DOColt

Best Memoir EVER

Revisado: 12-26-23

Being very particular about listening to OTHER people's stories, Keenan Thompson has produced a master work in LIFE! I have watched SNL from the beginning in 1975. Keenan is the longest running cast member. I was busy raising a family so knew nothing of his pre-SNL career (Atlanta theatre, ALL THAT, KEENAN AND KEL....and more) yet have loved watching him become an icon of Saturday night. His life is amazing: the beauty and brightness he brings to the telling of trials, joys, sacrifice of others, fame, missteps and most of all love of life following his dream. Like me, he had blinders on about racial inequities, bias, resentment and fear in his early years. Thank you for expressing that awakening and your response to it so clearly, Keenan!

Like another recent memoir read by the author, this telling moves chronologically from childhood right up to now. Unlike that other, lengthy tome, Keenan injects insight, humility and humor age and experience have brought to reviewing his life rather than what reviewers and critics wrote at the time. This endears him as a human and iconic comedic performer to me even more. EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK FOR THE HOPE IT BRINGS IN TRYING TIMES.

My first fan letter since I wrote Little Joe (Michael Landon, BONANZA) asking for his picture in on it's way to 30 Rock. Hope Keenan gets a chance to read it.

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Game Changer

Revisado: 11-02-23

As a history enthusiast and public school teacher, my opinion of Andrew Jackson developed knowing he attacked the British in New Orleans as they rested after the surrendering and over-rode the Supreme Court decision, removing Native American by force west of the Mississippi as President. Bad drunk! This intense, well documented with primary sources turned my around. He was a human, with personal filters we all have, that was manipulated by those behind the curtain, thinking they could control him. In many ways they did while his natural characteristics and aggression drove many actions while in the seat of power.

Recent works, including a two volume Abraham Lincoln biography, utilize more primary source material.....Congressional records, personal diaries, editorials and articles from a variety of news sources, providing me with the opportunity to learn and grow. That's what art, in all it's forms, has always done. Andrew Jackson wasn't our 45th President's 'model' for do what you like regardless of law but a tough warrior who did the best he could under trying times with numerous, perhaps well-founded, resentments. Unchecked, I have found those to do deadly harm!

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Native America

Revisado: 06-20-23

Outstanding recounting of the aboriginal peoples of 5he plains built primarily around the Commanche peoples and a white woman taken as a preteen who birthed perhaps the last free chief, Quanah Parker, and his life under USA government 'protection.' How white prvilege has covered up the horrors of building this free nation and today's continued disregard for human rights for everyone is sad. As a public school history teacher, I am no longer cmfortable presenting any part of this thorough, moving story for discussion...which is frightening,

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Sedaris at his best

Revisado: 04-10-20

David recounts hilarious reallife from his unique, unfiltered perspective. Including episodes of love, longing and diarrhea!

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A Life in Movement

Revisado: 05-17-19

Thank you for remembering so many of the good things Chris Farley brought to the world. Adam Sandler's recent closing tribute song (from his return to Saturday Night Live since being fired so long ago) is a companion piece. The presentation is crisp and clear, not glossing over the bumps in the road living with compulsive/addictive thinking/behavior. Simple, but not easy. I appreciated being able to hear about the Chris's journey through the voice of those who loved him.

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Sir Thomas Cromwell's Morals

Revisado: 05-17-19

Love the story based on many primary sources. Presented the times he lived in the all the upheaval and change going on. Reminded me humanity somehow has survived its self-importance.

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Historical Fiction

Revisado: 05-17-19

While evidence of suggestions in this well-managed novel are thrilling I'm a little saddened by the implication. Written first and third person, the author has only brushed with lurid details with no substantiated base. Because it is a novel, give it a read if you're curious about presentation of of personal pasts. I think I thought it was going to be more of a primary source recounting, some of which does appear in the story (like traveling to North Africa separately) with perhaps some 'color.' I prefer my historical fiction to be more general, to the point, like GONE WITH THE WIND.

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Better Days!

Revisado: 05-17-19

I think Kate McKinnon is a genius, not just in comedy. The narrators are identifiable and superb! This tale is fun and probably deserves a second listen. There were sections where I became distracted (age related?) with the asides, insertion of new characters, twist in plot. Perhaps it's me that doesn't warrant five stars everywhere. That said, if I give five stars to everything I review does that minimize my reviewing ability? Or suggest I'm just looking for approval? Need to give everyone on the team a trophy just for participation? Oh, my. Still love these women and will look forward to adding their next entry to my Audible library.

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Twisted Tales with Uncle Nick

Revisado: 05-17-19

Don't mean to seem like a stalker. Once again, Nick Offerman and his band of buddies have provided superb listening, even some campfire stories for upcoming travels (not for the grandkids...yet). The introductions, presentations and stories themselves are so wonderfully listenable...this is an Audible I'll be sharing just for the fun of it!

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Twain Dining by Offerman

Revisado: 05-17-19

Entire book was incredible. Discussions, information, quotes, details about Samuel Clemens' life...with the tasty twang of Nick Offerman and friends was thoroughly enjoying. Having family down-river from Hannibal, we can't wait to try some of the preparation suggestions created for this book! Thank you.

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