Book Review: The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

Title: The Third Gilmore Girl

Author: Kelly Bishop

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Memoir, Nonfiction

Pages: 256

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"Beloved award-winning actress Kelly Bishop, famous for playing the iconic Emily Gilmore in Gilmore Girls, finally tells the whole story of her six decades in show business.

Kelly Bishop's storied career has been defined by landmark achievements, from winning a Tony Award for her turn in the original Broadway cast of A Chorus Line to her memorable performance as Jennifer Grey's mother in Dirty Dancing, but it is probably her role as matriarch Emily in the modern classic Gilmore Girls that cemented her legacy. Now, Bishop reflects on her remarkable life and looks towards the future, sharing some of her greatest stories and the life lessons she's learned on her journey. From her early transition from dance to drama, to marrying young to a compulsive gambler, to the losses and achievements she experienced- among them marching for women's rights and losing her second husband to cancer- Bishop offers a rich, genuine celebration of her life.

Full of witty insights, The Third Gilmore Girl is a warm, unapologetic, and powerful memoir from a woman who has left indelible impressions on her audiences for decades."

My Rating: 5/5

Reading this from the author narrating made it so much more heartfelt. Learning more about this marvellous actress's background and history in the arts. I also loved hearing about how she was so influential on Broadway and off. Her outlook on life and her ability to be so humble after being so amazing were incredible. This memoir moved me to tears. Would highly recommend it if you like celebrity memoirs.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed

Title: Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Author: Cheryl Strayed

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Travel

Pages: 336

Publisher: Knopf

Year Published: 2012

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"At twenty-two, Cheryl Strayed thought she had lost everything. In the wake of her mother's death, her family scattered, and her own marriage was soon destroyed. Four years later, with nothing more to lose, she made the most impulsive decision of her life. With no experience or training, driven only by blind will, she would hike more than a thousand miles of the Pacific Crest Trail from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State- and she would do it alone.

Told with suspense and style, sparkling with warmth and humor, Wild powerfully captures the terrors and pleasures of one young woman forging ahead against all odds on a journey that maddened, strengthened and ultimately healed her."

My Rating: 4/5

I have started to read more and more nonfiction reads, usually gravitating towards memoirs or biographies as I love hearing about how people survive, overcome or become who they are in current times. This was no different. I think that Cheryl's perspective is interesting, heartbreaking and quirky. It makes you wonder what you would do in her shoes, both throughout life and while on the trail itself. It inspires you. That being said, she did hike the trail in 1995, which was a vastly different time. I'm curious to see what has changed, would she do it again, etc. Overall, I enjoyed it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke

Title: The House of My Mother: A Daughter's Quest for Freedom

Author: Shari Franke

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Adult, Memoir

Pages: 320

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"From eldest daughter Shari Franke, the shocking true story behind the viral 8 Passengers family vlog and the hidden abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother, and how, in the face of unimaginable pain, she found freedom and healing.

Shari Franke's childhood was a constant battle for survival. Her mother, Ruby Franke, enforced a severe moral code while maintaining a facade of a picture-perfect family for their wildly popular YouTube channel 8 Passengers, which documented the day-to-day life of raising six children for a staggering 2.5 million subscribers. But a darker truth lurked beneath the surface- Ruby's wholesome online persona masked a more tyrannical parenting style than anyone could have imagined.

As the family's YouTube notoriety grew, so too did Ruby's delusions of righteousness. Fueled by the sadistic influence of relationship coach Jodi Hildebrandt, together they implemented an inhumane and merciless disciplinary regime.

Ruby and Jodi were arrested in Utah in 2023 on multiple charges of aggravated child abuse. On that fateful day, Shari shared a photo online of a police car outside their home. Her caption had one word: "Finally."

For the first time, Shari will reveal the disturbing truth behind 8 Passengers and her family's devastating involvement with Jodi Hildebrant's cultish life coaching program, "ConneXions." No stone is left unturned as Shari exposes the perils of influencer culture and shares for the first time her battle for truth and survival in the face of her mother's cruelty."

My Rating: Not Applicable

With memoirs such as these, we have to be thoughtful if we are rating anything. I find that sometimes I rate these based on the writing, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to others. This novel is well written, answers questions and tells Shari Franke's story without taking the antanomy from her younger siblings' stories. It's an interesting story, heartbreaking, but a cautionary tale to us as viewers. Look deeper at family vlogging, what do we see?

Thank you for reading.
Sidny

Book Review: Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton

Title: Paris

Author: Paris Hilton

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult

Pages: 336

Publisher: Dey Street Books
Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"Until, in a revealing documentary, Paris Hilton disclosed that her childhood was shattered by two years of strip searches, isolation, beatings, restraint, and brainwashing within the now infamous "troubled teen industry," Paris Hilton was simply the billionaire heiress America had watched grow up on television, on the internet, and in tabloids. But there was always more to Paris Hilton than met the eye. Yes, she is the media personality, DJ, entrepreneur, model, singer, actress, and icon beloved all over the globe. And yet...

Paris is the story people have always wanted Paris Hilton to tell--the story of who she really is. In this revealing and thought-provoking book, Hilton will separate the creation from the creator, the brand from the ambassador, and show the woman who grew up with incredible privilege but was also trapped in a world of unreasonable expectation at a moment when young women were humiliated for sport in a gossip economy on steroids. Paris recounts her perilous journey through pre-#METOO sexual politics with grace, generosity, and plenty of fun, rising above a series of heart-wrenching challenges to find healing, lasting love, and a life of meaning and purpose.

The parallel story arcs in Hilton's braided narrative come to full bloom as a watershed portrait of the Aughts, challenging each of us to question our role in her story and her role in ours. The result is an intimate and unexpected memoir about persona and personification, the price of being young and disobedient, and the complexity of manifesting your dreams after watching part of yourself disappear."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed this memoir. After watching 'The Program' on Netflix I was curious to learn more about the trouble teen industry and upon doing a little digging (like fairly minimal given how many stories their are online about this situation), I kept reading about Paris Hilton's documentary which talks about her experience in one of these schools. I was curious to hear more about her, especially because she was such an icon when I was growing up. After reading her book, I was impressed by her ability to share gritty details, while also showing the aspects of her life that average people may have no idea about (paparazzi, festivals, rumors and more). I would recommend the audiobook as it is read by the author, and I think without her narration, some of her phrases wouldn't be as easy to read without hearing her tone. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

Title: Greenlights

Author: Matthew McConaughey

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography

Pages: 289

Publisher: Crown

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"I've been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair. How to have less stress. how to have fun. How to hurt people less. How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life. How to be more me.

Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life's challenges- how to get relative with the inevitable- you can enjoy a state of a success I call "catching greenlights."

So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far. This is fifty years of my sights and seems, felts and figured-outs, cools and shameful. Graces, truths, and beautifies of brutality. Getting away with, getting caught and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops.

Hopefully, it's medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears.

It's a love letter to life.

It's a guide to catching more greenlights- and to realizing that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.

Good luck."

My Rating: 3.5/5

I didn't know what to expect from this memoir, but it was certainly fascinating to hear about how this incredible author a) got his start and b) how he varied in his work while c) what he believes behind it all. In my teens, I mostly watched Matthew McConaughey in romantic comedies, and I had seen him in a few more dramatic roles since then, but hearing about his methods and also how he travelled and is a little bit of a hippy, was surprising. I had a good time reading it, but it wasn't a favourite, I would recommend if you want to know about the man behind the actor, or maybe need a kick in the ass to go and chase your dreams. Fun, entertaining and in some ways inspiring I enjoyed it overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner

Title: Only Say Good Things

Author: Crystal Hefner

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 240

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"A raw and unflinching look at the objectification and misogyny of the Playboy mansion, a woman’s stolen young adulthood and her journey to self-acceptance, and a rare look inside Hugh Hefner’s final days.

At just twenty-one years old, Crystal Harris’ life changed forever when she attended a party at the notorious Playboy mansion. Picked out of the crowd by Hugh Hefner, she became one of his infamous “girlfriends,” attending glamorous Hollywood parties and traveling the world. Yet this seemingly alluring lifestyle had a dark side. Hef controlled his girlfriends with strict rules regarding everything from their hair and makeup to their curfews, and Crystal was forced to compete with other women for her spot in the highly hierarchal system. Living at the mansion, she felt more like a fixture than a resident. 
 
She quickly rose to the top, but being Hef’s number one girlfriend came at the cost of Crystal’s identity outside her role in the Playboy universe. Her fate seemed sealed when Hef surprised her with a marriage proposal she could not imagine refusing. But as Crystal Hefner, she grew increasingly restless to understand who she truly was away from what she saw as Playboy’s toxic culture.

In ONLY SAY GOOD THINGS, Crystal offers a vulnerable and clear-eyed look at how her experience with Hugh Hefner catalyzed her transformative journey from someone who prized external validation over all else to a person who finally recognizes her true worth. This candid memoir provides a fascinating look behind the scenes at a powerful cultural icon and brand, and an equally empowering perspective on hard-won lessons about who we allow to determine our value."

My Rating: 5/5

I don't particularly like rating memoirs because I don't think that I can rate someone else's life. So I usually rate based on writing style or story telling style. This story is hard to read, and hard to hear but important. Because society has shifted its standpoint on things like Playboy and this kind of misogynistic behaviour we can see the clear shift in society where we speak about how this kind of thing isn't ok. It's not fair to the women, their families or girls and women watching it all happen. I genuinely wish all the best for the author, and I hope that she finds her peace as time gives her healing (along with ya know therapy, etc.). 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Counting the Cost by Jill Duggar

Title: Counting the Cost

Author: Jill Duggar

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult

Pages: 287

Publisher: Gallery Books

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"For the first time, discover the unedited truth about the Duggars, the traditional Christian family that captivated the nation on TLC's hit show 19 Kids and Counting. Jill Duggar and her husband Derick are finally ready to share their story, revealing the secrets, manipulation, and intimidation behind the show that remained hidden from their fans.

Jill and Derick knew a normal life wasn't possible for them. As a star on the popular TLC really shows 19 Kids and Counting. Jill grew up in front of viewers who were fascinated by her family's way of life. She was the responsible, second daughter of Jim Bob and Michelle's nineteen kids; always with a baby on her hip and happy to wear the modest ankel-length dresses with throat-high necklines. She didn't protest the strict model of patriarchy that her family followed, which declares that men are superior, that women are expected to be wives and mothers and are discouraged from attaining a higher education, and that paternal authority over their children continues well into adulthood, even once they are married.

But as Jill got older, married Derick, and they embarked on their own lives, the red flags became too obvious to ignore. For as long as they could, Jill and Derick tried to be obedient family members- they weren't willing to rock the boat. But now they're raising a family of their own, and they're done with the secrets. Thanks to time, tears, therapy, and a blessing from God, they have the strength to share their journey. Theirs is a remarkable story of the power of the truth and is a moving example of how to find healing through honesty."

My Rating: 5/5

I think that after seeing a few episodes of 19 Kids and Counting, you know that there is more going on than meets the eye. But if you watched it as it came out how would you know. I really think that this delves into so many of the things that viewers didn't think to look for behind the scenes. I would strongly recommend the audiobook if you're curious.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Title: The Woman in Me

Author: Britney Spears

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult

Pages: 288

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice- her truth- was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey- and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spear's groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love- and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last."

Unrated

There are certain times that I leave nonfiction books unrated, and this one is going to be one of those. I think that this story while short, is important to read to learn about conservatorship and how teen, child and even adult celebrities may have a lot more going on than what we see on the outside. It was a great remind that celebrities are people too, regardless of what the media may say. I found the writing a bit unusual, but genuine and would recommend it overall.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: All Things Aside by Iliza Shlesinger

Title: All Things Aside

Author: Iliza Shlesinger

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Comedy

Pages: 256

Publisher: Harry N. Abrams

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"All Things Aside is a punch, honest, incisive book that shares a view of the world through the eyes of the inimitable Iliza Shlesinger. From the macro to micro, Shlesinger tackles it all with her no-bullshit comedic style.

Throughout the book, Shlesinger dives from one subject into the next, making her hilarious asides the meat of her stories, much like she does in her stand-up comedy. Topics range from dissecting social expectations to the notion that products marketed specifically to women are scams, and all manner of things in between. She even dares to ask herself the all-important question that every woman is forced to consider at some point- Am I actually an annoying person? Shlesinger also shares intimate moments, including a devastating miscarriage, which she manages to navigate with not only grace but somehow with side-splitting humor."

My Rating: 5/5

I usually have a hard time rating memoirs and autobiographies but this one was a 5/5. I have loved Iliza's comedy for a while, most of my adult life and having a chance to listen to this book on audio narrated by her was phenomenal. I recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed her work before. The overarching tones, similar to her comedy specials have deeper tones which was perfect. I could gush about this to great lengths. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: I Don't Need Therapy (and other lies I've told myself) by Toni Lodge

Title I Don't Need Therapy (and other lies I've told myself)

Author: Toni Lodge

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Adult, Memoir

Pages: 256

Publisher: Alien & Unwin

Year Published: 2023

Format: Audiobook

"A hilarious memoir of home truths and whatever the opposite of 'that girl energy' is, from one half of the hit podcast Toni and Ryan.

Most of us tell little white lies all the time. Whether it's 'I'm five minutes away' or 'it must have gone to my spam folder', most of these fibs are harmless. But what if you realised that you weren't just lying about the little things, but the big 'life' stuff too?

When Toni Lodge sat down to write this memoir, she discovered that the leis she was telling herself were hiding some pretty important home truths- about her work, her identity and her mental health. her dogged pursuit of these truths sent her on a brazen exploration of everything from gastro, fame and Twilight to funerals, the Dalai Lama and Brazillian waxes.

In this hilarious warm hug of a book, Toni exposes the lies she has told herself about who she is and what she is capable of, inviting you on a riotous from that will make you laugh, cringe, cry and utterly rethink the truth behind the stories we tell ourselves."

My Rating: 4/5

As I say every time I review a memoir or a nonfiction story, I do not rate the content of the book I usually rate the writing style. Let's begin by saying if you haven't seen any TikToks, or videos of Toni and Ryan you must be living under a rock! They are hilarious, open and amazing folks and while I'm newer to their podcast, the community they create is amazing. This book really hit home to me about a lot of the lies I tell myself, and how I could really use a mindset change. Toni is relatable, funny, gorgeous, smart and talented! The only reason this didn't receive 5/5 from me is the chapter breakdown. It just felt a little disjointed in my mind. I still would highly recommend it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Wild Truth by Carine McCandless

Title: The Wild Truth

Author: Carine McCandless

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult

Pages: 278

Publisher: HarperOne

Year Published: 2014

Format: Audiobook

"The spellbinding story of Christ McCandless, who gave away his savings, hitchhiked to Alaska, walked into the wilderness alone, and starved to death in 1992, fascinated not just New York Times bestselling author Jon Krakauer, but also the rest of the nation. Krakauer's book, Into The Wild, became an international bestseller, translated into thirty-oen languages, and Sean Penn's inspirational film by the same name further skyrocketed Chris McCandless to global fame.

But the real story of Chris's life and his journey has not yet been told- until now. The missing pieces are finally revealed in The Wild Truth, written by Carine McCandless, Chris's beloved and trusted sister. Featured in both the book and film, Carine has wrestled for more than twenty one years with the legacy of her brother's journey to self discovery, and now tells her own story while in the blanks of his.

Carine was Chris's best friend, the person with whom he had the closest bond, and who witnessed firsthand the dysfunctional and violent family dynamic that made Chris willing to embrace the harsh wilderness of Alaska. Growing up in the same troubled household, Carine speaks candidly about the deeper reality of life in the McCandless family. In the many years since the tragedy of Chris's death, Carine has searched for some kind of redemption.

In this touching and deeply personal memoir, she reveals how she has learned that real redemption can only come from speaking the truth."

My Rating: 3/5

I do rate nonfiction based on writing and how it met my expectation of where the story was going. I thought that this book would centre a bit more on Chris's life and loves before he left, but it makes sense that it followed the childhood experience that Carine and Chris shared. I was surprised to see how much detail this book went into about the affairs and abuse that took place between parents. I would recommend if you are interested in Into the Wild or have follow-up questions about how Chris McCandless ended up where he did, or if you are curious about his family life. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

Title: Beyond the Wand

Author: Tom Felton

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult 

Pages: 288

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"They called for a break, and Gambon magicked up a cigarette from out of his beard. He and I were often to be found outside the stage door, having 'a breath of fresh air', as we referred to it. There would be painters and plasters and chippies and sparks, and among them all would be me and Dumbledore having a crafty cigarette.

From Borrower to wizard, Tom Felton's adolescence was anything but ordinary. His early rise to fame saw him catapulted into the limelight aged just twelve when he landed the iconic role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films.

Speaking with candour and his own trademark humour, Tom shares his experience of growing up on screen and as part of the wizarding world for the very first time. He tells all about his big break, what filming was really like and the lasting friendships he made during ten years as part of the franchise, as well as the highs and lows of fame and the reality of navigating adult life after filming finished.

Prepare to meet a real-life wizard."

My Rating: 4/5

I don't rate nonfiction stories based on what they contain as I don't feel right stating that I didn't enjoy hearing about someone's life experience, or facts of history, etc. I do always rate them based on the writing style and this one was enjoyable. I think listening to the audiobook was the way to go for me as the author reads it himself and it helps you understand parts of his humour. I enjoyed listening to it. Would recommend it if you are interested. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Title: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Author: Jennette McCurdy

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor- including eating disorders, addiction and complicated relationship with her overbearing mother- and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother's dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called "calorie restriction," eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, "Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn't tint hers?" She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email and all her income.

In I'm Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail- just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi ("Hi Gale!"), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I'm Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence and the joy of shampooing your own hair."

My rating based on writing style: 5/5

I always let people know when I am rating a nonfiction/memoir that I am rating it based on writing style. Not on the story (it's someone's life for crying out loud). This was a hard read to get through. While the audiobook was 6 hours it was not an easy listening book based on the subject matter, but I think the more we learn about some of the things that child actors go through the better we can prepare the world. There are always going to be child actors but how we go about the system needs to change. The fact that Jennette was suffering and there was never an intervention until she was an adult speaks volumes about the child acting scene and shows I would have watched growing up. Thoughtful, dark and important, I would recommend this book. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Talking To Canadians by Rick Mercer

Title: Talking to Canadians

Author: Rick Mercer

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Adult, Memoir

Pages: 312

Publisher: Doubleday Canada

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"Canada's beloved comic genius tells his own story for the first time.

What is Rick Mercer going to do now? That was the question when the beloved comedian retired his hugely successful TV show after 15 seasons- and at the peak of its popularity. The answer came not long after, when he roared back in a new role as stand-up-comedian, playing to sold-out houses wherever he appeared.

And then Covid-19 struck. And his legions of fans began asking again: What is Rick Mercer going to do now? Well, for one thing, he's been writing a comic masterpiece. For the first time, this most private of public figures has turned the spotlight on himself, in a memoir that's as revealing as it is hilarious. In riveting anecdotal style, Rick charts his rise from highly unpromising schoolboy (in his reports 'the word 'disappointment' appeared a fair bit') to the height of TV fame. Along the way came an amazing break when, not long out of his teens, his one-man show Show Me the Button, I'll Push It Or, Charles Lynch Must Die, became an overnight sensation- thanks in part to a bizarre ambush by its target, Charles Lynch himself. That's one story you won't soon forget, and this book is full of them.

There's a tale of how little Rick helped himself to a tree from the neighbours' garden that's set to become a new Christmas classic. There's Rick the aspiring actor, braving 'the scariest thing I have ever done in my life' by performing with the Newfoundland Shakespeare Company; unforgettable scenes with politicians of every variety, from Jean Chretien to George W. Bush to Stockwell Day; and a wealth behind-the-scenes revelations about the origins and making of This Hour Has 22 Minutes, Made in Canada and Talking to Americans. All leading of course to the greenlighting of the mega-hit, Rick Mercer Report...

It's a life so packed with incident (did we mention Bosnia and Kabul?) and laughter we can only hope that a future answer to 'What is Rick Mercer going to do now?' is 'Write volume two.'"

My Rating: 5/5

In my family, there weren't many shows we watched religiously, but the Rick Mercer Report was always playing on Mondays. It's a show me and my dad laughed at for years together (even if I might have been too young to understand the jokes). Rick Mercer is really a Canadian legend and was one of the first gay men I saw on TV growing up. I enjoyed this memoir seeing how he got his start and got to where he is today. I listened to the audiobook and loved that the author narrates it himself. Would recommend it to any fans, or people who want a fun memoir.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: We Were Dreamers by Simu Liu

Title: We Were Dreamers: An Immigrant Superhero Origin Story

Author: Simu Liu

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 320

Publisher: William Morrow

Year Published: 2022

Format: Audiobook

"Marvel's newest recruit shares his own inspiring and unexpected origin story, from China to the bright lights of Hollywood. An immigrant who battles everything from paternal expectations to cultural stereotypes, Simu Liu struggles to forge a path for himself, rising from the ashes of a failed accounting career (yes, you read that right) to become Shang-Chi."

My Rating: 3/5

I could have written the whole summary of this book from GoodReads, but then I feel like the whole book and its contents are given away. I did like this book, but I wasn't expecting it to end when it did. I think that Simu Liu brings up so many important social issues and has given a spotlight to those who can relate to his experiences as a second-generation family member. I'm glad I read it and the audiobook was read by the author which is always a great experience. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: In Order to Live by Yeonmi Park

Title: In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl's Journey to Freedom

Author: Yeonmi Park

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 273

Publisher: Penguin Press

Year Published: 2015

Format: Audiobook

"Human rights activist Park, who fled North Korea with her mother in 2007 at age 13 and eventually made it to South Korea two years later after a harrowing ordeal, recognized that in order to be 'completely free,' she had to confront truth of her past. It is an ugly, shameful story of being sold with her mother into slave marriages by Chinese brokers, and although she at first tried to hide the painful details when blending into South Korean society, she realized how her survival story could inspire others. Moreover, her sister had also escaped earlier and had vanished into China for years, prompting the author to go public with her story in the hope of finding her sister."

Rating: N/A

Sometimes when reading a memoir I feel comfortable giving it a rating but this is not one of those times.  This story was heartwrenching and so important for everyone to read. This story tells the horrific things that are happening in a country full of people who have been brainwashed into believing that their leaders are able to control the weather and hear their thoughts. That other countries all want what North Korea has and if they are trying to make ends meet in any way during a famine they are stealing from the government. It also highlights how people are taking advantage of those trying to escape the clutches of North Korea and how the system is not set up for those who are trying to leave a country filled with human rights violations. I would suggest reading the physical copy as opposed to the audiobook just so it's easier to take your time with the subject matter.

Thank you for reading,

SIdny

Book Review: Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Title: Know My Name

Author: Chanel Miller

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir

Pages: 384

Publisher: Viking

Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on BuzzFeed, where it instantly went viral- viewed by eleven million people within four days, it was translated globally and read on the floor of Congress; it inspired changes in California law and the recall of the judge in the case. Thousands wrote to say that she had given them the courage to share their own experiences of assault for the first time.

Now she reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words. It was the perfect case, in many ways- there were eyewitnesses, Turner ran and away, physical evidence was immediately secured. But her struggles with isolation and shame during the aftermath and the trial reveal the oppression victims face in even the best-case scenarios. Her story illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicts a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and ultimately, shines with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

Know My Name will forever transform the way we think about sexual assault, challenging our beliefs about what is acceptable and speaking truth to the tumultuous reality of healing. It also introduces readers to an extraordinary writer, one whose words have already changed our world. Entwining pain, resilience, and humor, this memoir will stand as a modern classic."

My Rating: 5/5

This story was truly heartwrenching, but it's so intensely important to read it. This is the story of Chanel, whose identity was stripped away through a two-year wait of trials, and still didn't receive the justice she deserved. While she is a victim and she is finding what that looks like in her life post-trial, she is also a person. Someone who worked through an unjust system, a system made to keep the victims in these crimes. To have her identity and who she was before the rape not even considered in court unless it was to slander her character was heartbreaking. The use of hearsay for her vs. the way that Turner was able to use character witnesses made me sick. With everything going on in the US at the moment I think we can agree that progress has taken a step back for the rights of women and while this book was painful to read, it is necessary to voice these pains and all the problems that surround victims of assault. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson

Title: All Boys Aren't Blue

Author: George M. Johnson

Series/Standalone: Standalone
Genre: Memoir, LGBT, Young Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"In a series of personal essays, prominent journalist and LGBTQIA+ activist George M. Johnson explores his childhood, adolescence, and college years in New Jersey and Virginia. From the memories of getting his teeth kicked out by bullies at age five, to flea marketing, this young-adult memoir weaves together with the trials and triumphs faced by Black queer boys.

Both a primer for teens eager to be allies as well as a reassuring testimony for young queer men of color, All Boys Aren't Blue covers topics such as gender identity, toxic masculinity, brotherhood, family, structural marginalization, consent, and Black joy. Johnson's emotionally frank style of writing will appeal directly to young adults."

My Rating: 4/5

I originally took out this book to be a better ally, but through reading it I couldn't help but think about how this book will impact my professional life as well. I work in childcare as an Early Childcare Educator, and I'm trying to work at reading books that help me to combat my own societal prejudices and to reflect on my practice with children. My goal is to make sure that all children in my care feel seen and accepted. This book is obviously more than that, but I really enjoyed it. I hope that people who are reading this are feeling seen, and heard. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Naturally Tan by Tan France

 Title: Naturally Tan

Author: Tan France

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Nonfiction, Autobiography, LGBT

Pages: 304

Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Year Published: 2019

Format: Audiobook

"In this heartfelt, funny, touching memoir, Tan France, star of Netflix's smash-hit QUEER EYE, tells his origin story for the first time. With his trademark wit, humor and radical compassion, Tan reveals what it was like to grow up gay in a traditional Muslim family, as one of the few people of color in Doncaster, England. He illuminates his winding journey of coming of age, finding his voice (and style!), and how he finally came out to his family at the age of 34, revealing that he was happily married to the love of his life-- a Mormon cowboy from Salt Lake City.

In Tan's own words, "The book is meant to spread joy, personal acceptance, and most of all understanding. Each of us is living our own private journey, and the more we know about each other, the healthier and happier the world will be."

My Rating: 2/5

I think I'm coming to realize that celebrity autobiographies/memoirs are not for me. I just find that they appear a bit performative and while they do touch on important topics, it's just not for me. That being said, Tan France speaks about growing up in a predominately white neighbourhood, racism, homophobia, religious beliefs, marriage, media diversity etc. Many important topics, I just didn't find that the audiobook did much for me. And that's fine, not every book is for everybody to get something from. So for me, this was just ok. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Becoming by Michelle Obama

Title: Becoming

Author: Michelle Obama

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Memoir, Nonfiction, Adult

Pages: 426

Publisher: Crown

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook (own a hardcover)

"In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America- the first African American to serve in that role- she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her- from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it- in her own words, and on her own terms. Warm, wise and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations- and whose story inspires us to do the same."

My Rating: 4.5/5

I would like to start this review by saying that I am a Canadian Citizen and I have never lived in the United States, but by being neighbours with the United States I do know a bit about their politics. Not a ton, but a small amount. Probably more than most American's know about our political systems. That being said this book isn't only about politics. It's about finding who you are, striving through controversy, and using your voice for those who do not have one. I think that Michelle strikes a lot of hope into young people across the world. Seeing a woman who is able to bring about change with such poise isn't easy, but before reading this book she always appeared without flaw to someone like me. But knowing that she's just a human as well, is soothing in a way. Knowing that we are all capable of speaking up, and making change, but also knowing that everyone needs to be giving a fighting chance to seize opportunities that some are just handed (alumni at colleges, people living in the suburbs with the financial ability to move to better areas with better schools, etc.). This is just a quick summary of my thoughts. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny