Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir

 

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry  272 pages

In an extraordinary story that only he could tell—and in the heartfelt, hilarious, and warmly familiar way only he could tell it—Matthew Perry lays bare the fractured family that raised him (and also left him to his own devices), the desire for recognition that drove him to fame, and the void inside him that could not be filled even by his greatest dreams coming true. But he also details the peace he’s found in sobriety and how he feels about the ubiquity of Friends, sharing stories about his castmates and other stars he met along the way. Frank, self-aware, and with his trademark humor, Perry vividly depicts his lifelong battle with addiction and what fueled it despite seemingly having it all.

I did not know how much this man suffered. It was a depressing read and eery because we know the end.

Inside Out by Demi Moore

Inside Out by Demi Moore, 262 pages

As far as biographies go, this one was kinda bland.  I thought her biography would be a little more revealing, but she writes only what she wants us to know.  Nothing was written about that most of us did not already know about her.

Unqualified by Anna Faris

Unqualified by Anna Faris (Forward by Chris Pratt), 303 pages

I read this as an advance reader copy, but this book is set for sale on October 24, 2017.  I received this advance copy in June, so obviously it was written well before her and Chris Pratt announced their separation.  I had really been looking forward to reading this book and was quite disappointed they had separated.  Although, Chris does write a most affectionate introduction to her book.  If you watch the television show Mom and are familiar with Anna's acting career and podcast, you will really like this book.  I must admit I am more of a Chris Pratt fan, but there is still enough in this book to keep the Chris Pratt fan happy.  The book details her childhood as well as her career and marriage.

I Loved Her In The Movies by Robert Wagner with Scott Eyman

I Loved Her In The Movies by Robert Wagner with Scott Eyman, 244 pages

Robert Wagner has written other books but this book is his personal memories of some of Hollywood's most legendary actresses.  You might remember Robert Wagner from the 60's TV show It Takes A Thief and the 1980s TV show Hart to Hart. But, before he stared in television shows, he did star in some earlier movies with some very famous leading ladies.  He writes about his personal interactions with these stars and even earlier stars when he had dated their daughters.  He divides his book by decades, the 30's through the 80's.  He writes about Joan Crawford, Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe, and Glenn Close.  He also writes about his two famous wives the legendary Natalie Wood and his current wife, Jill St. John.

GIrling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular by Mayim Bialik

Girling Up: How to Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular by Mayim Bialik - 179 pages

Mayim Bialik, star of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory, writes a very conversational self-help book for girls.  I had been thinking about reading this book and decided this month's challenge made it a perfect choice.  I was a little confused at to who the audience is for this book.  At times it seems that she's writing for girls around 8-10 years old.  Then other times she gets very detailed making it more appropriate for girls 14-18 years.  She had chapters on sex, relationships, stress, eating, and causes.  I thought the eating and causes sections were the best done for all ages.

Girling Up: How To Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular by Mayim Bialik, Ph.D.

Girling Up: How To Be Strong, Smart and Spectacular, by Mayim Bialik, Ph.D., 176 pages

You may know Mayim Bialik as Dr. Amy Farrah Fowler from the hit television show Big Bang Theory.  Not only is Mayim an actress, she is also a mother, an author, and a neuroscientist. So, who better to write a book about growing up female than a real life scientist.  I would say if you are raising a girl approaching her teen years, this book is nice to have around. Not only does she include scientific facts about growing up, Mayim also includes personal anecdotes and illustrated drawings.

Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey by Betty DeGeneres

Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey by Betty DeGeneres, 366 pages

In this touching memoir, Ellen's mother, Betty DeGeneres recounts her life story including her marriages and raising Ellen and her brother as a single mother.  Betty had no idea Ellen was a Lesbian until it was revealed to her in 1978.  So, for the next 20 years, Ellen's Mother helped conceal her secret until Ellen was ready to reveal it to the world.  This book is such a heartfelt story of how Ellen's mother has stood by her through her journey to become a famous comedienne and onto becoming one of the most famous talk show hosts in the world.  To read the struggles Ellen's Mother faced throughout her own life brings to light why Ellen is the remarkable human being she is.  This is a great read for all mothers and daughters!

Suck It, Wonder Woman! by Olivia Munn

Suck It, Wonder Woman! by Olivia Munn, 288 pages

I listened to this as an audio because I could not find it in book format.  But, I am going to try and find it as a book because supposedly there are some really good pictures in the book.

Olivia Munn has most recently been in the news for breaking up with Green Bay Packer Quarterback Aaron Rodgers after dating for 3 years.  Before that she was known for being a model and actress, appearing mostly in comedies.

Born in Oklahoma City, her father was in the military where she grew up in Japan.  Her mother was of Chinese descent but was a Vietnam refuge.

Suck it, Wonder Woman! follows Olivia as she grows up and struggles to fit in as a geeky kid who moved around a lot.  As a teen, her grandmother lived with the family and died suddenly.  Olivia blamed herself for not giving her grandmother CPR.  The book continues to follow her as she grows up and finds herself moving to Los Angeles to become a model and actress.  She was hired as a host on Cable G4's Attack of the Show.  On the show, she finds herself dressing in various costumes.  Her favorite costumes are superhero ones, but she does say one has to have a certain figure to wear these costumes.  I enjoyed listening to this audio read by the author.  It was both funny and entertaining.

Last Night At The Viper Room: River Phoenix And The Hollywood He Left Behind by Gavin Edwards

Last Night At The Viper Room: River Phoenix And The Hollywood He Left Behind by Gavin Edwards, 273 pages

I liked the previous book I had read by Gavin Edwards so I looked in to other books he had written and was surprised that he had written this biography on River Phoenix.  I had heard of this book before and thought it had received good reviews.  Having only seen a few of his movies, I decided to read more about the troubled life of River Phoenix and what may have lead to that tragic overdose in front of that favorite celebrity hangout, The Viper Room, which at the time was owned by Johnny Depp.

What I read was the life of a troubled child born to hippy parents in the early 1970s.  River's parents traveled throughout the west coast of the United States and Florida, even ending up in Venezuela with his family working as missionaries.  The family eventually ended up back in Florida.  River was active in the music seen as well as becoming a young movie star.  One of his break out rolls was in the coming of age movie Stand By Me.  River went on to make many movies.  Many I had not heard of before.  I had seen the movie Sneakers with River Phoenix and Robert Redford.  River was a lost soul who was never able to find himself fitting into the early 1990s Hollywood seen.  River Phoenix died outside the Viper Room on October 31st, 1993, at the age of only 23.

The Tao Of Bill Murray: Real-Life Stories of Joy, Enlightenment, And Party Crashing by Gavin Edwards

The Tao Of Bill Murray: Real-Life Stories of Joy, Enlightenment And Party Crashing by Gavin Edwards, 354 pages

This was a very entertaining book on the life of Bill Murray.  Bill Murray is a hilarious actor which makes for a very funny book.  Bill Murray is a very well liked guy with a big personality.  This book contains many funny anecdotes from his personal as well as his professional life.

Bill  Murray was the middle of nine children born in Evanston, Illinois, a city just outside of Chicago.  Bill has always been a die hard Cubs fan, but maybe more apparent this year with his presence at the World Series games.  The book also includes a funny story on his attendance at Elvis' funeral.  Bill Murray may be most well known for his roles in Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, and Lost In Translation and also for his stint on Saturday Night Live.  If you are a Bill Murray fan, you will love this book.  It also has some great illustrations.

Marilyn Monroe: Unseen Archives by Marie Clayton

Marilyn Monroe: Unseen Archives Marie Clayton,  383 pages

This is the third Unseen Archives book I have read and the second one I have read by Marie Clayton.  I really enjoys these books.  I always enjoy a good biography, but these books are really nice because each chapter contains a summary of that particular time in their life and the pictures follow.  There were hundreds of pictures, many from her personal life, as well as many from her career. Marilyn Monroe had such a tragic life from the moment she was born, throughout her childhood and well through her adult life.  She lost many pregnancies and had a history of depression. Her life ended much to soon after her 36th birthday in 1962. The circumstances behind Marilyn's death have remained one of life's greatest mysteries.  She truly is an American icon.

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick

Scrappy Little Nobody by Anna Kendrick, 275 pages

I am not a big Anna Kendrick fan, but I do enjoy celebrity biographies.   I should have paid more attention to the title.  It took me a while to get into this book and when I did, it only lasted about ten pages.  The book follows Anna as she travels from her hometown in Maine to auditions in New York where she does land some impressive parts.  The book follows her move to LA to become a screen star.  She does score parts in the Twilight series and the movie Up in the Air with George Clooney.  Most people know Anna from the Pitch Perfect movies and her song Cups. Although this book is about a Hollywood star, I think Anna should have waited to write a memoir until she had a little more life under her belt then just the 31 years she is.

Elvis Presley: Unseen Archives by Marie Clayton

Elvis Presley: Unseen Archives by Marie Clayton, 383 pages

Elvis Presley would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on January 8th, 2017, so it seems rather appropriate to read an Elvis book to remember his turbulent life.  This book was fascinating and filled with over 400 pictures of his life; including, the time he spent in the Army, photos of his family, members of the Memphis Mafia, and many of his famous costars.  Each chapter starts with a summary of that particular time of his life.  The book begins with his birth.  Although, I am sure I knew this, but had forgotten, Elvis had a twin who was stillborn.  The book touches on how close he was with his parents especially his mother.  It details many of his films and his not so healthy lifestyle in the 1970s.  Elvis had a wonderful life that ended tragically too soon.

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Future...by Michael J. Fox

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Future...by Michael J. Fox, 100 pages

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Future is a very entertaining and quick read that was heartfelt and inspirational.  Michael J. Fox has gone through a lot in the public eye with his battle with Parkinson's Disease and his very successful acting career.  But, what this book is about is how a high school dropout becomes a Hollywood success story.  The opening of the book contains an inspirational snippet:  "Take a jar and fill it with stones (these represent the most important things in your life, i.e. family, job, and marriage; Is there room in the jar?  Fill it with sand.  The sand represents what seems like important things, but not your first priority.  Now fill the jar with beer. Now the jar is full.  The beer means you always can find time to have a beer with friends." This book would make a great graduation gift, despite the irony that he was a high school dropout.

Home by Ellen DeGeneres

Home by Ellen DeGeneres, 304 pages

Home contains some beautiful pictures of Ellen's current homes as well as some of her past homes.  Accompanying the photography is descriptions as well as background of the homes she has lived in over the past 20 years, through her very successful career in television.  Although, I was a little confused how she had pictures of her previous homes. She must have been planning this book for a while to have photographs of her previous homes decorated. She also has included some of her favorite friends and designers homes as well.   I guess Ellen has always had a secret passion for decorating.

Wildflower by Drew Barrymore

Wildflower by Drew Barrymore, 276 pages

Wildflower is a very entertaining biography written by Drew Barrymore. Drew writes honestly about her relationship with her parents especially being raised by her mother and into a very famous family.  Drew became famous at a very young age which meant in turn she was forced to grow up rather quickly in the limelight.  Considering her upbringing, it is amazing she grew up to be the responsible, entrepreneur, mother/wife she is.  Wildflower is a very honest and light book on the life of girl whose life was changed forever by the movie ET.

Neil Patrick Harris, Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris, Choose Your Own Autobiography by Neil Patrick Harris, 291 pages

This was the shortest biography I have ever read.  I read this in under ten minutes.  In this autobiography, the reader picks the ending.  I guess I chose the short and sweet version.  I started out with his childhood and jumped straight to him hosting the Tony Awards.  I accepted the happy ending I received: Neil Patrick riding the Peter Pan ride with his husband and children at Walt Disney World. I found this a very intriguing way to write an autobiography. I am sure if I picked a different path, it would have taken me longer than ten minutes.  No matter the ending, this is a quick and entertaining book.

The Andy Cohen Diaries by Andy Cohen

The Andy Cohen Diaries by Andy Cohen, 343 pages

I like biographies, and I like diaries.  But, this one will not go down as one of my favorites.  I guess if I was a bigger Andy Cohen fan or a bigger fan of his talk show (I did not know WWHL stood for Watch What Happens Live).  I don't think I have ever watched an episode of his talk show nor am I big fan of the Real Housewives Franchise.  If you watch either of these shows, you will probably really love this book.  Mainly this book follows a year in the life of Andy Cohen, which includes Andy getting a dog and naming him Wacha and the St. Louis Cardinals losing the 2013 World Series. Andy is a very busy man living in New York City.  I had always thought he lived in LA.  Most people know Andy grew up in St. Louis and often comes back for extended visits. The book also follows Andy through his travel and dating adventures.  The year he kept this diary was also the year Robin Williams and Joan Rivers died, which are both mentioned in the book.  Also, if you like celebrity name dropping, you will like this book.

Love Life by Rob Lowe

Love Life by Rob Lowe, 259 pages

Love Life is Rob Lowe's second book.  When I read the title, I was not sure if this book would be about his love life or if he was writing a book about loving life.  I realized it was about the latter. Love Life is a good book, but for some reason,  it took me a while to get into.  I am not a big Rob Lowe fan and that could be why. Though, who can resist his gorgeous face on the cover.  I was also a little disappointed that there were no color photos included, just black and white shots. Love Life is mainly about his recent years and not much so about past love affairs. He does write about some of his recent acting jobs and a previous trip to the Playboy Mansion.  There is also a funny story about spending the night at Sea World on one of son's field trip.  He also writes with love for his wife and sons and the experience of sending his first son off to college.  If you are a Rob Lowe fan, you will love this book.  The message I took away from this book is to love your life!!

Happily Ever After: The Life-Changing Power Of A Grateful Heart by Trista Sutter

Happily Ever After: The Life-Changing Power of a Grateful Heart by Trista Sutter, 254 pages

Happily Ever After was a great book with a simple message.  The original bachelorette, Trista Sutter, writes about living life with a grateful heart. Her message is to enjoy the little things in your everyday life, even if it isn't always perfect.  She writes the key to happiness is gratitude.  Trista shares not only her personal stories, but those of other celebrities (Jenny McCarthy for one), friends, family as well as other authors, philosophers, and teachers.  The book is inspiring and the message is simple: live life to the fullest and be grateful everyday.