32 Flavours...and then Some!

Up Til Now, William Shatner (hardcover). 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

from amazon.com:
"After almost sixty years as an actor, William Shatner has become one of the most beloved entertainers in the world. It was the original Star Trek series, and later its films, that made Shatner an internationally known figure, but he neither began nor ended his career with Captain Kirk. He straddled the classic world of the theater and the new world of television. He stepped in for Christopher Plummer in Shakespeare’s Henry V and stared at “something on the wing” in a classic episode of The Twilight Zone. And since then, he’s gone on to star in numerous successful shows, including T. J. Hooker, Rescue 911, and most recently, Boston Legal.

In this touching and very funny autobiography, William Shatner reveals the man behind these unforgettable moments and tells us how he’s become the worldwide star and acclaimed actor he is today."
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While I'm not a trekkie, I've always been fascinated by William Shatner for some odd reason. When I found this on the bargain table in the book section at the grocery store I snapped it up. He's had a much more prolific acting career than I ever realized! And he's funny and self-depricating to boot. :) Made me a more educated and appreciative fan.

The Glass Castle: A Memoir, Jeannette Walls. Paperback. 4 out of 5 stars.

From amazon.com
"Jeannette Walls grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Rex and Rose Mary Walls had four children. In the beginning, they lived like nomads, moving among Southwest desert towns, camping in the mountains. Rex was a charismatic, brilliant man who, when sober, captured his children's imagination, teaching them physics, geology, and above all, how to embrace life fearlessly. Rose Mary, who painted and wrote and couldn't stand the responsibility of providing for her family, called herself an "excitement addict." Cooking a meal that would be consumed in fifteen minutes had no appeal when she could make a painting that might last forever.

Later, when the money ran out, or the romance of the wandering life faded, the Walls retreated to the dismal West Virginia mining town -- and the family -- Rex Walls had done everything he could to escape. He drank. He stole the grocery money and disappeared for days. As the dysfunction of the family escalated, Jeannette and her brother and sisters had to fend for themselves, supporting one another as they weathered their parents' betrayals and, finally, found the resources and will to leave home.

What is so astonishing about Jeannette Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. Hers is a story of triumph against all odds, but also a tender, moving tale of unconditional love in a family that despite its profound flaws gave her the fiery determination to carve out a successful life on her own terms.

For two decades, Jeannette Walls hid her roots. Now she tells her own story. A regular contributor to MSNBC.com, she lives in New York and Long Island and is married to the writer John Taylor."
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Engrossing book. Ms. Walls' story had me enraptured. The train wreck value of her childhood is breathtaking. Child neglect. Raging alcoholism. Rampant parental irresponsibility from both her parents. I found my self getting actively angry with her parents as I read, it was so bad. One of the blurbs on the back of the book said it was reminiscent of Frank McCourt's memoirs, only sent in America and not Ireland. If you like/love Frank McCourt, I think you'll enjoy this book.

A Singular Woman: The Untold Story of Barack Obama's Mother, by Janny Scott (Kindle edition) 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

from amazon.com:
"Barack Obama has written extensively about his father but credited his mother for "what is best in me." Still, little is known about this fiercely independent, spirited woman who raised the man who became the first biracial president of the United States. This book is that story.

In A Singular Woman, award-winning New York Times reporter Janny Scott tells the story of this unique woman, Stanley Ann Dunham, who broke many of the rules of her time, and shows how her fierce example helped influence the future president-and can serve as an inspiration to us all."
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Fascinating woman, fascinating life story. It got jumbled up a bit by trying to keep track of the people the author was refering to who were talking about Ms. Dunham in the story. A bit confusing, but touching in that so many different people in her life remembered her and were willing to talk to the author about her.

In other news...

I think my initial books read goal for 2012 was 25 books. Poor book choices (for instance, I'm still stuck at the half way point of Steven Tyler's memoir and have yet to decide if I'm giving up on that one) and poor concentration when reading (life stress) greatly hindered my goal. I have now revised my goal to ten books for this year. This makes me sad, but at least it's an attainable goal. I'll just have to try harder for '13...

Book nine is Off Balance: A Memoir by Dominique Moceanu, a gold medal winning gymnast from the 1996 olympics. Should hopefully be a quick and entertaining read...

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.

From amazon.com:
"In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds; the plot is tense, dramatic, and engrossing. This book will definitely resonate with the generation raised on reality shows like 'Survivor' and 'American Gladiator.' Book one of a planned trilogy.Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage Public Library, AK"
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I read this at the urging of my niece, who absolutely LOVED this book. I was skeptical about it, what with all the hype; plus, I don't read much fiction...

This book did not disappoint! Well-written, it was easy to get lost in the story, relate to the main characters, be in the story with them. Now I really want to see the movie to see if it measures up!

Starting book two, Catching Fire, tonight!

Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin, by Kathy Griffin. 4 out of 5 stars.

From amazon.com:
"Official Book Club Selection is Kathy Griffin unplugged, uncensored, and unafraid to dish about what really happens on the road, away from the cameras, and at the star party after the show. (It’s also her big chance to score that coveted book club endorsement she’s always wanted. Are you there, Oprah? It’s me, Kathy.)

Kathy Griffin has won Emmys for her reality show Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List, been nominated for a Grammy, worked and walked every red carpet known to man, and rung in the New Year with Anderson Cooper. But the legions of fans who pack Kathy’s sold-out comedy shows have heard only part of her remarkable story. Writing with her trademark wit, the feisty comic settles a few old scores, celebrates the friends and mentors who helped her claw her way to the top, and shares insider gossip about celebrity behavior—the good, the bad, and the very ugly. She recounts the crazy ups and downs of her own career and introduces us to some of the supertalented people she encountered before they got famous (or, in some cases, after fame went to their heads). Word to the wise: If you’ve ever crossed Kathy Griffin at some point in your life, check the index for your name.

Along the way, Kathy reveals intimate details about her life before and after she made the big time. She opens up about everything from growing up with a dysfunctional family in suburban Illinois to bombing as a young comedian in L.A., from her well-publicized plastic surgery disasters to her highly publicized divorce, and more. Only in this book will you learn how the dinner table is the best training ground for a career in stand-up, how speaking your mind can bite you on the ass and buy you a house, and which people in Kathy’s life have taught her the most valuable lessons—both inside and outside the entertainment industry.

Refreshingly candid, unflinchingly honest, and full of hilarious “Did she really say that?” moments, Official Book Club Selection will make you laugh until you cry, or just puke up a little bit."
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I picked this one up for hella cheap when Borders was going out of business. I barely recall the bits of "Suddenly Susan" (a show she was in with Brooke Shields in the 90s) I watched, I've only seen a smattering of her stand-up, but what I've seen of her I liked, and the price was right so I picked up the book.

I thought it was a very entertaining read. It's a mix of personal memoir and dish about various celebrities she's dealt with along the way. She's something else and a bag of chips, let me tell ya!

"This Time Together: Laughter and Reflection," Carol Burnett 4 out of 5 stars.

From amazon.com:
"THIS TIME TOGETHER is 100 percent Carol Burnett – funny, irreverent, and irresistible.

Carol Burnett is one of the most beloved and revered actresses and performers in America. The Carol Burnett Show was seen each week by millions of adoring fans and won twenty-five Emmys in its remarkable eleven-year run. Now, in This Time Together, Carol really lets her hair down and tells one funny or touching or memorable story after another – reading it feels like sitting down with an old friend who has wonderful tales to tell.

In engaging anecdotes, Carol discusses her remarkable friendships with stars such at Jimmy Stewart, Lucille Ball, Cary Grant, and Julie Andrews; the background behind famous scenes, like the moment she swept down the stairs in her curtain-rod dress in the legendary “Went With the Wind” skit; and things that would happen only to Carol – the prank with Julie Andrews that went wrong in front of the First Lady; the famous Tarzan Yell that saved her during a mugging; and the time she faked a wooden leg to get served in a famous ice cream emporium. This poignant look back allows us to cry with the actress during her sorrows, rejoice in her successes, and finally, always, to laugh."
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I've loved Carol Burnett since I was a wee sprite watching her weekly variety show on TV virtually every week. I read her first book (One More Time) a year or so ago and when I found out she'd released another book I was hooked.

The book consists of short anectdotes told in mostly consecutive life order about her experiences mostly in, but also outside of showbiz. For me it was a fast read--the style was easy to fit into bite-sized chunks when I didn't have a lot of time to devote to sitting down to read. Highly entertaining, at times poignant, a book I highly recommend to all Burnett fans.