Tag: memoir

Book Review: When the Air Hits Your Brain

When the Air Hits Your Brain: Tales of Neurosurgery by Frank T. Vertosick Jr. This memoir of a neurosurgeon’s career is a combination of “how I became a doctor” and anecdotes of memorable patients. It starts out a little slow, since “how I became a doctor” doesn’t really thrill me as much as stories of …

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Book Review: Make Your Bed

Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World by William H. McRaven McRaven sounds like he’s a pretty badass action hero, a good commander, and an all-American hero. He’s not a good speaker. His voice is almost painful to listen to, with no inflection, as if every word were an …

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Book Review: Born a Crime

Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah This is one of the most interesting memoirs I have ever listened to. I’m glad I listened to it instead of reading it, because Noah says a few things in other languages that I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce in my head. …

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Book Review: Educated

Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover This is a memoir of what I call the “my childhood was worse than your childhood” sub-genre. In fact, I would say that it’s a standout in this sub-genre, although “worst childhood” is not a contest anyone really wants to enter, much less win. It’s a good book, well-written …

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Book Review: Furiously Happy

Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson Humor doesn’t always work well in books, especially if the comedian is used to stand up. But Jenny Lawson works well in the written word. Her tone comes through, her humor works and instead of feeling like I was reading the depressing memoir of …

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