A couple of times I was so confused that I almost gave up reading, especially because the technique used by the authors seemed forced. But it all cameA couple of times I was so confused that I almost gave up reading, especially because the technique used by the authors seemed forced. But it all came together seamlessly and the ending packed a punch. I really like these authors and enjoyed this book a lot....more
**spoiler alert** A page turner but a little over the top for me. Lucy’s personality and her attitude, especially when she thinks she’s murdered her b**spoiler alert** A page turner but a little over the top for me. Lucy’s personality and her attitude, especially when she thinks she’s murdered her best friend, were off putting and a little unrealistic. Some of the scenes would fit well in a cheesy movie (the family dinner, her mother and a kid in a car, the fight scene between Lucy and Emmett) but I’d probably still recommend it ...more
Another rock star memoir, another train wreck of a life. I swear every time I read one, I feel like I’ve sat in on a marathon episode of Jerry SoringeAnother rock star memoir, another train wreck of a life. I swear every time I read one, I feel like I’ve sat in on a marathon episode of Jerry Soringer, although I’ve never seen a single show. Anyway, I keep reading because I love their music, and I keep getting disgusted by their delay in growing up, their obsession with young girls, their raucous behavior and substance abuse, and their oversize egos. Clapton got clean around age 40 which I applaud. I still love his music. But I wonder if anyone like this is ever truly happy, despite their claims to have finally settled, in love with a family. How can they ever be at peace with all the heartache they caused over the span of their lives? I always wonder: if they weren’t so old, would they still be out screwing young girls? (Yes). ...more
I’ve been reading this book as an occasional morning reflection for the past 6-8 months - I think it’s best read that way. There are some profound refI’ve been reading this book as an occasional morning reflection for the past 6-8 months - I think it’s best read that way. There are some profound reflections that I’ll go back to over and over. But also a typical stoic view of death that feels a little extreme for me. In fact, a little too much about death and too little on life in general. ...more
A gripping twisty story. The ending was a real kicker, a total surprise. Minus one star for a couple of reasons: first, so many edge of the seat momenA gripping twisty story. The ending was a real kicker, a total surprise. Minus one star for a couple of reasons: first, so many edge of the seat moments that I stopped expecting anything to happen and got what I expected, and two, the story became completely gripping much too late - there was so much the author could have done with the story beyond that point, making it a page turner much earlier. Still, well worth staying up late to read and I’ll buy more books by this author ...more
What a page turner. I loved this novel. Original story and extremely well-written. I don’t think there was a single paragraph that didn’t propel the sWhat a page turner. I loved this novel. Original story and extremely well-written. I don’t think there was a single paragraph that didn’t propel the story forward. Can’t wait to read their earlier book. ...more
3-1/2 stars. The author is incredibly brave for doing this work and the story she tells is fascinating and horrendous. In addition to calling out her 3-1/2 stars. The author is incredibly brave for doing this work and the story she tells is fascinating and horrendous. In addition to calling out her parents� country for their denial in their role for killing Jews, she brought attention to how shockingly common it is for entire groups of people to deny parts of the Holocaust. The relatively low rating I gave this is simply for the writing - it was extremely repetitive and the book’s length could have easily been reduced by a quarter just by removing repetition. ...more
I was expecting a gripping story but halfway through I felt like I was reading a textbook on commercial fishing boats. While some segments were nonethI was expecting a gripping story but halfway through I felt like I was reading a textbook on commercial fishing boats. While some segments were nonetheless interesting, the author completely lost me in other areas. I got bored. Didn't finish the book ...more
I can't remember when I last read a book this beautifully written, so many lines I wanted to memorize and keep with me, so many characters that the auI can't remember when I last read a book this beautifully written, so many lines I wanted to memorize and keep with me, so many characters that the author brought alive. Book shelves in my living room among my all-time favorites. ...more
What wonderful people to take his mother on a journey rather than put her in a nursing home. The story itself, however, really wasn't interesting or wWhat wonderful people to take his mother on a journey rather than put her in a nursing home. The story itself, however, really wasn't interesting or well-written. ...more
Tough review. First of all, there seems to be some proof that at least some of this book is made up. Secondly, I wondered where her editor was. I don'Tough review. First of all, there seems to be some proof that at least some of this book is made up. Secondly, I wondered where her editor was. I don't mean to be cruel, but the first third of the book read like this: I was raped by, I was raped by, I was tortured, they put maggots on me, they electrocuted me.... it was ghastly writing and I'm dire need of an editor. After the gruesome stories comes her step by step take of helping other women, also in need of an editor. On the flip side, sex trafficking happens and I wish there had been more about how others can help besides giving money to what is apparently a questionable organization. ...more
Absolutely spellbinding. Macintyre takes us through the entire war (WWII) through the eyes of the prisoners and their captors at Colditz POW camp. I cAbsolutely spellbinding. Macintyre takes us through the entire war (WWII) through the eyes of the prisoners and their captors at Colditz POW camp. I couldn't put this book down. Perfectly written. A gripping story. ...more
This book immediately made me cringe. From the perspective of story, it was boring. From the perspective of writing, it was mediocre. But that's not wThis book immediately made me cringe. From the perspective of story, it was boring. From the perspective of writing, it was mediocre. But that's not what bugged me. What made my mouth drop was that the author decided to have a child when the father didn't want one. He offered to pay for the abortion. So shouldn't the child then be her sole responsibility? Why is she bitching about the father bitching about the money he has to pay in child support, the role he was forced into as dad, and having to fly his mother in to babysit? Secondly, I grew up in the home of a coal miner so I get not having a lot, but I still worked to pay for college, and had I gotten pregnant, that would have been the end of education. Does someone really have a right to gripe about food stamps and out-of-state tuition (!!!!) when they chose to have a child they couldn't afford? Sorry for being judgmental but it's a memoir and I just don't get this author's beef. ...more
This was a story of one of the worst cases of child abuse I've ever read. I have no idea how any child could grow up and overcome those circumstances,This was a story of one of the worst cases of child abuse I've ever read. I have no idea how any child could grow up and overcome those circumstances, much less turn in to the amazing, outstanding man that this successful singer grew in to. His passion for other children who grew up in similar circumstances is such an inspiration. The older couple who took him in and changed his life, I'll never forget. ...more
I count put this book down and sobbed out loud a few times towards the end. What an amazing person to have been so strong to live her remaining years I count put this book down and sobbed out loud a few times towards the end. What an amazing person to have been so strong to live her remaining years with such passion. It reminded me to never take anything for granted and to keep my own difficulties in perspective. ...more
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