5 comments about The Perfect Wife: The Life and Choices of Laura Bush.

1. The woman KILLED a boy - she was driving her car down the street and of all people in town for her to accidently kill - she runs over her boyfriend!!! Talk about coincidence! There's a lot of bloodshed in that family. They're the new Kennedy's!! Let's open a dialogue about what a murderer Laura Bush is! Why didn't her husband send her to the deathchair???



2. Laura Bush and her mother in law, Barbara, both reflect the enigma society has long created that women who have little or no income lack status or deserve no status, and therefore, have little or no value to society. The misconception arises from the hierarchy which values income level over social contribution and one that fails to recognize the value of marital support, childbearing and raising activities and housewivery. Women and men have been led to believe that unless they have substantial income, they have little value to society. Yet, First Ladies are always valued for their voluntary contributions, expected or not, but anticipated with enormous respect and anticipation with each new administration. Defying the logic that, by default, falls upon every female in this nation, or any nation, the income-based hierarchy of capitalism that fails to acknowledge the contributions of women to their families, to the community, and even to themselves, presents the most schizophrenic of economic philosophies to women, and the most difficult to digest over their lives. Due to the trend to adopt more women into the economic hierarchy of income earnings, Mrs. Bush represents the remnants of our civil society that once respected women for their presence, rather than the barbaric feudal world to which America continues to gravitate which defines women only by their level of income, as it does for males, and ignores their status as wives and mothers, deferring to the singular world where the benchmark of status is conferred by the status of the warrior, as measured by his conquest alone. That women allow this to happen is even more striking, and shows they lack the wisdom of the ages to allow themselves to be placed in so narrow a social box!



3. I read this book in October 2004 - an interesting time to be reading such a book, during the latter weeks of the US presidential campaign with Bush seeking a second term as president. The book dragged in places, the earlier and latter chapters being the more interesting. The writer seems sympathetic to Laura Bush - hence it is almost a shock to read the chapter on their twin daughters which is not at all sympathetic to them, and critical of the parenting they have received, such a contrast to the tone of the rest of the book (and perhaps also something of a relief?). A woman who says (and seems to believe) that supporting her husband is the most important part of her job, "whether my husband is president or not", and who gave up her own career as soon as she married him (after knowing him for just 12 weeks), a woman who has been able to refrain from voicing any of her own views and opinions - maybe that sort of woman is indeed the perfect wife for a President of the United States. I may have my own thoughts about what that tells us, but it is interesting to read about a woman with such a different outlook from your own and to try to see the world through her eyes for a time. I have considerable respect for anyone who has been through what she went through as a 17 year old (when she drove her car through a STOP sign at 50 miles an hour, crashing into and killing a very popular 17 year old male friend) and has managed to come to terms with it and go forward. And there is no denying the wisdom of this woman - whether it has come from her life experience or from her extensive reading - we can probably all take something from the lessons she teaches. Having read the book, I am no more enthusiastic about Bush and his policies than I was before, and have not been converted to a die-hard Laura Bush fan either, but I feel considerable respect for the choices she has made and for her commitment.



4. I'll admit up front that I am not a George W. Bush fan (does an American exist who does not have a strong opinion of him one way or the other?). But I thought there must be a deeper, more complex Laura Bush.
   
   Ann Gerhart's book is well written and I could not stop reading it once I started. There are lots of interesting tidbits (Laura Bush smokes cigarettes, but never in public) and revealing anecdotes and interviews. The chapter on the twins is ruthless. In another chapter, Gerhart describes in detail the tragic car accident that Laura Bush caused when she was seventeen, and what a traumatic experience it was for all concerned.
   
   So how does a woman who voted for Eugene McCarthy, who hangs out with liberal friends, and who loves her work, meet a guy who is running for congress on a Republican ticket and marry him six weeks later, giving up forever a career she has wanted since she was in second grade? I was certain that there was more to Laura Bush than meets the eye. After reading The Perfect Wife, I am convinced that there is less.
   
   Maybe she couldn't bear the thought of staying single into her thirties. I don't doubt that she loves George and that he loves her. It is obvious what George gets out of the deal. Less obvious is what Laura gets. One (male) interviewee suggested to Gerhart that George was irresistibly handsome and sexy. Please.
   
   There is little evidence that Laura Bush is an introspective person. She reads a lot, but seems to be as shallow as her husband. If she ever does evaluate her life and her decisions, I wonder how she will come to grips with having left the desperately important job of teaching at-risk children to raise a pair of self-centered and inconsiderate daughters. And with having supported a man who is dismantling the most important social programs this nation has. Will she ever speak out?
   
   Gerhart leaves a lot of questions unanswered, but by the time you finish The Perfect Wife, you will have enough information to form your own opinion about Laura Bush.



5. At the end of this book, despite having interviewed plenty of people for it, this reader still doesn't really know who Laura Bush is. She comes off as very private, and seems to be doing a noteworthy job of her quasi-job - "First Lady", which we learns is a term she does not care for in the least.
   
   The author takes a few pot shots at President Bush ~ such as saying that the President has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and Mrs. Bush has one with reading. She paints them as polar opposites, and I got the sense that the author was constantly shaking her head at what possessed Mrs. Bush to marry Mr. Bush. She also tries to suggest that Mrs. Bush is farther to the left than she would like to let on, but I don't necessarily buy that.
   
   Ms. Gerhart takes a chapter and dedicates it to the Bush daughters, and to their parents' parenting style, which suggests that the girls were brought up spoiled. She seems to nitpick every comment Mrs. Bush has ever publicly made about the girls, and this reader got the feeling that the author was shaking her head over the Bush girls' antics.
   
   Overall I didn't come away learning anything important about Laura Bush. Maybe someday she'll write her own story, in her own words. It would be fitting considering her fervor for the literary arts, and quite probably it would be without the sniping that the author sneaks in every few pages.

1 comments about The Gift of Valor (Random House Large Print (Cloth/Paper)).

1. I couldn't put this book down! Michael Phillips tells the story so well, and makes you almost feel like you are there.
   
   Great Book!

3 comments about George Burns and the Hundred-Year Dash (G K Hall Large Print Book Series).

1. In this world, it is rare that a man show as much love, kindeness, and humility as did George Burns. However, this book chooses rather to focus on the sordid details of his life. The sexual immorality, the dirty jokes off stage, the things that George himself varnished over. George had a right to varnish over the negatives. It is the soul of the man. It is how he made it to 100 years of age. This book instead punches him below the belt posthumously. I was and am a big George Burns fan, and I was sorely disapointed that someone could be so cheap and callous as to sully his image.



2. To the earlier reviewer : If you can't stand the unvarnished truth, why are you reading this book. If you want rose-colored platitudes, read People magazine. This book tells it like it was, warts and all. Isn't that what a proper biography should do?



3. WHEN I WAS A BOY, I THOUGHT THE FUNNIEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD WERE BURNS AND ALLEN, LAUREL AND HARDY AND JACK BENNY AND RODCHESTER. AS I GOT OLDER I ADDED GROUCHO AND W.C. FIELDS. BUT GEORGE BURNS AND GRACIE ALLEN WERE SPECIAL. THEY WERE LIKE SOME OF MY FAMILY, LIKE NEIGHBORS, LIKE, WELL, REAL PEOPLE. ADDED TO THAT WAS THE FACT GEORGE AND JACK BENNY WERE THE BEST OF FRIENDS ALL THEIR LIVES. THIS IS JUST A MARVELOUS BOOK AND I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE REVIEWER WHO SAW IT AS MAKING GEORGE LOOK SORDID. IT MADE HIM LOOK EVEN MORE HUMAN AND KINDER. HE WAS DEVOTED TO GRACIE, TO HIS FAMILY AND TO JACK. HE WAS A BRILLIANT AND KIND MAN ALL HIS LIFE AND ONE OF OUR NATIONAL TREASURES. READING THE BOOK WAS LIKE SITTING DOWN AND REMINISCING WITH OLD FRIENDS AND MARTIN GOTTFRIED SHOULD BE COMMENDED FOR HIS WORK.
   
   I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR EVERYONE WHO IS A FAN OF BURNS AND ALLEN AND JACK BENNY, ANOTHER KIND MAN SADDLED WITH A REALLY MISERABLE WIFE, NOTED FOR SUCH THINGS AS THROWING A DECORATED MARINE WAR HERO OUT OF ONE OF THIER PARTIES BECAUSE HE WASN'T "HOLLYWOOD". BUT I DIGRESS, PLEASE READ THE BOOK, IT'S ONE YOU WILL KEEP AND READ AGAIN, ESPECIALLY IF YOU FEEL DOWN OR DISCOURAGED. GEORGE AND GRACIE, I LOVE YOU AND THANK YOU FOR ALL THE JOY YOU BROUGHT TO US THROUGH THE YEARS.

5 comments about Paula Deen: It Ain't All About the Cookin' (Thorndike Press Large Print Biography Series).

1. I am not the type of person who enjoys biographies/autobiographies. I bought this book because I am a fan of Paula Deen's and thought that it would be an interesting read.
   
   I love this book. I cannot help but smile at her honesty and wit. The book is written in the true Paula style- you can almost hear that gorgeous Southern accent shine through the words on the page. She includes recipes at the end of every chapter and simply reading them will make your mouth water!
   
   What I enjoy most about this book is that she is so human. She did not come from a rich family who gave her everything. She had to work, really work, for what she has today. She has strength, determination, and a will that accomplished her and brought her to where she is today. Life was not always peaches and roses for her and she reflects upon the bad times with humor. While she has certainly done things in the past that she regrets (we could all right a book on our own experiences!) anyone reading this book will be inspired. What is your dream? What is holding you back? Read this book and you will learn that your only boundaries are the ones you are placing on yourself.
   
   I highly recommend this book. She notes in the beginning that she thought people would not like her or not respect her as much. After reading this book, I like her and respect her even more. She becomes more of a person vs a TV icon.
   
   By the way, there are some juicy parts in this book, but told with the honesty and hint of naughtiness that Ms. Deen is know for!
   
   Viva la Paula!



2. Paula Deen Is One Of My Absolute Favorites On The Food Network.I Have Several Of Her Cook Books,And I Enjoy Watching Her Show.Her Personality Is One In A Million. So Down Home & Warm.Her Openness,Being Frank,Along With Having Fun Cooking A Recipe,She's Always Laughing,And Her Southern Draw,i Love It !! She Opens Up About Her Life & Family In It Aint All About The Cookin.She's Definately One I'd Give Anything To Meet,And Share A Recipe Or 2 And Cook With In The Kitchen.It Aint All About The Cookin Is A Great Read And Well Worth Your Time Reading It.



3. Honestly, this is one heck of a book! Paula Deen is obviously human, full of mistakes and regrets, but ultimately, more than all of that, she is a woman full of strength, loyalty and sheer determination! Reading this book was at times, tough, few people are as candidly honest as Paula is, but truthfully, it just made me respect her more! Her truthfullness is un-apologetic and real, and very hard to find now a days! She makes it clear that she's far from perfect, a risk-taker and not always so nice; she cusses and demands a lot of herself and those around her, a shrewd business woman she is! However, after reading this book, I admire her more; for her strength, her honesty, her genuine regrets about her life (we ALL have them) and her love of food and family! She is an inspiration for any of us who have not always done or said the right thing, but risen above it all in the long run! I think the success and happiness she has today was well-earned and very deserved! I would reccomend this book most definately, just keep an open mind and don't expect a water-downed, sugar coated version of her life...but hey, honesty from the any star themselves is like a breath of fresh air! I'm glad Paula shared her story and it's one I'll reccomend and remmeber for a long time to come!



4. Paula Deen, I just love you girl. You are amazing. I love your family too, and I am so glad you found your "neighbor." Thanks for writing your story. You are a living inspiration to anyone down on their luck. Just look how things can turn around if you keep a positive outlook and aren't afraid of hard work. (You did have a lot of luck too, I might add, and that really keeps the reader hooked.) Thanks for sharing all the pictures, too.



5. Very, very interesting book. It will make you experience every emotion. She will have you laughing, crying and sometimes both at the same time. I already read the book. I got this one as a gift for my mother.

5 comments about John Paul the Great: Remembering a Spiritual Father.

1. I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Ms. Noonan. She writes of her spiritual growth, many things related to the Catholic Church (its politics, sexual abuse scandal, and changes) and John Paul II -- his life, beliefs and work.
   
   John Paul II vies with Mother Teresa for a tertiary place in this book behind the author's own story and issues about the Catholic church. At times, one forgets the book is about John Paul II, because he is nowhere in the current text; however, with the exception of somewhat lengthy writing about church politics and politics in general, I found the authors tangents enjoyable, especially when writing about her personal spirituality and Mother Teresa. There is enough biography to make one wonder at the extraordinary life of John Paul and the significant role he played in history and in individual lives, as well as the lives of nations--truly making the measure of greatness.
   
   Noonan is a seasoned writer and seems to maintain her "everyman's or woman's" tone despite being a member of elite journalists that are often out of touch with readers---definitely not the case with Noonan. She speaks plainly and not condescendingly at all.
   
   Her esteem for John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Catholicism and God shine through in this book and make it a treasure to read.
   
   The cd version is read by the author and reveals some emotion and emphasis adding to the quality.



2. I thoroughly enjoy Ms Noonan's writing style and so I knew I would enjoy reading this book. What was a delightful surprise was that the book was almost like two stories in one. One was the life story of Pope John Paul II, with as many facts presented (albeit in a beautiful, lyrical style, so as never to be textbookish) as in a tome twice its size. The other story was of Ms Noonan's spiritual reawakening, skillfully interwoven with John Paul's story and the events of the world at the time. I gave this book as Christmas presents to three of the dearest people in my life and have submitted it to be on our "Book of the Month" table at Church (which, by the way, is Presbyterian, lest you think only Catholics might enjoy this book). I also plan to read it again.



3. I was happy with this source. I received it within a week of ordering, in great condition.



4. Heard JOHN PAUL THE GREAT, written and read by Peggy
   Noonan.
   
   It's the inspiring story of Pope John Paul II, born Karol Jozef
   Wojtyla, who reigned as the 264th Pope of the Roman Catholic
   Church, from 1978-2005 . . . in learning more about him, I was
   impressed by his leadership, diplomacy, humility, and holiness.
   
   If anything I would have liked more of a traditional biography; i.e.,
   one that traced his life from birth to death in a straightforward
   chronological manner . . . at times, the book veered a bit too much
   to my liking when it brought in Noonan's background via varied
   mystical musings; e.g., when she says her rosary when an
   altercation breaks out.
   
   What I did like was the author's attempts to be honest in
   her appraisal on John Paul . . . she talks of all the good that
   he did, but also points out the bishops and cardinals:
   
   * (simply) do not understand what a mother and father go
   through, when their son is sexually violated; how it scars
   the child, steals his soul, breaks his heart. They TRY to
   understand, but they fail. They don't even seem to understand how
   the scandals happened in the first place. When the first priest
   violated the fist child and they didn't throw him out--that's how
   it started.
   
   And this, Noonan acknowledges, is:
   * inescapably part of John Paul's legacy . . . the unhappiest
   portion of what he left behind . . .(and) part of what his successor
   will now have to heal.
   
   Unfortunately, it could well have been avoided--according to an old
   nun--had nuns and priests worked closely together . . . in fact,
   according to the author:
   
   * NOTHING helps the world more than good nuns . . . and now's the
   time, she believes, to upgrade their titles--from "Sister" to "Mother."
   For that is what they are.



5. In her book "John Paul the Great: Remembering a Spiritual Father," Peggy Noonan asks a very intregal question which resonates throughout the whole book, which is, "Why do those of us who love him love him" (p. xiv). What I believe she is also trying to ask is, why do those who did not believe at the time they loved him, love him now? Why did he bring so many people together? Why did two to three billion people throughout the world watch his funeral on television? Noonan tries to quietly answer that although he was a larger-than-life man, he taught all of us that by our actions--not our words--our actions can truly change the world. It is how we humbly live our lives, as he did, that his quiet strength taught us to endure.
   
   And endure he did!! Peggy Noonan makes multiple references in her book about how Pope John Paul never looked at his suffering as a burden. We were to understand that with knowing how frail he was at the end of his life, that suffering has to have meaning connected to it. Even in the last few weeks of his life, he did not hide his suffering from his public. She states, "What a death he had. To die in public, with the whole world watching, to work to the very end, to attempt to speak to the world through the window of his Vatican apartments a few days before he died, to struggle and fail and try again, and then to wave, as if he knew we understood" (p. 217). We did understand because he never hid the fact that he was ill, nor did he ever seem to complain. He left the world a gift--which was to make us all understand that we are all connected in so many ways and that our own personal struggles, while difficult and seemingly insurmountable, have a much higher purpose. In the end, Noonan states, "He thanked God for the pain that deepened his understanding of life, and that had been followed by joy" (p.194).
   
   It seems to me that through her book, Noonan is really calling all of us to examine our own lives, and not to simply that of Pope John Paul II. She does not believe him to be perfect. She admits his shortcomings and his weaknesses--and his failings to the American Catholic Church during the priest sex abuse scandals. She does not turn away from the hard issues that face the church and his responsiblity to world's one billion Catholics. What I do believe is clearly stated is that because of the early deaths he endured--he lost every member of his immediate family by the time he was 20-years-old--throughout his Nazi occupied Poland, throughout his assassination attempt--many sufferings most of us will never experience in a lifetime, she is calling us to examine our own spirituality. She states, "He grew up in a country that was poor, that was bullied, and that was occupied by foreign armies. They didn't have religious freedom through most of his life. Didn't luxurious Western Europe understand what a gift it was to be able to practice your faith in public...Poland knew how to suffer. Poland knew how to pray. So does suffering Africa...people who are so lucky they don't even think they have to pray" (p. 198-199). We live in a time and a place in which great struggle and suffering is not necessarily celebrated. Through John Paul II, Noonan shows us that an extraordinary life begins with humble beginnings and much love. That is above all the gift he gave to us--a deep understanding of love--and forgiveness. And even though many rebel against this true faith, Noonan states that we all want it. "We are grateful when someone stands for it" (p.235).

5 comments about Reflections: Life After the White House.

1. I love old Babs but this work shows her to be shallow and with a dim little view of the big world she's privileged to be on. I know she's smarter than this. But sarcasm, snottiness, and lots of terrible grammar and endless, useless petty lists of people (she should fund an effort to teach herself some literacy) make this a waste of time. C'mon Babs give us yoour best - like the first book.



2. This is a thrilling book -- I especially enjoyed the early sections which deal with the Bush's business activities in Medellin and Cartagena. Imagine a Jimmy Buffett song as it might have been filmed by Quentin Tarentino and you have the general idea.



3. I found this book to be slow reading. The best parts of the book is when Barbara Bush talks about the over seas trips they take. I usually read a book in a decent amount of time. This book took me at least a month to read. I would pick it up and read a few pages then put it down. If you give up easy on reading a book do not buy this one.



4. I collect books about the Presidential Families of the U.S. I am especially interested in the period of 1900-Present. I enjoy reading trivia about the White House, the political process and what makes our Presidents, their advisors, and our Congress human.

   I am very impressed by the narratives our current first ladies have left us. As I write this I reflect on Jackie Kennedy's memorial (she died this day 10 years ago). Because of zelous secrecy on the part of her family -- the country does not have one good narrative by or about her. This is a shame. Our first ladies have all seen and done lots to help their husbands and their countries.

   Barbara Bush wrote an excellent book about her time as First Lady. It is refreshing, seemingly honest, and well written. This second book does not measure up to her first effort. I think I agree with the other reviewers that the book contains lots of trivia regarding her speeches and fundraising efforts. She also does come across as sarcastic and elitist, but at least she is honest.

   It is because of her honesty that I feel this book has a place in collections of first ladies. It does give the reader a feel for life on the speech-giving/spin-meistering/fund-raising circuit. I think she held back on lots of opinions and events because her son in now in office and was/is up for re-election at the time she wrote the book. Even though I didn't like all of her opinions, at least I got to know them, and that is very valuable.

   Mrs. Bush has the ability to write well. I hope that after her son's presidency is over, and God willing she is in good health; she will offer us another book. Perhaps the book she really wanted to write in the first place. I am hoping she keeps a journal with the intent that it be published; because of her age. None of us get to live forever, so journals are important as well as permiting her personal papers to be printed at her descretion. She is a lively, feisty lady.

   By all means by the book for it's historical place. There are gems between the lines.




5. I confess I didn't enjoy this book as much as her first one, Barbara Bush: A Memoir. Reflections was mainly a detailed activity of Mrs. Bush's life after they left the White House, i.e, I was invited to speak at such-and-such engagement and met such-and-such people, or such-and-such person spent the summer with us at Walker's Point. It was not as lively and a bit exhausting because you sometimes had to plow through seemingly endless pages of dinners, engagements, speaking engagements, etc., without a single interesting paragraph to hold your attention.
   
   Some bright spots in the book are numerous witty stories sprinkled here and there and the chapter covering the events surrounding 9/11. She said loyalty is a treasured quality in her family and it's something that's evident in the book: She tried to steer clear of controversies involving members of her family and never discussed issues that would put them in a bad light.
   
   Something else that's interesting is that she rarely says anything negative about anyone, even the Clintons. Not even with the books that she's read, and there were some you could tell that she didn't particularly enjoy, did she criticize the author, the writing or the storyline. It's perhaps her choice as she says in her book that this is her life as she sees it and it is very biased.

No comments about The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire d'une Âme): The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Large Print Edition): The Story of a Soul (L'Histoire ... St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Large Print Edition).

5 comments about Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith (Thorndike Paperback Bestsellers).

1. no question, i'm an annie lamott fan. more specifically, i'm a fan of anne lamott's non-fiction. i've tried her fiction, and continue to find it ok, but not brilliant. but her non-fiction: ooh.
   
   traveling mercies, lamott's first autobiographical book about faith, remains in my top 5 books of all time (not that i actually maintain such a list; but if i did, it would be). and operating instructions, lamott's autobiographical reflections on her pregnancy and the first couple years of her son's life, should be suggested reading for all humans, and required reading for all parents (especially expectant parents). lamott's last non-fiction, plan b, was a bit of a let-down. i really wanted to love it. so i found myself loving parts.
   
   but, other than a horribly repetitive titling and cover treatment (and, really, that's more of a publisher's gaffe than a reason to wag my finger at anne lamott), grace (eventually) brings us back nearly to traveling mercies (notice i say "nearly"). yes, some have complained that this book is another collection of mostly already-published essays. i say: i don't care. they're great; they hold together; and i hadn't read them elsewhere anyhow.
   
   why do i love lamott's writing so much? well, i can't deny the fact that she makes me laugh out loud. and they're not those "slowly creep up on you laughs" that move from smile to tiny "huh" sound to low chuckle to pleasant and appropriate laugh. no: my occasional laughter while reading anne lamott is more the out-of-the-blue cackle, one that surprises me as much as it would anyone within painful earshot.
   
   reason two for loving anne lamott's non-fiction: she is unevenly insightful. what i mean is, there are moments when i'm reading, and i have to stop and breathe for a moment, and think about the profundity of what i've just read. and then there are lots of moments in-between those moments that aren't so insightful. but here's the thing -- the uneven-ness of the insighfulness somehow works. it's almost as if it creates a reading culture where the insights catch me off guard that much more. i'm always hopeful of stumbling onto them, but never quite expecting them when they appear.
   
   reason three for loving anne lamott's non-fiction: there are books -- maybe 1 in 30 books i read, where the very act of reading is joy. the choice of words, the structure of sentences, the odd metaphor, they leave me smiling or astonished. christopher moore writes this way. anne lamott writes this way.



2. I adore "Travelling Mercies." Having spent some time as a Christian, I expected some mature Christian thought from Lamott. Instead, I'm kind of horrified. Jesus was awful as a teenager? Praying to Mary? Yay for abortion? What Bible is Lamott reading?
   
   I admire Lamott's raw honesty and the way she turns a phrase, but the "I hate George Bush" rants got really old. I may not agree with our President's decisions and I may not admire him as a person, but a certain amount of respect is due to the office of the President of the United States. It's one of the most difficult jobs in the world.
   
   After reading Lamott's last three non-fiction books, I get the idea that Lamott doesn't have anything new to say. Although she occasionally has wonderful insights, I won't be buying Lamott's books again.



3. Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith I have enjoyed the books by Lamott because I can relate to them. Down to earth - up close and personal writings that most have experienced. Excellent - certainly helped me to realize that I was not atypical.



4. I would recommend this book to anyone who has past issues that they have struggled with. This is a very candid account of one person's life and the way that they have turned it around. I really liked the honesty, even if I didn't always agree with her position.



5. What's not to like about Anne Lamott's Grace Eventually? A collection of essays in which she describes moments of spiritual clarity and examples of the divine in daily life, the book is a treasure trove of writings about topics ranging from abortion to euthanasia and lots of good stuff in-between. Through Sam, Lily, her mother, her vast and motley crew of friends, and even those whom she casually encounters, Lamott teaches lots of lessons on grace and love.
   
   Some of the writing made me feel sad (Gertrud's sickness), some mad (the carpet guy), some glad (chirren musings) and some scared (shadows scenario). Although she might irritate and even anger some people with her views on George W. Bush, abortion, and global warming, Lamott makes no claim to be a saint, but rather a person who's doing her best to see God in everything and to do her part in making the world a better place. After assisting with a special-ed dance class and learning that one of the dancers said, "I liked those old ladies! They were helpers, and they danced," Lamott decided on the words that she wanted on her gravestone: "that I was a helper, and that I danced."

3 comments about Road to Tara: The Life of Margaret Mitchell.

1. Much of Gone With the Wind was taken from Margaret Mitchell's own life experiences.



2. I had an image of Margaret Mitcell as a very cool person. But reading this book, I was greatly surprised to find that she was an alcoholic,a flirt(as stated explicitly in the book) and had two marriages and seemed to be very non-traditional. She reformed herself after becoming famous with GWTW, but she couldn't cope up with the recognition and the crowd always surrounding her. I admire her second husband for inspiring her to write a novel which she had no idea of publishing since she always felt she was only an amateur because of not having completed her study in the university. Yes, she is a complex character and it seems that she was always in two minds. Gone With The Wind is the novel which I have liked the most.



3. This book reveals a great deal of information that relates Margaret Mitchell, the woman, to "Gone With the Wind", the book. Sadly, this could have been a wonderful book but the author's lack of sympathy with the subject is a noticable. The author's disrespect for a courageous and talented woman only made me think less of the author and more of Peggy Marsh. Perhaps if there had been a better editor......

3 comments about Wind in the Ash Tree.

1. The marvelous sequel to "A Small Country Living", this book continues with the amusing and touching experiences of a BBC radio broadcaster's life on a tiny farm in the mountains of Wales. Her writing is wonderfully evocative, and her observations are most often funny or ironic. Think of "Under the Tuscan Sun" with looney livestock in place of the luscious food and lots more clouds and damp. Years later, Jeanine McMullen remains one of my all-time favorite writers. And if you love dogs, you'll especially enjoy her books--they're all keepers!!



2. When the hustle and bustle of modern life has you totally frazzled reach for any of Jeanine McMullen's books and slow down. Her descriptions of life on a small farm in Wales are not only delightful but a real hoot. Who would have thought a horse named Doli could create such pandominium? And her little whippet, Merlin; you will never forget some of the stunts he pulls. The goat Little Nana (rebel that she is) is also always causing one sort of trouble after another. I just wish Jeanine had written more than three books about her life in Wales.



3. When the hustle and bustle of modern life has you totally frazzled reach for any of Jeanine McMullen's books and slow down. Her descriptions of life on a small farm in Wales are not only delightful but a real hoot. Who would have thought a horse named Doli could create such pandominium? And her little whippet, Merlin; you will never forget some of the stunts he pulls. The goat Little Nana (black-hearted rebel that she is) is also always causing one sort of trouble after another. I just wish Jeanine had written more than three books about her life in Wales.