Non-Fiction

Background

My Own Words is a collection of essays and speeches by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. The book covers a wide range of topics, including gender equality, women’s rights, the law, and her personal life. Ginsburg’s eloquent and powerful words demonstrate her unwavering commitment to justice and equality for all, particularly for women and marginalized communities. Through her speeches and writings, she shares her personal experiences and reflections on her life’s work, including her time as a lawyer fighting for gender equality, her appointment to the Supreme Court, and her legacy as a trailblazing feminist icon.

My Thoughts

This was a little hard to get through. I don’t agree with some of her political leanings however, I enjoyed the repeated calls of civility and collaboration she has made through the years. I liked when she refused to make guesses as to how she would pronounce judgments when she was nominated on the grounds that the law is complex and each circumstance is different.

Her husband was hilarious and it was indeed sad when he passed away. She is an icon of women’s rights but, in this reading, seemed to be all that she was about. We all have our axe to grind I guess.

Recommendation

I don’t know that I would read it again but I was glad I did.

Background

This is a story of Bryan Cranston. To quote Google Books “With BREAKING BAD, Bryan Cranston created moments that had the world on the edge of their seats and coined catchphrases that became famous all over the globe. Now, at last, we can learn of the man behind one of TV’s most successful programs ever.
Bryan Cranston’s profile has skyrocketed, due to his portrayal of chemistry teacher turned drug manufacturer Walter White, for five seasons in the award-winning BREAKING BAD… Told with honesty and intrigue this will be Bryan’s first – and – definitive autobiography. “

My Comments

Reading an autobiography of someone is always a risk. You can lose some of the character you enjoyed if you know more about the actor creating them. You can lose respect for them and it taints the image you have of them from that time onward. Sting is one of those people. I loved the music and thought he must be much more than what his words made him out to be. Then there is the opposite. You can enjoy the performance that much more if you have grow to respect the actor. Bryan Cranston is one of the latter.

I was glad to have heard of his exploits and honest dealing with the world. I was happy to hear he didn’t get sucked into the world of drugs and alcohol like so many of his peers. I was pleased to hear of his solid relationships despite his rough beginnings. I liked his; honesty, humility, and overall depth of character. A very interesting person and a very interesting read.

My hat is off to you, sir!

Recommendations

A great read from a great person. I wish him all the best.

Background

“Keep Moving and Other Tips About Aging” is a non-fiction book by journalist and author Dick Van Dyke, which offers practical advice on how to maintain a healthy and fulfilling life as one ages. The book covers a range of topics including physical fitness, mental health, diet, and social connections. Van Dyke draws from his own experiences as a performer and his personal journey with aging, as well as from the expertise of medical professionals and other experts in the field. The book offers a message of hope and optimism, emphasizing that aging is not a time to give up on life, but rather an opportunity to embrace new experiences and perspectives. “Keep Moving and Other Tips About Aging” has been praised for its practical and engaging approach, as well as for its positive outlook on aging.

My thoughts

Dick Van Dyke is simply delightful. That hasn’t changed in his 90s. So was this book. Delightful! I felt better just listening to him. He has the air of an older gentleman and makes you want to be a better person. You can’t really beat that.

It was interesting to hear about his struggles with smoking and alcohol but not really much of a surprise as an actor. That seems to be something they are known for and the only surprise is if they managed to stay out of it.

His love life also was pretty refreshing. He was married for more than 30 years until she died of cancer. He then met and married someone 40 years junior to him. He made a pretty good case as to why this shouldn’t be anything really to remark on. You’ll have to read the book to understand I guess. I can’t really explain it as my wife would tell you.

Recommendation

Surprisingly, I wouldn’t rate this suitable for anyone under 14. There is some blue humor in it and I don’t know anyone younger would understand much of it. But for those 14 and older, I would consider this a must read.

Background

Ellen’s book number 3. “Seriously… I’m Kidding is a lively, hilarious, and often sweetly poignant look at the life of the much-loved entertainer as she opens up about her personal life, her talk show, and more.”

My Thoughts

This was really a book about Ellen’s thoughts. Her thoughts were largely unfiltered and meandering in that off hand way she speaks. It really is her. Just her talking n’ stuff. How much you can take as gospel is anyone’s question. She riffs and then riffs on her riffs. I really enjoyed it but then again I find her very likeable.

Recommendation

If you like Ellen you will like this book. If you don’t like her, you really won’t get much out of it. It will seem like a waste of time… Which it may well have been.