Review: Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast

Title: Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?
Author: Roz Chast

Publication Date: May 6th, 2014

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Genre: Graphic Novel, Memoir

Pages: 228

ISBN: 1608198065

Source: The Library
Awards: National Book Award Nominee for Nonfiction (2014), Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction (2014)

Rating: 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

#1 New York Times Bestseller

2014 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST

In her first memoir, Roz Chast brings her signature wit to the topic of aging parents. Spanning the last several years of their lives and told through four-color cartoons, family photos, and documents, and a narrative as rife with laughs as it is with tears, Chast’s memoir is both comfort and comic relief for anyone experiencing the life-altering loss of elderly parents.

When it came to her elderly mother and father, Roz held to the practices of denial, avoidance, and distraction. But when Elizabeth Chast climbed a ladder to locate an old souvenir from the “crazy closet”—with predictable results—the tools that had served Roz well through her parents’ seventies, eighties, and into their early nineties could no longer be deployed.

While the particulars are Chast-ian in their idiosyncrasies—an anxious father who had relied heavily on his wife for stability as he slipped into dementia and a former assistant principal mother whose overbearing personality had sidelined Roz for decades—the themes are universal: adult children accepting a parental role; aging and unstable parents leaving a family home for an institution; dealing with uncomfortable physical intimacies; managing logistics; and hiring strangers to provide the most personal care.

An amazing portrait of two lives at their end and an only child coping as best she can, Can't We Talk about Something More Pleasant will show the full range of Roz Chast’s talent as cartoonist and storyteller.

  

Roz Chast has loved to draw cartoons since she was a child growing up in Brooklyn. She attended Rhode Island School of Design, majoring in Painting because it seemed more artistic. However, soon after graduating, she reverted to type and began drawing cartoons once again.

Her cartoons have also been published in many other magazines besides The New Yorker, including Scientific American, the Harvard Business Review, Redbook, and Mother Jones. Her most recent book is a comprehensive compilation of her favorite cartoons called Theories of Everything: Selected, Collected, and Health-Inspected Cartoons of Roz Chast, 1978-2006. She also illustrated The Alphabet from A to Y, with Bonus Letter, Z, the best-selling children's book by Steve Martin.

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Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? : A Memoir, Is a graphic novel by Roz Chast that tells the story of her experiences caring for her elderly parents as they make their way through the least popular stage of life; the last one. Chast uses her unique and candid voice and eccentric drawing style to illuminate a very dark topic in society. What she creates is a story that is equal parts hilarious, heartwarming and downright depressing. 

Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant gives a brutally honest account of the author’s life and the lives of her parents from childhood to the inevitable conclusion. Chast pulls no punches when describing the challenges of caring for an aging parent. She manages to distill every moment of heartache and comedy out of everything from senility to generational differences to just plain stubbornness. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant is part biography, part memoir, part new Yorker comic, except it’s actually funny. The comedic portions are extremely funny but the dark aspect to the humor had me wondering if I should be laughing at times. The idiosyncrasies of Chast and her family make for some truly funny moments until they are put against the backdrop of the hurt that bore them. In that sense, Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant is a perfect slice of the human experience; funny on the surface, dig a bit deeper and it is morbidly depressing, see the big picture and everything kind of turns out all right. 

The entire book feels like a therapeutic exercise on the part of the author. She really delves into the problems she had with her parents, especially her mother and how those problems affected their dynamic later in life. Extremely complex feelings are unearthed and captured in comic form. The medium of the comic lends a lighthearted air to what is a very uncomfortable subject, but Chast also uses it to profound effect to plumb the depths of familial relations. Her brutal honesty for her portrayal of events is only matched by her brutal honesty about herself. For every strip about an annoying quirk of her father or the brash overbearing nature of her mother, there is one about her own guilt over her impatience with her parents or selfish thoughts. It all goes a long way toward chronicling the unceasingly arduous, mercilessly expensive, insanity inducing and at times extremely funny experience of taking care of the people who once took care of you. 

Calvin and Hobbes holds the same kind of importance for young, only children as Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant will hold for those in the sandwich generation. It is the quintessential dark comedy for anyone with aging parents but should by no means be limited to that. Within hours of reading it, I had already recommended it to everyone close to me. I would recommend it to anyone who is in need of a laugh, a cry, or both at the same time. Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant is incredibly evocative and charming and is well worth a read.

Review: Bury Me With My Pearls (Humor with a Spiritual Twist) by Jane Jenkins Herlong

Title: Bury Me With My Pearls (Humor with a Spiritual Twist)

Author: Jane Jenkins Herlong

Publication Date: November 12th, 2013

Publisher: Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

Genre: Memoir, Motivational

Pages: 155

ISBN13: 978-1938499333

Source: ARC from Publisher

Rating: 

Synopsis (from Goodreads):

Bury Me with My Pearls is a real-life, roller-coaster ride of laughter, tears, and stomach-churning truths by a professional speaker, humorist, and singer who, as Miss South Carolina, represented her state in the Miss America pageant and has been singing, speaking, and writing ever since. Incorporating the analogy of pearls, this book uses humor and spiritual principles to bravely address difficult issues many in her audiences encounter within changing roles, self-actualization, and families.

Bury Me with My Pearls addresses the importance of how to guard the countless gifts given by our Lord and that doing the right thing is the right thing, regardless of our feelings or circumstances. It is about trusting God in all things and how he can turn our irritants into to pearls. Bury Me with My Pearls encourages us to develop our pearls, protect our jewels, carefully wear them next to our hearts, and share with others. All of this with a good splash of humor.

Explore how to walk in love while pruning the family tree in an environment filled with difficult people and how God's power is released when learning to trust Him, to embrace the lessons being taught, and to grow spiritually no matter how painful. Like the process of the pearl, so many women need to find and embrace their buried treasures.

  

Jane entertains using funny, original Southern stories, folksy wisdom and singing to help folks live more productive, stress-free lives. Jane believes in the extraordinary healing power of humor and story telling.  This is evident in Jane’s most recent accomplishment of being an Amazon “Best-Seller” for her new book, “Bury Me with My Pearls.”

As a Southern Humorist, Jane combines humor, original Southern stories, and her award-winning singing (you may hear a parody or two) with life lessons. Combining her talents audiences “laugh at” while learning “how to” handle difficulties at home and in the workplace.

Jane is a Certified Professional Speaking (CSP), professional singer, recording artist and published author. Jane’s award-winning singing and humor is featured on Sirius XM Radio and Pandora. She criss‐crosses the country sharing her “down‐home principles delivered with uptown humor”. Jane has also spoken in New Zealand and Germany and is fluent in four languages: English, Southern, Northern and Gullah (gul‐la).

Jane is active in her church and community and serves on an the Parent Board at Clemson University, Commissioner at Piedmont Technical College of South Carolina, Chair of the National Speakers Association Scholarship Committee and serves on the Foundation Board of the National Speakers Association.

However, Jane’s proudest accomplishments are being a wife and mother. Jane and her family live on the family peach  farm in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

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      Jane Jenkins Herlong is a bona fide pearl to add to your strand of inspiration. Very much like Melanie Shankle and Mandy Hale, Herlong brings humor and wit to the scene, even in the most desperate situations. If you're in need of a little perspective, then this book is for you. The book opens up with Herlong's "Mothers of Pearl" where the reader is introduced to the ones who inspired the author throughout her life, planting seeds that grew into [spiritual] fruit that determined several situations in her life.

It doesn't take long to get to know Herlong in Bury Me With My Pearls. She is very open, candid, and has no fear of becoming acquainted with her reader. She takes us through several situations throughout her book of stories about not just her, but of people in her life that added to her strand of pearls. Each story is unique, and comes with its own set of problems and out-of-ordinary solutions that will have you laughing and crying along with them. You will take quite the joy ride through this book, and hopefully you will be left encouraged and inspired as well.

The format of the book is easy to read and easily organized to fit a busy schedule. Each segment is broken up into chapters and subchapters that are short and sweet, but rich in impact. There are only 8 chapters in this book. You will also find plenty of resources in the back to hook you up with more of Herlong's ministry.

The only thing that was missing from my galley was an author bio. It's possible that it's included in the hard copy of the book, but I didn't have access to it at the time. However, I wanted to learn more about the author and was unable to. 

Definitely, if you need a laugh, some encouragement, and a dose of inspiration (so basically, if you are a breathing human being with a soul), then you need to pick up this book. You won't regret it!

Review: Making It (Rock 'n' Roll Diaries #1) by Jamie Scallion

Title: Making It
Series: Rock 'n' Roll Diaries #1
Author: Jamie Scallion

Publication Date: November 1st, 2013

Publisher: Self-published

Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction

Pages: 331

Source: Paperback from Author

Rating:

Synopsis (from Goodreads): 

When Burt decides he must start a rock band to win the love of Bex, he is forced to assemble a quartet of teenage opposites. The RockAteers are born. It must work, and not just for Burt’s sake. Egg has spent his life on the outside looking in, Tea needs to evade a tough future and Clipper wants more than a fast track to football academy. When Egg reveals his song-writing genius, the only way is up… But can they function as a band?
Who will win the race to sign them? And who will win the girl?

 

Jamie Scallion grew up in South London. He started a rock band at school and as lead singer of a cult London band for twelve years he toured the world, playing with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He wrote The Rock 'n' Roll Diaries whilst on the road.

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      So you can tell by the video that the concept of this book is really cool. Not only is it an intimate look into the head and life of a rock star, but it's interactive as you can actually meet and hear the characters. This brings the whole thing to life.

You're probably wondering why I gave this 3 stars. Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting concept and the storyline was entertaining. It was also a very fast read considering more than half the book consists of journal entries. But I felt like there wasn't any real goal or direction and although this may have been the road the band actually experienced, it was a bit too easy. I know a few Indie bands that my friends have started and it's been a much harder and slower journey for them. It was also really hard for me to like the "characters" after a while. I know when you're young and writing diaries it's basically an outlet for your teenage angst, but after a while it became a little exhausting. However, I realize this is realistic and the author was candid so kudos to him for that.

If you're into rocker memoirs and getting a behind the scenes look of the real life of a rock star, then you'll enjoy this book. I can't say that I loved it, but it was interesting enough to keep me reading and experience at least once.

Review: Sinner's Creed by Scott Stapp

Title: Sinner's Creed
Author: Scott Stapp with David Ritz

Publication Date: October 2nd, 2012

Publisher: Christian Audio

Genre: Memoir, Christian Non-Fiction

Pages: 336

Source: Paperback from Publisher

Rating:

Synopsis (from Goodreads): Sinner’s Creed is the uncensored memoir of Scott Stapp, Grammy Award-winning leader of the multiplatinum rock band CREED. Raised by an abusive stepfather, Scott was always aware of God's presence in his life, but it wasn't until years later, amid a life punctuated by sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll that Scott began to feel a need for God in his life.

During CREED’s decade of dominance and in the years following the band's breakup, Scott struggled with drugs and alcohol, which led not only to a divorce, but also to a much-publicized suicide attempt in 2006. Now clean, sober, and in the midst of a highly successful solo career, Scott has finally come full circle-a turnaround he credits to his renewed relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Sinner's Creed, Scott shares his story for the first time, from his fundamentalist upbringing, the rise and fall of CREED, and his ongoing battle with addiction, to his recommitment to Christ and the launch of his solo career. The result is a gripping memoir that is proof positive that God is always present in our lives, despite the colossal mess we sometimes make of them.

 

Scott Stapp is among the most successful artists of the modern rock era. As Creed's lead vocalist, he has sold over 35 million records, with 26 million sold in the United States alone. He has toured the world several times, selling out arenas and major stadiums. His song, "With Arms Wide Open" won a Grammy as Best Rock Song of 2000. One Rolling Stone writer has called Stapp "one of the most influential and boldest rock writer/performers of the past 25 years whose fans must be counted in the legions." 

In 2000, Stapp founded the With Arms Wide Open Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to "promoting healthy, loving relationships between children and their families." In early 2010, Stapp flew to Haiti to help the victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.His first solo album, The Great Divide, has already been certified Double Platinum (2 million+ sales), and he is in the process of recording a second album, due out in 2012. 

Scott lives in Florida with his wife Jacyln (Miss New York USA of 2004 and Mrs. Florida America of 2008), and their three young children.  

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If you were around during the golden days of Creed, you may be interested in picking up this book. Lead singer Scott Stapp pens this memoir in a fresh perspective of faith from a celebrity's point of view. We get an intimate look into the life of a rock star who, just like the rest of us, struggled to find himself in life. This was extremely interesting to read (and listen to). Stapp is candid and honest as we step into his shoes through his abused childhood, battle with drugs, and his attempt at suicide. He doesn't sugar-coat the realities of stardom, but he does add an element we often don't hear about: God.

This book pressed me with the hope it gave. This isn't just a memoir or a "tell-all" compilation. It's a message that people in their most desperate circumstances need to hear. He talks about how even though he refused God and chose the most destructive path he possibly could, God still had a plan for him and as he looks back, he can say with confidence that God was always there. Many times when we go through difficult times we question God and ask where He is, but the truth is that He hasn't move. It's us. We lose faith and trust and hold tightly to our problems and don't allow God the opportunity to refine it into something valuable. Right here in Sinner's Creed we are shown that no matter how stubborn or doubtful we are, God still has a plan. He's knocking and He's waiting for us to open the door to redemption and new life. There is hope.

I think everyone should read this book at least once. It can be extremely inspirational and eye-opening. His CD Proof of Life is still in the style of Creed, so if you enjoy hard rock then you should listen to it and you will probably enjoy it. The lyrics are just as poetic and heartfelt, just in a different kind of voice. If anything, I would encourage you to pick up the book and read it. You just might learn something from it.

“I confess that I'm a sinner. Just like my old man. In word and in deed I enjoy my sin. In word and in deed my sin enjoys me. There is no one to blame. No one but me. Sin is my nature. I sin instinctually. Sin mimics the gates of paradise. Sin beats me to the floor. Sin is the dark shadow that no one can ignore. Sin screams "What's yours I want". Sin screams. "What's mine I'll keep." Sin is forever knocking, beating at the iron door. Don't even open it for an instant. Sin always wants more. Sin forever stole the key. But you're not locked out forever. In this sinner's Garden of Eden where sin pretends to be a treasure. Sin wants to make you bleed. Sin cuts down every giver. Sin cuts every hand. Sin wants total control. Sin wants to command. Sin just wants to kill you. And yes, for you the bell tolls. So death came before life entered. In death sin was conceived. Sin will linger forever Blameless, it's part of you and me. But there's a silver lining to sin's story. And the silver lining is this-When I was out chasing sin. The truth was out chasing me and when it finally caught me. That truth set me free. Now I've shared it all. Perhaps I've shared too much. But in this you must believe. The only truth I have left is this, my Sinner's Creed.” 

Review: All my love, George by Darla Noble

Title: All my love, George

Author: Darla Noble

Publication Date: September 10th, 2013

Publisher: BookBaby

Genre: Historical Non-Fiction, Memoir

Pages: 108

Source: Purchased book from author

Rating:

Synopsis (from Goodreads): A good book allows us to become part of the story within its pages, leaves us wishing we didn’t have to say good-bye to its characters and makes us better in one way or another for having read it. “All My Love, George” is a good book. 

Technician Third Grade, George Burks was a medic who served and gave his life in the South Pacific during World War II. The book chronicles his three year journey from boot camp to just days prior to his death through the letters he wrote home to his family. These letters are interspersed with the thoughts and reminiscence of his younger brother-sixty-five years after George’s death. The book will move readers to grieve a family’s loss as if it were their own, put them in the midst of one of the greatest periods of history in our nation, and foster a sense of pride in this young soldier who selflessly gave his all for the life we enjoy today. The man George was-genuine, thoughtful, sincere, valiant, and a real-life hero is evident in both the letters and the tender, yet proud words of his brother-a man whose teen years were overshadowed by his loss of a much-loved and admired older brother.

 

 Darla Noble is a native of mid-Missouri where she lives with her husband of thirty-three years, John. Darla’s love of writing began in the fourth grade; after meeting up and coming children's author, Judy Blume, who, by the way, autographed her copy of "Are you there, God...it's me, Margaret".

Darla's love for writing and family makes her work sought after in the Christian market, parenting and family resources and ghostwriting for educators and inspirational speakers. But now it is time for Darla to begin telling her own stories. “All my love, George” is sure to make Darla Noble one of your favorite non-fiction writers.

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        Another local author for ya, friends! I had the pleasure of stumbling upon Darla at my local library where she was doing a book signing. These are my favorite encounters. Every time fate so has it that I meet a local author in the most random of ways, I feel like I have discovered a treasure. Darla has been no exception.

        In her book All my love, George, Darla has created a memoir of collected letters from her Uncle George while he was fighting in WWII. These letters are spread through a series of recollections her father provided as he delved deep into his memory and retrieved the events, feelings, and circumstances surrounding this experience.  She also included official letters of condolence after George's death, and tidbits that provided a timeline of events regarding the war. Between Darla and her father, we were able to step into the soldier's world and become part of the family, laughing and grieving right along with them.

       If you've ever had a loved one in the service, then you should be able to connect with Darla's book instantly. If you've lost a loved one, whether in the service or have simply experienced the stages of grief involved with losing someone close to you, then you will also find companionship within the pages of this book. If neither of these scenarios apply to you, then perhaps it can serve as a perspective that will provide you with a newfound appreciation for those serving our country, and especially those who have lost their lives defending it. The text and history can make you richer in many ways, if you allow it.

     I enjoyed journeying through All my love, George. It was endearing and heartfelt. I have had one of my best friends serve in the army, and just over a year ago I lost another friend to the war over in Afghanistan. I connected in a lot of ways with this book, and I found solace in the journey and grief that this family experienced. I understood them. I also found George's relationship with them and his ability to stand firm and optimistic through his trials heartwarming. These are the things I enjoyed about the book.

      The only major issue I had was an unfortunate common pitfall for self-published arbiters of literature: format and proofreading. I caught a few grammatical errors throughout that could've been avoided and I'm sure were overlooked. There was also some formatting that either could've been better organized, or was difficult to read. The timeline was generally clear, but there were certain areas I felt like I was being pulled back and forth through time. It may have been more effective if we had been provided the foreword, and then built up to the moment the family received news of George's heroic death. I think beginning with the climax of the story might do a slight disservice to the book. Just a thought!

     If you're looking for a good historical memoir to gain a more intimate perspective on WWII, or you want something to potentially connect with, then I would recommend this book for you. I enjoyed reading it and found the correspondence from George interesting. 4 stars. :)

Review: Mission To Teach by Dipak Basu

Title: Mission To Teach: The Life and Legacy of a Revolutionary Educator
Author: Dipak Basu

Publication Date: April 24, 2013

Publisher: Jbf Books

Genre: Non-Fiction, Biographies/Memoirs

Pages: 397

Source: Paperback from Author

Rating:

Synopsis (from Amazon): From bleak, mafia-controlled streets of post-communist Russia, from joy and sorrow in India's capital city, to the academic enclaves of America, "Mission to Teach" spans four continents as it recounts the remarkable life of Dr. Jhumki Basu.

It is a story of facing great obstacles-the brutal murder of her dearest mentor and the onset of breast cancer at the unheard of age of twenty-four. And it is a story of triumph-the founding of a public school in an embattled New York borough with dramatic results, and a unique professorship at New York University.

It is a story of making learning science exciting for children at risk of a lifetime of poverty, drugs, and crime-and a way for them to become responsible citizens. "Mission to Teach" shows us how, despite a seven-year battle with a killer disease and an untimely death, a fearless young woman's pathbreaking work endures through the movement she started.

"This is a powerful, beautifully written book. It is a heart-wrenching testament to a brilliant woman." - Dr. Jane Goodall

"She was an extraordinary woman - kind, compassionate and brilliant. In her shortened life, she touched so many people. I am among those who feel genuinely blessed to have known her. Please know that I will never forget her and that she will live, vibrantly, in all our hearts." - Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice

 

Dipak Basu, engineer, philanthropist, social worker, author, has spent much of his life employing technology in humanitarian missions worldwide.

In 2006, he set up Anudip Foundation, a nonprofit company dedicated to improving livelihoods of poor rural people in developing countries through training in information technology and entrepreneurship. He currently serves as Anudip's Chairman and CEO.

 In 2001 Dipak founded and served as Executive Director of NetHope, a technology alliance of the world's largest aid agencies, applying innovative high-tech solutions to aid operations in the world's impoverished, disaster-affected and war-torn regions.

From 1995-2006, Dipak held senior management positions in Product Management and Professional Services at Cisco Systems. Prior to Cisco, Dipak served as a consultant to the Government of India, developing communications solutions for the country's steel, energy, banking and hospitality sectors.

Dipak is the recipient of the Tech Laureate award for IT in Humanity and the President's Award from Save the Children. He is a Cisco Leadership Fellow, a Reuters Digital Vision Fellow, and a Fellow of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers.

In 2009, following the loss of their beloved daughter the previous year, Dipak and his wife, Radha, launched the Jhumki Basu Foundation to carry on her remarkable legacy.

Sipak's debut historical fiction novel, A Flight of Green Parrots, was published in 2004. A sequel will follow in 2014.

Anudip | A Flight of Green Parrots

     Coming from a family of educators in some way, shape, or form, this book really touched my heart. This woman really had a story to tell and it is wonderful that her father was willing  to put in the time and effort to create an in-depth memoir in her name. As someone who is going into [Music] Education myself, I found Jhumki's story inspiring and moving. I have a lot of drive and motivation, but this woman had a fierce determination that many of us only wish we had. It is so unfortunate that her time on earth was cut so short; I can only imagine the endless things she could have accomplished not only for the lives around her, but the lives of teachers all over the globe. 

     So there are a lot of aspects to the depth of this book, but mostly, it is about a person's journey through revolutionizing the approach to education. Jhumki believed the best way to teach was to also become a student...of your students. What do I mean by that? Basically, if you as an educator are willing to LEARN your students on a more intimate level and UNDERSTAND how they function, then you discover how to make them teachable.

     This was especially vital in her techniques as she worked with kids who were a disadvantaged minority. From experience, I know how easy it is for people to shut off their emotions and create a barrier between themselves and difficult students simply because it makes them "easier" to work with. But in actuality, they need the kind of intricate attention that Jhumki displayed within her teaching methods. I hope that I can integrate them myself when I enter the classroom.

     I think what really made her incredible was that she was accomplishing these ground-breaking ideals in the educational world, completed her Masters and PHD at the SAME time, all the while battling cancer at a ridiculously young age. Wow! Talk about not allowing your circumstances to define you! 

    This is a GREAT book. I wouldn't just recommend it to other teachers, but really to anyone looking for some inspiration in life. It's not all light-hearted, though. You will experience the good, the bad, and the ugly through the pages and see an incredible strength and bond not just through Jhumki, but through her entire family. She lived a short life, but it was definitely a FULL life.

    Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book! :)

www.jhumkibasu.org | www.missiontoteach.org