TX gal

Great inside baseball...and she was NOT mean!

Reviewed: 12-06-21

Many reviews claimed that Katie Couric was "mean" in this book. Not true--she had nothing but positive things to say about most people, including Matt Lauer. When she criticized her stints at other networks/formats, she took equal blame, admitting that the Today Show was probably the perfect place for her with its blend of hard news and perky segments. CBS Evening News was all hard news; her daytime talkshow was all perky segments. But--like all of us--she had reasons for her decisions at the time...no one has a crystal ball. Financially, I'm sure she is fine, so now she is focusing on her marriage and entrepreneurship. I had a small TV in my college dorm during the Jane Pauley years (even had a signed photo of Willard Scott on the wall). After graduation, I watched the Debra Norville flame out, followed by the Katie Couric years...I enjoyed listening to how it all went down. Best of luck, Katie!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

The Vanderbilts could sure blow through money!!!

Reviewed: 09-23-21

Beautifully written and narrated (by Anderson Cooper). So...Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt was the Jeff Bezos of his day (richest man on earth, or at least the United States), but his descendants managed to spend ALL OF IT...and--in most cases--on extravagant homes that could not be maintained and were sold for pennies on the dollar. INSANE! My only daughter has a trust fund that provides her with generous annual distributions. After finishing this book, I called my financial advisor and added additional restrictions! Honestly, Anderson's frivolous family gave rise to his ambition and work ethic--he wanted to be, and is, self sufficient. Good job! And that baby Wyatt...what a doll.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

32 people found this helpful

Exposing the roots of a philanthropic family...

Reviewed: 09-22-21

The Sacklers were everyone's favorite philanthropists...until the root of their money was exposed. Very well written--I know nothing about the pharmaceutical industry, but I understood all of it. It's long, but I listened to it in two days. Fascinating and horrific.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sexcation!

Reviewed: 03-21-21

I enjoyed the book, mostly to live vicariously through Gabrielle’s monthlong sex & booze-filled European vacation. During the trip, she seemed more self-destructive than self-reflective (but, hey, I don’t blame her after the shitshow with her ex-husband). HOWEVER, in the epilogue, she reveals that she has since learned to take care of herself (which made me happy).

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Jenner is sweet, funny and honest...good person!

Reviewed: 04-25-17

What did you love best about The Secrets of My Life?

Like most complex stories, it's not like Jenner just decided to become a woman one day. It was an issue that was intertwined throughout his life but--since he grew up in the 50s, 60s and 70s--there were no words or precedent for what he was feeling. Instead, he did his best to create traditional families and be a good person. I don't know a lot about this issue, so I thought it was interesting to hear about Jenner's desires (we all have them, in various forms) and efforts to first stay busy to avoid them and then find ways to hide them. The book's message is: "Don't do that; live your true life."

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses of Jenner's very interesting life, from the Olympics to the Playboy Mansion. I remember the first time I flipped to "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and thinking, "Wait, is that Bruce Jenner? Why is he wandering around this crazy house?" Haha. But, in the book, Jenner has nothing but good things to say about his ex Kris (I think I read that she is upset, but I don't know how she could be). He said that she was social in a special/intimate way, organized, great mother, terrific in business...she gets the most compliments in the book.

What about Caitlyn Jenner - exclusive introduction and Erin Bennett ’s performance did you like?

I like Jenner's voice and was hoping that she would do the audio, but I thought it was nice that she explained that it would have been difficult because of dyslexia.

Any additional comments?

When the Vanity Fair cover came out, I thought, "Wait, no 'K' in Caitlyn?" In the book, Jenner said spelling it with a "K" would have been "creepy." Good point.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

She is hilarious and sweet!

Reviewed: 12-28-16

Every story is hysterical, sparing no one...but I also appreciate the love and respect she has for legends like Joan Rivers and Don Rickles.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Loved it! Honest, funny, interesting, insightful!

Reviewed: 11-19-16

Would you consider the audio edition of Scrappy Little Nobody to be better than the print version?

I didn't read the book.

What other book might you compare Scrappy Little Nobody to and why?

I always listen to autobiographies and prefer when they are read by the author (usually they are). I LOVED all the books by Joan Rivers and Nora Ephron. Of the more recent audio autobiographies, I enjoyed the ones by Shonda Rhimes ("Year of Yes" is amazing), Andy Cohen (hilarious!), Leah Remini (interesting), Mindy Kaling, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I liked parts of Amy Schumer's book, but some of it was a little preachy.

What does Anna Kendrick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice and sarcasm! I laughed out loud many times.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Scrappy Little Somebody!

Any additional comments?

I appreciated that Anna pursued her dream despite certain things being against her, namely her tiny little frame! My daughter loves theater but she is super TALL, which is also a disadvantage (the "ingenue" can't tower above the love interest). There is a place for everyone, if you are passionate, like Anna. Good job, girl!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Hilarious, shocking, honest!!!

Reviewed: 05-02-16

Leah reveals EVERYTHING (very insider) about Scientology and Hollywood, including an unflattering picture of Tom Cruise. BUT, it's not a smear piece; it's a eulogy to a religion to which she devoted much of her time, heart and money, only to find out it was an abusive, money-hungry scam. But, to her credit, she admits she learned SOME helpful techniques. She grew up with untethered parents, and she turned out pretty awesome--great career, marriage and daughter--so maybe a little of the extreme boundaries of Scientology did her some good. Anyway, I listened all afternoon & night til I fell asleep and picked it back up the next morning--had to get to the next crazy story!!! You will love this listen!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Great concept (Alice in Wonderland) and story

Reviewed: 08-02-15

What did you love best about Down the Rabbit Hole?

Holly seems very sweet and smart. Unfortunately, her insecurity allowed two powerful men to verbally abuse her (Hef & Criss Angel), but in the end, she got what she wanted. Good for her!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Funny, personal and sweet

Reviewed: 08-02-15

I loved Joan and always wondered what kind of mom she was. She and Melissa were very close, but Joan wasn't perfect--which gives the rest of us moms hope! I love that she cared so much about manners, working hard and being humble.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!