Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered by Georgia Hardstark and Karen Kilgariff,304 pages

Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered is a memoir by the creators and hosts of the podcast My Favorite Murder. I recently became addicted to the podcast so I knew I had to read their book. Georgia and Karen are really interesting, hilarious people and the book was a great mixture of being both hilarious but also extremely deep. I don't think that you'd enjoy this book if you weren't a fan of the podcast, so I definitely recommend reading it if you are!

This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps, 321 pages

I know Busy Philipps from her talk show that was previously airing on E!, although it's since been cancelled. I really fell in love with her honest, witty and too the point attitude. Busy was recently very outspoken in regards to some things that I felt strongly about, which made me admire her more. I picked up her book and honestly, it's the best book I've read so far this year. This Will Only Hurt a Little was heartbreaking, hilarious and honest. I feel that Busy is a celebrity that you can relate with even just on paper. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good memoir.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African childhood by Trevor Noah 288 pages

If you think Trevor Noah is smart and funny already, just wait.  This was such a great book, especially since I listened to it read by Trevor himself.  More than anything, it is a tribute to his mother, but the stories from his childhood in South Africa are compelling, funny and thought provoking.  This book never delves into current politics, or even talks about how Trevor got his career started in America.  This is strictly about his experience growing up under apartheid and its fall.  It's no wonder he is the intelligent, and thoughtful man he is, with his mother being the woman that she was.  I highly recommend this to everyone, I enjoyed it so much! 

Atchison Blue: A Search for Silence, a Spiritual Home, and a Living Faith by Judith Valente, 181 pages

My sister lent me this book.  I am happy to say you can also check it out from the library.  Judith Valente has spent a lot of time at Mount St. Scholastica monastery in Atchison, Kansas.  I have been to Atchison many times since moving to St. Joseph, but never visited Mount St. Scholastica.

This is a memoir of Judith Valente's time at the monastery with the sisters, and her struggles to be a better person.

It was a lovely little read and I really do need to visit someday . . .

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem and Fun in the Sandbox, 288 pages

I am a fan of Carol Burnett and try to listen to all of her books.  This book is about the 11-year run of her musical variety show The Carol Burnett Show.

She lovingly tells stories about the cast, crew, guest stars and sketches.  I listened to this book, which I recommend, because included are interviews from actors Vickie Lawrence, Harvey Korman, Tim Conway and costume designer Bob Mackie, among others.

Carol Burnett is good people and this book was totally enjoyable. 

The Magnolia Story by Chip and Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino, 208 pages

I am a HUGE fan of the HGTV show, Fixer Upper, so when I saw this book come through I knew I had to read it.  And you know what?  It's just about as adorable and sweet and fluffy as you'd imagine that Chip & Joanna were in person.  They built their business from the ground up and appeared to have a few struggles along the way before finding the success and fame that starring in a reality TV show granted them.  There really wasn't a lot of meat to this book.  No decorating tips.  No business tips.  And most conflict was glossed over.  I skimmed the last 40 pages or so.  In my opinion, there weren't enough pictures of their projects.  Fans of Fixer Upper will likely still want to check this out though.

The Magnolia Story by Chip & Joanna Gaines with Mark Dagostino, 208 pages

I don't get HGTV at home but that doesn't mean I haven't heard of Fixer Upper and Chip and Joanna Gaines.  This seemed like a fun book to listen to, and I was not disappointed.  Read by the Gaines, it was a treat.

They talk about their lives before and after they met, their faith and of course, their business.  They just seem like good people and the book makes me want to watch their show more than the little snippets I've caught here and there so far.  

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.

Yes, My Accent is Real: and Some Other Things I Haven't Told You by Kunal Nayyar, 245 pages

Kunal Nayyar portrays Raj on "Big Bang Theory." He came to the United States to attend college and caught the acting bug while he was there.

This is his story of growing up in India, in a family where he was well loved and his immigration to the United States.  It is a funny, sweet, heartwarming memoir.

I listened to the book, read by the author, and enjoyed every minute of it.

Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World by Anthony Doerr, 290 pages

Before author Anthony Doerr won the Pulitzer Prize for his novel "All the Light We Cannot See" he won the Rome Prize from the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

The prize comes with a stipend, an apartment and a writing studio in Rome for a year.  He learned of the award the day after his wife had twin boys.  These new parents packed up the boys when they were six months old and headed to Rome.

Doerr had a novel ruminating in his brain that he thought he would work on during the year.  That novel eventually became "All the Light We Cannot See" but he didn't do much writing on it during the year he spent in Rome.

I listened to this book, read by the author, and it was such a wonderful peek into this brilliant writer's mind.  He knows his words, this one.   It was also a wonderful look at Rome and Italy and life in general.

The Rainbow Comes and Goes: A Mother and Son on Life, Love and Loss by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt, 304 pages

CNN correspondent Anderson Cooper is the son of Gloria Vanderbilt.  At the beginning of her 91st year they started an email correspondence where they shared what was important to each of them and what they still wanted to learn about each other.

I listened to the book and each read their own letters.  It was a fascinating look into their lives and strong relationship.  I probably would have never picked up this book, but I heard Anderson Cooper talk about it at a conference a few months ago and it sounded intriguing.

Boys in the Trees: A Memoir by Carly Simon, 376 pages

I experienced this book the best way possible, I think.  I listened to it read by Carly Simon.  The audio-book includes music in the background and even a few songs.  About half-way through listening to the book I checked out the print copy to see the pictures which I figured, correctly, would be there.

Carly Simon is the 3rd child and daughter of Richard and Andrea Simon.  A son, Peter, was born a few years after Carly.  Her father was a co-founder of the publishing company Simon & Schuster, though he was ousted in later life.

Both Carly and her father suffered from anxiety and depression.   I have always admired Carly Simon and enjoyed her music and never really considered she has the same worries and demons as everyone else.  The book is a very candid look at her life and marriage to James Taylor.  No surprise, she has a way with words.

Popular: Vintage Wisdom for a Modern Geek (a Memoir) by Maya Van Wagenen, 264 pages (2016-2017 Truman Readers Award Nominee)

Self-proclaimed geek,  Maya Van Wagenen,  discovers an old copy of a 1950's popularity guide,  written by former teen model Betty Cornell and decides to spend her 8th grade year following the advice in hopes of attaining popularity. 

The first thing I have to admit is that I definitely do judge a book by it's cover and I couldn't resist this kitschy cute one.  Then I read the inside flap and the awkward 8th grader inside of me cheered!  If only I'd had this book in 1993!  My BFF and I would have followed it to the letter!

The next thing I have to admit was that I was concerned when in the first chapter Maya devotes an entire month to solving her "figure problems."  Not exactly the body positive image I'm trying to instill in my own daughter.  Fortunately, it's pretty humorous and not at all preachy.

Each month was devoted to a different topic from the original book by Betty Cornell.  Maya included tidbits from Betty as well as live and learn tips from her own experiences.  By the end of the year, she had succeeded.  People knew her and liked her, she had become popular.  Her final popularity tip was the best one, in my opinion.  "Popularity is more than looks.  It's not clothes, hair, or even possessions.  When we let go of these labels, we see how flimsy and relative they actually are.  Real popularity is kindness and acceptance.  It is about who you are, and how you treat others."  Well said, Maya.  Well said.

Bettyville by George Hodgman, 279 pages

"Bettyville" is a memoir written by George Hodgman who grew up in Northeast Missouri, Madison and Paris, to be exact. 

He left Missouri soon after graduating college and moved to New York, where he thought he would find his place in the world.  He arrived just in time for the AIDS scare.

George returned to Missouri throughout the years to visit his parents, but returned for an extended time toward the end of his mother's life when she couldn't really live on her own any longer but didn't want to move into a nursing home or assisted living situation.

This is a beautifully written memoir by a man whose family always loved him but were never able to accept that he was gay.  

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, 336 pages

I'm not a fan of survival stories so resisted reading this book.  However, my sister told me I needed to watch the movie, which I did and really liked so I gave the book a shot.  I listened to it and I'm glad I did.

Cheryl Strayed decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail in 1995 when she was 26 because her life was a mess.  Her life spiraled out of control after her mom, Bobbi, died when Cheryl was 22.  Her mom was only 45.

Parts of the book were difficult to listen to because her life really was a mess and she had gone through some horrible situations.  The horse . . . oh my.

But, this book was ultimately uplifting because you know what?   She was able to do this difficult trail and get past her past so she could get on with her life.  So, thumbs up from me and Happy Trails, Cheryl.

Not My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming, 304 pages

"Not My Father's Son" is a memoir by actor Alan Cumming.  I listened to it, which was great because it was read by Alan Cumming.  What a voice.

The memoir alternates between "Then" which is Cumming's childhood and "Now" which was 2010, when he appeared on the BBC genealogy show "Who Do You Think You Are."  The show focused on the mystery of Cumming's maternal grandfather, Tom Darling, who was a decorated WWII veteran, who never returned to his family after the war.

At the same time the BBC show was in production, Alan was dealing with a more recent family secret regarding his abusive father.  This is a book of pain and more importantly recovery.  I highly recommend this book.

YES PLEASE by Amy Poehler, 352 pages

YES PLEASE is Amy Poehler's first, and maybe last book.  I listened to the book, that she read with the help of Carol Burnett, Seth Meyers, Kathleen Turner, Patrick Stewart, Mike Schur, along with her parents Eileen and William Poehler.

Amy made no bones about the fact that a book is hard to write, hence it might be her last.  However, I hope it's not because it was darned good. The book is part memoir and part her philosophy of life.

If you have to choose between reading and listening on this one - I am going to recommend that you listen.  Patrick Stewart reading funny haiku poetry?  Loved it.

The Color of Water: A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother by James McBride, 291 pages

It took me months to read this book because I rarely found time to sit and read.  However, that is not a reflection on the book.  It was totally engrossing every time I sat down to read it.

James McBride is one of twelve children born to Ruth McBride Jordan in the projects in New York City.

The book alternates between chapters written by James, and chapters dictated by Ruth.  When James was a child his mother never admitted to being white.  She was born an Orthodox Jew named Rachel Shilsky.  Her family left Poland and emigrated to America when she was a child.  Her father was a rabbi who also operated a general store in Virginia.  Family life was difficult.

Rachel left Virginia after high school and started life again in New York City in the early 1940s.  There she fell in love with James McBride, a black man.  She left the Jewish faith and became Ruth.  Her first husband died when she was pregnant with their eighth child (James).  A few years later she fell in love again and married Hunter Jordan, with whom she had four more children.  Hunter died when James was a teenager.

Ruth's will helped her leave her past and raise her twelve children, all of whom went to college and are successful professionals.  Ruth was a woman who never gave up or in.  I'm not doing this powerful book justice.  Read it for yourself and see.

Have a Nice Guilt Trip by Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella 275 pages

Lisa Scottoline, author of the Rosato & Associates mystery series, is one of my favorite authors.  This is a collection of essays by mother and daughter about their lives.  The title caught my eye because, Lord knows, I have enough Catholic guilt to fill a book myself!  Lisa is at times self-deprecating but more often humorous.  You learn very quickly she loves dogs, chocolate cake, her Mother Mary, her Italian heritage and has strong negative feelings about getting old and her 2 ex-husbands.  A cute read but I think this will probably be the only one in the series I will read.  Just not my style.