Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum by Michael J. Fox & Nelle Fortenberry

 

Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum by Michael J. Fox & Nelle Fortenberry - 162 pages

A poignant, heartfelt and funny memoir about how, in 1985, Michael J Fox brought two iconic roles to life simultaneously - Alex Keaton in Family Ties and Marty McFly in Back to the Future. Here is the amazing true story, as only Michael J Fox can tell it ...

In early 1985, Michael J. Fox was one of the biggest stars on television. His world was about to get even bigger, but only if he could survive the kind of double duty unheard of in Hollywood. Fox's days were already dedicated to rehearsing and taping the hit sitcom Family Ties, but then the chance of a lifetime came his way. Soon, he committed his nights to a new time-travel adventure film being directed by Robert Zemeckis and produced by Steven Spielberg, Back to the Future. Sitcom during the day, movie at night - day after day, for months.

Fox's nightly commute from a soundstage at Paramount to the back lot at Universal Studios, from one dream job to another, would become his own space-time continuum. It was in this time portal that Alex P. Keaton handed the baton to Marty McFly while Michael J. Fox tried to catch a few minutes of sleep. Alex's bravado, Marty's flair, and Fox's comedic virtuosity all swirled together to create something truly special.

In Future Boy, Fox tells the remarkable story of playing two landmark roles at the same time - a slice of entertainment history that's never been told. Using new interviews with the cast and crew of both projects, the result is a vividly drawn and eye-opening story of creative achievement by a beloved icon.

"Back to the Future" is hands down my favorite movie so I was so glad to get to read this.  I really enjoyed Mike's narrative of how he filmed both "Family Ties" and "Back to the Future" at the same time, it seems both exhausting and insane.  He gave 100% to both shows and added a lot of ad-lib humor to the movie.  I enjoyed reading about certain scenes and being able to picture that scene, and his voice in this book is great! Honestly, I don't remember watching "Family Ties" but reading this made me want to check it out.

In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some by Josh Gad

In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some by Josh Gad -- 272 pages

A heartfelt and hilarious collection of essays from the comedian and entertainer known for voicing Olaf in Disney's Frozen and for his award-winning turn as Elder Cunningham in the Broadway smash hit The Book of Mormon

For the first and possibly last time Josh Gad dives into a wide array of personal topics: the lasting impact of his parents’ divorce; how he struggled with weight and self-image; his first big break; how everyone was sure his most successful ventures (both on the big screen and on the stage) would fail; his take on fatherhood; and much more. This trip down the rabbit hole of overly personal stories will distract readers from climate change, the downward descent of democracy in Western civilization, and the existential threat that AI poses to Drake’s music—with never-before-seen photos and few-to-no spelling errors. Whether you know him from Disney or Broadway, YouTube, the silver screen, or not at all, one fact remains: Gad’s work never fails to bring people together (as long as they’re alive). His delightful debut, written in the tradition of Amy Poehler, Jim Gaffigan, and Mindy Kaling, reminds us to keep going, even when the chips and doubters are stacked against you.

The Blind Woodsman by John & Alli Furniss

The Blind Woodsman by John and Alli Furniss-187 pages

Wow..what an inspirational read!  A true story of a very courageous man whose overall mission is to help others find true happiness despite everything life throws at you. You have to read this book to understand all that John has overcome in his life.  When the world around you is getting you down you should pick up this book and absorb his attitude.  He is so grateful for everything.  I enjoyed it very much! 

 

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

The Woman in Me by Britney Spears -- 288 pages

The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Need You Now by Plumb, Susanna Foth Aughtmon

186 pages

"A Story of Hope is the deeply personal, incredibly honest, and hugely encouraging new book by recording artist, songwriter, and performer PLUMB aka Tiffany Lee. Equal parts revealing memoir and inspirational literature, each chapter reveals a day in the life of a rock star, inviting you into Plumb's personal journey of embracing her life's passion of music and her very real, all-encompassing love for her family and community. Both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving, Need You Now is the story of beautiful and embarrassing moments on stage, the joys and trials of motherhood and unbridled forgiveness. It is the story of soul mates, best friends and a marriage redeemed. And more than anything, Need You Now is the story of love, fresh starts and the relentless message that no matter who you are or what you have done...there is always HOPE."  --from the publisher

It is written well with an honesty and openness about the difficulties of life and faith in Jesus. She doesn't gloss over pain and hurt with pat answers. It is a short read that I read for book club, and although I enjoyed it, I'm not the target audience for this book. I give it three out of five stars.
 

Gone to the Woods by Gary Paulsen

 368 pages / 6 hrs, 45 mins

"His name is synonymous with high-stakes wilderness survival adventures. Now, beloved author Gary Paulsen portrays a series of life-altering moments from his turbulent childhood as his own original survival story. If not for his summer escape from a shockingly neglectful Chicago upbringing to a North Woods homestead at age five, there never would have been a Hatchet. Without the encouragement of the librarian who handed him his first book at age thirteen, he may never have become a reader. And without his desperate teenage enlistment in the Army, he would not have discovered his true calling as a storyteller."  --from the publisher

This was very interesting, but I found it quite disjointed. Three stars from me.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner, 256 p.

"A memoir about growing up Korean American, losing her mother, and forging her own identity. Michelle Zauner tells of growing up one of the few Asian American kids at her school in Eugene, Oregon; of struggling with her mother’s particular, high expectations of her; of a painful adolescence; of treasured months spent in her grandmother’s tiny apartment in Seoul, where she and her mother would bond, late at night, over heaping plates of food.

As she grew up, moving to the East Coast for college, finding work in the restaurant industry, and performing gigs with her fledgling band—and meeting the man who would become her husband—her Koreanness began to feel ever more distant, even as she found the life she wanted to live. It was her mother’s diagnosis of terminal cancer, when Michelle was twenty-five, that forced a reckoning with her identity and brought her to reclaim the gifts of taste, language, and history her mother had given her."--Goodreads

What a delight, in a very emotional way, to read about someone growing up from the viewpoint of someone of a different background than myself. It was so interesting to read about the way Michelle was raised, the food she ate, and the feelings she felt about being a Korean in America. The main takeaway I got from this book, though, is the struggles of family cross generations, ethnicities, and the world. A powerful read.

 

The Answer Is...: Reflections on My Life by Alex Trebek

 304 pages / 5 hours

"Since debuting as the host of Jeopardy! in 1984, Alex Trebek has been something like a family member to millions of television viewers, bringing entertainment and education into their homes five nights a week. Last year, he made the stunning announcement that he had been diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. What followed was an incredible outpouring of love and kindness. Social media was flooded with messages of support, and the Jeopardy! studio received boxes of cards and letters offering guidance, encouragement, and prayers.

"For over three decades, Trebek had resisted countless appeals to write a book about his life. Yet he was moved so much by all the goodwill, he felt compelled to finally share his story. “I want people to know a little more about the person they have been cheering on for the past year,” he writes in The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life.

"The book combines illuminating personal anecdotes with Trebek’s thoughts on a range of topics, including marriage, parenthood, education, success, spirituality, and philanthropy. Trebek also addresses the questions he gets asked most often by Jeopardy! fans, such as what prompted him to shave his signature mustache, his insights on legendary players like Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer, and his opinion of Will Ferrell’s Saturday Night Live impersonation. The book uses a novel structure inspired by Jeopardy!, with each chapter title in the form of a question, and features dozens of never-before-seen photos that candidly capture Trebek over the years."  --from the publisher

I liked the stories and insights Trebek shared, but I wish I had read it instead of listening to it. For some reason Ken Jennings' and Alex Trebek's voices were distracting for me. If you're a Jeopardy! fan, this will definitely be an entertaining read. I give it three and a half stars out of five.

Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose

 224 pages, 11 hrs, 11 mins

"This is the true story of a young American missionary woman's courage and triumph of faith in the jungles of New Guinea and her four years in a notorious Japanese prison camp. Never to see her husband again, she was forced to sign a confession to a crime she did not commit and face the executioner's sword, only to be miraculously spared." --from the publisher

This was chosen for me by a book club, and I'm glad it was. It is a tremendous story of perseverance, courage, and faith by a young woman in her early 20's. I cannot recommend the audiobook, but I highly recommend this story. Even if you don't share her faith and decide to skim through and read the highlights, it will be well worth your time. I'm not even sure how she knew all the tips to survival--amazing. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

Finding Me by Viola Davis

304 pages / 9 hrs, 15 mins

"In my book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever.

"This is my story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path I took to finding my purpose but also my voice in a world that didn’t always see me.

"As I wrote Finding Me, my eyes were open to the truth of how our stories are often not given close examination. We are forced to reinvent them to fit into a crazy, competitive, judgmental world. So I wrote this for anyone running through life untethered, desperate and clawing their way through murky memories, trying to get to some form of self-love. For anyone who needs reminding that a life worth living can only be born from radical honesty and the courage to shed facades and be . . . you.

"Finding Me is a deep reflection, a promise, and a love letter of sorts to self. My hope is that my story will inspire you to light up your own life with creative expression and rediscover who you were before the world put a label on you."  --from the publisher

Incredible story and superbly told! I laughed, gasped, and cried. If you enjoy audiobooks, I highly recommend it because Davis reads it with all the authenticity and expression you would expect. Four out of five stars from me.
 

How Y'all Doing? by Leslie Jordan

How Y'all Doing? by Leslie Jordan, 198 pages

From the MARC: "Viral sensation and Emmy Award-winner Leslie Jordan regales fans with entertaining stories about the odd, funny, and unforgettable events in his life in this unmissable essay collection that echoes his droll, irreverent voice. A Southern Baptist celebutante, first-rate raconteur, Emmy Award-winner, and keen observer of the odd side of life, Jordan had no idea how much his life would change when he "went viral." Here Jordan tells stories that make us laugh and lift our spirits even in the darkest days. Whether he is writing about his brush with a group of ruffians in a West Hollywood Starbucks, or an unexpected phone call from legendary Hollywood Debbie Reynolds, each story reflects his fresh and saucy humor and pure heart."

This was a very enjoyable read. Before Leslie Jordan became the darling of IG during the pandemic, I just thought of him as that guy that's in everything, but these essays made him real to me in a way most celebrity biographies do not. Frank and honest about both his sexuality and his recovery, Jordan is unflinching as he tells his stories in his distinct voice. 

Inheritance by Dani Shapiro

 262 pages / 6 hrs, 44 mins

Inheritance is a book about secrets—secrets within families, kept out of shame or self-protectiveness; secrets we keep from one another in the name of love. It is the story of a woman’s urgent quest to unlock the story of her own identity, a story that has been scrupulously hidden from her for more than fifty years, years she had spent writing brilliantly, and compulsively, on themes of identity and family history. It is a book about the extraordinary moment we live in—a moment in which science and technology have outpaced not only medical ethics but also the capacities of the human heart to contend with the consequences of what we discover. --from the publisher

What an interesting storyline! The book is well written, but a bit repetitive. Still, it raises all kinds of bio-medical-ethical questions. I give it three out of five stars.

Out of the Dark by Mandisa, Suzanne Gosselin

 256 pages / 5 hrs, 53 mins

Grammy award-winning music artist Mandisa tells an inspiring story of peaks and valleys, trials and joys, wins and losses. Through her gripping narrative, she shows that our choice to trust God can not only overcome our need to understand why bad things happen, but can help us to embrace a life of joy and freedom.

Out of the Dark is Mandisa's exploration of the journey she's taken from when she first became a Christian, to her rise as an American Idol finalist and receiving multiple Grammy and Dove Award nominations, as well as the dark and challenging times she experienced along the way. She writes personally and openly about the hardships she has faced and the way she felt betrayed by God, but also about how God has brought her out of the valley into His glorious light. Along the way, she also shares her struggles in learning how to love her body and care for her health.

Just as Mandisa's Grammy-award winning song "Overcomer" was topping the Contemporary Christian Music charts, her friend for whom "Overcomer" had been written passed away. After losing this close friend to cancer, despite years of prayers on her behalf, Mandisa descended into depression, isolating herself and turning to her familiar friend, food, for comfort.

Mandisa tells her story with warmth and vulnerability, challenging us all to focus on God's purpose for our lives, surround ourselves with friends who will fight for us, and face life's challenges with courage and faith. If you've ever found yourself in a dark place as the result of grief, depression, or loss, Mandisa's story will reassure you that even when you're walking through dark valleys, God can and will lead you on a path to joy and hope. --from the publisher

It's rare to find anyone so transparent with their faith and mental health struggles. Her story is open and honest and is not at all preachy. I give it 3.5 stars out of 5.

The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man: A Memoir by Paul Newman

320 pages

“In 1986, Paul Newman and his closest friend, screenwriter Stewart Stern, began an extraordinary project. Stuart was to compile an oral history, to have Newman's family and friends and those who worked closely with him, talk about the actor's life. And then Newman would work with Stewart and give his side of the story. The only stipulation was that anyone who spoke on the record had to be completely honest. That same stipulation applied to Newman himself. The project lasted five years. The result is an extraordinary memoir, culled from thousands of pages of transcripts. The book is insightful, revealing, surprising.”  --from the publisher

According to the book, Paul Newman worked very hard all his life to downplay his good looks. In this memoir, he wanted to downplay his stardom and diminish any unrealistic ideas people might have about him. These are lofty goals, but it might lean too heavily on the negative. It was hard for me to finish. I give it three out of five stars for the primary sources and outstanding organization of the material.

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

 

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy - 320 pages

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly, she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair. 

I both loved and hated this book.  It was a hard read for me, not because it was poorly written, but because it was tough to read what this woman went through.  Highly recommend!

I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

 I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, 304 pages

I'm Glad My Mom Died is autobiographical tour through Jennette McCurdy's formative years, wherein her narcissist mother's dreams of being a Hollywood starlet were imposed on the daughter. With an unflinching, offbeat voice, expertly weaving humor and heartbreak, McCurdy details her life as a child star, the abuse she suffered at the hands of her codependent mother, and the eating disorders she developed.  

I don't read a lot of nonfiction or biographies, but I couldn't put this book down. I never watched iCarly so I was only tangentially aware of Jennette McCurdy. It is a testament to the openness of the narrative that non-fans can just pick up the book and connect with it. 

The Boys: A Memoir of Hollywood and Family by Ron Howard, Clint Howard

 393 pages / 13 hrs, 18 mins

"Happy Days, The Andy Griffith Show, Gentle Ben—these shows captivated millions of TV viewers in the ’60s and ’70s. Join award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and audience-favorite actor Clint Howard as they frankly and fondly share their unusual family story of navigating and surviving life as sibling child actors."

"With the perspective of time and success—Ron as a filmmaker, producer, and Hollywood A-lister, Clint as a busy character actor—the Howard brothers delve deep into an upbringing that seemed normal to them yet was anything but. Their Midwestern parents, Rance and Jean, moved to California to pursue their own showbiz dreams. But it was their young sons who found steady employment as actors. Rance put aside his ego and ambition to become Ron and Clint’s teacher, sage, and moral compass. Jean became their loving protector—sometimes over-protector—from the snares and traps of Hollywood.

"By turns confessional, nostalgic, heartwarming, and harrowing, The Boys is a dual narrative that lifts the lid on the Howard brothers’ closely held lives. It’s the journey of a tight four-person family unit that held fast in an unforgiving business and of two brothers who survived “child-actor syndrome” to become fulfilled adults."  --from the publisher

A heartwarming trip down memory lane with loads of information about the filmmaking industry and the Howard family. Ron and Clint read their parts of the story, which adds to the transparency and sincerity of their thoughts and feelings. I give it four out of five stars.

More than Peach by Bellen Woodard

More than Peach by Bellen Woodard 24 pages The very first Crayon Activist presents this picture book in which she spreads a message of inclusivity, empowerment and the importance of inspiring the next generation of leaders through The Peach Project and crayons. A surprise for me that an 8 year old was responsible for creating the "skin colored" crayons. Great story for kids to realize they can change the world with the little things they do.

Tisha by Robert Specht

358 pages / 11 hrs, 30 mins

"Alaska was as remote as the moon, as roistering and lawless as the Gold Rush. And a pretty young schoolteacher from Colorado like Anne Hobbs was even rarer than nuggets."

"The author tells the story as told to him by Anne Hobbs, a woman who went to Alaska in the 1920s to teach, but who had trouble due to her kindness to the Indians there. Anne Hobbs is a prim and proper 19-year-old schoolteacher who yearns for adventure. She finds this and much more in a town with the unlikely name of Chicken, located deep in the Alaskan interior. It is 1927 and Chicken is a wild mining community flaming with gold fever. Anne quickly makes friends with many of the townspeople, but is soon ostracized when she not only befriends the local Indians but also falls in love with one."

This is quite a story lived by an incredibly resilient teenager. Specht does an outstanding job writing with all the awe, wonder, and drama Anne experienced. I recommend it to anyone looking for a first-person account of the harsh Alaskan weather and the prejudice of the 1920s. I give is 4.5 stars our of 5.

Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby

Ten Steps to Nanette by Hannah Gadsby, 400 p.

CW: Bullying, severe depression, mention of sexual assault

"Gadsby's unique stand-up special Nanette was a viral success that left audiences captivated by her blistering honesty and her ability to create both tension and laughter in a single moment. But while her worldwide fame might have looked like an overnight sensation, her path from open mic to the global stage was hard-fought and anything but linear.

Ten Steps to Nanette traces Gadsby's growth as a queer person from Tasmania-where homosexuality was illegal until 1997-to her ever-evolving relationship with comedy, to her struggle with late-in-life diagnoses of autism and ADHD, and finally to the backbone of Nanette - the renouncement of self-deprecation, the rejection of misogyny, and the moral significance of truth-telling. Equal parts harrowing and hilarious, Ten Steps to Nanette continues Gadsby's tradition of confounding expectations and norms, properly introducing us to one of the most explosive, formative voices of our time."--Goodreads blurb

As with most American that have come to find Gadsby, she was a complete unknown to me until her Netflix "standup" special on Netflix a few years ago. But her special, and this book, have stayed with me, with her nuggets of her truth coming up in my mind often. What a fantastic writer Gadsby is, both of standup and of her story. Her innate intelligence and thoughtfulness shine bright in her words. The life she has led has brought her to where she is, but what a difficult one. But she talks about the light in the world, too.