and it was a great reminder that a terrifically told story doesn't have to be a huge diatribe. It can be a few paragraphs for the point of the story to be made. What a treat.
What I really loved about this collection of short stories is each chapter/story was really completely different than the previous or next story. Each character 100% had their own voice. I know that it's hard to do. I didn't imagine that I would have liked this small collection as much as I did. I usually read a chapter a night before I go to bed and since many of the stories were very short (with no losss to the story itself mind you... another achievement) this made for a nice pre-sleep ritual. I raced through this book and enjoyed each character that I encountered.
Tuesday, July 19, 2022
The Naked Way by Chris Henry
Not really going to "star" this.... my mid - book thoughts stand. Good idea, rambling and frustrating. Glad I finished it because it's done. I totally can not remember where and how I got this book and realized as the characters stopped being a bit interesting that I did start it before and put it "away" way back then.
I appreciate the effort but the realization was less than interesting. To Me.
Sorry to the author, but this wasn't for me. The title of the book refers to a band... but really this isn't about that, it's about the insufferability of 20 year olds in the late 90's. Glad I am not there anymore, this book nailed that for me.
View all my reviews
Sunday, June 05, 2022
Sweet, Soft, Plenty Rhythm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Received this novel as a preview copy. I am not sure if I would have picked this up off a bookshelf at a book store. Not sure why, but I wanted to be honest about that.
The first chapter was a fraught with wanting to give the book up versus moving on more. I stopped reading it for a week. I then skipped the second chapter and went to the third. That helped for me.
Dense with characters and situations it was while reading was too much for me. The main character is a musician named Circus. His love life is one for sure. I felt badly for each and everyone one of his relationships. This was what made the difficult decision for me to not really like this book. These were strong women taken by Circus. It made me really sad.
The author’s lyrical and musical writing was beautiful. So there is that.
This was a complicated read and not easy for me, but I did finish it. Complex relationships (some very messy) and a complicated list of characters to follow made this a read that I had to force myself to read and complete.
I am grateful for the opportunity I had to read this book. I am always very interested to see what creative authors who have completed writing programs like Ms Wardell have put out as debut novels (I think this is just that?) But I hesitate to say this, this book was too much. This is not a breezy easy read, not because it’s subject matter is hard, just a lot to keep track of. The book will ruffle some readers because the characters are not particularly likeable… but they are in a way because they are so complicated and complicit in their enabling behaviors. This enablement is difficult to read and have empathetic feelings for them because as a reader nothing is more frustrating (at least to me) than not having a single nugget of “something” to hold onto to root for the characters. It serves the story but not the reader.
Would I suggest it? I say maybe. If you are looking for a book dense with characters and lovely lyrical writing that are taken of and that take advantage of one another with the guise of love, than this is for you.
View all my reviews
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Guy Branum's My Life as a Goddess
My Life as a Goddess: A Memoir through (Un) Popular Culture by Guy Branum
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Guy Branum is very very smart. Let me just say that. Plus he has a biting humor that I really do love. I am only truly sorry that he saved most of that humor for footnotes. BUT I love footnotes so I am sorry for my previous sentence.
I really appreciate what the book is about, overcoming shit in the entertainment business and making your best self eventually fall forward.
I wanted to read this book when it first came out. I am glad that I didn't. A few years ago, I don't think I would have enjoyed it quite as much. I wasn't ready for it. I wasn't in a place that I had fallen forward enough yet. This book reminded me by reading essays on Mr. Branum's working forward how well I have done. So for that I thank you sir for the gentle reminder of that.
Some of the essays read like legal briefs to me. Which reminded me of my legal secretarial days but I snapped out of it when I realized I was reading a brief about two TV comedy's. Insert MY footnote : Holy crap how far have I come, this chapter was a full circle moment for me big time.
Thanks for the great read, if you are looking for comedy - read the footnotes, if you are looking for an inspirational drive through some challenging things - read the book without the footnotes.
View all my reviews
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
Life at the Dakota by Stephen Birmingham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book published in the 1980s, so there is little dish on the 1980s more famous (cough cough resident. RIP Mr. Lennon) resident for my generation. BUT there is certainly enough historical information that will open up alot of things that I didn't know about this building that I have only walked by once.
I really enjoyed the history over the dish.
It's really well thought out, presented and researched.
Note I read a kindle version of the book so if there are historical photos in the physical copy of book I am sure that helps alot to place the place visually.
That aside, I can't wait to reread and take the time to pull up my own pictures and do some of my own research based on what Mr. Birmingham presents.
I am sorry that he has since died, because his book was terrific. I look forward to read other books that he wrote about places and things.
View all my reviews
This Woman's Work: Essays on Music
Saturday, November 27, 2021
This weekend is free channel viewing on Comcast... Xfinity.... there was ONLY one thing that I wanted to watch...
When it first came out I thought that we had Epix. We didn't. I found out when I set the dvr and nothing came up. To say I have been waiting for a couple of years to watch this would be a total understatement.
There are a couple of highlights... I actually wanted to give John Lydon a hug, hearing Joan Jett say "Pussy to the Wood" may be my new favorite thing ever, seeing Harley from the CroMags playing drums at 12 is amazing... that guy gave us all hope back in the day..., early Blondie footage, BAD BRAINS, a lovely interview with Dave Vanian, and the whole thing. I suppose honestly that is what I was hoping the book I just reviewed would be, this mini series has been what I wished it would be. Thank you John Varvatos, Iggy Pop your executive production backing and to the director Jesse James Miller, I tip my review to you and your amazing trip down memory lane for me.
I went to the show page on my app and the recording was still set. Awwwww. daymn. But today has been the day and it's been amazing.
The first three episodes are mostly the NY and London scenes which of course I love. But the fourth episode is where my experience most closely resembles... LA and DC punk rock. The scene that I knew here was magic but honestly my heart was with the LA bands. I love my parents for letting both me and my brother listen to whatever we wanted with NO questions and let us go to whatever shows we wanted to at The Rainbow Music Hall. Don't get me wrong, this girl loved (and still does) her showtunes and Jazz. BUT where I found my heart and the door opened to being accepted unconditionally was with Punk Rock.
I love Keith Morris so listening to him talk about Black Flag and The Circle Jerks just makes me happy. The last time I was in LA we saw him on Sunset and I almost yelled out to him... I so wanted to. I have a picture of him walking down the street, somewhere, I will always respect those that I admire as much as I can. I didn't a couple of times and don't regret that either...(:: cough cough:: I am talking about hugging you Jello) BUT I will never forget Keith Morris walking off from me screaming at him in my head. Oh I also interrupted Henry Rollins in a food court while he was eating lunch. He was kind and let me sit with him. While I fawned at him for like 10 minutes.
This summer I promise right here in writing, we will do a backyard screening of Decline in Western Civilization. I said last year I was going to but we had the fucking pandemic. This summer. Bring your own stubbies and ...
Here is your own little parting knowledge and if you win pub trivia you owe me a beer... Joan Jett produced What We Do In Secret by The Germs. You are welcome.
Wednesday, November 24, 2021
NOT a book with any substance which Punk Rock really is: Crime and Punkishment
Whoa… this book was just 100% shite. Sorry but it’s true. My review on Goodreads was a little kinder, but here is where I am putting it all out there. Shite. I do NOT want to read about people that I don’t know writing a 150 word essay on the drugs that they did in the 80s. Drugs have NOTHING to do with punk rock. Sorry but no. I was hardcore serious punk rock and barely drank in my most hardcore years. So in my humble opinion this book missed the mark for sure.
Want to know about the essay from Rodney at the Roq? Yeah it’s the opening essay and maybe perhaps less than a page. SUPER bummed and misled. Which I suppose is punk rock in a Sex Pistols in San Francisco kind of way. There is a picture of some lady who ran a video show with John Lydon smiling -ish so I think that is why I post that.
I read about half the book, and just now, thought … wow this book sucks, why am I hoping that it will get better? So I shut ‘er down.
There are much better books about punk rock in LA out there…
If you want to read my kinder / gentler review: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51206757-crime-and-punkishment.
Saturday, November 20, 2021
Jesse Dayton is cooler than me... and has a book to prove it. Beaumonster.. Out now.
The shot above that I took and shared to Instagram in 2015 may be one of my favorites. I was standing behind the speakers and for a split moment I raised my camera and clicked. I didn't look down to see if the shot worked because I knew if it didn't, I wouldn't get the chance again. The original is somewhere, and to be honest I have spent the last two weeks trying to find it. So instagram photo you get.
Through out his book Jesse shares ALOT. He shares his tragedies and his triumphs. It is a great ride. Also when he takes you into the backrooms and homes of folks he meets it's not to brag, it's just the lord's truth he is JUST THAT COOL.
I would subtitle this book Beaumonster (the Road Monster) because the book really is a primer for those young rock road scholars to pick up and learn some very valuable lessons. Prime being, don't be afraid if someone says "I think you may want to meet" so and so. Because Jesse Dayton says yes to that and a lot more and has the chops to back it up.
We first saw Jesse Dayton open for John Doe at the Lion's Lair here in Denver and I remember saying, that guy is legit. This book just proves how so. Reading his experiences that brought him to that level and status when we saw him for the first time was really great. I had no idea and I am so glad to have gone on that journey through this book.
Someone wrote that he felt like the book was just one long brag about how famous he is. I beg to disagree. Sir, you obviously didn't get through the book. It's not that at all. He says clearly in the book "All we truly have is the hang, and then the memories". And I have to say thank you Jesse Dayton for your book and your memories and bring us into the hang.
He writes about his film making experience, which I have to say was a wild ride, his love for his wife, his road stories and it's incredibly infectious.
I appreciate his music so much more now and look forward to maybe complimenting HIM when he is here in Denver next opening for the Railbenders at Globe Hall or headlining at the Soiled Dove (links to tickets), I will probably get a little gigglie when I say it, but it's heartfelt. Anyone that falls in love with Exene's art too is someone that I will admire for a lifetime. If you do go, know that you are in for a treat seeing him play live. Read the book before you go... it will seriously make what he does that much better for you.
Thanks at Jesse Dayton for the great book and the great hang.
If you want a great hang you too can get in on this by visiting your local bookseller and looking for this amazing cover....
Wednesday, October 06, 2021
Complicated.. yes.
Endearing... hell yes.
Funny... omg yes.
I heard her talk about her book on a few podcasts and honestly couldn't wait to pick it up... then I promptly forgot to acutally do it, which is VERY Casey Wilson'ish thing to do. But that made me realize, she truthfully is 100% her very own person and it made me really love this book.
She was honest about it all and I appreciated that she was so open.
Note this is NOT linear. This is a collection of short essays, some longer than other but each one so funny and sad and delightful all at once. I mean I know the part about it being a collection of essays is right there really in the title, but some folks have missed that. Just know... it is what it is and she is who she is.
A hot cup of coffee opens up a world
Tuesday, August 17, 2021
The History of Bones by John Lurie
"I don’t want to visit cheap". This is a quote from John Lurie's latest book: The History of Bones (this link will take you to a google preview of the book, it's a pretty random view of the book, but a good idea of the book).
Amen.
He doesn’t sell himself (or his story) out on what YOU think is important. I am glad that he didn't cowtow to writing about what people want to hear and it’s glorious.
There are a bunch of random reviews out there that will entice you by saying things like: a great book about the grit of NY in the late 70s. Sure, I guess. But really and this is what I got out of it... it's all about the value and desire of a musician to make a difference in the world and what he has to do to get there.
It's gritty as things get with no apologies, but it's really self reflection and not hot goss about Studio 54 and the East Village which is what some of the preliminary reviews were and I couldn't have wished for anything more different.
Wednesday, June 30, 2021
The Vixen by Francine Prose
I have four different Francine Prose books on my bookshelves. I am going to be 100% transparent... I have mostly only read the first three or four chapters of each. I don't have a clue why I am never able to get past maybe the first third of any of those books.
When I was starting The Vixen, something clicked with me this time. Maybe I resonated with the character's returning home from Harvard after graduation (I didn't go to Harvard, but I did move back in with my parents after college) and how the news of the day (in this case it was the Rosenbergs incarceration and execution - particularly Ethel in this case) effects those around us so closely. In my day the big trial was OJ Simpson. Anyways.... the book caught me.
As I was reading it, I wondered... is this a book about literary license, publishing, a mystery wrapped in a story about publishing, a mystery wrapped in a torrid but albiet short love affair that is one sided, what the heck is this book about?
Do not get me wrong here... I really did enjoy the twisty nature of the way the story unfolds and not giving too much away, I was a little surprised by some of the fun and deluted backstory that happens as we merrily go along. It was a fun ride (like the Cyclone).
The main character is a young editor who gets handed an assignment that absolutely hands him alot of complications and opportunities. What he learns along the way is super twisty and was really great. The author leaves a lot of breadcrumbs through out the story which was alot of fun to track and see how these things worked out.
Chapter 1 of the Vixen is up on the NYT (and for the time being not behind a paywall). It's a great introduction into the story and how it unfolds before the reader. It was a fun read, worth sticking with (said by someone, again, who up until this book, has never finished a book by Francine Prose.... and now is going to go back and try and reread for the fourth time Mr. Monkey... maybe I get it now...)
I never star any kind of book but because this is the first time I have finished one by this author... I am giving this the random full star point system on my other blogs like giant star colored in the full way. It was a complete ride and a super fun read. Here I am able to give a five star treatment. Maybe if I was to be cheeky a little peach emoji being it's all vixeny? But I know there are other people that rate with emojis... can't steal their thunder. Just use your imagination that I did use it.
It was a quick and easy enough read and fun for a "summer beach book". Do we even do that anymore? Do we say that it is a beach book? I dunno. I read it on my back porch after work so it was my post work decompression book. Beach Read sounds better and less stressy. Call it what you will... this was a fun romp and read.
Thanks to the publisher for the advanced copy... I promise I will get back to the other books by the author now!
Sunday, May 23, 2021
Fridge Love by Kristen Hong
So this book just came up at the perfect time for me... I am in the middle of a bit of a lifestyle change (meaning I have less time to fart around in the kitchen) and I thought that I would consider meal prep as a way to get around that fussy time every day that is pre-making dinner to eating dinner. I have been a fan of Tracy Benjamin for a gabillion eons (and she seems to have mastered the process). I am not that organized.
So when this book came up as a "maybe you will like this book" option I thought... wow, from the cover it sure looks like it will be a meal prep book. Weeeeeellllllllll kinda sorta. Not saying I didn't gleen anything from this book. I mean I guess I did. I learned a little bit about where my fridge fan is, why not to block it when filling my fridge with food and condiments etc. I also learned how the air moves thorugh my fridge design to keep my food cold. That was absolutely 100% incredibly fascinating.
I didn't honestly prior to reading this book give this much of thought whatsoever. So it was really a very cool thing to learn.
The first 1/3rd of the book I guess is how a fridge (and probably your model design) operates, how to maximize it so that there is less waste of energy and resources. It was interesting for sure. The next third has a great breakdown of how to store your produce. Valuable information for sure. But not really what I was looking for. It's good information for sure, but not what I was looking for.
The pictures are very insta-pretty. Lots of rainbow set ups, not how I would fill my fridge, but pretty as hell to look at for sure.
The last part of the book is all recipes. It wasn't particularly any thing that I would actually make for us. Not that they didn't look good, but not something I would make that is for sure. I am not looking for a diet of vegan foods, which all these are. So while thumbing through it I just quickly moved through.
The author has a blog and the book is friendly and written like a blog which was not surprising at all. Her instagram is from what I can tell the source for this book. As it should be.
Did I like this book? Yes. Was it interesting? Yes. Would I suggest it... maybe. If you are looking for a recipe book with a little information about how your fridge works. Was it what I was looking for? Not at all.
Monday, April 26, 2021
Last Chance Texaco by Rickie Lee Jones
I finished Rickie Lee Jones' autobiography last weekend, Last Chance Texaco.
Saturday, April 10, 2021
What's on the deck to read for April and May?
Really the only reason why I am putting this list together is to keep myself accountable for the books that I have on deck (and one in progress right now) to read. I am finding that with the days getting "longer" and my personal life getting a little more out of focused on reading fiction I need to make myself a check list.
By the way, I love a checklist. ALOT. I honestly have over four going all the time. I think it makes me feel productive. I have actually geeked out so much that I am actually seriously considering making my personal life and these precise things live on a Trello Board. Project Manage my personal life. I am that much of a dork that I would even poise myself to do that. It's very much a consideration. I think it would be great fun. In the meantime I have a document that I print out on Sunday's with some standard todos, a meal plan and a monthly goal all separated into separate sections. I don't have a to read list on there... which is why I am putting it here. I may update my sheet and add a book section now that I have worked through this here.
So here is this books for April and May :
Oh most of the links are from the publisher or Goodreads so that you can find the place to purchase on your own :)
Last Chance Texaco
I am actually currently reading this and am just about over the halfway point. I am really holding my breath the entire time I sit down and read it. I knew a little about Ms. Jones. Now I know a lot more. I was so unbelievably fortunate to see her perform the last time she toured and came through town. I will write more about it, but this book is really good and totally worth the wait. I have an ARC and have a hard copy of the book as well that I preordered because I knew that it was something that I would want in my library over a year ago when I heard it was being published. I was not wrong.
I.M. by Isaac Mizrahi
I started to read this at the beginning of the pandemic last March. I promise to finish it... I loved what I reading and it was so funny and charming. All the things that I know Mr. Mizrahi is. I think I stopped reading it because I was reading it before going to sleep in bed and I was giggling too much that I wasn't getting sleepie. This is the month that I finish it. I love him so much and I am ashamed that I didn't complete it during the past year.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0
Ok I am going to be re-reading this as a refresher. At work a couple years ago, one our our leaders started this book as a workbookclub book. There was not a lot of interaction as far as a bookclub goes but I remember getting a lot out of the process in the book. I learned a lot about my reactions, how I am perceived and being better about what I do in this world and how it is perceived. Since I haven't been in "the office" for the past year... and hopefully that will be changing soon... I am looking forward to taking the survey again, rereading the book and refreshing my base and EQ levels. I remember being super surprised by the outcome of the survey. I am quite sure that I will be again since I haven't been part of a 1:1 communication circle in a while.
Hollywood Park by Mikel Jollett
This has been on my to read list for a year. I started it. I got through half of the book and got sidetracked. It was great. I don't know why I didn't finish it. I got an ARC and Mr. Jollett's book tour was the very first one virtually that we attended. It was so great and he was so engaging, I think I put it down because I was so sad for his childhood after his online tour being so really great. He is a joy and I need to finish this book.
and one more, I don't want to get too ahead of myself....and this one is going to be my May book.
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
I bought the kindle edition maybe two years ago. It's been on my list THAT long which is ridiculous. So I am going to make it happen.
So there you are.. that is what I am going to be working on. I hope! That and my Trello Board.
Sunday, March 28, 2021
Someone emailed me about my thoughts of headnotes on recipe blogs about a week ago
Do you want to cook from a really amazing cookbook? Julia Turshen's cookbook Simply Julia is simply amazing...
In this pandemic world I have spent every night (barring some takeout) mostly cooking through my pinterest saved links. I heard a podcast with Julia Turshen (sadly honestly I can't remember which one... sorry) and immediately just fell in love with her. I now subscribe to her podcast and eagerly listened to all the episodes.
My new favorite cookbook
When I saw that God's Love We Deliver was doing an online promotion with her I didn't hesitate for a minute to sign up. The session was revolutionary to me. (Liz Alpern's questions were amazing... I learned so much from Liz too, how to ask great questions that are intuitive and interesting... make a donation to GLWD or your local Medically Tailored Meals organization so that these organizations can continue to do the good that they do). I seriously was so very glad that I ordered the cookbook along with the session I do also encourage you to if you can volunteer as well... and another aside... I have added Liz Alpern's book to my wishlist as well, it too looks great). I have, will and do make birthday cards for my local organization, as soon as I get the vaccine I am going to do what I can to volunteer in the building again.
Y'all... this cookbook...it's so good.
I had to step out of my comfort zone of cooking from a cookbook. I have a library in my pantry of over 50 cookbooks but really I don't necessarily cook from them directly. I have them there as a resource for ideas, because sometimes I just need an idea.
Until now. I have made five recipes so far. Each one absolutely has been great. There are over 100 more that I am excited to cook. I am literally cooking from the start to the finish with one interlude to make the Sled Dog Muffins (which were amazing and I am making again... just waiting for the banana to ripen). There are so many ways to adopt the frame of the recipe and make it your own... for instance: I didn't have chia seeds for the muffins... I used an egg... totally worked! I am comfortable to change that up because in the talk I was so fortunate to be an observer in she said it was ok. In fact, she encourages it. And it's a simple ... Simply Julia... joy.
One of the things that I really have loved in watching this book take hold around the internet - a - verse, and Ms. Turshen's reaction to people's photos and zhuging is that she is encouraging of additions and substitutions... what author does that? Certainly none that I have ever seen before. Ms. Turshen reposts people's pictures on HER instagram stories, which honestly slays. A few times this week she has been on instalive promoting her book and sharing the joy of it. It's been a delight to see pop up now and again throughout the week. I have a couple saved so that I can watch undisturbed later.
She also loves her lists, which I personally adore about this as well. There are real nuggets of great information and inspiration... don't forgo reading the stories in the recipe header, they are charming a.f. and have some really great tips, tricks and offerings.
Ps every recipe I have made is amazing. I can’t say that for other cookbooks to be honest. I have made the sled dog muffins twice and omg THE best. I rarely if ever make anything more than once because I just move on. But this is a return to if I can say so. It’s really a great cookbook!
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
The Final Revival of Opal & Nev - whoa what a journey
Friday, February 05, 2021
Broken by Jenny Lawson....with some updates (see the bottom)
- it's scheduled for sale (as of now) April 7th - go to Nowhere Books to buy it from her (did you know she owns a bookstore... you are welcome... buy your books from independent sellers please)
- watch the blogs for preorder magic I am sure there are things on deck
- if you want to watch a video of Jenny reading from the manuscript watch these readings she did a while back - the videos should embed below
- there is an audio book that will be available and Jenny Lawson reads it.
- losing a shoe and what it possibly means for all those shoes you see on the side of the road
- how Jenny manages the health care system (I read this and was ashamed for the industry that I used to work in... I was blind to how tremendously awful it can be to navigate... but now I know and can help... let me know)
- keto diets suck (I basically have to live that way too and it's meh)
- laughter will help you survive nearly anything
- marriage is hard but also really hilarious
- each chapter is it's own nugget of knowledge and humor
UPDATE!
Here is a graphic direct from Jenny Lawson herself... for her 2021 book tour, she is going to be talking about the book with some really impressive authors... see if there is one you are interested in! PS it comes with a bookplate or signed book :)
And here is the link to the clickthroughs for the book tour!
UPDATE TWO!!!
So I told you there are some cool ass things on the horizon right?
Here is one more! Pre-order your Broken book, it will be signed and you will be able to get some cross stitch patterns (as a partnership with the so sweet and so amazing, Subversive Cross Stitch). Honestly this may be the BEST and coolest book tie in I have ever seen. And I have seen some promotional tie ins that were pretty awesome. Here is a link from Jenny Lawson herself with more information!