I am a long-time fan of Kenny’s, and I am truly enjoying listening to him tell his story. As someone who is a dedicated fan starting in the early days of his career, I remember, or was aware of, many of the events he tells about, but I didn’t know the behind-the-scenes details. I find hearing those details both interesting and fun! I have laughed out loud several times so far, and I have relived my own memories of the fun times I had with my friends over the years of going to see Kenny. If you are a fan, you will enjoy this book; if you aren’t but are interested in the music business, you will like this book, if you just want to know how/why he had become a super star, you will like this book!

I have been a fan of Kenny Chesney for a long time so I was glad to get to read his book about how he rose to stardom. The book is very well written and a pleasure to read. It is very interesting to find out how he made his rise through country music. The book details his work ethic, determination and love of music. While reading the book I found it enhancing to listen to the songs he talks about in his book which gave me a different perspective of the song after reading how and why it was written. I highly recommend Heart Life Music!

Great book. Kenny Chesney’s music was a big part of my life from 2000-10. Then life was a blur but i have been revisiting and getting reacquainted with his stuff since then. This is a great story of his journey and an easy read. I couldn’t put the book down.

I purchased this for my wife, who is a huge Kenny Chesney fan. She has been glued to the book and the factual history of the life story, since the book arrived.

Great book, I expected nothing less. Great stories that add substance to all the amazing songs we already knew.

Just received and started reading it. So far so good, however I am confused and disappointed as to why there are no captions connected to the black and white photos that appear on many of the pages? The three glossy color photo sections interspersed through the book do have descriptions of what they are and who is in them, but these other photos have nothing!? Very odd, or did I receive a bad copy? The rights and attributions section in the back only tells who owns the rights to the photos. I have never seen this in any other book, as I said, good stuff so far but this aspect is very disappointing.

Very well done. Easy read!

Just started reading & can’t stop, it’s such good reading! He went through so much to get where he is, just amazing reading, buy this book you won’t be sorry!

Where to begin? This book is a very powerful tribute to Noah’s Mother. As far as how he became a comedian, it is not described in this book. There is one little blurb mentioning he was starting to tour some in England, but not a word about how he got started in comedy, or anything about the process. It’s more about his life and adventures when he was young, and his relationship with his Mother. He draws readers very quickly into the book by talking about his Mother taking him to church, and yes, he does it with delightful humor.He starts with: “My childhood involved church, or some form of church, at least four nights a week.” Later, he says: “Jubilant church was mixed church. Analytical church was white church. And passionate, cathartic church, that was black church.It doesn’t take long to find out his Mother is very devout. She was a very strong lady who had her wild days when she was younger, but later she wanted something deeper and more profound in her life, so she turned to God. There’s a feistiness to her that you can’t help but respect. Noah describes Apartheid as Apart hate, and how different tribes were used to turn against each other. The fact that there are so many backgrounds and languages is very interesting. Tribes such as Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Vende, Tsonga, etc.On you-tube, you can watch Noah’s Grandmother saying to Noah, “you was born a crime,” the title of this book. In South Africa, it was against the law for people of different races to have children together. Noah describes all the problems this caused in his life, and the difficulty and awkwardness of being colored.He has some pretty profound and interesting comments in his book, such as:“I soon learned that the quickest way to bridge the race gap was through language.”This comment in “The Cheese Boys” chapter really gave me pause for his insight:“The hood made me realize that crime succeeds because crime does the one thing the government doesn’t do: crime cares. Crime is grassroots. Crime looks for the young kids who need support and a lifting hand. Crime offers internship programs and summer jobs and opportunities for advancement. Crime gets involved in the community. Crime doesn’t discriminate.”Noah’s Mother, and the rest of the family suffered physical abuse from her husband Abel. She said to Noah: “Pray for Abel,” she’d say. “Because he doesn’t hate us. He hates himself.” Noah later mentions “Growing up in a home of abuse, you struggle with the notion that you can love a person you hate, or hate a person you love.”I will not expound on the rest of the story. There is a lot of fun and interesting stories that Trevor talks about growing up, and the outcome for his Mother and Noah, you just need to read. I did find it disturbing that not only does South Africa have a racial problem, but misogyny as well. It seems to go hand in hand. Currently America seems to be having an uptick of racism and misogyny as well. I do not know if South Africa still has as many problems, but I am guessing they still do.It’s a great book to read. Most people will enjoy his book.This book is rated 5 star with over 7,000 reviews. Pretty impressive!

I remember the first time I saw Trevor Noah sitting behind the desk of the Daily Show. He was replacing Jon Stewart. Where did they get this guy from? I thought. It wasn’t long before I became a fan of his wit and humor. The Daily Show was in good hands.As much as I would have liked to have read about his rise through the comedy ranks and onto American television, this memoir covers his growing up in South Africa. We’ll have to wait for his second memoir to catch up on his more recent escapades.For most of the book, I listened to the audiobook, which Trevor Noah narrates. The few times I read from the Kindle, I heard Trevor’s voice. This is one book where the audiobook is the best way to enjoy this funny and heartfelt memoir. I don’t think anyone else could have pulled it off as well as he did. One advantage of having Trevor as the narrator is that you get to hear him imitate the many characters in the book. It’s like having Trevor sitting next to you in a bar and listening to him tell you his stories firsthand.I can’t remember when I laughed so hard from a book. I know I caused a few stares at the gym as I listened in my earbuds. Because it’s a memoir and not a stand-up routine, Trevor has time to set up each story. He carefully creates each character, describing their background and then mimicking their voice. He paints a picture that’s easy to see. The story of him taking a crap in the kitchen and his blind grandmother sensing, or smelling that something wasn’t right, had me laughing out loud. I can still hear his voice as he was tasked with having to say a prayer to rid the house of whatever demon had left a turd in the trash.Trevor owes a lot to his mom. She was the one constant in his life, a teacher, caregiver, and disciplinarian. Later in the book, Trevor talks about his brother Andrew, who had a different father. He describes how his mom treated Andrew differently and didn’t spank him as much as she did him. When Trevor confronts his mom about this disparity in corporal punishment, his mom claims that Andrew is small and thin and Trevor has an ass made for whippings.As funny as the book is, it is also poignant and philosophical. Trevor talks about his short stint in jail after being arrested for car theft. He talks about how some parents, including his mom, would insist that their sons or daughters face the consequences of their misdeeds and not offer to help them in their time of need. While there may be a time for such tough love, Trevor explains that by not helping them, they risk setting their children up for a lifetime of difficulty.The book contains many lessons about racism and culture. Trevor, who grew up in South Africa during Apartheid, has the background to speak authoritatively about these subjects. But he does it through humor.I look forward to hearing more from Trevor Noah. In the meantime, listen to the audiobook.

I felt there were big chunks missing about his life but it still was a intimate read. Many funny moments too! I am going to have my ten year old grandson read this book.

I watched Dance Moms from the very beginning. I was around 15 at the time, and like you, I grew up in the arts. I danced from the age of 5, and by 10 I was also singing and acting. I stayed in that world all the way until college.Growing up in The Bahamas, I didn’t have the same constant experience of being a Black girl in predominantly white spaces. But I did get a taste of it during a NYFA summer program in New York, and that memory came back to me while reading your book.Now that I’ve read your story and revisited some of the dances and key moments from the show, I’m seeing everything through a completely different lens. It made me emotional. I can see the pain, the racism, and the weight you were carrying as a child just trying to do what you loved. And you did it with excellence.I’m now back in a similar position: a Black woman navigating white spaces while pursuing a dual master’s degree. Your book came to me at the right time. It reminded me to keep going. Your feelings are real, valid, and important.And the fact that some people are “confused” or upset that the book addresses race only proves the point: they will never understand the experience, and they don’t realize that it has always been about race because that is the reality you were forced to navigate.Thank you for telling your story. Thank you for your honesty and your bravery. I grew up watching you, and you were always at the top in my eyes. You were one of the reasons I stayed watching until the end.— With love and respect ????

Glad to be the first review here. I cracked the book open as soon as it was delivered. There’s alot that can be said, but ultimately Nia is a shining star. I grew up watching the show and in a slightly parasocial way I feel like I grew up with her as well. Learning more about her life and experiences was a pleasure especially since our backgrounds and lives were very similar in many ways. Nia deserves this movement and deserved to tell her truth on her own terms.Despite the unfair standards she’s been held to and still held to, she has taken control of her life and only risen higher. She is another beacon for black girls and women everywhere and I couldn’t be more proud to see what a dazzling and intelligent woman she’s become. Much like her mother. Growing up, we needed stories like this because we are overlooked and mistreated. Held to such impossible standards. It feels so good to know how connected we are even with the distance between our lives and locations. This book was riveting, entertaining, informative and powerful. It resonated so deeply with me. Nia has so much class and control. Lord knows I would not be nearly as forgiving, understanding, and kind as she has been. It shows how much light fills her character. This is an excellent read for all Dance Mom fans but all black girls as well. I wish Nia even more success.

Bottom of the Pyramid isn’t a tell-all about Dance Moms — it’s Nia sharing her story, and that story happens to include some eye-opening perspectives from her time on the show. What really struck me while reading is how much of her childhood and development took place on a reality TV set. It made me respect the weight of that experience.As viewers, we get caught up in the entertainment. We choose favorites, root for certain storylines, and forget that real people are living these moments behind the scenes. Even the “small inconveniences” we see on TV are still hurdles that these kids had to carry, and that’s only the surface of what Nia opens up about.There is so much we were unaware of, and I really value her honesty. As I read, I found myself resonating with the themes of trauma she shares. No, our struggles may not involve dance, but most of us have our own versions of hardship. Seeing the lessons she learned allows the reader to find their own reflection in her journey.One of the most beautiful things about this book is that it feels like a healing tool — not just for Nia, but for anyone who has experienced similar emotional challenges or is still in the process of finding their voice again.My one critique is the recurring references to Beyoncé. It wasn’t many — maybe three mentions — but they stood out. She talks about being reshared on Beyoncé’s page as a milestone and compares her stage persona to Beyoncé’s Sasha Fierce. For me, that created a slight disconnect.The average reader isn’t going to be reshared by Beyoncé, and when you’re talking about healing and reclaiming your inner power, validation from a global superstar doesn’t quite align with that message. Beyoncé is also extremely private, so we don’t have access to her “underdog” story in the same way we do with Nia. Without that connection, the comparison feels a bit out of place.On the other hand, Nia’s mentions of receiving letters from presidents and vice presidents made sense because they tie directly into her real work in voter registration — something she genuinely earned and grew within.Aside from that small critique, Bottom of the Pyramid is an incredible read. It’s honest, relatable, and surprisingly healing.Solid 4 out of 5 stars

Followed this show from day 1 to the end and it was nice seeing it from her eyes. She was on point and I love that she was able to overcome the bullying, and hurt that this show brough to her. She was able to turn the negative into a positive and create a role model for others. Even though she went through so much heartache, she loved the show, the friendships and even her teachers, but knew her worth and never gave up.She is definitely genuine and humble, and I enjoyed reading her book. Congratulations Nia and stay striving! Giving all the glory to the man above ????

I watch Dance Moms reruns and am still amazed at the teaching methods used. I valued/ value their the balance that Nia’s mother brought to a place that I would have left as soon as my abilities as a mom were challenged and undermined. Thank you for coming out on top and whole. I have 5 children, all grown now, and I am as proud of you as I could be for coming out on top. Your strength and that of your family is the model of a role model.

I realize that many people judge and criticize Charlie for the things he’s done in his past. But like I always say we are only human, we aren’t perfect at all and there’s only one judge and that’s God. I have no clue the amount of addictions he went thru, I think all of us have some form of small addictions here and there (addicted to food, reality tv, reading etc). I have to give him props for telling this story in his own words and not denying or sugar coating it at all just getting down to the nitty gritty. He’s been to hell and back and should be dead but he’s not and I pray that he can stay sober if not for himself but for his kids, grandkids and parents. They have held many interventions for him in the past which shows me that they care a great deal about him. I have to admit I haven’t watched the many movies he’s been in but I did love him in Two and a half men (sorry Ashton but you can replace the Masheen) and I loved him in Anger Management. His humor has made me laugh til I cried and I hope he’s not done performing yet. He’s sort of like a cat with nine lives and hopefully he takes this extra life that was given to him and takes care of himself and stop abusing his body and mind. His fans, family and friends want him to stay around for a long time. He mentioned Matthew Perry in his book and I think he needs to really think about how addiction took Matthew from all of us way too soon, so he doesn’t go down that same path.

When I first heard that Charlie had written his autobiography, I was so excited and couldn’t wait to read it! I love and adore the whole Sheen family. They’re all great actors and wonderful human beings. I met Mr. Sheen several times and took acting classes from his other son, Ramon.For whatever reason, Charlie’s destiny was to choose the path of the dark night of the soul via an addiction to drugs, alcohol, and sex. We never know why someone succumbs to addictions. ANY addiction is horrific and hard to overcome. The mind can be a mighty entity that can avoid and/or overcome the worst obstacles, but it can also snap in an instant.Fame can be a wonderful thing, but it can also consume those who are vulnerable to its attraction. And when fame hits fast and furious, it can overtake the best of us with its many temptations. When a person becomes famous, all of a sudden, they become surrounded by people who become the worst enablers, offering their alluring wares of drugs, alcohol, and sex. It’s hard for even the strongest of minds to resist. Despite all this, he had many successes with movies and TV (as well as many not-so-successful).Personally, it’s hard to imagine how it made it through the hell he went through. As the saying goes, sometimes people have to go through hell to get to heaven. He went through whatever he went through for whatever reasons. His family and friends tried to help him numerous times, but he was too consumed by the darkness to realize just how far down the rabbit hole he had gone. People won’t get help until they are ready, and Charlie was no exception.I don’t judge Charlie at all. In my lifetime, I had an addiction to sugar/chocolate, which resulted in an eating disorder for decades, and if I struggled just to stay off sugar, I can only imagine how hard it is to overcome addictions to alcohol, drugs, and sex.All this said, I’m so happy that Charlie has come through it all as a stronger and better person. His focus is on his family and being the father his children need. In hindsight, maybe this all happened so he could write this book and maybe help others who struggle with the horrible disease of addiction. I wish parents would have their children read his book so they can see that these vices are not worth it, especially when they become addictions.Charlie, my heart is with you, and my hope for you is that you continue on this new path of being addiction-free, and I wish you much love and happiness.

Fascinating book. Charlie seemed frank about everything, dark and light, recounting his road through fame and fortune, which unfortunately allowed him to indulge his personal frailties. His addictive personality became so intense as to threaten his very existence, taking him to the edge of death many times. How he even survived is amazing.I was never a Sheen family fan, but this account gave me a perspective into addiction and one’s ability to overcome its steel grip on people of means, at least. Those of lesser means might go deeper into addiction and simply vanish from this dimension. The tainted drugs of late can kill you with one dose and he thankfully dodged that particular bullet.I’ve used the testosterone cream in the past, and I’d say his reckless use of it was maybe the worst self-abuse of all – except maybe the booze. But he shouldn’t have survived a lot of what he did.The only niggle I had was that he tried to write a bit above his ability in order to keep it interesting. There were a number of referential musings and flourishes that I felt weren’t necessary (Gonzo-lite). Other than that it was a riveting book.

I don’t know what I was expecting, maybe I was just curious about what Mr. Sheen had to say. But this book is so much more! He is funny, brutally honest with no “feel sorry for me” attitude or apology. He owns the decisions he made for his life, and he accepts the hurt he caused people that cared about him. This read is a journey that you get swept up in from the first chapter. You are with him during the good, the bad and the ugliest. It hurts when you know and you say in your heart, “Don’t do that Charlie” and he goes and does it anyway. Halfway through, you want the pain to stop for him and yourself as you keep reading. And you start cheering for him, this guy who actually has normal problems and is deep down like everybody else, just trying to figure it out as he lives it out. I am so glad I read this book and respect him more today. This book is delightful and painful and all wrapped up in a guy named Charlie Sheen. Well done, Mr. Sheen, well done.

Honestly didn’t get a chance to read the book because the product arrived damaged.The sleeve was peeling and creased. Not cool

My take….I hope those who reads this book understand she’s reflecting on why HER appearance commanded others to take note of her intentions where ever show she was. This book tells the story according to the path on her journey.It’s not about the money (most don’t have extra on hand). If we could just think about how we present ourselves (not the features of our bodies), in our self care and choice of clothing, and attitude. Clothing can come from thrift stores, a mall, a luxury designer shop. The point is to look our best. It’s like don’t wear sweats, flip flop, and crocs when the occasion calls for a neat t-shirt, neat jeans, and a simple sandal or casual shoe. How we dress can have a positive or negative reaction to how we feel and that projects onto others.I often have family members and friends tell me it doesn’t matter what you wear, no one will notice what you have on. If I listen to them it means I don’t care about my appearance. They mean I look ok however I dress. I had to learn to respect myself enough to ensure I’m happy when I leave the house. When I dress accordingly I draw people to me that know exactly I have a goal even if it’s going to get a gallon of milk. I’m neat I smile more and receives smiles in return. I stopped going to the gym in 10yr old sweat suit. I shopped around and purchased used athletic wear. Everyone noticed and complimented me on my smile, not my clothes. I felt better so I smiled and engaged with people about their day and not simply yell out from a chair “the price I was willing to take. I was offered VP job for a small company while having a yard sale after someone noticed my energy, In a field I excel in. I had on a simple shirt, neat jeans, and my favorite sandals. We made over $600 in 3 hrs. These were not expensive name brand items and had been put out on previous yard Past yard sales I looked like i dragged myself out of bed put things out and sat on the porch only getting up if someone asked a question. Each time we made about $150 in 5hrs.

I pre-ordered this book and was so excited to get it. It arrived on Tuesday, the 4th in a box with no packaging inside. When I opened the box, the corner of the book was dented and had a small tear. I immediately went online to return it and selected replacement rather than refund.The next day, my replacement book came, again with no protective packaging inside the box. This time, the binding on the back cover was torn and the cover would not close.I don’t understand why both books were so poorly packaged. How hard was it to put paper packaging inside the box to protect the book? Since two out of two books in two days were damaged, I won’t be purchasing another copy from Amazon. Instead I will purchase it somewhere else.The book, however, is gorgeous! I haven’t completely opened it, but I fanned through the pages to glance at the photos. Such beautiful photos of a beautiful First Lady. I’m waiting for my new book to arrive from a different store so I can sit down and read it thoroughly.PS: the book isn’t just about fashion. It’s about our first black First Lady and about how she had to thoughtfully select her look because she was critically judged by the color of her skin (and not by her intelligence, accomplishments, and gracefulness), and wanted to be sure that her presentation wouldn’t be misinterpreted. I admire her greatly and appreciate the wonderful gifts she gave to us as FLOTUS, and has continued to do so, even after the White House.

This is a beautifully designed book showing many of the wardrobe pieces made for former First Lady, Michelle Obama. The photography is superb as is the behind the scene description of the stylists who worked for her. Mrs Obama describes how what she wore was soft politics; if people looked at her they were likely to listen to her message. Since she is still one of the most popular people in politics, I would agree with her philosophy. She’s one of my favorite people.The only criticism I have of the book is that it’s heavy and awkward to flip back and forth from the photos and text to the descriptions in the back of the book. I wanted it as a keepsake though, not a digital version, so I got what I wanted. It’s a beautiful book.

Michelle Obama’s The Look takes a look back at her iconic fashion during her years in the White House as First Lady. While she served in a host of roles such as meeting heads of state, attending state dinners or traveling the world, her design team made sure that she had the best looks for each occasion and made certain that she had the ultimate comfort. She could then focus on what she was doing and saying and not worry about any wardrobe malfunctions. This book is a blueprint or pattern book for any fashionista to get rich ideas for dressing or simply dream what it must have been like to walk in her shoes!

I am a confirmed audible fan but broke out to read this one over the past 24 hours. I am too lazy to work on fashion myself, but I admire it for sure. So interesting how she shares the process of finding great styles and then recreating them over and over. Wonderful photos so I’m very glad I got the Kindle version.I loved Becoming but have not yet read The Light We Carry. It is my next listen I think. Her voice is very welcoming and inspiring.

OMG,OMG! This book is amazing. The pictures and the information is beautiful. I am going to share this book with everyone I know. Being a fashion designer myself, I really appreciate all the designers she used to dorn her beautiful spirit. Thank you Michelle for sharing this history with so many of us. You are a queen.

I received my book today and immediately started looking through it. Before I knew it over an hour had passed! This book proves, through pictures and text, why Mrs. Obama has become a style icon. I especially appreciated Mrs. Obama’s opening dedication to all those who work to make the magic happen. I honestly had no idea how much work and thought went into each of her “looks”. Kudos to Ms. Koop for doing a job many didn’t know existed. This book is exceptional and one I’m proud to add to my collection.

Like most people relatively young in that era, I was a fan of both Family Ties and Back to the Future, so this was a fun look behind the scenes at both — interesting throughout, and quite the memory trip as well. Michael is always so generous and gracious to others working in The Biz, not just the Big Names but the crew and even the union guy who came to peel him out of bed every morning when he was working 18-hour days. His grace and generosity, and refusal to snark, always make his writing refreshing and entertaining. I read the book in a half-day, it’s that friendly and fun.

As a Back to The Future fan from the very beginning, I loved every bit of this book. It is a quick read and it’s rather short. It arrived on my porch this evening and by bedtime I was done with it. It was very captivating and MJF has a way of telling the story and pulling you along for the ride as if you were life-long friends. He is a great, relatable writer and this book is excellent. It gives you great insights into the time he spent running back and forth between tv set and movie set all with relentless optimism and humility with an “I can’t believe I’ve been given this opportunity” type attitude. Plus it has many photos in the center from both the Back to the Future and Family Ties that offer an insight into the world Michael J. Fox was living in, in 1985. My only negative comment is, I wish it was a longer book.

This is an interesting background story of Michael J. Fox’s experiences while filming Back to the Future. It is relatively short and a quick read, perfect for when you don’t want anything too heavy. The tone is light with a lot of humor.

This is a short, but good book for what it is: Michael J. Fox’s own story of making the first Back To The Future movie at the same time he was working on the Family Ties TV series. The writing style is engaging, fun, and informative. Fox’s outlook is relentlessly positive throughout. I finished the book in a day and enjoyed it.What it is not is a full autobiography of Fox’s life, nor does it cover the second and third Back To The Future films. I suspect (though I haven’t read them) that Fox’s other books cover most of the former topic, although the descriptions of them tend to focus on his later years, once he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which is barely even mentioned in Future Boy. I was surprised that the other two BTTF films weren’t covered at all; perhaps there will be a follow-up volume that does so. (I certainly hope so!)Just be aware of the specific focus of this book, and if that area interests you, I think you will appreciate it.

I am a Michael J. Fox, Family Ties and Back to the Future fan! Mike is so down to earth. And all of his books are funny, informative and easy to read. It’s like he is there in person talking directly to the reader. I loved it!!

Thank you for writing such a compelling book cataloging the journey of a very talented young man devoted to his success journey embodied by hard work, creativity, risk taking and love of telling the story of life.

This is a great book. You can hear Michael s voice in the words. Funny, witty, great stories and a good read.

If you’re a fan of Back to the Future you’ll really enjoy this backstage view of it coming together. It is a light and breezy read ( I finished it in two days) with lots of insights from the actors and production team that put it all together.

The dramatized A Court of Frost and Starlight is a fantastic audio experience. The production quality is excellent, with clear audio and engaging sound effects. The voice actors were well-cast, and their performances brought the characters to life. It was like watching a movie in my mind! I especially appreciated how they handled the quieter, more introspective moments of the story. If you’re looking for a cozy and enjoyable way to experience this ACOTAR installment, this is it.A delightful addition! The dramatized adaptation brought the story to life in a whole new way. Absolutely fantastic, and I loved revisiting these characters.Perfect for fans of the series. It’s a great way to experience the Winter Solstice celebration!!I suggest you go ahead and click, or tap, that buy now button. This is one purchase that doesn’t come with buyers remorse. I give you my word!

Can’t get enough of this book! I’m relisting to it again for a second time. The characters voices are amazing! So good!

It’s not the best book in the series but it was still good

I love this series and bought allThe audiobooks. I prefer the graphic audio it just adds so much for me. Listen to the first book and then just buy them all. It’s worth it.

I could Not get through reading this book since it was so slow and not a lot of action so i tried This instead and loved every min of it. It’s hard for your mind to change from how you hear them in your head but it was a great audio listen

I wish I could return this for the original, “normal” version to listen to–NOT a fan of this dramatized version. Way too fast at the 1.00 speed, my mind was in OVERLOAD trying to keep up. Slowed it down to .85 speed and it helped, but still was not enjoyable to me. The background noises and music were really distracting to the dialogue.

Love these so much! I love the way it makes it an immersing experience! I dont know why one of the male points of view is done by a woman…but it’s still so good!

I am a big Sarah J. Maas fan, so no complaints here at all about the book. I read this novella before on Kindle and again borrowing the regular audiobook from the library. It’s a fun story that helps transition her characters from the height of war to coping again with normal life and rediscovering their relationships with each other, preparing us for the next book, A Court of Silver Flames, which is the best in the series so far.On this reread I thought I’d try out the dramatized version of the novella. The audio sample seemed fine enough, still worth checking out. I was horribly wrong.The background music and sound effects are not only distracting, but cheesy. They don’t conjure up the place and actions of the characters, so much as visions of people sitting in sound studios creating sound effects.Worst of all, the whole thing felt sped up. I would swear to you up and down that the producers sped up the recording of the voice actors in order to get this audiobook listening time down. The non-dramatized version is somehow an entire hour longer than the dramatized one. That makes no sense to me.The speed was so bad, I started feeling a little anxious, like I was hurrying. I slowed it down to .85 speed and it was wildly better. I would say that maybe I’m just too used to regular audiobook narrators and their pace, but nothing about the pacing of this speech sounded natural or true to the feelings of the characters.If they had just had different actors reading each character with plenty of feeling, that would have been enough drama for me. I in no way needed to hear plates clanging in the background or overly loud tavern music making it difficult to hear the words being spoken. A faux-shouting voice actor in character would have transported me there much better.

I’m not a big reader of memoirs. It has to be about a person or event that really interests me. Tim Curry has always fascinated and interested me, so the second I saw through the 2025 Goodreads first round nominations that this book existed, I bought the audio and hardcover versions. This review is just for the hardcover as I tend to keep my audiobook reviews on Audible.For the physical copy, I have to say that I love the big, easily read font. It’s always appreciated as my eyes get older and strain more over some fonts.For the story, Tim is a living legend and I am so glad he’s put this out there to remind the world that he is still alive! He speaks mainly of his life through acting with details about his parents and sister that I never knew. He keeps his private life private and I respect him for that, simply being glad to know that he has loved and been loved. His movie roles have had such an impact on my life that I love hearing him talk about them in this way that doesn’t diminish them or tarnish my view of him as an actor or person. He discusses Rocky Horror, Clue, Annie, Legend, Home Alone 2, Muppet Treasure Island, The Three Musketeers, Congo and Oscar – all movies that I know very well and love. Yes, even Congo and Oscar.The one piece of my childhood that he, sadly, does not highlight, is The Worst Witch. I adore that 1986 movie and will watch it a million times over before getting curious enough to check out the series because Tim is the only person I can or want to imagine as The Grand Wizard. He’s honestly been like that in every role I’ve seen him in. Why would I ever care to see anyone else do it when Tim Curry already played it flawlessly.His absence from big roles has been felt, for me, and I love having this memoir just as something to emphasize why I’ll always be a fan. He added so much to so many lives, like mine, and I’ll always be grateful his vagabond life led him to a home in acting.And the “about the author” at the end? I love you, Mr. Curry. Never change.

Like many, I met Tim Curry in that elevator, wearing those shoes. This charming memoir reminds me that he is so much more than Frank.Not a celebrity tell-all by any means, the author takes us through his life, from childhood to chair, with his distinctive English voice, charm, and sly wit. It was fun to learn (and see in the appendix) of the many, many theatre, film, and voice performances of Mr Curry, and to realize the great depth and breadth of his talents, interests, and incidents.It was especially sweet to remember some of his several albums and the range of the rock artistry they contained; Tim Curry’s skill in packing his songs with emotion and energy always made those tunes among my favorites for a needed jolt at work, sewing in my attic in the 1980’s as I built my little apparel business.My overall impression of the memories and the man presented in Vagabond, though, reflects the book’s title: a restless traveler who spends most of his time alone, searching inside himself for a sense of fulfillment and belonging. I find a hint of the bittersweet throughout the reminiscing as when Curry does not speak much of intimate relationships, yet hopes he will still fall in love again.The book had tendrils, anchoring memories that took me back to some wonderful times and adventures of my youth; thank you Tim Curry for gently sharing your story and reminding me how your life and tunes have overlapped with my own.

I inhaled this book, it charmed me completely. I feel like I grew up with Tim Curry. From the first introduction in Annie to Home Alone 2, to falling in love with Thornton Poole, his roles have been touchstones in my development. Reading his perspectives and insights into these characters and what he found there makes them, and the memories I have of them, even more dear. He gave us what was important and kept things for himself, and not once did I feel like I was reading something he hoped would be picked up and made into a click-bait, sound-byte throw away tabloid article. I simply loved it.

I don’t typically gravitate towards memoirs, but I adore Tim Curry, so I had to check his out. He flat out admits he’s not here to dish gossip or comment on his personal life, and I get it – he’s a very private person. This is about his experiences in his childhood and his professional life, highlighting his most significant roles. A prolific stage, film, and voice actor, I really enjoyed seeing how Curry applied himself to all the different characters he played.I would have liked a little more detail from the Clue chapter, as its one of my all-time favorite movies. His sense of awe and wonder at being in a Muppet movie was endearing. And I was lucky enough to meet him at the backstage door when Spamalot premiered on Broadway in Chicago, and that mention made me feel like a tiny part of his story. Yes, a little more salaciousness would have been fun (besides a single dig at Charlie Sheen), but overall it was delivered with humility and gratitude. I admire his appreciation of language and the written word. Curry is articulate and eloquent and funny and I respect him even more having read his memoir.

WOW!!! Impressed he set out to let us into his personal life and do so without a tell all about his dating relationships. That can easily be found in many of his past interviews. You’re going to be given massive insight to Tim Curry the man above his roles. Some of it painful, and I respect and appreciate him even more for the rawness of sharing it. It hit a nerve with me in areas. I think many will relate as well. No Spoilers here. The pictures are wonderful. Tim sharing his life’s journey with all of us in these pages is truly unselfish.

I have loved Tim Curry as Dr. Frankenfurter, the Devil in “Legend”, and as the scariest clown in Pennywise (until American Horror Story came along many, many years later)!!! His life story and progression as an actor through the years was very touching. What a wonderful gentleman and considerate soul! I thank him for giving me a glimpse of his life.

Patti Smith is one of the few modern artists whose life is worth reading about. She tells her story of an impoverished yet magical childhood and a life of both tragedy and success skillfully and without self-pity. I particularly enjoyed the first part of the book about her childhood and the section on her time as a wife and mother in Michigan. I skipped most of the section on her 1970s New York years as much of it seemed just a condensed version of material in “Just Kids.” It’s a worthy addition to her existing memoirs.

Fabulous.

Patti’s lyrical prose has such beauty and depth, even as she recounts the tough parts of her life, she takes us along on her journey. As a fan of not just Patti’s books, but her music, I especially enjoyed the stories of the “craft,” how she came up with certain lyrics, her bandmates, and so on. I had to force myself to read in smaller segments, rather than devour in one sitting. This book has a lot to relish. When I finished reading, I closed the book, kissed it, and held it to my heart for a while. As with all Patti’s books, I will reprise. This book is a special gift to us.

Wonderful rich soulful earthy writing. Kind of like a dream. Loved this book!

The book, like all of Patti Smith’s writing is wonderful. Sadly my copy arrived with a small smudge on the cover above the ‘l’ in angels. It would be nice is they properly wrapped and protected these books when they ship them.

This is almost as good as Just Kids. Highly recommended!

I’ve been a Patti Smith fan since a friend took me to see her at a small bar on San Pablo Ave in Berkeley, probably 1975. Have wondered about those unseen years and Detroit life, and beyond. Really enjoyed her filling some blank spaces. However, hindsight not always 20/20. Doubt very much Fred and Patti’s Detroit to Miami flight stopped in Ft Lauderdale to refuel as MIA only 21 miles beyond FLL. Also, at Paramaribo they crossed the Paramaribo River and probably took a bus (ours was an old Bluebird school bus) for 3 hrs to the Maroni River to cross into French Guiana.

wonderful beginning…have not read it all yet

What happens at summer camp stays at summer camp! But this story isn’t a summer camp for kids; it’s an adult marriage camp in the forest, and our main characters, Scottie and Wilder, are in the predicament they are in because she needed help, he was bored, and they agreed to fake a relationship. Now they find themselves with only one bed, 8 days of bonding activities, attraction, and sizzling chemistry. I love the banter, women’s fiction storyline, and damaged MC. Unfortunately, the end of this book has me in tears. It is a fabulous read. This book blurb makes this book sound like a riot of a romcom read. I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to a lighthearted, lol romantic comedy.The prologue begins with Scottie in New York City. She is a midlife divorcee, working on falling back in love with herself. City life is her fresh start, and the new editor job is her dream stepping stone into her one-day perfect job. Omg, her new job is an office full of men. Not just any men, but all married men, focused on golfing and the perfect marriage. There are a bunch of book references in the story. One little lie to impress the boss lady and fit in with the coworkers gets her foot so far down her throat. Now what will she do? However, her inner monologue banter is funny. Her bartender’s brother becomes her fake husband. I mean, she doesn’t know the guy at all, so how could this get any worse? Wilder is a character with his laid-back aesthetic, nerdy habits, billionaire brains, and interesting habits. It’s like the author couldn’t just write one character and had to write a guy who had a little of everything. Well, the fake marriage counseling is off the rails, add lib style, and very mature for adult readers only. I think she might unalive Wilder, as somehow she gets roped into this marriage camp with her fake husband, and he is excited about it.But their banter is off-the-wall funny. From marriage camp to a month commitment of this fake relationship, all to save face at work and with her devoted colleagues. This summer camp for adults gets better and better. Now we have only one bed; the entire works force will be there. What could go wrong? The dysfunctional outbursts, even though they are fake, are hilarious, but then the real catastrophes are even funnier. As if they couldn’t get any nuttier, now they add in a cabin decked out in a red room aesthetic. The author certainly capitalizes on the memorable moments in a comedic way in this book. I’m only twelve chapters in, and it is already a five-star read. I can’t even quote the book; it is that good, but that mature in content is off the walls. Scottie has had a damaged previous marriage; she has an insecurity about her own intimate needs even as a midlife character. This makes her more shy when it comes to the more mature content. But it all stems from issues with her previous husband, and it is discussed to the reader but not yet to the fake husband. The bickering is like an old married couple, but the intimacy is fresh and new. I love how they are falling for each other. Even though it’s supposed to be fake, it may be her second chance, but he is a cinnamon roll with a heart and knows his way around the bedroom. It takes a while, but the intimacy finally gets sizzling hot in this story. Unfortunately, Scottie’s is very damaged from a previous relationship, and it all comes out at this camp. Wow, once they start, they don’t stop, and it’s hot enough to build your confidence and maybe drench you like a super soaker. This story is women’s fiction. Omg, the end of this story will rip your heart out and have you ugly crying. I think I might need therapy with Sanders. I love that the story continues after summer camp, and so does the budding relationship. It had a small snag, but Wilder became a total book boyfriend and omg swoony and made up for it later. Omg, this book ends amazingly and with a happy-for-now ending. I love Wilder and Scottie, but Sanders’ antics were great too. I think the overall premise of the story, with the adult mature topics, really sets this read apart for me. It is memorable, inspiring, and just a fun summer read. I loved every minute of the creative spin and zany topics. The chemistry was sizzling hot, and the banter was fabulous. Plus, I mean Wilder was a perfect book boyfriend. This is a must-read, and I get the hype on this story. I found it very original and loved the ending of the story.

????This was the first Meghan Quinn book I’ve read, and I don’t know what I was waiting for; her writing doesn’t hold anything back. If you’re in the mood for a hilarious, heat-packed, fake marriage romance that doesn’t skimp on emotional depth, Til Summer Do Us Part delivers. It’s over 400 pages of laugh-out-loud chaos, swoony banter, and genuine heart—and somehow, I flew through it in twenty-four hours like it was half that length.The plot kicks off when Scottie, a recently divorced office worker surrounded by painfully happy couples, lies about having a husband just to fit in. When her boss hears she and her non-existent spouse are going through a “rough spot,” she insists they come to her husband’s couples retreat, and she’s forced to scramble. She ends up recruiting her best friend’s younger brother, Wilder, a wealthy and laid-back improv enthusiast who thrives on unusual experiences. What starts as a charade quickly turns into something more during their week at marriage camp, complete with wild group therapy, an unqualified counselor, and more than a few unexpectedly tender moments.While Scottie can be all over the map and difficult to pin down due to her insecurity and low self-esteem, one minute, she’s sharp and snarky, the next, Scottie and Wilder are electric together. Their chemistry is immediate, their banter razor-sharp, and their emotional growth genuinely satisfying. Scottie’s messy vulnerability and Wilder’s green-flag patience play off each other beautifully. He’s the golden retriever boyfriend of your dreams, and she’s the kind of complicated, flawed woman you root for. Watching them fall for each other felt earned, not rushed—and their mutual healing after heartbreak added layers beyond the usual rom-com fluff.Meghan Quinn balances over-the-top scenarios with authentic emotion, and this book is no exception. The humor leans ridiculous at times (maybe it was intentional?), but the story still finds room to explore grief, insecurity, and self-worth without losing its upbeat tone. I laughed out loud more than once—especially during the therapy scenes.If I had any minor critique, it’s that the premise is undeniably absurd, and there are moments when suspension of disbelief is required. Scottie did get on my nerves a bit as she flip-flopped. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. If you’re on board for a rom-com with big personalities and even bigger heart, this one is a standout. Bonus points for fantastic supporting characters and some of the best comedic dialogue I’ve heard in a romance in a long time.

Esta es una de esas novelas donde obviamente se nota demasiado que es escrita por una mujer. El personaje masculino está hiper romantizado, perfecto e ideal y hace que me salga de la historia porque no me lo creo.Sin embargo, la forma de escritura si me hace continuar leyendo porque es muy graciosa y me puedo perfectamente imaginar la película en mi cabeza.Solo por eso las 3 estrellas.