Customer Comments

This book is memoir of mystery enveloped sadness that gets spearheaded by the discovery of a twelve year old girl. Learning that she was born in a prison opens a chasm in her soul. Obviously this story is intriguing. It is well told with wisps of poetry and profound reflection. The author is very honest about her feelings, what she went through, and her ideas at the time she was living them. This doesn't always happen in memoirs since the author is looking to maintain their "goodness" in the eyes of the reader. It did seem at times that there were pieces missing, like the author was hiding pieces of her experience on purpose. This happens in memoir but I could actually see it in this case. I also appreciated the part that speaks about her work and advocacy

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.

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.

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.

Gore's writing is always strikingly honest and poetic. This series of stories tell a very heartfelt tale of an outsider growing up in the world. I really enjoyed the short snapshots that took us into a moment that feels so authentic and true. This is a wonderful book that is so relatable to anyone who has ever felt othered as a child.

I really have enjoyed the down to earth writing in this book. Sampsell's way of explaining really complicated situations in small vignettes is really effective in giving the reader a sense of what is happening. Although, I enjoy the writer's voice and it is a good story, I do feel like there is something being held back. I kept thinking stories would be expanded later and they weren't. I would have enjoyed a little more depth but for the most part this was a good read.

Amy Goodman and her brother have written another journalistic masterpiece. This book gives us a reason to hope in times when we think we are alone in our frustration about the current political situation. Media reform is a passion of mine and the Goodmans are experts at pointing out the ways in which the system with which we get our news needs to be changed to benefit the people. This book profiles the people who are working to make a change.

Kate Clinton is hilarious. I have seen her do stand up a couple of times and this books made me laugh as much as the live shows did. I couldn't put it down. With her standard humor and political perspective she is able to make her readers laugh about things that are generally depressing. Since this is also a personal story about Clinton's life, it read like an uplifting memoir as well.

Ana Castillo is a brilliant writer who can transport us into worlds that seem unrealistic with ease. I loved the characters in this book and their relationships with each other. These sisters and mother live with each other's magical complexities with love and understanding. The story is engaging and touching. This is a great read.

I am a huge fan of Walt Whitman. I love Leaves of Grass and recently purchased this anniversary edition. It is compact and I am able to carry it around with me even though it is the last edition and includes all of the Leaves of Grass poems. This edition is also a great gift for anyone who is being introduced to this great poet's work.

Dave Zirin is able to merge the world of politics and sports in a fascinating and interesting way. Pulling us into the drama of the things we didn't know about team owners, he makes his readers cringe and rejoice at the same time. The corruption in sports has always been obvious but the details and points of hopes have never been highlighted in this way. Dave Zirin is a great down to earth writer who can make us feel excited about being sports fans and political junkies.

This brilliant work of poetic nonfiction lyrically describes our absurd recent history and the way in which we need to find a more profound humanity within ourselves. Galeano is brilliant and literarily astonishing. The drawings are lovely too. I think this should definitely be the book of the decade.

I absolutely love Margaret Atwood's work and I love fictionalized recounting of women's stories so I was very happy to find this book. Unfortunately I was completely disappointed when I read it. Penelope seems almost shallow in this retelling with her simplistic perspective. I would expect a stronger, more potent, voice coming from Atwood. The character was very disappointing and I found the rivalry between her and Helen to be horribly stereotypical (beauty vs. intelligence). The story is fun and the poetry is wonderful so I would still recommend the read but don't expect Atwood's usually amazing quality of writing on this one.

I have always loved Cornel West's language and so I was very happy to hear he had a new book out. This wonderful memoir gives background to this wonderful activist and vocalist. His perspective is brilliantly positive and the book just put me into a constant good mood.

I am so grateful that this book exists. This beautifully illustrated book covers an incredible herstory of chicana and mexican women. It is completely bilingual and a wonderful informational resource for someone who is constantly hungering to know more about her ethnic heritage.

This is a beautifully written book that combines our inner science nerd with our literary romantic. Lehrer has written a very well documented book that provides a testament to the need for the creative world to fuel our scientific lives.

This is a phenomenal book that weaves two very different and intriguing stories of Napoleonic times. Between war and genders, Winterson delivers another incredible read.

This is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read. Winterson always weaves a poetic and lyrical brilliance into her work that seems to change everything. If you have ever felt a love that changes definition, you will find yourself here.

Anzaldua combines poetry, cultural criticsm, and history to describe the borderlands of those who live between Mexico and the defined "U.S." The concept of the borderlands that devide race, language, gender, and sexual orientation is amazingly woven together and provides an historic and artistic look at culture on the physical and spiritual spaces that devide us.

Partnoy's portrayal of her time in prison is brilliant and simply stated. There is this division that takes place in her writing that really makes the experiences seem all the more horrific. She integrates poetry, and her mother's art in the narrative, providing a multidimensional story.

I was introduced to Bukowski's poetry through the movie, Born into This. This is the first book I picked up after watching the movie and I was amazed by the simplicity and depth of his work. He writes about everything he sees and shows the true art of poetry in every crevice of his reality.

Everyone needs to learn about Tina Modotti. Elena Poniatowska has written an easy to read account of Tina's incredible life. Tina was an model, artist, photographer, actress, activist, revolutionary, spy, and nurse in her short but brilliant life.

This was my beautiful and radical introduction to feminism. Muscio's unique blend of humor and outrage turns into a brilliantly crafted book about gender and human respect. Trite as it may be to say, this book changed my life.

The new title of this book is The Ladies' Gallery. This is the best literary memoir I have ever read. Through three generations of self destruction, Vilar is able to find beauty and meaning in her family's path. As the granddaughter of the Puerto Rican nationalist, Lolita Lebron, Vilar mixes the personal and political in an incredibly poetic voice.

This book was incredible. I consider myself a pretty conscious girl but I had no idea how much I was missing in analyzing the cultural context of this topic. Julia Serano does an excellent job of mixing her profession (biologist) with her personal experiences to leave the reader feeling empowered and ready to go out there and fight the good fight.

I have always loved Ariel Gore's writing. She could write a book about toilet paper and I would read it but this has been by far my favorite. I had not written in six years and after reading this book I felt like I could do anything and have written quite a few pieces since. It is multilayered and includes several interviews. If you have no idea what kind of writer you are, you will find yourself here.

This book is an amazing mix of history and fiction. It takes the reader through very personal adventures of timelines and coastlines. The language is subtle and captivating.