Hi friends!
A few people have looked over my reviews and have commented on my preferred book genres. I realize it looks awful and my only response is, “I like to know about the things that scare me.”
PEOPLE scare me. The way the human mind works scares me. People that can bring themselves to do despicable things to other people scare the HELL out of me. Oh, and sharks. Ask me anything about a shark and I can answer it because I research them. Why? Because they SCARE me!
I suppose I should’ve studied to become a criminal psychologist, but alas, I chose court reporting and now look at me (carpal tunnel/arthritis).
Point being, I’m just interested in things that are dubbed “abnormal.”
Happy reading!
So, this also-morbid piece of material is the followup from Joe to “Cry Silent Tears”, but it’s important because it’s true. There are people out there that do awful things! Yes, we know this, but I digress.
After Joe ran away for the last time, he found himself homeless trying to survive. He ends up running with the wrong [homeless] crowd (for the most part), and not only gets raped again by the customer of a pimp, but he has to run away again from his new homeless life and his new homeless friends.
Joe ends up getting himself into more trouble after some “smash and grabs” (robberies), tries to commit suicide at least 3 times that I can remember, and gets put away in mental institutions and diagnosed as a Schizo. Please note I say “hospitals” with an “s” as in PLURAL! He was quite the Houdini and escaped more than once.
The story goes on to tell us how Joe finds himself - the person he never knew he was due to his horrendous so-called upbringing and his rough life on the streets as a thief and addict. His luck just seemed to get worse until the very end. He’s an inspirational man and it was a pleasure reading his stories.
You can also find out more about Joe on his website: http://www.joepeters.co.uk/
Let me reiterate: The ONE TIME you purchase a book that is of morbid content, Amazon remembers this and then suggests other books like it. I’m a sucker and I buy them every time. I can’t believe the things some people go through during their lives that we take for granted. Thank you mom and dad!
Joe was a young boy who’s mother and father never really loved each other, ergo after his conception and his father left for the woman he truly loved, Joe’s mother treated Joe like the cause of the problem. Shortly after, Joe witnessed the death of his father which only left him in the grasp of his torturers. Joe was beaten severely by his mother, older brothers, as well as raped by his brothers and mother’s boyfriend. He was even sold to a child pornography ring to bring in extra money. He was kept in a “cell” in their basement with no clothes and very little (or no) food and water. His abuse was so severe that he literally stopped talking.
Joe eventually weasels his way into school, learns how to speak again while enduring his abuse until eventually he gets the courage to run away.
That’s not the end of his story, however, you find yourself audibly rooting for Joe, and even after the last page I couldn’t help but wonder what happens next.
This $1.99 gem on Amazon Kindle’s website (“Delivered automatically to your wireless device!”) is the story of Dr. Miklos Nyiszli — appointed head pathologist for Auschwitz by Dr. Mengele himself.
The reviews indicated that this is Nyiszli’s story of the experiments he was told to perform on fellow prisoners, and although he does perform needless autopsies for ridiculous reasons, it doesn’t go into the awful experiments that I’ve heard have been performed in such camps. One of Dr. Mengele’s goals was to find out how to do twin-reproduction in order to create the superior race, so a lot of Nyiszli’s autopsies were on killed (specifically for this reason), young twins for any birth defects or other “errors.”
It’s either a fast read or I really enjoyed it, but regardless, for $1.99 it’s a great look into the other side of the famous camp and the most notorious doctor.
When I first saw this book sitting on the New Release shelf at Barnes and Nobel (RIP to the undisclosed, closed location), I couldn’t tell if it was a work of fiction based off of true happenings (a la “The Book Thief”) or if the story itself was true. I did a bit more research and found out it was the latter, so I purchased it via my wireless reading device.
The story revolves around the appointed U.S. Ambassador during the rise of Nazi Germany, William E. Dodd, and his family. Through their memoirs, we see how Hitler slowly gained control of the entire country. The book is different to read, comprised mostly of quotes from the characters’ memoirs, books, and diaries. I think the most interesting parts were the ones that mentioned Dodd’s slutty daughter, Martha. Boy, did she know how to have a good time.
Although at times slow, it was a very interesting read and I think Larson did a great job compiling his information, as the longest section of the book was all bibliography!
So before you think I’m psycho for reading these books, let me just say that on Amazon’s website, this book was under the “Users who purchased this also bought…” list after buying “A Stolen Life” by Jaycee Dugard. I can’t help it, I’m fascinated by true crime stories. That said, people scare the shit out of me (can I say “shit?”).
“Mummy Knew” is about a little girl named Lisa who lived with her grandmother (in London) until the age of 4 because her mother wanted little to do with her and her father was a one-night stand behind a local pub. When her grandmother found it too difficult to care for Lisa, she sent her back to live with her mother.
Lisa’s mother’s disdain for her grew even more when her new boyfriend moved in. From there, Lisa goes on to describe her life growing up with an abusive “Dad” from the age of four to eighteen. He would begin by verbally abuse, followed by physical abuse, followed by the dreaded grooming and sexual abuse until one day he took it so far as to start penetrating his “daughter.”
Being that he was so physically abusive, Lisa had nowhere to go, and to avoid the abuse herself, Lisa’s mother turned the other cheek. Not only did Lisa’s mother turn the other cheek, but she seemed to encourage it as it kept his abusive hand off of her for a change.
“Dad” even decided he wanted Lisa’s mother to move into the guest room, and Lisa to move into their master bedroom with him to be his girlfriend.
Due to all of the abuse during her childhood and teenaged years, not only did Lisa not have a real education (he kept her out of school to have sex with her), he controlled her every movement limiting her contact with the outside world until she finally decided to set herself free and bring him to justice.
Her story is disturbing, disgusting, stomach-turning, and sad as all she ever wanted was the love of her mother. It’s a great book, and it’ll make your faith in humanity drop just that much more.
One word: Disturbing.
It’s hard to believe that these things actually happen to people, let alone an 11-year old girl and for 18 years.
Content aside, you’d think the book was written for young people because of its short, simple sentences spoken by a woman with a fifth grade education. I liked the short sentences, though, because they give the story some more subconscious authentication. We know Jaycee was taken away at age 11 and kept in a backyard for all of these years, it wouldn’t have seemed right if the book’s words were written by Shakespeare.
Although hard to read at some points and stomach-wrenching, I believe Jaycee was right in determining that it’s important for our society to know. I admit that throughout the book I kept asking myself, “Why isn’t she leaving NOW?!” and Jaycee does her best to try and explain, but it’s still a little difficult to understand. What’s amazing is how throughout the book Jaycee never holds an ounce of hate for anyone (although maybe some hate for her situation).
Hopefully thanks to her story that she shared with us, not as many people (young or old) will be forced to understand for themselves.
In all, a good book to pick up and read if for nothing else, to witness first-hand truth strength and determination and a beautiful soul.
I didn’t know James had other books, but this stuff is right up my alley, so I purchased this as soon as I saw it on Amazon. This seems like it’s more for parents who have lost children, but it was an informative and eye-opening read regardless.
The book basically teaches the reader how to open the mind and view the passing of children in a different light and what our lives actually mean. In short, it explains that our souls go on until we get our lessons right (reincarnation in a sense), and that everyone leaves the physical world right on cue.
James also gives us insight on the best way to leave ourselves open to possibly receive some spirit messages, which you know you’ll try once you read how. I saw that his other books are about the spirit world, ghosts, and psychic connections which don’t directly relate to a specific dynamic (i.e. parents of children who left this world), so be expecting reviews shortly!
In all, very good book, especially if you’re a skeptic of the afterlife or what it means (religion vs. ?), or if you’re grieving over a loss. He makes it so easy to believe.
This isn’t a newer book (2006, I believe), but it was recommended to me by a coworker who likes it so much she hands it out as gifts. Before purchasing, I watched an interview with the author who stated that his goal was to write everyone’s “favorite book.” With that, my hopes were held very high, especially knowing that this was a work of fiction based off of a horrible time-period.
The story is about a girl who was sent off to a German foster family during the late 30s through the 40s. She discovers through time what Nazi Germany is all about, all while dealing with her own losses and coming to terms with being raised by a mother and father who aren’t really her own. The kicker that may be confusing at first (although it won’t be now that I’m telling you), is that the entire story is narrated by Death.
They say that the book is geared toward teen readers, and although in my opinion the book started off slowly (at least for me up until 1/4 of the way through), it is actually a very good story. I originally thought that Zusak was trying too hard, and he may have been. I didn’t like the style of writing, the abundance of adjectives, and the switching back and forth between the story and the thoughts from Death, but by the end of the book I changed my opinion.
The book is full of detail, and admittedly, I’m a bit jealous that Zusak was able to take this from his imagination. It took me a little longer to get through than most books, but I think if you’re looking for a good, heart-felt story, this book should be placed on your wishlist.
I originally downloaded this book when I first got my Kindle since it was on the free promotional list. I don’t typically like fictional/romance stories, but much like Jeff Lindsay (Dexter series), Susan did a lot of homework of the surrounding areas of The Catskills. That pleases me.
Anywho, the story is about a girl who unknowingly hires a boy she had a crush on throughout summer camp to help renovate her grandparent’s property for their anniversary party. It’s a typical fantasy romance, except I related more as the main characters were my age (27ish) and she wrote it very well to match our crazy generation: Girl resents boy for not dating her during her childhood “ugly” phase, boy ended up liking girl the whole time, boy and girl fall in love.
Come to find out, the reason why this book was free is because it was one of a million in a series. Other ones in the series I’ve read:
“The Winter Lodge”
“Dockside”
“Snowfall at Willow Lake”
“Fireside”
And now I’m stuck in the middle of “Lakeshore Christmas”
I’m pretty sure after “Lakeshore Christmas” there’s only one left in that particular series called, “Marrying Daisy Bellamy.” The only problem is, I’m getting bored. Although each book is a continuation of the previous but with the focus on different characters, each story is exactly the same. Either boy or girl liked the other, the other didn’t know or care at the time, some trouble, then they fall in love. I may keep reading, though, just to see who Daisy Bellamy (who was mentioned since the first book) is marrying.
Susan has quite the imagination and she has a billion books under her name, so I can’t help but applaud her. All of these books on Kindle are around $5, unless of course you catch it on the free promotion list! Other than that, I shall neither attempt to influence anyone to purchase or not purchase the book(s).
This was particularly interesting because the writer had written her entries in many languages over the course of the war. She had hidden them in her bunks, in a pillow, and kept them to herself for most of her life.
Even though all of these WWII memoirs are different, they’re all the same: They’re extremely important to our society so that we know exactly what has taken place.
Nonna’s story is sad, watching people die all around her, losing her entire family, living in work camps, and even catching a “lucky” break to get a job in a war hospital. It was never said if she was Jewish (there was suspicion her father may have been), but she was Russian and that was almost just as bad.
It’s not the first book I’d recommend to read on this subject, but again, it’s very important to our history and on that note, I’d recommend it.
This was another great book. I got a little nervous because it started a little slow (hey, the author also wrote “Seabiscuit” if that clarifies anything for you), but in all it was very interesting and hard to believe that it was all true.
I believe Laura spent 7 years compiling the facts for this book, conducting interviews with its main character and other characters in the book making sure everything checked out and was correct.
In short, the book is about Olympic runner Louis Zamperini’s running, joining the Air Forces, surviving 40-something days at sea on a life raft terrorized by sharks, surviving as a POW, trying to build a life after war, and everything in between. It’s right up there with my favorite, “Churchill’s Secret Agent.”
I did a lot of research on Louis after reading this, and believe me when I tell you he was skateboarding at age 84. This man is 94 years old today and I’m pretty sure he still walks on his own. A true hero.
Yes, I recommend this damn book.
The general reviews that I read on this book weren’t very warm. I kept reading about how funny the book wasn’t. I do like a lot of the comedians on her show, though, so I was curious to see what they had to say. The writers included:
Johnny Kansas
Stephanie Stehling
Heather McDonald
Roy Handler
Brad Wollack
Amber Mazzola
Josh Wolf
Shoshanna Handler
Eva Magdalenski
Amy Meyer
Glen Handler
Chunk (her dog)
and Chelsea made notes at the end of each chapter.
I do have to say, the first chapter by Johnny Kansas had me laughing the hardest. I did buy it mostly for Brad and Josh, though. Basically these poor souls banded together to write about the cruel jokes and lies Chelsea has played on them over the years. It seemed that there was almost no limits at all. Her snide little comments at the end also shows how black her soul really is. Did I mention I love her?
It wasn’t the best book, but I’d buy it again over My Horizontal Life any day.
How do I put this? I purchased his book to gain a sense of understanding of the process when one is a transgender. The book is separated into 2 parts: basically before the transition and while transitioning. I was more interested in part 2.
The first part was about her life before Chaz and being the daughter of famous parents, realizing she was a lesbian, her relationships with her girlfriends and parents, and coming to terms with still not being happy. Okay, fine, I get it. Let’s get to the more interesting part.
The second part was about his life as Chaz, and being the son of famous parents, realizing he wasn’t a lesbian, his relationships with his girlfriends and parents, and coming to terms with this is what he needs to be happy. No, your eyes did not deceive you. The book kept reverting to about how he thought he was just a lesbian and dealing with that and the unhappiness. I felt like I read the same line over and over again.
Chaz, I respect you and your life struggles and transition, but the book was boring. I don’t even think I finished it.
What the hell. Who cheats on America’s sweetheart and gets away with it?! I had to pick this up (Kindle, it was cheaper) and see what was inside the mind of this retard, and dare I say, I was pleasantly surprised.
The book was very well-written and starts from the beginning with his messed-up childhood (go figure), through until his divorce from Sandra Bullock. This man has lived one of the most interesting lives I’ve ever read about (being a bouncer, dating skanks, building cars, fighting, football career, building a business, etc.), and I even felt myself feeling compassion for the guy.
I picked up the book with a “Eff this guy” attitude and finished it with “Well, okay, then.” It’s a good story, so even if it were fictional and with fictional characters it would be interesting. Messed up, but interesting.
I recommend it, not that he needs any more money.