Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs, did his homework! He interviewed Steve, hundreds of friends and family members, colleagues and competitors, over several years to write this definitive work on one of America's most innovative, imaginative heroes - the founder of Apple Computers, Steve Jobs.

As a techie and fan of all things Apple, I couldn't wait to delve right in. It's a long book to read (630 pgs.), but I was able to stick with it as each story followed by another story zips right along. Steve Jobs lived a very private life yet he insisted on an openness for the author as he pursued his many interviews. The outcome is full insight into the mind and life of Steve Jobs.

This book is Steve Jobs' lasting legacy - his gift to the world. He passed away as Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson was reaching bookstore shelves. The world will miss his creative genius. You may want to be inspired - just sit down in a comfy chair with this book.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence

I already know who I'm going to recommend this book to. I think she might like this one. Although, based on the title, I never would have guessed River House: a Memoir by Sarahlee Lawrence would reveal the tough life on a ranch.

This is a true adventure story. River rafting in South America, log home building by hand in the frigid U.S. north, maintaining cattle on a ranch, longing for a life away from these struggles, Ms. Lawrence takes us on her journey and to the edge of our seats. This is also the story of a daughter's relationship with her father. You will see parallels between Sarahlee's hopes and dreams and those of her father.

She's a young woman, an only child, trying to find her place in the world. An expert guide for river rafting, she's been away from her parent's home in Oregon several years when she longs to return home. Her work as a guide is tiresome and physically draining. Life back on the family ranch is not easy either. The author is one hard-working, tough gal. She sets her sights on high goals and wants to achieve them herself.

When you finish reading River House: a Memoir, be sure to check out Ms. Lawrence's website. Her photos will bring to life all that you've experienced while following her story. You'll see that beyond what learned from her memoir, Sarahlee is one courageous woman. She has taken life by the horns and there is no stopping her. Kudos to her and others who experience life to the fullest!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and my Journey from Homeless to Harvard by Liz Murray

You know from the title that Liz Murray went from homeless to Harvard. As you read her memoir, Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and my Journey from Homeless to Harvard, you can't help but wonder how she managed to accomplish that. Her parents were mainline cocaine users, unemployed and spending their government issued checks within days they were cashed. This story is not nice.

Liz's descriptions are graphic and smelly. She watched them as a toddler shooting up cocaine in their kitchen. As a preschooler, she kept watch through the night for her dad to return home with his $5.00 bag of drugs. She and her older sister went hungry often and Liz stopped attending school because of the humiliation she endured from other students, after all, she did not bath, sleep, eat, have clean clothes, or any idea about what was a 'normal' life.

She left her mother's home at the age of 15 when her mother was diagnosed with AIDS. She was homeless at that very young age. She shoplifted food, slept hidden in friend's closets, and managed to elude the truant officers and child protective service social workers seeking to place her in an institutional home. At the age of 17 she realized that it was up to her to take charge of her life - no one was going to pay her rent but her. She found an alternative high school with teachers who lovingly supported her efforts without knowing her homeless state. She completed 4 years of high school in 2 years. Yes, she did enter Harvard, earning the prestigious New York Times scholarship, and graduated in 2009.

In January, 2011 it was announced that Ms. Murray's memoir won the YALSA Alex Award given to 10 books each year that were written for adults but with a strong appeal to young adults. You can read more about Liz Murray at Manifest Living - her program aimed at helping adults transform their lives.

My favorite quote from Liz Murray: "No one truly knows what is possible until they go and do it."

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI by Ryan Smithson

This is a true story. This is the story of a very young man. This is a war time story and it is happening now. Ryan Smithson, in Ghosts of War: The True Story of a 19-Year-Old GI, tells us of his daily life becoming a GI and defending our freedom in Iraq. He was right out of high school. Yes, your age. Think forward to June when many of you will graduate. Some will begin planning for college days, others will find work for the summer, others will find their life's career. Ryan chose to join the Army Reserve.

His story is simple. His story is gritty. His story is one many of us will never know if not for books like Ryan's. He was just sixteen the day our country was attacked by terrorists flying jets into NYC's Twin Towers. You will read how that impacted his decision to defend his country. You will read about the day-by-day routines of the military life - the exciting and the mundane. You will read of his life after he returned home from Iraq and how that experience impacted his life's work.

If you are contemplating a military commitment, this book is a must read. Ryan's story may very well be yours.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me by Condoleezza Rice

I'll never forget the first time I saw and heard Condoleezza Rice. She was at the Republican National Convention in August 2000. George W. Bush had just received the nomination to run on the Republication ticket for president of the United States. Her speech that night spoke of her support for George W. Bush and it gave us glimpses into her family's story. Her father is a Republican because at that time in Alabama the Republicans allowed him, an African American, to register to vote whereas the Democrats did not. I listened as she told us of her grandfather working hard to attend college because he knew with education he could succeed. Mind you, at that time few people had the funds to attend college and even fewer African Americans. Condoleezza Rice's grandfather began a tradition that kept her family college-educated ever since. I listened intently as this young woman spoke with such eloquence and sincerity I thought, she could be our next president!

In her autobiography, Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me, you'll be impressed by Ms. Rice's story. She is a very accomplished woman and I attribute that to her parents and grandparents' commitment to education. Her interests are varied including being a concert pianist and longing to be the Major League Baseball commissioner! She has served President George W. Bush in several capacities and as the first African American woman Secretary of State.

If you long to learn about strong women, you must read this book. You will be inspired.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

It's hard to commit to a favorite author. Once you commit, then you'll need to tell others. They may question why. It reveals something about yourself as a reader and they will know. You'll know it when it happens, when you find a favorite author, and you may keep it to yourself for awhile. You'll read other works by YOUR author to confirm your adoration of him/her. When you're ready, speak up! PAT CONROY IS MY FAVORITE AUTHOR! Yep, now I've shouted it and you all know.

It happened when I read his work, The Prince of Tides. I've since read his full body of work including My Reading Life, his most recent. As the title suggests, this is Pat Conroy's story about his life with books. My gift to you are some of his most delicious jewels I've savored while learning about Pat Conroy, the reader.

On authors: "I've searched out those writers unafraid to stir up the emotions, who entrust me with their darkest passions, their most indestructible yearnings, and their most soul-killing doubts." [That is how I feel about him as an author when I read his books.]

On books: "I take it as an article of faith that the novels I've loved will live inside me forever." [I feel the same way about favorite books.]

On his quest for a better father figure: "I was on a lifelong search for a different kind of man. I wanted to attach my own moon of solitude to the strong attraction of a good man's gravitational pull." [Beautiful words - moon of solitude.]

On good writing: "It is taking the nothingness of air and turning it into a pleasure palace built on a foundation of words." [Nothingness of air - gorgeous!]

On reading: "My inextinguishable ardor for reading seems connected to my hunger for story lines that show up in both books and the great tumbling chaos of life." [Life is a tumbling chaos.]

On himself: "I could read a million books and still consider myself a half-baked, mediocre thinker." [We should all reflect on ourself as a thinker.]

On books: "Books are living things and their task lies in their vows of silence." [Books have taken a vow of silence.]

And it goes on and on. I flagged so many pages as I moved through My Reading Life and each one confirms why PAT CONROY IS MY FAVORITE AUTHOR!

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

Calling all biology lovers! Have you hard of HeLa cells? No? Yes? Perhaps some of you have. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot is the story of the HeLa cells. HeLa is the name given by cell biologists as they were cells taken from Henrietta Lacks - hence, HeLa.

I did a quick, informal survey on Facebook asking if any of my friends had heard of HeLa. No googling, just tell me if you knew. Two thought they had seen a television show and one friend's son had talked about it at home. All others, 15 of my friends, had no clue. I found that fascinating with the hype for this book and story. I hypothesized that friends in the sciences would have known. I wondered how widespread the knowledge of HeLa would be. I was one who had no clue until my sister told me about this book. She had read it and it fascinated both of us.

Henrietta was a poor black woman who died of cancer in 1951 about the time medical science was attempting to replicate cells for studies and to combat polio. Her cells replicated at almost break-neck speed. They were then shared around the world, under the name HeLa cells, for research - completely unknown to her family. As a poor, uneducated family it was difficult for them to understand how Henrietta's cells were still alive today.

This is an interesting book to say the least. Whet your appetite for Henrietta's story here. Find the book in your library to enjoy an intimate insight from research the author did speaking to Henrietta's family. You'll learn more than biological science.

Watch Rebecca Skloot talk about writing The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Stitches: A Memoir by David Small

A graphical autobiography - that's what you'll find when you read David Small's Stitches: A Memoir. David Small is the author and illustrator of award winning children's books. I'm sure you've read Imogene's Antlers - that's one of his. For many years I've savored the illustrations he's created and enjoyed the books he co-wrote and illustrated with his wife, Sarah Stewart. I met her at a conference a few years ago and enjoyed her book talks very much. Because they make their home in southwest Michigan, I feel like a neighbor. It saddened me to read of David's young life and the troubles he endured in this memoir.

A graphical book is told through images and when the illustrator is an award winner, you can be sure that many feelings are conveyed in the eyes of the character's faces. He was a sickly, lonely boy and his parents did little to help him. Perhaps that is why he turned his attention to the solitary pursuit of drawing.

You'll be drawn to the story of David Small when you take a moment to carefully look into the eyes he's drawn. Give this one a try. It's worth your time.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Decision Points by George W. Bush

Most presidents write a book after they leave the Oval Office. Generally their books are biographical and give the president an opportunity to thank supporters. When I've read (or started to read them because I rarely finish them) a presidential autobiography in the past, I get bored. The books are dry summations of accomplishments. In his book Decision Points, President George W. Bush has taken a new tack in this presentation. In a primarily chronological order, Bush tells us about turning points in his life through the decision process he took. He acknowledges his faults as a young man regarding his known alcohol use and the point in his life when he realized the harm it was causing. Each decision point offers the reader an opportunity to understand George W. Bush, the man and president. If you're a history buff, if you follow politics, if you like to learn about great leaders, then you'll want to read this book. It takes you into the mind of one of our most honest, dedicated, and principled presidents. Listen to President Bush tell you in this video.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Soloist : a Lost Dream, an Unlikely Friendship, and the Redemptive Power of Music by Steve Lopez

Memoirs are my favorite read these days. A memoir is a bit of an autobiography with a large dose of personal experience. They are always true stories. The memoirs I have read have been written in an "I'm your friend" voice always drawing me in to the author's life - or at least a segment of his/her life. I like them because they reveal the grittiness of life, the difficulties, the problems people endure. The Soloist by Steve Lopez meets all of those criteria.

Steve Lopez is a columnist for the Los Angeles Times. One day he stopped to listen to a homeless man playing an old, two string violin. The music was classical and showed a depth of talent that did not match the Skid Row homeless environment. So Steve asked. He approached the bedrageled soloist and commented on his talent. Over weeks, months, and years Steve learned that Mr. Nathaniel Ayers had attended New York City's prestigious Juilliard School for students with talents in the performing arts. Mr. Ayers also suffers from the mental illness, schizophrenia. He simply was not able to manage the demands of school and was hospitalized against his will. When Mr. Lopez wrote of Nathaniel Ayers in his column, readers responded favorably. Many wanted to help. Steve Lopez found himself advocating for the homeless and his new friend, Nathaniel Ayers.

In reading The Soloist you will learn much about homelessness and mental illness. Your eyes will be opened to life on the streets. You may be surprised to know that many homeless choose that life style as they do not want the day-to-day responsibilities that we take for granted. You will be moved by this story and appreciate your life, no matter the hardships you may think you endure.

Soon, The Soloist will open as a major motion picture starring Jamie Foxx as Mr. Nathaniel Ayers and Robert Downey, Jr. as Mr. Steve Lopez. Read the book first as there is ALWAYS something more to know from a book than a movie. I will certainly be watching the movie too!

The Juilliard School has also covered this story. You may enjoy reading The Long Road: Nathaniel Ayers' Journey From Juilliard to Skid Row to Disney Hall by Louise Lee for The Juilliard Journal.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Guys Write For Guys Read and Knucklehead by Jon Scieszka

Jon Scieszka is a very funny, irreverent writer. His well-loved books have made children laugh for several years. You may remember the Time Warp Trio series, The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales, and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs from your younger days. He is such a prolific author and is always thinking about you and hoping you'll fall in love with reading just as he did.

To write Guys Write For Guys Read, Jon asked over 80 authors and illustrators to tell him about their life and reading. Included are Brian Jacques author of the Redwall series, Anthony Horowitz author of the Alex Rider adventures, Eoin Colfer author of the Artemis Fowl books and many more. The proceeds from the sale of this book support Jon Scieszka's website he created just for boys - Guys Read. The website is also funny like Jon and let's guys find books that guys like to read, no matter your age. Check it out!

Recently, Jon published Knucklehead : Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories About Growing Up Scieszka. You guessed it, this is another very funny, irreverent book. He has five brothers, Jon is the second oldest and they grew up in Flint, Michigan. I recently saw Jon at the 2008 National Book Festival in Washington, D. C. where he read from this book. He had the audience in stitches! Imagine growing up with all those brothers, no sisters, and the fun or trouble you could have. That was his life.


In this photo that I took of Jon at the 2008 National Book Festival, you can see that he is wearing a red, white, and blue ribbon with a medal around his neck. That weekend he had been presented with the very first National Ambassador for Young People's Literature by the Library of Congress! Congratulations Jon! Keep writing those wonderfully funny books we love to read.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

Stealing Buddha's Dinner by Bich Minh Nguyen

This memoir follows the author, a Vietnamese refugee, as her family struggles to establish a new life in Grand Rapids, Michigan following the fall of Saigon in 1975. We learn how difficult it was for Nguyen to be accepted by American children yet keep the traditions of her Buddhist family. Interestingly, the author cleverly uses the various foods she eats to highlight the cultural differences. All the food talk was a bit bothersome for me to read. American, Mexican, and Vietnamese food are all included. I didn't expect to read a cookbook when I chose this title. I'm drawn to memoirs so I can learn about families and cultures but this emphasis on the food, some of it things I would never want to taste, was annoying. You'll have to judge for yourself, afterall, this book has won a PEN literary award in 2005.
Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm

The Glass Castle : A Memoir by Jeannette Walls.

She's riding in a New York City cab on her way to a high society event when she spots a homeless woman dumpster diving. Rather than turn her eyes the other way and ignore the sad scene before her, Jeannette Walls can't stop watching. She realizes that the woman in tattered clothing is her mother! She is not surprised. She has not seen her mother in some time but certainly does not want to face her now. Afterall, she's about to attend an event where no one knows her upbringing, her family story, her parents, or anything about her life before NYC. She quickly asks the driver to turn around and take her home again. This is how the book The Glass Castle : A Memoir by Jeannette Walls begins. Yet her childhood was very happy and the author is now a columnist for MSNBC. How did she lift herself from a life of poverty to become so successful? When finished reading this book you'll realize the strength that brothers and sisters share when together they face many life challenges. If you choose to read this book you'd better be ready to read all day. This book is a must read.

Simon & Schuster, the publisher, has a wonderful three minute video of Jeannette including footage with her mother.

Reviewed by Mrs. Boehm