Esquire Magazine's List of 30 Best Celebrity Memoirs

 In my search of books to read this year I came across this fascinating list.  I love a good celebrity memoir. In fact, I just ordered a copy of Living on a Thin Line by Dave Davies which is scheduled to be released in the US next week.  

In my search of books to read I came across this fascinating list.  Looking forward to checking some of these out staring with the one by Steve Martin.

 

Esquire Magazine's List of 30 Best Celebrity Memoirs

*Just a note I am not affiliated with any of the companies that I link to in this blog.  I personally like to support my local independent book store, Avid Bookshop.

Happy New Year 2023

 I do apologize for my inability to keep this blog going in 2022. It has been a difficult year for me physically and emotionally. Long story short I had health issues in the spring aggravated by stress. This led to the amputation of my left foot. My journey back to good health and my learning to walk again was a surprisingly rewarding although difficult one. 

So with a challenging year behind me I am looking forward to an awesome 2023. My wish is that you all have a safe, healthy and joy filled year.

One of my goals for 2023 is to read 50 books. I would love suggestions!  What are you reading? 

I will post my books as I am reading them and include a link to either the publisher in the case of The University of Georgia Press or my favorite bookstore, Avid Bookshop located here in Athens, GA.  I am not affiliated with either group nor do I receive any compensation for the links. These are just the two places where I choose to purchase my books.

Book #1:  We Shall Not Be Moved - The Desegregation of The University of Georgia by Robert A. Pratt

Available from The Georgia Press. Link here. 

 HAPPY READING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Books set in Georgia

When most people think of books set in Georgia they think of Gone with the Wind.  Not discounting Margaret Mitchell but there are so many other great books set in Georgia. 

Here is a short list of my recommendations:

1) Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns
2) Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
3) The Color Purple by Alice Walker
4) To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay (my favorite)
5) Ecology of a Cracker Childhood by Janisse Ray

What book would you recommend?

PBS - The Great American Read

The Great American Read - PBS

PBS has a list of what they consider America’s 100 most-loved books.  I am attempting to read these books by the end of the year.

First is my all time favorite story:  Anne of Green Gables.

 

 

 

Stay tuned for the next one!

Current Read and Drink: Ty Cobb and sweet tea

This week's combo is the ultimate southern American coupling:  Baseball's greatest player and the most refreshing drink every created.  Ty Cobb was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1936. He had a lifetime batting average of .366 and 4189 hits.  Over the years many stories have been written about Ty Cobb, some of them true and some of them outright lies.  For some reason in the early 1960's a disreputable writer published a now discredited "biography" which became the basis of a bad movie bearing Ty Cobb's name.

The book, Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty by Charles Leerhsen sets out to tell the story of Ty Cobb, the man.  It is a great read.  Well researched, Leerhsen presents an interesting look at Ty Cobb, baseball in the early 20th century, and our nation during this time.  I highly recommend this book.

 If interested here's a link to order the book from my favorite independent bookstore: Avid Bookshop in Athens, GA.  In the spirit of full disclosure I do not receive any compensation on any sales of this boo.  I just support independent booksellers and authors.

http://www.avidbookshop.com/book/9781451645798

Now the drink.  Traditionally southerns love their sweet tea.  Everyone has their own recipe.  Until recently I always drank my tea unsweetened.  Most days I still do.  I prefer unsweetened tea with my meals.  However, a truly relaxing afternoon for me is to sit on my balcony with a nice cold glass of sweet tea and a good book.  Type in "best southern tea ever" and you will find a multitude of recipes. Experiment until you find your perfect tea.  I prefer Luzianne brand tea.  Again, I receive no compensation for this endorsement.  It is just my taste preference.  What is universal is that you must add the sugar while the tea is still hot or it will not dissolve correctly.

What is your current read and drink?

Bryan Stevenson - Just Mercy

I am currently reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson.  I cannot put into words how powerful this book is.  

Two quotes from Mr, Stevenson to ponder:
"Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done."
"The true measure of our character is how we treat the poor, the incarcerated, and the condemned."

Do yourself a favor and listen to Bryan Stevenson on TED Talk.