Biography

Background

Educated is a memoir by Tara Westover, published in 2018. The book tells the story of Westover’s childhood and young adulthood, growing up in a survivalist family in the mountains of Idaho. Westover was not allowed to attend school, and her parents did not believe in doctors or hospitals. She was educated at home by her father, who was a self-taught scholar.

When Westover was 17, she decided to leave home and attend college. She had no formal education, but she was determined to learn. She went on to earn a degree from Brigham Young University and a PhD from Cambridge University.

My Thoughts

As a practicing “Mormon” or, more appropriately, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, This was not a fun book to read. My ex-wife was from Idaho and I didn’t meet anyone who would fit the description of the Westover family. However, I have run into quite a bit of fundamentalists and it is always interesting to hear their theories on the world and their place in it.

The book is an important read. We all need to “leave home” and do a little bit of examination of our foundations. My daughter is leaving soon for college and I sincerely hope she takes the time to learn about other people and other ways of living. I believe she is a good person and while I doubt I will agree with all of her decisions, she is going to do fine.

Recommendation

This book wasn’t comfortable but I’m glad I read it.

Background

The biography of Amy Poehler. This book takes her from childhood to the publish date of 2015.

My Thoughts

I’m not really sure what I had expected with this one. I mentally link Amy Poehler with Tina Fey in many ways so this seemed like the natural progression in terms of which books to read. I really enjoyed Bossypants so I guess I figured I would enjoy this as well.

There is something frantic about Ms. Poehler’s work that takes away from my enjoyment. She is being herself and that comes through in the book. There really isn’t anything wrong with it in general. Maybe it hits a note that I’m uncomfortable with in myself…

Anyway, I enjoy her work in general and she does make me laugh. That said, I didn’t really enjoy the book.

Recommendation

I wouldn’t recommend this one.

Background

David Sedaris is an acclaimed writer who started gaining fame in the 90’s as Ira Glass from “This American Life” picked him up on his talk show. Theft by Finding is a compilation of Mr. Sedaris’s diary which he has kept since the 70’s to 2002.

My Thoughts

This diary was one of the more depressing things I have been subjected to in a long time. I couldn’t finish it… I’ve found David Sedaris to be witty and engaging through my experience with “This American Life” but I didn’t enjoy his diary at all. It saddens me to think that there are many people out there with as bleak a life as Mr. Sedaris.

Recommendation

I would not recommend this book. There was little to nothing redeeming about it.

Background

Choose Your Own Autobiography is an unconventional memoir written by comedian and actor, Neil Patrick Harris. The book allows readers to follow different paths through his life story, with the ability to choose their own adventure and jump between chapters at will. Harris provides a candid and entertaining look into his upbringing, rise to fame, and personal relationships, all with a playful and self-aware tone. With plenty of humor, pop culture references, and unexpected twists, Choose Your Own Autobiography is a unique reading experience effectively reflects the essence of Neil Patrick Harris’s personality.

My Thoughts

This was a welcome change of pace from the history books I have been reading. This is a irreverent, fun, and (at times) a very inappropriate book. However, it was entertaining.

Recommendations

Not for the kids…