Book Review - The Ugly Cry: A Memoir; Danielle Henderson

 

The Ugly Cry: A Memoir; Danielle Henderson

Penguin Audio - 2021

I was first attracted to this book by the catchy title and the cute little girl on the cover.   I felt an immediate urge to know more about Danielle's story.  So happy I read this memoir and, now my brief review.

Danielle Henderson's childhood was anything but normal. In the mid 80's at the age of 10 Danielle and her 11 year old brother Cory were dropped off at her grandparents house in upstate New York.  Her mother had no real plans to return for the children, choosing a life of drugs and multiple boyfriends over mothering.

The grandmother a hardworking, chain smoking, foul-mouthed woman with a penchant for horror movies thought that her child-rearing days were over yet, she did what she could in the only way she knew how and raised a second family.  

It is Danielle who narrates this audiobook and she does a wonderful job telling her story.  Yes, she was a deeply wounded girl who was abandoned by her mother and, yes, she suffered abuse in many forms early in life, yet she tells her story in a way that even has a way of lightening the painful moments of her life. There is also much humor infused in this story. I enjoyed all of the pop culture references from the 70s-90s, the time period that I raised my own two children.  I loved Danielle and enjoyed the way she described her challenges growing up  as a black girl in a white neighborhood.  I liked the ways she chose to stand out from the crowd in high school.  I wished the book gave even more information about the woman she became but I was, of course, able to Google it.  I also loved her spicy, foul-mouthed grandmother, the woman who stepped up to the plate, the woman who was not a role model for child rearing by any means but, she was a woman who raised Danielle with a sense of toughness and toward a greater sense of self-worth.

Readers who enjoy stories about dysfunctional childhood should add this to their reading/listening lists.  

Thanks go to Penguin Random House audio for allowing me access to the (7 hr. 33 min) audio download in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

(About the Author)

Danielle Henderson is a TV writer (Maniac, Dare Me, Harper House), retired freelance writer, and a former editor for Rookie. She cohosts the film podcast I Saw What You Did, and a book based on her popular website, Feminist Ryan Gosling, was released by Running Press in August 2012. She has been published by The New York Times, The Guardian, AFAR magazine, BuzzFeed, and The Cut, among others. She likes to watch old episodes of Doctor Who when she is on deadline, one of her tattoos is based on the movie Rocky, and she will never stop using the Oxford comma. Danielle reluctantly lives in Los Angeles.

Book Review - On Animals; Susan Orlean

On Animals; Susan Orlean

Avid Reader Press & Simon & Schuster Audio 10/12/2021

 On Animals was an interesting collection of essays written and published by the author over the last 25 years. Each of the essays examines animal-human relationships from the ones we are most familiar with: the animals who become a part or our family to farm animals and exotic animals as well.  Some of the animals featured in the essays were: tigers in New Jersey, lions in Africa, working oxen pairs in Cuba, the use of pack animals in rocky terrain like Afghanistan, show dogs, dog breeders, donkeys, rabbits, pandas, racing pigeons, Keiko, the orca whale featured in Free Willy and more.   

One essay in particular made me sad when the author wrote about the use of animals in the early movies. Animals in movies at that time were considered disposable, especially horses in movies like Ben Hur. It was terrible how cruelly they were treated at that time.

The essays were based on some of the authors previously published articles, observations and travel research over the last 25 years.  The author, at one point, also gave up city life in Manhattan for farm life in upstate New York where she was able to grow her animal passion - when she moved her animals moved as well.

As an animal lover, I found this collection of essays to be informative and fun to read. I enjoyed the writing style as well  I think most animal lovers will enjoy this book which was so full of interesting information. This was a combo read (eGalley) and (audio download) for me.  The audio was read by the author. For some reason the author's tone seemed a bit flat and uneven to me at times so I opted for eGalley as a supplement.

Thanks go to Simon & Schuster Audio, Avid Reader Press and Edelweiss for allowing me early access to this interesting collection.

RATING - 4/5 stars

Book Review - Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

 Peril; Bob Woodward and Robert Costa

Simon & Schuster Audio - 9/21/2021

Peril is the third book by Bob Woodward about the Trump Administration; it follows Fear and Rage  (which I did not read.) I was particularly interested in this book as covers much of the final year of the Trump presidency as well as the first 100 days of the Biden presidency.  I also have a lot of respect for both Bob Woodward and Robert Costa as journalists who, in my opinion, speak the truth.

The book has 70+ chapters and is the result of some 200 interviews, transcripts, emails, secret orders and diary entries from individuals who were said to be inside sources.  Just a few of the eye opening chapters included Trumps admission to downplaying the seriousness of the coronavirus, General Milley's need to take action after irrational behavior by Trump. Paul Ryan's concerns about the amoral behaviors of a narcissistic president. Trumps continuous pressure on Mike Pence to overturn the free and fair election, as well as the Pence call to Dan Quale asking his opinion. Trumps unwillingness to accept the reality of a lost reelection bid and jeopardizing democracy in the process, and the Trump presidency culminating in the January 6th insurrection.  There is also to a lesser degree background information about information about Biden and his campaign as well as, Biden's first 100 days which includes lots of detail on the Rescue Act and what it took to get it passed.

A worthy read for readers interested in politics. I'm pretty sure regardless of your political preferences, there will be some eye opening moments and insight gained by reading this book.  The problem, I suspect, is whether some will choose to believe what they read in this much divided nation of ours.  

The audio book was narrated by Robert Pertroff who did a fantastic job. The audio is 13+ hours  and the download was provided at no cost to my by the publisher in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rating - 5/5 stars

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros - Harlem Shuffle; Colson Whitehead

Welcome to First Chapter/Intros, hosted by Yvonne @ Socrates Book Reviews. 

Each week readers post the first paragraph (or 2) of a book we are reading or plan to read soon.

 

Harlem Shuffle; Colson Whitehead

Doubleday - 9/14/2021

THE TRUCK

1959

"Carney was only slightly bent when it came to being crooked..."

ONE

His cousin Freddie brought him on the heist one hot night in early June. Ray Carney was having on of his run-around days--uptown, downtown, zipping across the city.  Keeping the machine humming.  First up was Radio Row, to unload the final three consoles, two RCAs and a Magnavox, and pick up the TV he left.  He'd given up on radios, hadn't sold one in a year and a half no matter how much he marked them down and begged.  Now they took up space in the basement that he needed for the new recliners coming in from Argent next week and whatever he picked up from the dead lady's apartment that afternoon.  The radios were top-of-the-line three years ago; now padded blankets hid their slick mahogany cabinets, fastened by leather straps to the truck bed.  The pickup bounced in the unholy rut of the West Side Highway.

What do you think --read more or pass? I love the initial description of Carney and, I've enjoyed this author in the past as well.

Book Review - An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed; Helen Tursten

An Elderly Lady Must Not be Crossed; Helene Tursten

Soho Press - 10/4/2021

An Elderly Lady Must Not Be Crossed, is a deliciously delightful series of connected mysteries featuring Maud, a feisty, cunning, 88 year old (almost 89) retired language teacher.  She is a woman who has a unique way of doing away or at least getting even with those who get in her way and/or irritate her or the people she cares about. When the police question her she has a way of pretending she is a bit senile or has a hearing problem and can't find her hearing aids. Of course this all works to her advantage because, seriously, who would expect an 88 year old woman of murder and mayhem?

This series begins with an overview of the last story from her earlier collection about an antique dealer who meets an unfortunate demise at the hands of Maud when she perceived he was trying to take advantage of her in a deal gone bad.  So it's time to get away from Sweden and take a luxury vacation joining (7) strangers on a safari to South Africa. Don't worry about Maud she's sharp, she's spry and can take care of herself just fine.

In most of these very brief stories Maud recalls an incident from an earlier time in her life and proceeds to tell the reader all about it. For example, there was a time when Maud was a teacher and was then demoted to a sub when another teacher returned from her leave.  Also, when her young developmentally disabled sister was bullied and Maud found a way to get even with the two bullies or, the time she found her neighbor in tears over things the woman's son had done and there is more to delight in as well.

Table of Contents

1. An Elderly Lady Begins to Remember Her Past
2. Little Maud Sets a Trap
3. Lancing a Boil
4. The Truth About Charlotte
5. The Peter Pan Problem
6. An Elderly Lady Takes a Trip to Africa
7. Cookie Recipes  (probably best not to attempt these)

While I enjoyed the latest adventures with Maud series, I think I liked her first in this series: An Elderly Lady is Up To No Good (2018) just a tad better (review here).  Although this could certainly be enjoyed as a standalone of short crime mysteries, I highly recommend reading and enjoying the books in order - I doubt you will be disappointed, Maud is an unforgettable character. The writing is often witty, the stories work beautifully as the reader is privy to Mauds every depraved and misdirected thought which makes the reading and listening experience quite fun.

This book was expertly translated.  I was lucky enough to have access to both the Highbridge audio (NetGalley), read by Ann Richardson who was excellent as well as the eGalley provided by Soho Press and Edelweiss.

Rating - 4.5/5 stars

Book Review - Oh, William! - Elizabeth Strout

Oh, Wiiliam; Elizabeth Strout

Random House - 10/2021

Oh, William! is the third book in the Amgash series which includes: My Name is Lucy Barton (2016), Anything is Possible (2017). Oh, William! can definitely be read as a standalone because much of the first (2) books is repeated in the form of flashbacks.

This story begins with Lucy 63 and William about to turn 70.  Lucy left William after 21 years of marriage and the couple have grown daughters Becka and Chrissy - now in their 30s.  Over the years Lucy and William have remained friendly.  Now Lucy is a successful author and she has just lost her second husband David.  William was a habitual womanizer and as the story begins he is married to his third wife. Estelle is a much younger woman and she and William have a 10 year old daughter together. William is now in crisis mode and seeks Lucy's help and companionship as he worries about being alone and experiencing night terrors.  I don't want to say too much and spoil the story for all my Strout fans out there.  I was happy to return and read more about Lucy and Wiiliam as seniors.

William who grew up in Newton, MA wealthy, was such an unsympathetic character. I understand why his wives grew tired of him.  He comes across as aloof and disengaged. His every issue and concern is about himself and yet he has the nerve to tell Lucy she is "self-absorbed and a "strange one."  

Lucy in contrast grew up in Amgash, Il in poverty. A therapist once told her she had full blown PTSD from her abusive childhood mostly at the hands of her cold, uncaring mother.  Unlike William, Lucy is overly concerned about how her actions might make others feel. She never felt like she knew William well enough to tell him when she was feeling anxious and he had no patience for her panic attacks. Lucy is overly sensitive and over thinks her every action but, yet she had the courage to leave William and focus on her writing career.

This story is character driven and told mostly through flashbacks where Strout fans will get a brief refresher on the earlier series books. There is a lot of introspection and some thought provoking moments but, also some funny stream of consciousness writing as well.   I'm happy I read all (3) books and, yes, I loved this one.  There is a reason Elizabeth Strout won the Pulitzer for Fiction in 2009.  She is so talented and is definitely a favorite author of mine.

Thanks go to Random House for allowing me access to an early release eGalley.

Rating - 5/5 stars

5 delightful books for kids that I read in September

The Summer We Found the Baby; Amy Hest

Candlewick Press - 2020 (ages 10-13)

This story takes place during the summer while WWII is going on.  A father and his (2) young daughters, Julie age 11 and Martha age 6 are spending time over the summer at Belle Beach in Long Island as the father works on his book; the mother of the girls has died.

As the story begins the sisters are looking forward to the opening and dedication of the children's library when a special invited guest, Eleanor Roosevelt, is expected shortly.  Then the unexpected happens:  Julie finds a basket with a baby on the steps.  Bruno Ben-Eli lives nearby and spots Julie carrying the basket away and thinks she and Martha have kidnapped someones baby but, he is on a mission for his brother who is fighting in the war and needs to find out what Julie is up to first.

Of course nothing is as it appears. The story is told in alternating POV's, I liked the way the story played out. With a brother at war and the death of a mother, the concerns of the children seemed genuine and appropriate. I thought the story provided a nice balance of the concerns of children during times of war as well as the simple joys and surprises found in childhood.  

Ivy Lost and Found; Cynthia Lord

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 (ages 6 - 9)

First of a new series - Ivy was once the beloved doll and companion of little Anne who received Ivy as a birthday gift. Like all children they eventually outgrow even beloved treasured play things.  Sadly, Ivy was packed away and long forgotten until one day the now adult Anne, a librarian finds her long forgotten friend and she comes up with an idea. Ivy comes to life once again as she becomes one of the library "book buddies" who can be checked out by other children. One child in particular child, a girl named Fern, finds Ivy to be just the friend she needs to share her thoughts and fears with as she eases into finding her place in a new blended mixed race family.

I loved that this story is told from Ivy's POV, and, the story seemed both sweet and realistic tin the way it showed the concerns of a young child finding herself in a new situation.  I was left with a warm feeling and think this series has the potential to be be a wonderful new readers series with its short chapters and charming black and white illustrations.

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat; David LaRochelle 

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 (ages 4 - 8)

This second book in a beginners reader series following: See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog.  In this offering there are (3) short stories: See the Dog, See the Lake and See the Sheep.  Max the Dog is sick so Baby Cakes the Cat is stepping up and ready to take over the dog duties. Unfortunately for Baby Cakes some of dog's daily duties like fetching sticks, digging holes and herding sheep just seem better suited to a dog.  Luckily for the cat, Max gets better and is soon able to resume his daily routines.

This book and series is perfect for new readers. The illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka are fun and creative as well. These books have just enough words on each page and just enough humor to show new readers  just how much fun reading can be without causing any frustration.  This is a series that provides lots of smiles and giggles reminds me a lot of Mo Willem's Pigeon series books which are so popular with new readers as well.

Ducks Overboard: A True Story of Plastic in Our Oceans;  Markus Motum

Candlewick Press - 9/2021 - Ages (7 - 10) 

This is a story of what happened when a cargo ship container from China that was carrying 28,000 yellow plastic ducks intended to be sold and provide bath time fun for children here in the US emptied into the Pacific Ocean. Just what happened to all those plastic ducks? This is one little yellow plastic duck's story and what he encountered while traveling his ocean journey.  The story shows the grave situation that garbage, fishing nets, plastics and other debris has caused to endanger marine life.  The ducks lost at sea is only part of the story the journey but, the book itself with its moving illustrations and seriousness of our environmental crisis.  Hopefully, our youngest generation will see the importance of doing something and encourage them to ask adults to join the campaign to become a change agent.

The book has fabulous illustrations, lots of facts about plastics and how children can help. This is definitely a good conversation starter for educators and parents alike. I loved that we also learn where some of the places other ducks from the cargo container were spotted. A great addition to libraries and personal collections.

Charlotte's Web; E.B. White

2019 - Listening Library Audio , Penguin Random House

The full cast of more than (20) audio book narrators led by Meryl Streep, January Lavoy, Kirby Heyborne and MacLeod Andrews to name a few, was incredible to listen to. I don't recall reading this book to my own children when they were young and, I had no idea it was so sad at times yet, hopeful in the end. Charlotte, Wilbur and even Templeton and Leonard will stay with me forever.

What a lovely story about loyalty and real friendship as well as the cycle of life. Just an amazing story and performance in this 2019 audio edition - highly recommended