Memphis Reads Archive

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea K., Staff book reviews

Nonfiction/Memoir 

Marilyn reviews SIX MONTHS OFF: AN AMERICAN FAMILY’S AUSTRALIAN ADVENTURE by Lamar Alexander (Morrow, 1988)

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Marilyn Umfress, Staff book reviews, Travel Writing

Cathy, Bartlett Library

Labels: Human-animal relationships, Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Cathy Brooks

Darletha reviews YES, CHEF: A MEMOIR by Marcus Samuelsson (Random House, 2012)

Grab your passport and pack your appetite for this globe-trotting memoir from Marcus Samuelsson.  He is a recognizable face to anyone familiar with the food competition shows Chopped or season two of Top Chef Masters.  

Darletha Matthews, South Branch Library

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Darletha Matthews

Nonfiction/Memoir

Steve reviews WAGING HEAVY PEACE: A HIPPIE DREAM by Neil Young (Blue Rider Press, 2012).

Neil Young’s autobiography will captivate the reader with anecdotes that span a forty-year career in the music industry. Perhaps even more interesting is the unexpected exploration of Young’s eclectic interests. 

One thing is immediately apparent: Young is tireless for a man of his age! From biomass vehicles to train modeling, Young is involved in a dizzying array of creative projects. His humility and dedication to his craft are also underscored throughout the book. One might feel compelled to call Young a Renaissance man; The Leonardo Da Vinci of our age! This book left me questioning my own commitment to crafting a better world.

Steve Shackelford, South Branch Library

Labels: Biography, Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Steve Shackelford

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Andrea reviews THE GLASS CASTLE by Jeannette Walls (Scribner Books, 2005) 

Usually, when people hear the word “classic” dealing with literature, they will think of the works of Shakespeare, Twain, Austen, and various other “old books.” This memoir by Jeannette Walls has already been deemed a classic, even though it was published only seven years ago.

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Nonfiction/Memoir

Andrea reviews A GIRL FROM YAMHILL (Morrow, 1988) and MY OWN TWO FEET (Junior Morrow, 1995) by Beverly Cleary

I was such an avid fan of all the Beverly Cleary books when I was younger. I loved the pesty Ramona Quimby, the awkward Ellen Tebbits, and even the troubled Leigh Botts. All Mrs. Cleary’s characters seemed so real, and I felt I could relate to all of them. Needless to say, I was most excited to find out the library owns her two autobiographies!



The first book, A Girl from Yamhill, tells about Beverly Bunn’s pioneer ancestry and her childhood. She grew up in Oregon, but because of the Great Depression, her home state did not have enough educational opportunities for high school graduates. Her parents took two different extremes to how they were going to send their only child to college. Mr. Bunn, the strong, silent pioneer, refused to worry and knew it was in God’s hands, whereas Beverly’s mother was constantly fretting. These were often the attitudes her parents assumed during Beverly’s entire childhood. At the end of this story, Beverly has found out her aunt has arranged for her to stay in California where she will attend undergraduate school. The story concludes with her boarding the train to California, beginning a new chapter of her life.



My Own Two Feet picks up right where A Girl from Yamhill left off. Readers will feel like they were on the train with Beverly because she described the passengers and scenery so well. College life was not easy for her; nor did she sugarcoat her difficulties. She did stay focused in her studies, as she knew she wanted to be a librarian someday. (Yet another reason to love Beverly Cleary!)

While in college, Beverly Bunn met the reserved, patient Clarence Cleary. The two eventually eloped because of different religious backgrounds. She remarked that she didn’t worry what the neighbors thought, because they waited fourteen years to have children! Beverly knew she wanted to write children’s books because her young library customers would ask her where the books about them were. Drawing from daily occurrences, like the spareribs she had thawing in the refrigerator, she drafted her first book, "Henry and Spareribs," which was later changed to Ribsy.

Mrs. Cleary will engage readers in both memoirs because of her strong and vivid storytelling. I recommend reading both of them!


FYI, Beverly Cleary turns 96 today!


Andrea King, Poplar-White Station Library

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Nonfiction/Memoir

Ashley reviews IS EVERYONE HANGING OUT WITHOUT ME? (AND OTHER CONCERNS) by Mindy Kaling (Crown Archetype, 2011).

Most people know Mindy Kaling as the vain, boy crazy Kelly Kapoor on the great show The Office, but in her memoir of growing up obsessed with comedy and her painful break into television, Kaling reveals herself to be a ROTFL funny writer whose nerdy background proves that smart girls finish first.

Kaling muses on a variety of topics such as childhood and college friendships, her first years in New York City, the surprising success of her first play, and, yes, The Office. She grew up academic and family-oriented, the values of which she explores in brief and sometime humiliatingly honest essays about her life, all of which are both tender and riotous.

I think, like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, she is an excellent role model for girls interested in the entertainment industry. She comes across as humble, despite her success, and is completely hilarious. I should know, I was the one giggling uncontrollably on the airplane.

Ashley Roach, Humanities Department

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Ashley Roach

Nonfiction/Memoir

Heather reviews THE COLOR OF WATER: A BLACK MAN'S TRIBUTE TO HIS WHITE MOTHER by James McBride (Riverhead Books, 1996)

James McBride opens up a new can of worms with this spellbinding life story of his mother, Ruth McBride Jordan. McBride searches for the truth of his mother’s heritage and his own. This enticing true story is told alternately by Ruth and James, yet it is easy to follow.

Ruth tries to bury her past, chalk everything up to experience, and make the best of life, while James is in the midst of a crisis, trying to find out why his mother is so hard and stubborn about unleashing her past. James McBride is in for a rude awakening when the truth begins to surface about his family’s secrets!

The Color of Water is a story about longing for acceptance. It will warm your heart, make you cry tears of joy and compassion, and make you think outside the box when it comes to racial conflicts. This inspiring story of love, heartache, and racial curiosity will encourage you to question yourself before you judge a book by its cover, or a person by their color.

Suggested websites: http://www.jamesmcbride.com/, www.litlovers.com/reading-guides/14-non-fiction/210-color-of-water-mcbride?start=3

Heather Remmert, Frayser Branch Library

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Heather Remmert

Nonfiction/Memoir

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Nonfiction/Memoir

Andrea reviews HOPE'S BOY: A MEMOIR by Andrew Bridge (Hyperion, 2008)

This is the account of Andy Bridge. Raised by his grandmother Kate for the first five years of his life in Chicago, everything seemed good, except Andy always wondered why he didn’t have two parents around like everyone else. Only when his mother, Hope, showed up to take him to live in California did things get really rotten. Living in squalor and realizing she could not afford to raise her son, Hope abandoned him when he was only seven years old.

Becoming a ward of the state of California, Andy first lived in a group home environment where the children were horribly mistreated in every possible aspect. Later, he lived with the Leonard family where the wife was overbearing but her husband all but ignored Andy. His foster siblings imitated their parents’ behavior, since they had so many foster children come in and out of their house growing up.

Whereas, the average foster child will live with a family no more than two and a half years, Andy lived with the Leonards for 11 years--from the time he was seven until he was emancipated by the state at age 18. The author claimed that just because he lived with the family didn’t mean he was ever loved or accepted by them.

Andy realized that academic achievement, determination, and persistence were his only ways to get out of such a despairing situation. After being accepted and receiving a sizable scholarship to attend Wesleyan College in Connecticut, Andy saw his way out. His foster father’s only comment about Andy’s success was, “Where’s that school located?”

Becoming “Andrew” in college and after being accepted into Harvard Law School, the author became an advocate for foster children nationwide. He currently serves as the Los Angeles Executive Director of the Alliance of Children’s Rights.

Andrew could have gotten lost and shuffled around the system, but he always knew someone out there needed him. Maybe his mother was not capable of raising him and the Leonard family saw him just as another foster kid but the author knew his worth. Knowing these two things, Andrew Bridge has made huge strides for foster relationships and children’s rights throughout the Los Angeles area.

I finished this memoir in two days. It reminded me a lot of The Glass Castle in the fact that the author doesn't want sympathy; he is just telling his story. Check it out sometime!

Andrea King, Poplar-White Station Library

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Nonfiction/Memoir

Karen of the North Women's Book Club reviews FOXY: MY LIFE IN THREE ACTS by Pam Grier with Andrea Cagan (Springboard Press, 2010)

In this revealing memoir, Pam Grier tells of her experiences as an actress during the black exploitation film era. She shares surprising details about her relationships with celebrities such as Richard Pryor and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Ms. Grier also discloses her struggles concerning racism and sexism, opening up about being a victim of rape and overcoming such trauma. Ms. Grier also gives insight about her ordeal with cancer.

Readers will find a deeper respect for a person who many thought of her life as a continual yellow brick road. We must also note that our male readers have fallen in love with Pam Grier even more!

Karen Hall, North Branch Library

The North Women's Book Club will discuss Bae's Rhapsody by local author Rutha Jones on Saturday, March 26th at 2:00 p.m.

Labels: Book Club Reviews, Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Karen Hall

Nonfiction/Memoir

Karen of the North Branch Women's Book Club reviews I BELIEVE I'LL TESTIFY: A STORY OF THE GRACE AND POWER OF GOD by Lily M. Berry (Trafford, 2005)

This memoir is a stirring recount of how Mrs. Berry overcame the negatives of living in poverty in Mississippi. Mrs. Berry tells how someone "put a fix" on her mother, how her family experienced the dark side of the occult, and episodes of sexual abuse. Her story describes the wonder of God's grace and redemption.

Our adult readers expressed that this book made them more appreciative of their childhoods and teen years. Mrs. Berry is willing to attend book clubs and discuss her book. This makes for an even more interesting book club discussion.

Karen Hall, North Branch

Labels: Book Club Reviews, Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Karen Hall

Nonfiction/Memoir

Laura reviews UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ONE MAN'S EXTRAORDINARY YEAR OF TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THINGS by Lee Kravitz (Bloomsbury USA, 2010)

This book tells how the author took a crisis in his life and turned it into an opportunity. Lee was fired from a job he had for many years. Although he sensed it might happen, when it did, he was bewildered and depressed. He postponed his job search to take stock of his current situation and get some motivation for what would come next. As he was cleaning up his vacation home, he thought of several times in his life when his job took over and gave him a reason to not contact people he cared about in their time of need. Lee made a list of ten of these occurrences, and resolved to postpone his job search for a year to right these wrongs.

In reconnecting with the family, friends, and relatives he was once close to, and discussing the past with them, he often found that their experience of the relationship and that time in the past was very different from his own. Lee found that each of these reconnections was a great learning experience for his family, friends, and relatives, as well as himself.

Not everyone can afford to put off a job hunt for a year after being laid off in order to right the wrongs from their past, but most of us could find a way to invest a little more time and effort to appreciate the people we are close to, perhaps preventing losing contact with them when life’s challenges arise.

I was delighted to read about the unexpected positive results from each of the ten reunions on Lee’s list. Unfinished Business was very positive and encouraging, telling us that it is not too late to change the way we approach life, even in middle age.

Laura Salehi, Bartlett Branch

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Laura Salehi

Nonfiction/Memoir

Darletha reviews THE NAKED TRUTH: YOUNG, BEAUTIFUL, AND (HIV) POSITIVE by Marvelyn Brown (Amistad, 2008)

HIV is a serious topic most people wouldn’t want to read about. To be honest, I probably wouldn’t have chosen this book if the cover didn't catch my attention on the shelf. When I picked up The Naked Truth, I noticed the profile of a pretty African American lady on the front cover. Another draw was from the book's description--the author was a Tennessee native! I knew I was in for a story that would hit very close to home.

Marvelyn Brown begins her story as a carefree high school athlete living in Nashville. The self-professed tomboy deals with her share of teen issues: fights with her mother, conflicts with female classmates, and the hunt for a boyfriend. After high school she meets a handsome man she only identifies as Prince Charming. He has a good job, suave personality, and a nice apartment--basically the kind of guy every single lady hopes to meet. Marvelyn falls in love with a seemingly perfect man, until Prince Charming infects her with the HIV virus.

Marvelyn becomes stigmatized in town as the "girl with HIV." She tries to maintain a normal life as a college student, but the whispers and dirty looks become unbearable. She could have easily disappeared into a quiet, private life; instead, she uses her youth and lively personality as an advocate for HIV awareness.

Marvelyn presents her story in an unpretentious way. Marvelyn's conversational voice makes you feel like you're reading her diary, sprinkled with humor and sadness. Photos of Marvelyn, her family, and friends connect real faces to her recollections. The writing is so honest you can’t help but think of other young women in your life—like a sister or a best friend-- and how their lives would change if they were diagnosed with HIV or AIDS.

Just in time for World AIDS Day, December 1st, I wanted to share a great book about a courageous young woman who speaks her truth. This is a book that should never collect dust on the shelves. It is a great discussion choice for adults and teens.

Darletha, South Branch

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Darletha Matthews

Non-fiction/Memoir

Andrea King reviews THIS TIME TOGETHER: LAUGHTER AND REFLECTION by Carol Burnett (Harmony Books, 2010)

Being sick with pneumonia for the last week of June and the first week of July, I read and slept a lot. I really didn’t have the energy to do much more than that. Not being in the best of moods, I needed a light read to improve my humor. This book by Carol Burnett was definitely a mood- lifter. In fact, I would say this has to be the best book I have read all year!

First of all, I have always loved Carol Burnett. I am sure I am not the only one. I grew up watching The Carol Burnett Show in the 1970-1980’s. Her zany sense of humor, as well as her hilarious cast of characters, always kept my family rolling on the floor. And those costumes Bob Mackie made for her! Who doesn’t remember her famous “Scarlett O’Hara” (“I saw it in a window and had to have it.”) outfit? I think I always enjoyed her show because it was clean humor.

Her book is just as hilarious as her television shows. The book's title is from the song she sings at the end of The Carol Burnett Show. It draws readers in as friends to whom she is telling stories. Some of these stories are downright hilarious but others are such tearjerkers. Regardless, readers feel that Ms. Burnett is a close friend who shares intimate parts of her extraordinary life.

I found this memoir to be so wonderful that I was able to finish it in two nights! But, honestly, if I had been feeling better, I probably could have read it cover to cover in one sitting!

If readers want to hear some of the best, funniest stories told from an amazing comedienne, this memoir from Carol Burnett is a sure thing!

Andrea King, Poplar-White Station

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Nonfiction/Memoir

Darletha Matthews reviews THE LEGS ARE THE LAST TO GO: AGING, ACTING, MARRYING, AND OTHER THINGS I LEARNED THE HARD WAY by Diahann Carroll (Amistad, 2008)

For me, Diahann Carroll is Hollywood royalty. She is always poised and impeccably dressed during her public appearances. I've always admired her versatility as a television, stage, and movie actress. The gentle widowed mother from Julia transformed into the overworked single mother Claudine, who later became the beautifully vicious Dominique on Dynasty. I decided to read this book to learn more about the woman behind some of the most unforgettable female characters in entertainment history.

Diahann, now a mature woman past fifty, reflects on her experiences as a performer, wife, and mother. Revelations from her childhood reveal how she developed her sophisticated style and musical talent. Diahann shines light on the not-so-pretty side of show business, from her humble beginnings to her most recent roles. Things get quite interesting when she talks about her romantic relationships. Diahann comes to terms with the choices that ended her four marriages, including an affair with an Oscar-winning actor. Whether it's breast cancer, racism, or stubborn directors, Diahann speaks with the honest, unapologetic voice of a woman who has paid her dues.

It was a joy to laugh and learn about Diahann Carroll. Each chapter reads like an intimate conversation with a classy, fascinating friend. Brief chapters and great photographs makes this a great selection for fans of celebrities and their stories.

Darletha Matthews, South Branch

Labels: Memoir, Reviews by Darletha Matthews

Nonfiction/Memoir

Andrea King reviews CRAZY LOVE: A Memoir by Leslie Morgan Steiner (St. Martin’s Press, 2009)

This is a story about a successful, 22-year-old woman who seemed like she had everything going for her. Working at Seventeen magazine and living in downtown New York City after graduating from Harvard, Leslie had the world at her feet. Meeting the attractive and funny Conor was the proverbial “cherry on top.”

Unfortunately, Leslie had a secret. A secret that millions of others shared with her.

Conor, although he seemed to adore Leslie outwardly, was beating her regularly. Leslie always had excuses for his behavior and a simple reason for putting up with his violence: she loved him. Don’t scoff- in our society many battered women feel this way.

Fortunately, Leslie got to the point where she had enough. After Conor relocated them time and time again to keep her isolated from friends and family so he could keep her “all to himself,” Leslie realized she had to get away from him. She concluded that the strength and power to escape Conor was within her. Not to spoil the ending but I am pleased to report Leslie did escape Conor and is now living out the fairy tale with her second husband and children.

This is a harsh, unsettling memoir that tells the first person account of a relationship that went from a fairy tale to its most extreme opposite. It is also a story of hope and having a second chance in life. Most importantly, the author shows readers how to live after just surviving. This to me is the most important lesson of all.


Andrea King,
Poplar-White Station Branch Library

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Andrea King

Nonfiction/Memoir

Philip Williams reviews PIECES OF MY HEART: A LIFE by Robert Wagner with Scott Eyman (Harper Entertainment, 2008)

In Pieces of My Heart, Robert Wagner, "RJ" to his friends, recounts that he first knew he wanted to be an actor when he was 12 years old. He was caddying on a Bel-Air golf course and saw a foursome composed of none other than Clark Gable, Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, and Randolph Scott. His dream came true when he became a contract player at Fox Studios in 1948.

Wagner's fascinating and entertaining account of his life and 60-year acting career is replete with dozens of recollections, stories, and memories of his time in Hollywood, where he was friends with such screen luminaries as Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable. He reminisces about his work in many films and on three successful television shows.

Readers may not know that, as a young man, Wagner had a four-year relationship with Barbara Stanwyck, who was twice his age, and that he later dated Elizabeth Taylor and Debbie Reynolds. Because of a business deal he made with Aaron Spelling in the 1970s, he shared in the considerable profits of the hit TV show "Charlie’s Angels." To younger people, he may be much better known for his work in the popular Austin Powers movies. His dream life, though, was marred by the tragic death of the love of his life, his wife Natalie Wood, and Wagner offers his account of the circumstances of her death, the deep depression it caused him, and his ultimate resignation to it. This engrossing memoir is, in many ways, very moving and written in a very engaging style.


Philip Williams, Cordova Branch Library

Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Philip Williams