Biography

Background

Published in 2025, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams by Jordan Chiles is a memoir that follows the Olympic gymnast’s path from her early struggles in the sport to international recognition. Chiles recounts facing racism, body image concerns, and the pressure of elite competition while also describing the support and friendship she found among teammates such as Simone Biles. She reflects on the difficulties of navigating injuries, setbacks, and the emotional toll of narrowly losing a medal, while also capturing the triumphs of competing at the highest level. Through her personal story, she illustrates the persistence and resilience required to pursue a dream in the demanding world of gymnastics.

My Thoughts

I remember watching Ms. Chiles along with the others on Team USA. Like many of us, I didn’t know much about her, but I was rooting for her. I also remember her parents in the stands and the repeated showings of Snoop Dog who somehow highjacked the Paris games. However, that was about it. I was excited they won the gold and I was surprised she was given the Bronze after the Romanian girl was already celebrating. Honestly, I didn’t think too much about it other than feeling for the Romanian girl who thought she’d won. The familiar adage of “Don’t count your chickens till they’re hatched” came to mind. I then moved on to the next thing.

Evidently, there was a media storm that hit fueled by nationalism, racism, and just plain stupidity. All of it blessedly passed me by as I pay almost zero attention to social media. (I may live in an echo chamber but it is pretty peaceful in here.) From what I learned, it all seems very antithetical to what the Olympic Games stand for in my mind. All of it is unwelcome to say the least.

It was good to hear her story of hard work, faith, and perseverance. Ms. Chiles has much to be proud of and she did an amazing job representing our country. I don’t particularly like the attitude of trash talk and the lack of sportsmanship that I inferred from the pages. No one likes people who are bad sports and are only out there to win. This feels like an extremely unfortunate trend in our youth and society in general.

I also find the need to see everything from a tribal standpoint to be distasteful. Whether your tribe is black, White, Hispanic, Tesla owners, Harley Riders, Vegans, or even followers of Joanna Gaines, I’m happy you found something to be proud of. However, there are a lot of us out here who really don’t see the world the way you do. And that’s ok. You just don’t get to project your issues on others. Who am I to throw shade on Ms. Chiles or the Romanian girl. Both did their best on the world stage and were pretty amazing.

Recommendation

I was glad I read it. It gave me insight on an unfamiliar topic.

Background

Published in February 2025, Source Code: My Beginnings is the first memoir by Bill Gates, chronicling his early life in Seattle through to the origins of Microsoft and culminating around the late 1970s, specifically when Microsoft signed its first licensing deal with Apple. In this memoir, Gates offers a candid, self-reflective account of his formative years from being a precocious and sometimes challenging child, through the influences of his family, like his grandmother and ambitious parents, to his early friendships and his uneasy fit in school.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed the title of this book and the fact that Will Wheaton read the audio book. That bit of whimsy was needed for the rest of the book. It was very interesting to hear first-hand about those first few years and how much time and effort was put into coding. I have heard several people give the account that Bill Gates was just some kid that ripped off real programmers and became ridiculously rich. No one really comments on the work that was put into learning his craft, where he got his business skills, or why IBM was willing to talk to him in the first place. I was glad I had the chance to hear his side of the story.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it.

Background

Down Syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories about Disability and Determination is an illustrated collection of over twenty short biographies featuring individuals with Down syndrome who have excelled in various fields: film, sports, business, fashion, activism, and more. Notable profiles include Chris Nikic (the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon) and Isabella Springmuhl Tejada (the first designer with Down syndrome invited to London Fashion Week). The stories also introduce readers to organizations such as the Special Olympics, Best Buddies, the National Down Syndrome Society, and The Buddy Walk. The book includes quick facts, inspirational quotes, a timeline of Down syndrome awareness, a timeline of the disability-rights movement in the U.S., additional resources, and an index.

My Thoughts

When I selected this book, I was thinking of a few people I’ve known throughout my life with Down syndrome. To a one, they have all been open and happy people who have blessed the lives of those around them. Most notable was Billy Carter who is still the oldest person with Down syndrome I have ever known. He lived to the age of 77 and is still missed.

I enjoyed the book though the audio version’s narrator was a little too upbeat for my tastes. It was great to hear about other successful people who are living full lives despite the extra chromosome.

Recommendation

A great book on what is possible for someone who has a disability.

Background

Published in January 14, 2025, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman by Brooke Shields is a memoir in which the actress reflects on entering middle age and challenges prevailing cultural attitudes toward women of her age. Through candid storytelling, Shields explores personal milestones, including her experiences as a child star, her marriage and divorce, health struggles like a grand mal seizure, and her evolving identity as a mother of adult daughters, while weaving in research on ageism, women’s health, and midlife empowerment. She critiques societal invisibility of women over fifty, recounts both intimate and painful events, such as inappropriate remarks from doctors and harassment in Hollywood, and celebrates newfound confidence, autonomy, and perspective.

My Thoughts

This book was OK. I’m not really much of a Brooke Shields fan but I was interested in what she had to say. I didn’t know this was her 3rd book, but given the subject matter of the first two, I was glad I started with this one.

Like many child celebrities, she seemed to have a hard childhood full of uncommon and uncomfortable experiences. Her narrative of how she used to be a people pleaser and now just doesn’t care seemed to be a little over the top and I felt like she was trying to persuade herself more than anything. Several of her stories made me want to dig into it more as they felt one sided or possibly misunderstood.

While I have nothing against her and wish her all the success in her ventures, I came away from the book a little less impressed than I was before.

Recommendation

I’d skip this one.

Background

Published in 2022, Armed with Good Intentions by Wallo267 (Wallace Peeples) is a memoir that chronicles the author’s journey from incarceration to personal transformation and public influence. Drawing on his own life experiences, Wallo reflects on the mindset and choices that led to his imprisonment at a young age and the discipline and clarity he developed while serving a 20-year sentence. The book presents his story as a testament to using time wisely, embracing accountability, and finding purpose. Through anecdotes and direct commentary, he emphasizes the importance of internal change and the practical steps that helped him transition into a motivational speaker and entrepreneur after his release.

My Thoughts

I started reading this book at the same time as reading “We Can Do Hard Things” by Glennon Doyle et al. What a world of difference! Here is someone with actual problems who gained some perspective, broke the cycle, and is out to break that cycle for others just like him. After reading his story, I’m convinced he deserves all the wealth and success he has earned.

Recommendation

An inspiring story though the concepts and language is not for youth.