Hindsight: And All the Things I Can't See in Front of Me by Justin Timberlake, 288 Pages

I'm a huge Justin Timberlake fan, and an even bigger NSYNC fan, so I was super excited to read this book. I thought it was an interesting look at his life beyond what you normally see. The book also includes a ton of pictures from when he was a child, all the way up to his most recent tour. It was a quick and easy read, too, which I really appreciated. (I finished this in one sitting!)

Kepler’s Witch: An Astronomer's Discovery of Cosmic Order Amid Religious War, Political Intrigue, and the Heresy Trial of His Mother by James A. Connor, 402 pages

  I read this book immediately after reading Galileo’s Daughter to round out my understanding of the times and world re-centering observations of two mathematicians whose work inspired each other during the early 17^th Century.

  Johannes Kepler was a devout German Lutheran whose free-thinking, stubborn and conceited ways got him ex-communicated from the Lutheran church but respected (albeit with little pay and exiled from the country by the Catholic church) as a court expert. As the title alludes to, his intelligent hard-headedness likely came from his mother who was tried as a witch in spite of opportunities to apologize and potentially remove herself from harm. His mother, in spite of the book title, is a fairly minor character in this account.

  The biography was written well and kept my interest as the pages of Kepler’s life unfolded. I would have liked a little more straight chronology rather than the time-jumping and doubling back done by the narration, but perhaps the repetition required by the non-linear narration made me notice and better remember some of the more important aspects of Kepler’s influence on our understanding of cosmic order today.

  I’m glad I took the time to read and learn.

Galileo’s Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith and Love by Dava Sobel--420 pages

  I thought that, perhaps, reading a historical fiction account of Galileo’s daughter might be a not-too-dull way to trick myself into learning about a world-view-changing 17^th Century scientist.

  I’m smarter now than I when I made the commitment to open to the first page if only because I know how wrong my initial impressions and lack of enthusiasm about this book were. First of all, Galileo considered himself to be a mathematician. Secondly, this book is non-fiction. Thirdly, the title is a ruse; the book is totally a biography of Galileo in which his daughter is but a character.
  Galileo lived in Italy, and I really like Italy and peeking into the religious/political landscape of different time periods. And best of all, I read through the book quickly, with excitement, frustration, anger, and fear based on what my now favorite mathematician was going through . Before reading this book, I had no idea how much Galileo Galilei happened upon, observed, and understood in ways no one else ever had. And I had no idea how difficult it was for him to make sure that the truth he saw didn’t die with him.

  My husband will not have to read this book because I couldn’t keep it to myself. Without his even asking, I gave him thorough and energetic reports of pretty much every chapter. Lucky man!

John Adams by David McCullough, 751 pages

  This story was a journey for me, having read more than three-quarters of it before accidentally leaving it behind in a waiting room, losing it, and then mourning my lack of closure with the Adams family on and off for a few years before excitedly finding the book in audio form on our library shelves.

  Political biographies don't typically appeal to me, but I decided to give this one a chance because the piece was set in the context of a family and included people critical to the birth and early years of our nation.

  While John Adams was the first U.S. Vice President, second President, and father of a U.S. President, his service to our country included much more. John (I feel as though I can call him by his first name after all the time I spent with him) was an imperfect farmer, husband, father, neighbor, and scholar who felt a great deal of moral responsibility for his community and the people who lived in the colonies/new nation. His sense of moral responsibility was so strong that he couldn’t bring himself to not use what skills he had whenever called upon; and he was called upon . . . again and again and again. He was a servant who sacrificed personal gain, pleasure, and even well-being for most of his life for the common good. Everyone who lives in the U.S. today benefits because of his service.

 Right next to him was Abigail who was just as wise, kind, hard-working and giving to the point of personal poverty.

  This is the story of Abigail and John together and individually, their families, life, minds, and love. The book is pieced together from their private letters to each other and from other documentation of the time. I’m glad to have learned through the extensive research and writing of David MCullough, and I’m glad to have finally made it to the memorable closure of the book.

The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit by Michael Finkel, 203 pages

   I had no idea that a man, just a little older than I am, lived outdoors on a hidden piece of land in Maine for 27 years without human interaction (with the exception of saying “hi,” one time when a hiker unexpectedly passed by him in the woods). But, then again, without this biography, why would I know? He lived off the grid. Not even his family knew . . . until he was arrested in 2013 for stealing food to keep himself alive.

   Journalist Michael Finkel authored this book based on interviews with Christopher Knight, people familiar in various ways with Knight’s case, research on hermits throughout history, and related psychology.

   The book was fascinating and made me ponder a way of life I’d never considered. I wish Christopher Knight well, almost feel guilty for intruding upon his craved solitude by reading his story, and know that I’m not cut out to be a hermit. 
   While I listened to this book on CD, I would have preferred to curl up . . . completely alone . . . with a print version.

Mission: Jimmy Stewart and the Fight for Europe by Robert Matzen, 400 pages

Jimmy Stewart was an academy winning actor when World War II broke out.  This biography details his life, but focuses mostly on his military service during the war.

Being a fan of World War II history and Jimmy Stewart, I really enjoyed this book.  Stewart was a decorated officer and pilot of B-24 bombers during the war.

This book might not appeal to someone who simply enjoys a Hollywood biography.  However, those interested in World War II history will not be disappointed. 

Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes, 352 pages

I started this book twice before actually finishing it.  It finally took the recommendation of a respected friend and listening to the audiobook before I made it all the way through.  And I'm glad I did.  I admit that I was a little turned off at the thought of a self-help book.  Honestly though, I wouldn't say this is self-help, or biography, or memoir or just any one thing.  It was exactly what I needed to listen to in the moment.  I listened in the car and found myself mmm-hmming and nodding along to Shonda's (I feel like we're on a first name basis now) guidance . I especially loved her chapters on being a working mother.  And I'm trying to say yes to my kids more often these days when I get invited to play or cuddle or read with them.

She also had some important thoughts on saying yes to saying no. Setting limits for yourself.  You can't do it all.  And it's true.  I'm still working on this though.

Oh and the "power pose!"  Where you put your hands on your hips and pose like Wonder Woman for a minute or so.  It really helps.  I tried it.

So as you can tell, I really enjoyed this book.  I've been a fan of Shonda's TV shows since the early days of Grey's Anatomy.  And even though I haven't watched most of her newer stuff, if I happen to catch a few minutes, I'm probably hooked for the rest of the hour.  She's an incredible storyteller.  And this book was a true testament to that.

Courageous Women of the Civil War: Soldiers, Spies, Medics, and More by M.R. Cordell, 256 pages

Local author, M.R. Cordell, wrote this non-fiction book about some of the many women who participated in America's Civil War.

Each chapter focuses on a different woman and provides a brief description of her life and role in the war.  Part of each chapter is also dedicated to sharing a snippet of information about the war itself.

The book has a glossary, an index, notes and an extensive bibliography.  It is targeted to a young adult audience.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  It is full of interesting information, was easy to read and gave lots of hints on where to find additional information on all of the women who were included in the book.

Rosemary: the Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson, 302 pages

Rosemary Kennedy was born during the flu epidemic 1918.  Why did that matter?  She was born at home and the doctor who was supposed to deliver her was busy dealing with the flu.  A nurse helping Rose Kennedy give birth to her third child and first daughter physically held the head of baby Rosemary and forced her to stay in the birth canal for two hours, while they waited for the doctor to arrive.

Rosemary was a beautiful baby, child and young woman but she was developmentally disabled and never read or wrote beyond about a 4th grade level.  She struggled to keep up with her high achieving siblings.   As she got older, she became harder to control and deal with.  Her father, hearing of the wonders of lobotomies and how docile patients were afterwards, decided that Rosemary should have a lobotomy when she was 23.  The surgery was not a success and damaged Rosemary both physically and mentally.  Rosemary, who had never been institutionalized, spent the rest of her life in an institution.

Her siblings did not know for many years what had actually happened to her.  The tragedy of her own life inspired her siblings, nieces and nephews to help others with developmental disabilities.

Petty, the Biography by Warren Zanes 323 pages

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers seem to have been the background music to my life for as long as I can remember.  I have always admired them and thought they were a fabulous band, even more so for the man himself, Tom Petty.  I guess I never gave much thought to what brought that voice, honest and subtle in its way, to the forefront.  So few bands can balance the egos like the Heartbreakers.  If you listen to their songs, everything is there doing exactly what it should.  There are no overbearing guitar riffs, no fancy drum work, and lying right on top is Petty's voice - smooth and full of character without forcing it down your throat.  I loved learning about the early years of Petty's life and the rise to fame.  I have even more respect for what Petty brought to American music.  I highly recommend this one for anyone who loves biographies, especially if they also love Tom Petty!

The Butler: a Witness to History by Wil Hagood, 112 pages

Wil Haygood is a writer for the Washington Post and his article about Eugene Allen, published around the time that Barack Obama was elected President in 2008, inspired both a movie and this book.

Real-life White House butler, Eugene Allen, was the inspiration for the fictional character of Cecil Gaines in the 2013 movie, "Lee Daniels' The Butler."

Eugene Allen worked for 8 Presidents, beginning with Dwight D. Eisenhower and ending with Ronald Reagan.  This book delves into his story and the story of making the movie that fictionalized his life.  His is a great story and this book tells it well.  

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough, 320 pages

Not surprisingly based on his track record, David McCullough has done it again.  He has written an interesting and completely readable (in my case, listen-able) story about Wilbur and Orville Wright. The men who solved the mystery and question of the possibility of flight.

The Wright family lived in Dayton, Ohio.  Wilbur was four years older than Orville and they had two older brothers and one younger sister, Katharine.  Wilbur and Orville never married and owned a bicycle shop together.

How did these two non-college attending men go from bicycle builders and sellers to airplane pioneers?  Through hard work, determination, inquiring minds and perseverance.   Put this on your to be read or listened to list!

Zealot: The Life and Times of of Jesus of Nazareth by Reza Aslan, 336 pages

"Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth" is a biography of Jesus.  Yep, him.

I found this book fascinating.  The author, Reza Aslan, who is a scholar of religion, did not rely on the bible as his source material.  He studied historical writings about first century Palestine and Roman documents.

Jesus is such a black and white figure for so many of us, I enjoyed this more historical look at his background and the early church after his death.

Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls by David Sedaris 275 pages

David Sedaris is one of the funniest authors out there.  All of his works are mostly autobiographical, with the exception of his goofy fake stories/letters from uptight white women.  David's pieces draw largely on his experiences growing up with his family.  Lately, he has been writing more about living abroad, but we still get lots of hilarious peaks into his childhood and formative years.  If you have never read nor listened to a David Sedaris book, I highly recommend Me Talk Pretty One Day, as it remains my favorite of all of his books.  Trust me, you will not be disappointed by any of his works.  Let's Explore Diabetes With Owls didn't have me shaking with laughter as much as some of his others, but it was definitely funny!  Also, I have always listened to him read his own books.  I think there is something charming about him, and listening to how he tells his stories has always appealed more to me.  Other people I know don't like his voice and prefer to read his stuff.  I think they're missing out, but you can be the judge.

Si-cology 1: Tales and Wisdom from Duck Dynasty's Favorite Uncle by Si Robertson 240 pages

Si Robertson is a very interesting man. I was first introduced to him through the TV show Duck Dynasty, as the quirky uncle with always something to say. I am not normally a person who reads biographies, but I was glad that I read this one.There were many times that I would start laughing out loud.

Si takes us through bits of his childhood, his time in the military, and introduces his family. The stories that Si tells are hard to believe, like the one where he got a buzz off of drinking soda for 4 days straight while cramming for finals. Well, I guess Si does say, “My stories are 95 percent true.”

 If you are looking for a good laugh, give this book a try.