Describe your latest work. When I started working on Plant-Thinking in 2008, I had no idea that the project would turn out to be as broad as it did....
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I read one hundred books this year and this was by far the best. Jeanette Winterson's talent for spinning beautiful literary metaphors into tapestries of rich storytelling is not diminished in any way in her non-fiction.Why be Happy When You Could be Normal is a touching and thoughtful memoir that leads us through the life that created Winterson's unique talent for writing intricately meaningful stories.
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book. It was one of the best surprises of my year. I love memoirs and I will totally absorb just about any memoir I can find. In addition, I love reading funny women. I have bought so many comedy books this year and have been grateful for the onslaught of comedians penning volumes, but none of them made me laugh out loud the way this book did. I had to finish it in a day. My entire Saturday became dedicated to this marvelous and moving book. You would think something with so much laughter wouldn't be as deeply moving, but it was. With humility and great wit, Johnston talks about the very devastating subject that is addiction. Now when I know a friend a suffering from an addiction I can give her/him this book, knowing it will fill them with hope for what is possible, while making them having a good laugh.
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I read the original Sybil and was immersed in the story. I rented the movie shortly thereafter. By the time I grew up there was so much talk of MPD that it just seemed like something that shouldn't be questioned. This book has copious notes and an incredible amount research that is used to discredit both the story of "Sybil" and the MPD diagnosis. I had several problems with this book, though. Despite the authors claims of journalistic integrity, this work was very opinionated. She had a very obvious point of view and did not let the facts speak for themselves. I also thought she took a lot of liberty describing the emotions and thoughts of characters in the book that she could not have possibly have known. I found this quite ironic considering that she was was attempting to discredit another book for the same thing. In describing mounting false accusations against parents for abuse, I also think that the author could have spoken about how this phenomenon does occur. Her account seemed to insinuate that abuse does not occur. Regardless of false accusations it is important to recognize real abuse. I enjoyed having the information but was ultimatley left with more questions.
I really enjoy Saramago's work. This was not his best book but the story was highly entertaining and very creative. It is an innovative way to look at the old testament through the eyes of Cain.
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I was in a very strange place in my life when I picked up the Artist's Way. I felt like something was missing. It was my creativity. Cameron breaks down ways to enhance your creative life no matter who you are or what you want to do. This isn't a book reserved for writers and painters. It applies to all of us. Creativity is missing from so much of our culture that it is easy to lose sight of its importance. This brilliant book brings it back into the light. Not only did I feel more creative after doing the excercises in this book, but my mind felt freer and I could think more clearly.
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Customer Comments
librarylapin has commented on (29) products.
Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson
librarylapin, January 9, 2013
I read one hundred books this year and this was by far the best. Jeanette Winterson's talent for spinning beautiful literary metaphors into tapestries of rich storytelling is not diminished in any way in her non-fiction.Why be Happy When You Could be Normal is a touching and thoughtful memoir that leads us through the life that created Winterson's unique talent for writing intricately meaningful stories.Guts: The Endless Follies and Tiny Triumphs of a Giant Disaster by Kristen Johnston
librarylapin, November 4, 2012
I really wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this book. It was one of the best surprises of my year. I love memoirs and I will totally absorb just about any memoir I can find. In addition, I love reading funny women. I have bought so many comedy books this year and have been grateful for the onslaught of comedians penning volumes, but none of them made me laugh out loud the way this book did. I had to finish it in a day. My entire Saturday became dedicated to this marvelous and moving book. You would think something with so much laughter wouldn't be as deeply moving, but it was. With humility and great wit, Johnston talks about the very devastating subject that is addiction. Now when I know a friend a suffering from an addiction I can give her/him this book, knowing it will fill them with hope for what is possible, while making them having a good laugh.(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
Sybil Exposed: The Extraordinary Story Behind the Famous Multiple Personality Case by Debbie Nathan
librarylapin, January 5, 2012
I read the original Sybil and was immersed in the story. I rented the movie shortly thereafter. By the time I grew up there was so much talk of MPD that it just seemed like something that shouldn't be questioned. This book has copious notes and an incredible amount research that is used to discredit both the story of "Sybil" and the MPD diagnosis. I had several problems with this book, though. Despite the authors claims of journalistic integrity, this work was very opinionated. She had a very obvious point of view and did not let the facts speak for themselves. I also thought she took a lot of liberty describing the emotions and thoughts of characters in the book that she could not have possibly have known. I found this quite ironic considering that she was was attempting to discredit another book for the same thing. In describing mounting false accusations against parents for abuse, I also think that the author could have spoken about how this phenomenon does occur. Her account seemed to insinuate that abuse does not occur. Regardless of false accusations it is important to recognize real abuse. I enjoyed having the information but was ultimatley left with more questions.Cain by Jose Saramago
librarylapin, January 4, 2012
I really enjoy Saramago's work. This was not his best book but the story was highly entertaining and very creative. It is an innovative way to look at the old testament through the eyes of Cain.(1 of 2 readers found this comment helpful)
The Artist's Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
librarylapin, August 10, 2011
I was in a very strange place in my life when I picked up the Artist's Way. I felt like something was missing. It was my creativity. Cameron breaks down ways to enhance your creative life no matter who you are or what you want to do. This isn't a book reserved for writers and painters. It applies to all of us. Creativity is missing from so much of our culture that it is easy to lose sight of its importance. This brilliant book brings it back into the light. Not only did I feel more creative after doing the excercises in this book, but my mind felt freer and I could think more clearly.(1 of 1 readers found this comment helpful)
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