First of all, Rupaul is a fantastic audiobook narrator. If you have the chance to get this book in audio format, this is the way to go. I don't know if I would have finished it in ebook form. He is clearly used to preforming, and does a great job with emotion and inflections in his voice.
But the content...
This book mainly focuses on Rupaul's childhood and his desire to be famous. There is a lot of flowery, sound-bitey talk about Rupaul's development in his early ages, but that's really it. My favorite parts of the story were the later ones when we saw Rupaul meeting his current husband and how their relationship grew and changed, but then the story cuts off. I honestly thought it would be more current information included, not just ages 5-35.
Overall, I found it to be a worthwhile listen, but it didn't touch upon the growth of Rupaul into television or his later music career, and really skimmed over most of what it means to be a drag queen these days. I found myself wanting more.
Nice narration, easy audiobook listen, even if a little dated by now. I think Rob Lowe completely glosses over how being really, really ridiculously gNice narration, easy audiobook listen, even if a little dated by now. I think Rob Lowe completely glosses over how being really, really ridiculously good looking has helped him in obtaining Hollywood fame. Lots of name drops. ...more
I've been dying to read The Woman in Me, especially since the "Free Britney" movement shed light onto what kind of life Britney Spears was living duriI've been dying to read The Woman in Me, especially since the "Free Britney" movement shed light onto what kind of life Britney Spears was living during her conservatorship. I'm ashamed to say that I'm one of the elder millennials who thought Britney went "crazy" and bought into the hype that she needed to be "taken care of" by her father. Her father who was abusing her emotionally and financially...
Let me say this, Michelle Williams BODIED this narration. I mean, wow. She just became Britney, and knocked it out of the park. Standing ovation to her.
In terms of writing, well... even with a ghost writer (which Britney obviously had), she isn't a natural-born author. Her storytelling felt simplistic and young, which might just be what Britney intended or reflects her emotions, but it would have been hard to read in ebook form. It was helped immensely by the narration of the story. I had also heard must of the story before in the documentaries and articles about Britney, so it wasn't very new for me (though it still angered me and broke my heart).
I'm giving this a soft 4-stars, mostly because F#CK the Spears family, Britney deserves her cash and fame.
I hate that I didn't love it more because you could hear the passion in the narration, but the non-linear storyline made it really hard to follow alonI hate that I didn't love it more because you could hear the passion in the narration, but the non-linear storyline made it really hard to follow along.
This was a decent book (and a very well narrated audiobook), but Tom Segura fills pages with mediocre celebrity encounters. I just don't think I jive This was a decent book (and a very well narrated audiobook), but Tom Segura fills pages with mediocre celebrity encounters. I just don't think I jive super well with his comedy style.
Painful, angsty, brutally honest... Jennette McCurdy took me on the entire ride.
I love that, despite the title, this book wasn't an all-out 4.5 stars
Painful, angsty, brutally honest... Jennette McCurdy took me on the entire ride.
I love that, despite the title, this book wasn't an all-out mom-bashing book but a real nuanced look at how her mom abused her in subtle and not so subtle ways over the years. If it was just like, "my mom was a c-you-next-tuesday," it wouldn't have been quite so effective. We get the sense that Jennette McCurdyloved, even worshiped her mom at times, but that the abuse was so pervasive and hard to face that it took her years to realize what was actually happening to her.
I left this book hoping that Jennette McCurdy has found some peace in her life. She is writing and seems in control of her own destiny, so I'm really rooting for her mental and physical well being. I really liked how close I feel to this story, especially since I listened to the story in audio format and could hear the author actually narrating it. It made me root for her success that much harder.
A hard book to get through at times, and for sure a book to avoid if you are triggered by abuse, but I'm very happy I read it.
Washed Up Former Child Star Ryan Lee is an angsty, sometimes hard to read book about a former child star who has fallen into a cycle of addiction and Washed Up Former Child Star Ryan Lee is an angsty, sometimes hard to read book about a former child star who has fallen into a cycle of addiction and neglect that he can't seem to break free from.
Book content warnings: abuse of a child, sexual abuse of a child, addiction (drugs, alcohol)
I'm going to be honest, I wasn't really prepared for the angst level of this story, but I quickly got into the swing of things. If any of you are familiar with Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock's writing, you know that they can write some disturbing and dark stuff. This book felt painful to read at times, and I felt for Ryan Lee very deeply.
Content and writing-wise, this story hooked me but romance-wise, not so much. I felt extremely invested in Ryan's life and how he was going to get out of his abusive relationships. I was pulling for him on every page, and I read the story very quickly because I needed to know what happened with him. From an addiction and personal growth standpoint, I feel like the authors did an amazing job. I had a hard time putting it down. However, I struggled with the romance part a bit.
I found the other MC to be a really interesting character, but I always have a hard time when the romantic pairing has a backstory. I'm not a huge fan of second-chance romances, and this is for sure a second change romance. When I read one of those, I feel like the characters have a dynamic off page that the reader doesn't get to see develop, and I always struggle with those romances more.
This book is more like the beginnings of a romance than a full romance storyline. I got a taste of romance but it was underdeveloped. There are some sweet moments there, but it didn't feel quite natural for me and actually felt a bit rushed, given their history together.
While this story was emotional and well-written, I don't think the romance is really it's main selling point. However, I love these authors and think they did another fantastic collaboration together.
I read quite a few celebrity memoirs, and I have to say, they are rarely as funny or as entertaining as I hope they will be. However, Andrew RannellsI read quite a few celebrity memoirs, and I have to say, they are rarely as funny or as entertaining as I hope they will be. However, Andrew Rannells really managed to make Uncle of the Year: And Other Debatable Triumphs an extremely engaging read.
I was planning on this book being my "filler book" while I read other things, like an in-between read for when I don't have enough attention to focus on my longer books. However, once I picked up Uncle of the Year: And Other Debatable Triumphs, I actually had a hard time putting it down. Each story is amusing and instantly relatable, even to a middle-aged-ish suburban mom like me. I'm not a Broadway superfan (though I actually saw Andrew Rannells in The Book of Mormon), but I still was obsessed with his personal journey told in little bits and pieces throughout the book.
Andrew Rannells is a talented writer and instantly likeable, which made this book both fun to read and also thought provoking. I think this book would be even better in audio (I might get that also) because of how personal and engaging Andrew came across in the book.
Enjoyable from start to finish, Andrew Rannells wrote a very satisfying memoir for his fans and casual readers alike.
I feel completely neutral about the royal family and the monarchy in general, but I tend to like redheads, so I've always liked Prince Harry. Plus, I I feel completely neutral about the royal family and the monarchy in general, but I tend to like redheads, so I've always liked Prince Harry. Plus, I adore historical romances, and I've swooned over hundreds of smitten duke/earl/viscounts... fictional ones, that is.
It was interesting how this audiobook really changed my view of real-life royals.
Spare was clearly ghostwritten, not only because some of the prose felt very flowery, but I feel like the real Prince Harry was more evident in little sections off-color humor or crasser segments that made its way into the book. Prince Harry doesn't seem like the most... bookish sort. He seems much more at home in the military and with his friends, and feels like a person who wasn't made to be fancy, if that makes sense. I'm not sure how much of this book is embellished (I can't picture either of them with Ikea furniture... Meghan buying stuff from Ikea??), but I'm not going to be one of the psycho royal sycophants who tries to play "gotcha" games with minor details that Harry recalls in the story. So what if he remembers some stuff a little differently than it actually was... hell, I can't keep my own history straight either half the time.
What this story really comes down to is a man who felt like a puppet all of his life. He felt out of control and hounded by the press, surrounded by people who didn't really see him as a person. I'm happy he found happiness with Meghan, and I don't think any sane person could fault him for wanted to protect his wife. Meghan was treated terribly by the press, and she really didn't deserve a bit of it.
I think Harry did a decent job narrating his own story. He was nice to listen to, and I enjoyed the whole experience and getting to know Harry a bit better. Sure, he overshared a number of times (peeing his pants?? TMI...), and he revealed a surprising amount about his father and brother, but I guess he just wanted to get his whole story out there.
I hope the British population really gives this story some consideration and they stop holding Harry to a standard that he never asked for or wanted. He is only human.
Look, I love Annabeth Albert, but I fell asleep reading this book three times last week. Falling asleep while reading an Annabeth Albert mi*2.5 stars*
Look, I love Annabeth Albert, but I fell asleep reading this book three times last week. Falling asleep while reading an Annabeth Albert military romance?? SHOCKING
I feel a little badly rounding down to two stars for this story because it wasn't bad, just surprisingly underwhelming. Historically, I've adored all of this author's military romances, but this was just... bland.
First of all, the stalker storyline felt weirdly underdeveloped. All of that buildup and then everything sort of fizzled out? I wasn't sure if the book would have action or a predicament romance-storyline, but we got a sort of quasi-trapped together romance (without even real danger! or snow! and with more than one bad- whyyyyyy) that didn't even feel exciting. I liked the set up of best friend's brother and former childhood star, but it lacked intensity for me. Even the age gap and the sexual awakening felt undercooked.
I think a big part of my issue is with expectations. I ADORE sexual awakenings, and I adore age/gap, military men, and forced proximity. I also usually adore Annabeth albert! So I think I wanted a home run but I got a soft bunt (oooo, look at me being sporty!). I'm hopeful for the rest in the series but I'll wait on some reviews before I commit to reading them all.
First of all, if you want to read You Can’t Be Serious, I highly recommend getting it in audiobook form. Kal Penn is an amazing, d[image]
*4.5 stars*
First of all, if you want to read You Can’t Be Serious, I highly recommend getting it in audiobook form. Kal Penn is an amazing, dynamic narrator, and such a natural reader that it made this book an absolute pleasure to listen to. Well worth the money or credits, trust me.
I've been a Kal Penn fan for years, and I actually have a few friends in common with him (I can't even put this on my NJ connection, but NJ pride, *woot, woot*, so I was beyond excited to listen to this audiobook. I knew very little about him as a person, other than the fact that he left acting for a time to work in politics.
I think if you are curious about Kal Penn's intro into acting and how he had to work his butt off to make it with the likes of the legions of white, generic actors in the mid-90s, this book will be your jam. Kal Penn really shows the struggles of being Indian and trying to break into show business, but he remains funny and engaging and extremely personable during the whole audiobook. You'll feel like you are long-time friends.
Also, as someone who leans so far left that she could topple over, I loved his segments about working for the Obama administration and what an incredible risk that was for his finally successful acting career. I mean, I'm talking balls of steel, over here. I admire Kal so much for that.
If you are reading this book for an in-depth look or discussion about his sexuality, look elsewhere. He casually mentions his sexuality a few times, and also has a sweet chapter on meeting his boyfriend, which, if I'm being honest, feels more like a Nascar advertisement than anything else. I did find it a bit odd that he deep dove so heavily into his family's reaction to him not becoming a doctor or lawyer and what that meant for him and his family, but really completely skated over their reaction to his sexuality, which must have been also pretty momentous for them. I'm not saying he had to share anything more than he did, but it felt at odds with the tone of the rest of the book.
Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook. Kal Penn did a fabulous job narrating this story and highlighting more about the inside world of Hollywood and politics during the past few decades.
I really wanted to love Not Until Noah by the awesome Lisa Henry, and while I enjoyed the story, it felt a little... bland.
Lisa Henry has it in her toI really wanted to love Not Until Noah by the awesome Lisa Henry, and while I enjoyed the story, it felt a little... bland.
Lisa Henry has it in her to write a passionate, inspiring, sexy story (I KNOW she does), but this story felt pleasant yet underdeveloped. Where was the chemistry? Maybe it's because this was sort of insta-attraction timing, but I felt very little for these two as a couple.
I thought the plot was engaging, and I have a weakness for a closeted actor trope, but I think a slower burn would have helped this book out a bit. I thought the dynamics between Noah, Carter, and Carter's daughter were very sweet, and I liked all of the side characters as well, but I couldn't have been the only one waiting for some drama or the shoe to drop with Carter's ex? I feel like that aspect of the story could have been taken further.
Some of the actions towards the end of the book seemed a little abrupt to me and not quite realistic, but I let those things slide in romance books (for the most part...). While I read the book in less than two days, I'm still hoping that the rest of the series engages me even more. Bring on the feelings, Lisa Henry!
Probably my least favorite so far in the Havenwood series. Nothing much to report, other than musician-romances rarely work for me. Great narr[image]
Probably my least favorite so far in the Havenwood series. Nothing much to report, other than musician-romances rarely work for me. Great narration, though.
If you are a YA reader, Seoulmates will hit ALL the right notes, but even if you are an explicit adult romance reader (*cough, cough- like me*) you wiIf you are a YA reader, Seoulmates will hit ALL the right notes, but even if you are an explicit adult romance reader (*cough, cough- like me*) you will still enjoy the hell out of this cute friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story.
I'm not going to lie, I picked up the ARC of Seoulmates because I've been friends with Susan Lee for over a decade, though I won't hesitate to rate my friends' books objectively and fairly (which has cost me some relationships, over the years). But I am THRILLED to say that even though this book doesn't quite fit what I'm used to reading (I don't read much contemporary M/F romance, much less YA romance with *teenagers!*), I thought it was a great read.
The beginning of the book really hooked me. I adored how they gently poked fun at all of the non-Asian people who are newly obsessed with all things Korean (which is VERY true), and I really feel like I felt Hannah's emotions on a deep level. Her feelings of being exasperated and torn rang really true. I also really liked how that girl could hold a grudge (SAME HERE).
I did struggle a bit with the K-drama references (I've never watched one) and the K-pop references (also, not something I go out of my way to listen to), but I think Susan did a very nice job of explaining everything to readers, even noobs like me. I don't think that a lack of knowledge of the Korean acting world is going to hurt a single reader's enjoyment of the story, but it might ring extra true to those who are big fans.
I was all set to 5-star this baby until about the last 1/4 of the story; that's where things devolved a bit for me. The constant back and forth drama and "gotcha" misunderstandings was tiresome, and I wanted a bit of good ol' fashioned adult communication. I think the resolution in the end was mildly satisfying but I don't think it happened soon enough for us to see these two happy together. Plus, that one semi-steamy scene was SUCH a tease (!!) for an adult reader like myself.
Overall, I think Susan Lee did a fabulous job with this story, which I'm sure is near and dear to her heart. It felt fresh and exciting, and it's a book most readers will devour in one day. I can't wait to read more from Susan in the future, and a huge Mazel Tov to her for making this story come to life.
I LOVED Spoiler Alert, and it was one of my favorite books of 2020, but All the Feels is not even in the same league.
I usually don't rate aDNF at 47%
I LOVED Spoiler Alert, and it was one of my favorite books of 2020, but All the Feels is not even in the same league.
I usually don't rate a book unless I've read most of it, but I couldn't push myself to finish this one, and I think that deserves consideration.
It is very hard to get past the first 25% of this book. The male MC constantly negs the female MC... like constantly. It isn't charming, and it wasn't funny to me. Yes, I know he is a "good guy," but I found it extremely hard to see any sparks happening between them when he constantly calls her bird-like, short, and round... like, barely concealed disgust for her looks. This is supposed to be an enemies-to-lovers story, but I think the author didn't quite go about it the right way.
The chemistry felt so forced that I couldn't finish it. Maybe I'll return to it one day, but today is not that day.
Yeah, I'm not sure if the Necessary Evils series is for me...
This is a dark book that needs a HUGE content warning about sexual abuse of children (notYeah, I'm not sure if the Necessary Evils series is for me...
This is a dark book that needs a HUGE content warning about sexual abuse of children (not on page, but referenced frequently), but that's not the reason I didn't enjoy it. I typically don't go for darker books with grim storylines, but for me, the biggest hurdle I had was going from reading about the sexual abuse of a toddler to a BDSM-y sex scene. Mentally, I couldn't switch back and forth in my mind, and I ended up skimming nearly every sex scene in the story.
I think the concept of psychopaths finding their version of love while murdering people is kind of... neat, but I can't see myself reading all of these books and being super into them. I'm going to give one more book a shot because I enjoyed the writing style, but the content is just icky all the way, IMO.
I happen to love Seth Rogan, and I find him to be both extremely affable and very attractive. What can I say, my upbringi[image]
Incredibly charming.
I happen to love Seth Rogan, and I find him to be both extremely affable and very attractive. What can I say, my upbringing impregnated in my brain an affinity for Jewish men with glasses and good senses of humor? I was hoping that Year Book would be as funny and enjoyable as I was expecting, and I'm happy to report that I was right.
Sure, the book skews a little (okay, a lot) to stories of drug-fueled mishaps, but I enjoyed them, even if I've never been to Burning Man hopped up on acid. I really liked the celebrity encounter stories and stories from Seth Rogan's childhood. But, honestly, the best part was his easy-going and upbeat narrating style that just made everything come alive.
Look, I haven't read these authors before, but is If This Gets Out just straight up published fan fiction? I'm not a huge fan-fic reader, b*2.5 stars*
Look, I haven't read these authors before, but is If This Gets Out just straight up published fan fiction? I'm not a huge fan-fic reader, but even I got some mega Larry vibes...
If This Gets Out was a book I have very mixed feeling about, fan-fic dubious origins aside. I always enjoy a sexuality discovery story, but famous people books don't often work for me (too much of a distraction) and the fade to black scenes (*wails*)... but there was also something nice about the story, especially if you don't mind extra teenage angst.
Warning: this review may be mostly rambling thoughts.
I know record companies are like the true devils a lot of the time, but I found it extremely odd how Jon's dad was the "bad guy" but also married to Jon's mom who was conveniently clueless about his restrictions? That plotline was badly mishandled. Why even make the head honcho Jon's dad? It made the plot very muddy, IMO.
On the topic of families, I sort of enjoyed the toxic parents of Reuben as I feel like that's scary realistic for a lot of people. It made the story feel a bit different than a lot of "bad parent" stories. Not all parents are overtly bad, but the subtle cuts kill. However, I found Zach's personality and plotlines to be much more underwhelming. Angel was entertaining in a messy way.
Romance verdict? Cute-ish. I honestly wanted a bit more, but I dug them and felt entertained, though the damn fade-to-black scenes irritated me. I prefer either no sex on page, just don't even discuss, or the full thing, baby. The tease and then fade away was not my scene.
Overall, an entertaining read that felt very fan-fiction-ish. I was expecting something different, but I think the story will please YA readers.
Heather K (dentist in my spare time)
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