"Half A Life" by Darin Strauss is a "Must Read"

Half A Life is a memoir of Darin Strauss, who at age 18 while driving, had a car accident that killed a girl.  This book is good; read it in two days.  It was hard to put down because I never read anything like it before.  It is all about how Darin handled what happened.  I kept thinking about what if I did this?  Half A Life is an outstanding and a memorable read.  The writing is superb!  I highly recommend it!  (10 stars)
(Gerard's review)

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

Tuesday Teaser: "The Power Of Half" and "Half A Life"

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should  Be Reading. Anyone can play along, so I thought  I  would play for fun! Just do the following:          

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on  that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away!   You don’t  want  to  ruin the  book for others!)
• Share the title and author, too, so that other TT participants can  add the book to their TBR  Lists  if they  like your teaser. 

We have two non-fiction teasers for you today:
Karen's:

She started talking slowly, thinking as she went.  "Dad," she began, "if that man"--she pointed to the Mercedes--"had a less nice car, that man there"--she pointed to the homeless man--"could have a meal."

Taken from p. 24 of One Family's Decision To Stop Taking And Start Giving Back--the Power of Half by Kevin Salwen and Hannah Salwen

Gerard's:

What I want to write is that I lay there until morning, with tear-stained eyes, a tear-stained pillow, a tear-stained life.  What can one do with levels of gloom and guilt, fear and disbelief, of bewilderment above one's capacity to register?  I slept soundly.

Taken from p. 30 of Half A Life by Darin Strauss (My review of this will be posted tomorrow.)

"The Longest Trip Home" by John Grogan

Even Better Than Marley & Me!  15 stars
The Longest Trip Home is about John Grogan (author of Marley & Me) growing up.  The childhood stories he tells are so funny!  He had experiences for sure.  If you grew up Catholic like I did, you will really identify with that part of the book:  being an altar boy, going to confession, the sacraments, it's all in here.  His brothers and sister interaction is very good and the "stars" of the book are his parents.  The end deals with them getting older and is so good.  I loved this book!  I got into it real fast and it was hard to put down.  I read it in three days.
(Gerard's review 2/10/09)

Karen's review 2/19/09:
I enjoyed reading John Grogan's memoir, The Longest Trip Home. It gave me insight into Catholicism through his humorous experiences as a kid growing up and also the confrontations with his parents as an adult concerning his lack of faith. It shows how religion can be divisive in relationships but how love can still triumph. I felt bad for his parents who were devout Catholics seeking to raise their children in their faith and not having any of them really embracing it as they had.

If you like stories about families, humor and dealing with elderly parents, this has it all. If you have Catholic background you would probably identify with many of his religious experiences.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"The Man Behind The Nose" by Larry Harmon

The Man Behind The Nose by Larry Harmon is definitely worth reading.  It tells the story of Larry Harmon, aka Bozo the clown.  He tells very interesting stories. Larry Harmon is a man who was really determined to reach his goals.  I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would.  I admire Larry Harmon for what he did to bring joy to thousands of children and adults as well.  Rest in peace, Larry.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Let's Take The Long Way Home" by Gail Caldwell

Let's Take The Long Way Home is a wonderful true story of friendship.  One of the best books I ever read was Pack of Two by Caroline Knapp.  Let's Take The Long Way Home by Gail Caldwell tells of her friendship with Caroline and their dogs.  The friendship these two women had was truly special.  We should all be so blessed to have these kinds of friends.  I really enjoyed this book very much!!  It is like a love story--call it "Pack of Four."  This is a powerful and emotional read.  I am glad I read it.  Thanks for telling the story, Ms. Caldwell and rest in peace, Carolyn.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"One Dog at a Time--Saving the Strays of Afghanistan" by Pen Farthing

One Dog At A Time by Pen Farthing is about a true hero.  This is an outstanding true story of Pen Farthing, a royal marine serving in Afghanistan.  One day he came upon a stray dog and just knew he had to do something to help that dog.  I really enjoyed this book A LOT.  This is a page turner that I did not want to put down.  I got into it quick and stayed to the end.  


Mr. Farthing, I thank you for your service and God bless you and your wife for the great things you are doing for these dogs.  Thanks for sharing your wonderful story with us--you are a true hero!

From the back flap about the author, Pen Farthing:

He and his wife, Lisa, share their home in the English west country with five dogs, walking them in two shifts!  They also manage the Nowzad Dogs charity, which was set up to help relieve the suffering of animals in war-torn Afghanistan.  For more information, please visit www.nowzaddogs.com.

Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Confessions of a Prairie Bitch" by Alison Arngrim

 I enjoyed reading Confessions of a Prairie Bitch by Alison Arngrim because it was mostly about the TV show I liked called “Little House On The Prairie.”  Alison was the actress who played Nellie Oleson on the show, the mean, snobby girl.  In her book, she shares how people really hated her because of her character on TV when she made public appearances dressed as Nellie.  She shares about her childhood which was so heartbreaking that she thought of the cast as her family and loved the diversion.  I liked reading about her auditions for the show, all that she had to go through in shooting the scenes and how the character of Nellie helped her to be more confident and outgoing.  It was amusing to read about her friendship with Melissa Gilbert (Laura on “Little House”) and her relationships with other people on the set.  The fact that people knew her from playing Nellie on the show opened doors for her to make a difference in social causes.  I recommend this book to anyone who loved watching “Little House On The Prairie.” 
(Karen's Review)   

Confessions of A Prairie Bitch gives the reader a good behind-the-scenes look at "Little House on the Prairie." I thought this was a great book. I enjoyed getting to know Alison too. It is a quick read and funny!
(Gerard's review)

We also read Melissa Gilbert's autobiography, Prairie Tale.

Please tell us: What categories of literature do you like? What are you reading now? Who are your top five favorite authors? Have you read this one? What did you think of it?

"Prairie Tale" by Melissa Gilbert

Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert is a real eye opener.  The adopted child actress who was in the hit show, "Little House On the Prairie," shares her personal moments, feelings, struggles and triumphs in her own search for identity.  I learned so much about her as a real person and was shocked at some of the things she did.  Her life had lots of ups and downs, all of which contributed to who she is today.  This book gives the reader a look at the acting profession and Hollywood from the inside.  Melissa Gilbert is a great actress who got sucked into the wild life of drugs, alcohol and sex but was able to finally get the help she needed to overcome it.  I enjoyed learning who she really is.
(Karen's Review 7/26/09)
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What an amazing story!  When I found out Melissa had written a book, I knew one thing--I had to read that book!  It took awhile for me to finally get it from the library but it sure was worth the wait.  Whatever you think you know about Melissa, trust me, you don't.  But the good news is you will after you read this book.  What a story Melissa has to tell!  To say I was surprised would be an understatement.  You will laugh and cry; all emotions are in play in PRAIRIE TALE.  One thing you won't be is bored!  My two favorite parts of the book are her Little House years and her relationship with Rob Lowe.  The ending is just outstanding too.  Super job, Melissa!  My expectations were met and then some!   

Gerard's Review 7/18/09)

Life's That Way by Jim Beaver

A POWERFUL BOOK!  DON'T MISS IT! (800 stars)
Before I get started on my review, please pray for Jim Beaver and his daughter, Maddie.  Life's That Way by Jim Beaver is probably the most emotional book that you will ever read.  Do not expect to just breeze through it because it is too emotional and gut wrenching.  It’s also a fantastic and tender love story.  There are so many reasons to read this book. 


This book is a collection of emails that Jim sent to family and friends when his wife, Cecily, was diagnosed with lung cancer.  It got turned into a book!  You will feel so many emotions while you read this book.  Anyone will be able to relate to what Jim went through and is still going through.  You will remember this book long after you finish reading it.  I highly recommend you read Life's That Way!

(Gerard's review 10/15/09)