Oh, gosh, revisiting this after forty years, and it feels as true and frightening and real as it did then. Such a great story of deep loss, even deepeOh, gosh, revisiting this after forty years, and it feels as true and frightening and real as it did then. Such a great story of deep loss, even deeper depression, and finding the courage, little by little to keep going and, ultimately, thrive. ...more
After not finding her first memoir available at my local library (not current enough, I guess?), I got a copy of this instead and was positively deligAfter not finding her first memoir available at my local library (not current enough, I guess?), I got a copy of this instead and was positively delighted. I am hard pressed to conjure a more thoughtful and independent woman, in every possible way. How very refreshing!!...more
Van Halen is one of my all time favorite bands, so I started this with a bit of trepidation, as I didn't want to end up hating the men behind it. ThanVan Halen is one of my all time favorite bands, so I started this with a bit of trepidation, as I didn't want to end up hating the men behind it. Thankfully, I needn't have worried as Alex and Eddie were as I expected them to be: talented, flawed, funny (especially Alex),driven, hopeful, and so deeply loved by one another. I also gained quite a lot of insight about the music industry at the time. Thanks for an enjoyable and educational read, Mr. Van Halen! ...more
This dragged a bit, and for my taste, could have benefitted from the loss of a character, or two, but, oh(!), did I love the immersive quality of the This dragged a bit, and for my taste, could have benefitted from the loss of a character, or two, but, oh(!), did I love the immersive quality of the writing. Such marvelous detail. I loved rooting for William and his champions and wondering what could possibly land him in such a predicament. Sadly, I wasn't far off. 3.5 stars....more
Ending the year on a high note with this one! Genuinely interesting, and I really appreciated the insiders look at a luddite literary agency. Not generEnding the year on a high note with this one! Genuinely interesting, and I really appreciated the insiders look at a luddite literary agency. Not generally a Salinger fan but will revisit and re-evaluate after the additional insight. I also loved all the interpersonal dynamics, how convenience can trap a person in jobs and relationships. ...more
Funny to call a book about a 70 year-old woman a coming of age novel, but watching Ella exercise agency over her life, mostly for the first time, makeFunny to call a book about a 70 year-old woman a coming of age novel, but watching Ella exercise agency over her life, mostly for the first time, makes it so. It's a bit predictable and treacly at times, but engaging, too, and I sure did love rooting for Ella....more
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