Somewhere Inside by Laura & Lisa Ling

I was surprised at what quick, easy and enjoyable read this was.  Laura & Lisa's relationship made me ache to see my own sisters.  It provided first hand insight into the manipulative world of the North Korean government.  Oddly enough, I made a connection between my real life boss and the round about, indirect communication practices of the North Korean government.  Real life boss says things in an indirect way, so that he may change his direction later on and make you think it was you who miss understood, when really he didn't know what he wanted to ask for in the first place.  Another sign that I might need to seriously start looking for a new job.  

I highly recommend this book.

Review: Still Alice, by Lisa Genova

 

Alice is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at an early age.  She is a brilliant, educated successful woman who tragically becomes broken by the disease.  It tugs at your heart strings told through Alice's point of view as she describes her daily struggles forgetting everyday tasks we often take for granted.   

This is a heart wrenching account of the devastating effects Alzheimer’s disease has on the victim and the family.  Currently watching both of my grandmothers mindlessly walks through life as Alzheimer’s deteriorates their brain, this story hit very close to home.  Until this book, my point of view came from the side of the caregivers.  Rarely had I spent time thinking about what it must be like for my grandmothers to slowly lose their memories. My sympathy was for those like my grandfather. After living through almost sixty five years of marriage together, she no longer even knew his name.  This story does an excellent job describing the frustrations and confusion of the patient.   It is an inspiration to not let one day pass us by and a reminder of the priceless value of our memories.  Our memories and experiences make up who we are.  An easy read, I highly recommend Still Alice.

 

Review: Bossypants by Tina Fey

I could hardly wait to read this book.  I worship Tina Fey.  I find her interesting, funny, and a real heck of a gal.  She also names her daughter Alice which happens to rank as one of my favorite names.  The book lived up to my expectations as a delightful read.  I breezed through the chapters finding her tone quick witted and playful as  usual.  I loved hearing her days at Saturday night live and developing 30 Rock. 

In conclusion, I've decided I want to be Tina Fey when I grow up.