5 comments about My Forbidden Face: Growing Up Under the Taliban: A Young Woman's Story.

1. This is a great little book which gives a personal, moving account of the years after the Taliban took over Afghanistan. I'd recommend it to anyone with a desire to know more about that part of the world.



2. Home became prison for women when the Taliban arrived. And I don't think Taliban rule was a picnic for most men either. "Latifah" did a great job of describing the deep depression of women whose lives suddenly became worth nothing with no hope and no dreams allowed.
   
   This book was mentioned in a reader review of the book "A Thousand Splendid Suns". A reviewer implied that that the author plagiarized "Latifah's" book. I was curious so I bought "My Forbidden Face". I see no signs of any plagiarism at all. Can't imagine what the reviewer was thinking.
   
   Another reviewer of "My Forbidden Face" wanted to know the reasoning behind the Taliban rules so that she could understand better. The Taliban wanted to demoralize and subjugate the people for complete control. That was the reason behind every crazy pronouncement.
   
   I have to agree that the editing was poor and the timelines confusing. I had to re-read some portions of the book because I thought I missed segments. Turns out I didn't miss anything--what I was looking for wasn't there.
   
   Definitely worth reading for the young woman's account of what life was like in Afghanistan during that time period. Scary and heartbreaking.



3. I was eager to read this book because I wanted to learn about women's experiences in Afganistan at the hands of the Taliban. The title, "My Forbidden Face: Growing Up Under the Taliban, etc", indicated to me that this would be a personal, information-packed book on the subject. But as others have already said, the book was quite sketchy regarding the information it supposedly covered. Most of the Taliban decrees that Fatima listed were shocking to me, a western woman, and I wanted to understand her plight in greater detail. But instead I ended up with more questions than answers. Why was whistling forbidden (including ridiculously, even teakettles)? Why were photographs and paintings forbidden? Why were no books except the Quran allowed (that one would kill me for sure!)? What did she and her sisters do to pass the time living basically under house arrest for 3 years (besides lay on their bed, and listen clandestinely to the BBC in the evenings)? When she taught school, what did she teach and how did she teach it? How did the children respond? I would have loved to get a more personal account of her situation than I can get reading news stories. How does the Taliban's version of Islamic rule differ from non-Taliban rule? Why would the Taliban want to get rid of women, as she stated? These questions perplex me. I want to know the truth, I want to understand more.
   
   When she said the United States' policies in the Middle East were mistakes and mishandled, I would like to know specifically what she was referring to. I don't doubt for a minute that the U.S. has bungled things in that region, probably on a grand scale, but I truly wanted to know what she thought first hand. Instead I think maybe she was superficially stating other people's views that she may not have been old enough to process yet.
   
   As a non-Muslim American woman, Fatima's life and religion could not have been more opposite to mine than if she lived on another planet. Maybe Fatima will write another book after she has matured a bit so that she will add a more thorough account of her experiences to help those of us living in a far different world to understand the clash between our two cultures. Because I do believe that with knowledge and understanding of the other side, a way can come to get through this mess.



4. This book jumps around a lot. The author could have used a better editor. Since this book deals with a lot of historical aspects of growing up in Afghanistan, a linear format would have worked better than the back and forth the author uses. One day her brother's fighting the Soviets. Then he's married in another country, then he's fighting the Soviets. You get the idea. It's a little hard to keep track of who's doing what.
   
   As to the descriptions of the author's life, however, it was pretty good, but I don't feel she adequately captured the horrors of what was going on, at least not compared to other books I've read on the subject. More detail and expansion would have been good.
   
   However, the book was very good, especially from one so young. I do recommend it.



5. My Forbidden Face : Growing Up Under the Taliban - A Young Woman's Story, is a firsthand account of a young girl under the Taliban. The Book begins as 16 year old Latifa, and ends when she is twenty one. I thought this book was very well written, and very enjoyable. I thought the book was kind of fluffy, meaning that, though it gave us information about the Taliban, and what it was like living under it, it was still not giving us a lot of detail. Sure, she talks about the rights they took away from women, and the depression it caused her and millions other women in the country, but I think she could have been a bit more focused on her life before the Taliban took over Afghanistan, as it is a biography.
   
   I do recommend this book to people who are interested in Human Rights, women in the Middle East, but I think that people who have read other books about Women's rights issues wouldn't like this book as much as someone who has just begun to take an interest in the subjects.
   
   I highy recommend The Princess Series, by Jean Sasson, and Nine Parts of Desire, by Geraldine Brooks.

5 comments about Gaining: The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders.

1. This was a fantastic and inspiring book. Aimee gives a good mix about real stories from the women she knew growing up with eating disorders as well as some new research in the field of eating disorders. Brilliant writing, and for people who feel lost like I do, this book gives a glimpse that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I will definitely read this one again.



2. I recommend this book to anyone with a history of anorexia or bulimia nervosa. It is well written and promotes healthy insights about one's condition, psychological predisposition and family context. I have read Caroline Knapp's book - Appetites, which I found to be excellent too. I also recommend Sensing the Self. All the others I have seen are not worth the time... This one, if not the best, is among them... Aimee Liu intertwines stories, including her own, in a way that holds you close, helping us also 'connect the dots' while reading the book. It helps us be more open in finding out about our own stories and how it matches this growing population of people with eating disorders. I found extremely useful!



3. As someone working towards recovery from an ED, this book is an amazing read. I can relate to the experiences of the author. Beyond that, the information (some scientific, some observational, all GOOD) she presents and her retrospective look at her previous book from the '70's, is golden information. Considering how uncertain people feel about the future after an ED, a window into what it could be like instills hope! Thanks!



4. When I started reading this book, just a quarter of the way into it, I was very excited and hopeful that this could be one of the best books out there on EDs because it focused a lot on recovery, and using real life examples. Reading about solutions instead of just epidemics and hopeless stats was refreshing.
   
   The insight into people's personality traits was especially helpful. I bookmarked many passages with little post-it flags because so many things were right on.
   
   I had to knock off two stars for one reason only--the height and weight stats of most the women she interviewed. At first I didn't notice but the more into the book I read, it became very distracting. First of all, height and weight does NOT paint an instant mental picture of what someone looks like to me, anyway. I am not one of those carnival game workers who is trained to know what that looks like. I didn't understand why she couldn't have just described them as "underweight" or used adjectives instead of stats, or whatever.
   
   I couldn't believe it when she ACTUALLY listed the height and weight of the DAUGHTER of a woman with ED and inserted the following commentary--"far from excessive". You could almost hear the subtext after that, "but, could still stand to lose a few pounds." Instead, she lets the quote of the mother's opinion to speak what the author is thinking. And I'm thinking, how many girls who happen to weigh MORE than that and are SHORTER are going to feel when they read that? Never mind that she goes on to say how our bodies are functional and don't define who we are and how fathers can help daughters feel good about themselves--the seed of self-doubt could be planted somewhere.
   
   I noticed she also talked a lot about her own weight numbers throughout her various life stories, as though this says something on its own. It obviously does to the author, since she had an eating disorder and weight represents what was going on in her life at that point, but it doesn't mean a whole lot to the general audience. If she said, I was at X weight at that point I would think, so? I'm sorry, I forgot to memorize your height and I don't know what that means and how that adds to the story. All I needed to know was how healthy she was, really. And it was triggering to start thinking about my own height and how it compared, and I had to consciously tell myself to stop doing that.
   
   It was disappointing that for all the self-awareness and sensitivity the author brings to the subject, this detail escaped her attention. I don't think she meant anything malicious about it, of course, just a sad side effect of how an ED mind operates, unfortunately, even after the harmful behaviors have ceased.
   
   (if the author had any input in the ironic cover art--a photo of a bone-thin model in a joyous leap in a sheer dress on the beach--this would get two stars, especially because there is a whole chapter devoted to how media images equate thin women to success, health, and happiness)



5. 'Gaining' is the best book I've read related to eating disorders. So many books out there get bogged down in the details of anorexia and/or bulimia. This is the first I have read that tells about life after all that. I'm in recovery after 15 years of bulimia, and this book was a catalyst in helping to push me into that next step of recovery. 'Gaining' explains that there is no prescribed path to health; while we are alike in many ways, we may need different things along the way to make it. Liu and the women she writes about show that reaching wellness is possible AND worth it.

5 comments about Me and a Guy Named Elvis: My Lifelong Friendship with Elvis Presley.

1. I bought this book for my friend Charr, she and I are both big Elvis fans. She had been trying to find this particular book and when I gifted it to her she was elated. It shipped on time and was in great condition. It was a great experience for all invovled. Thanks for making my dear friend so happy! Cecilia



2. I cannot stress what a beautifully written story told about Elvis from a man who considered him his best friend, who knew him most. It is one of the very best books I have ever read about Elvis. Very emotional and moving! Every Elvis Fan should have this book. It is a most enjoyable read.....true, factual, telling "the inside story" of this Phenomenal Genius together with the "HUMAN SIDE" of a man struggling with his unbelievable success and personal heartaches. This is a story from a real, loyal friend who truly loved Elvis....who loved him and accepted him as he was, even through the pain. Jerry Schilling was that friend.....and what a friend he was. We all need friends like him.



3. Fantastic book about Elvis. This is the first book in a long time that I have read about Elvis where I actually learned new details about his life. If you are an Elvis fan this is a must buy!



4. Good addition to the bookshelf of Elvis fans, but as much as Elvis was a true legend, the phenomena has been a little over-done. This book does, however, offer a slightly different view on life with Elvis.
   
   How To Keep Your Man: And Keep Him For Good
   
   Real Life Dramas - Volume One
   
   Darren G. Burton



5. Jerry Schilling, original member of Elvis's entourage The Memphis Mafia, tells the events surrounding the King of Rock 'n Roll in this unique perspective, and from the opening chapter, you'll find yourself hooked. Schilling tells it all, from the beginning when he found friendship with Elvis by playing football in the park with him just as the rocker had released his first single, to the end, when Elvis passes away and Jerry's life continues. Jerry lived at Graceland and he was beside Elvis throughout the good and the bad, meeting legendary entertainers, taking care of the King, and generally having the time of his life. Jerry comes across as genuine and a true friend as he tells his story, and gives new insight into someone who lived his life inside a fishbowl.
   
   The book isn't without its flaws, however. Do I think Schilling glossed over a few of the major issues at times, including Elvis's drug abuse and the disintegration of his marriage? Certainly. Was Schilling overly careful in his descriptions of his fellow Mafia Members? Absolutely. I personally was very let down at Schilling's lack of information about the actual death of Elvis, though to be fair, he was no longer a regular employee at the time, having chosen to go into management (including managing both Billy Joel and The Beach Boys). I feel strongly that Schilling knows more about the death than he shared, but that's his perogative, and apparently he's not comfortable letting the rest of us know. I also would've liked him to address, at least briefly, the whole "Elvis is alive" myth and lay it to rest permanently. But overall this is a very well-written, well-remembered book, and I enjoyed Schilling's recounting of the life and times the rest of us could only observe from afar. Schilling seems like a decent guy and I enjoyed learning about him almost as much as I liked the glimpse into the side of Elvis the performer tried to keep to himself. If it were possible, I'd give this one 4.5 stars. Fascinating stuff.

5 comments about Safekeeping: Some True Stories from a Life.

1. I read Abigail Thomas' article in the AARP magazine. I am writing a memoir and thought I would like to read one of her memoirs before buying her book which is supposed to tell you how.
   
   I decided on "Safekeeping". I was so disappointed! I read it in two sittings and was left feeling, "That is it?". I've thought a couple of days whether or not I should write this review as several readers have raved about it. The blurbs on the cover do too.
   
   I'm sorry, but I just can't agree. I'm glad I bought a used copy and didn't waste too much money!



2. I had very high expectations for Safekeeping after having devoured Ms. Thomas's excellent memoir, A Three Dog Life. Safekeeping is nothing like A Three Dog Life and so I was left disappointed.
   
   A Three Dog Life is a moving memoir which displays Ms. Thomas's keen insight and hyper-self-awareness as well as her beautiful way of being able to translate her thoughts and feelings into words. Safekeeping also showcases, Abigail's unique and talented writing style, however, Safekeeping is a collection of short vignette's and does not tell a complete story or recount contiguous events in her life. The stories were disjointed and jumped around.
   
   I should note that I am not a huge fan of short story collections to begin with, so I am perhaps not the best critic of a book which is basically mini short stories. Abigail Thomas's writing is sparse and insightful. Those who love short stories will like this book.
   
   I recommend reading a Three Dog Life first so as to gain knowledge and backstory on Abigail's life. I feel that this knowledge enables a greater appreciation of Safekeeping despite the fact that it was written before A Three Dog Life.



3. I can't remember now why I bought this book. Must have read a review somewhere. When I first started it, I was a little annoyed by the writing style...some very short and other longer chapters, jumping from one point of view to another, racing back and forth in time. But in the end, I really liked the book, perhaps mostly because of its unusual style. It's laid out as if it were a book of short stories. I think hers is a story many people will relate to.



4. I liked this author enough to pick up her memoir--that came out not too long ago--and liked her even more!



5. Thankfully, Abigail Thomas followed the proverb, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again," having recently composed a wonderful memoir of life before, during and (mostly) after her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury, entitled A Three Dog Life. Unfortunately, this earlier work, a 179-page collection of about 100 stories, ranging in length from one sentence to a few pages, was disappointing. In Safekeeping, snippets of her life from an eighteen-year-old pregnant wife, to grandmotherhood, her writing feels stiff and forced and even though I disliked it from the start, I trudged on hopefully. Unfortunately, my disappointment never disappeared and only wavered during two of the stories, I Ate There Once, about a conversation which takes place as she rides in a car with her second and third husbands and, What the Moment Can Hold, which tells of her feelings and actions during an encounter with her newborn granddaughter. Both felt authentic and true. As far as the rest of the stories, they seemed like what you'd get from an above-average college student if you assigned them to create a journal of life, specifying, "Write down any random thought you have." Additionally, it is written in the third person, which doesn't suit the theme, memoir-like "true stories from a life." Readers should skip Safekeeping in favor of her later and many-times-better memoir, A Three Dog Life.

5 comments about The Evolution of a Cro-Magnon.

1. No one is saying John Joseph didn't have a terrible, abused childhood. He did. No one deserves what he endured. However, I wonder if I am the only one noticing certain disturbing things. I guess the main thing that bothers me is is his total lack of remorse for certain bad things he did. I am not talking about the Krishna stuff -- and he says he does feel bad about that -- I am talking about stuff he did on his own.
   
   On pages 347-348, he talks about how he and his brothers rent a house from an Indian immigrant, Umon. For some reason, this man and his family remind John of the Valentis, the terrible foster family that abused him and his brothers when they were kids.
   
   John takes about two pages to describe how they scammed this man out of months worth of rent and caused him all kinds of emotional distress. John describes this with such glee -- he doesn't seem to understand that he is hurting a human being, a person with a family, a person with bills to pay. NEVER does John indicate that he is sorry he did this. It's almost as if he thinks this family owes him somehow. Read the pages (347-248) and really think about what John did and how he sounds when he writes about it. It's disturbing.
   
   This family MAY have reminded him of the Valentis. But they weren't the Valentis. They were just trying to make a living. John should have expressed some remorse. Instead he mocks this Indian man in a way that sounds -- I hate to say it -- almost racist. Look what John wrote: "When he (the Indian landlord) returned with the cops he starting yelling in a mixture of Hindi and English, 'Doo bah did dee had bah dee dee 'want my money' da dondi did dee boo dee dah...now!'"
   
   I couldn't believe what I was reading. OF COURSE this man wanted his money! He had bills to pay and a family to support. How dare John make fun of his language?
   
   The last John has to say on that topic is, "We made plans to meet him one morning at the house to give him his check for the seven or eight months of back rent. We pulled a midnight move the night before and left his a** sitting high and dry on the doorstep."
   
   And that's it. Not one word of apology -- only pride in the fact that they tricked this man. Is it just me or do others think that comment is just dripping with self-righteous contempt? I felt bad for that man and his family. John sounds PROUD of how he scammed him.
   
   When John describes the beginning of the scam, he wrote, "Umon kept smiling, patting Frank's sons on their heads and repeatedly saying in his super-thick Indian accent, 'What a nice American family. So, so nice all of you are.'" After John reports this, he mockingly writes, "Guess he shoulda read Robert McKee's 'Story,' cause the brotha got fooled by the characterization."
   
   That shocked me, too. Why should Umon have read anything? Why is John blaming the victim? Someone who was being truly honest about himself would have written, "I shouldn't have scammed someone who was trying to make an honest living."
   
   And Umon was trying to be nice, to say kind things to kids who, I imagine, didn't hear nice things very often.
   
   I wonder how much personal growth John has really done. He just wrote this book, and he could never have described how he scammed this man with such pride if he had done as much personal growth as he claims he has.



2. "The Age of Quarrel" album by the legendary Cro-Mags is the greatest Punk/Hardcore album ever recorded. Yes, I think it's better than the Bad Brains ROIR release...sorry just my opinion. This book like the aforementioned album is down right raw as it gets. It is brutally honest, sad, hilarious at times, unselfish, unapologetic and more importantly inspiring...it's NYC to the highest degree. John has overcome his addictions and his screw ups with no excuses. He hustled cause he had to, he knew no other way. There was no one to guide him in the right direction, so he chose his own path...the streets. This book is more than one man's tribulations, it's about survival and everything that comes with it. It's about family, friends and trust. John Joseph is a true testament that if you want change all you have to do is believe and NEVER give up no matter how down you are. I commend JJ for writing this book and letting us come in his life. John Joseph is Hardcore.
   
   As a Cro-Mags fan since the 80's the least interesting (but still great) part of the book was about the band. However, it was still disheartening nonetheless. Why? cause that original line-up (AOQ) should have made more records together and been huge. But greed, egos and an ongoing soap opera has somewhat tarnished this legendary band. In this great book there is mention of a show they played at L'amours in Bklyn (w/Carnivore, Nuclear Assault) back in the 80's. That night introduced me to the Cro-Mags live show. I remember they sounded and looked great. John joseph was doing flips into the audience and the dance floor was packed with skinheads, it looked like a battlefield. One of the greatest shows I've ever been to.



3. An incredible autobiography of the singer of one of the most influential bands in NYHC history. John Joseph adds a lot of feeling and emotion to his writing. He paints such a vivid description of 80's New York-from Alphabet City to Coney Island. It is a story of "Survival of the Streets". A story of "Hard Times". It is a story of "Street Justice". Hold onto your sets because Babylon is coming!



4. I just finished this up today and was wiped out. I approached this as a " interesting read " being a Cro-Mags fan and also a Vaisnava. What I walked away with was so much more, This book is raw and rough to read at times. It is an inspiring look at an amazing soul and I am thankful it was written.



5. This book was like a reality check. What ever your story, you can get what ever you want in life. John opens up to abuse as a child to manhood and a few "woops" on the way. He always finds a way to rise to the top of his game in life. Cro-Mag fan's will love the inside dirt and new ones to the "Cro's" or to John Joseph will find a wonderful story of the trials and tribulations that made J.J. who he is today.

5 comments about Road Map to Holland: How I Found My Way Through My Son's First Two Years With Down Syndrome.

1. Nobody in my family has Down syndrome, but I still found this book to be well written. It is not a how to book, it is simply the experiences of a mother who was surprised at birth with premies, including one premie with Down Syndrome. It is not a happy happy uplifting I'm so grateful for all my blessings book but it is an honest story of the work, the shock, the complicated set of feelings, the processing of said feeling, and the reactions of friends and family. I was left with a determination to keep up with this family and especially darling Avery.
   
   How I wish that the young people I work with could read this book and realize that a child is not a cute toy to dress up, but a human being that may have profound needs, or at any rate special needs, and that they need to build a firmer support system and gain maturity before throwing that B/C away.
   
   PS If you're reading this, former neighbor who shunned the family as if Down is as easy to catch as chicken pox, your cruelty shocks me.



2. This book took my breath away with its factual, emotional, and honest capturing of the journey through the birth, diagnosis, and early growth of a child with Down syndrome. Groneberg clearly displays the confusion, guilt, exhaustion, fear, and (later) unparalleled joy that the news, 'Your baby has Down syndrome' brings. I hope that all new parents of babies with DS will read this book and find validation, encouragement, and most of all hope as they walk through the initial maze of doctors' offices, therapy appointments and stacks of insurance papers. Groneberg rightly emphasizes that the delights and treasures brought to their family by their son with DS makes it all worth it.
   
   I think this book should be the first thing a parent receives from the hospital, along with the diagnosis of Down syndrome. If it were, so many new parents would be spared some of the misconceptions, confusion, and fear that often accompanies the initial diagnosis. If you are a doctor, family member, or therapist in contact with new parents of babies with DS, please consider giving them this book. It will do them a world of good.



3. In ROAD MAP TO HOLLAND Jennifer Graf Groneberg reveals a lifetime of lessons learned in a very short time-span. Her message of hope resonates with the joy of her ultimate discovery that one of the greatest gifts she can give her children is to simply teach them how to love. Read this book, read Jennifer's blog, and join in a celebration of a unique family with a mom-writer at the helm who's gracious and generous enough to invite us all along on her ongoing journey of discovery.



4. This book is wonderful! As a new mom with a son with DS, I cannot express how accurate this book depicts the wide range of emotions, confusion, feelings of being lost and guilt, and most of all love we all feel for our children. This book should be handed out in the hospital before you leave with your child. It would help to ease so much fear and help you understand, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! I was in tears so many times through out this book and remember thinking, "YES, that is exactly how I feel/felt!"....HIGHLY recommend to anyone and everyone! If you don't understand DS, read this and educate yourself!! Great book!



5. I couldn't put this book down.
   
   The author writes about her experience with premature delivery of twins, one of whom is diagnosed with Down syndrome, and the first two years of their life.
   
   This isn't just a story of a mom having to come to terms with that trip to Holland, but an honest mom's story--of balancing the arrival of twins with her preschooler, the affect that her situation had on friendships--both good and bad, her marriage, and her perception of herself as a woman.
   
   This is an excellent book--honest without being morose, uplifting without coming across as saccharine-sweet. A must read for all moms.

5 comments about Slave: My True Story.

1. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. I would recommend it to anyone who likes to ready true stories from someone's life.



2. I am was in shock throughout this entire book. I could not believe that this actually happen in the 21st century. Mende told her story so descriptively. I could not stop reading it. Excellent memoir.



3. Parts of this book were too graphic for me. I can't believe what women in some parts of the world have to endure. I couldn't finish it.



4. I just finished reading this book and wow. One of the things that really helped me was the references to modern things like cell phones and VCRs. It really helped reminding the reader that this happens today. The book will have a profound effect on whoever reads it. We live in what we consider a civilized society but who knows what goes on in the house next door. I wish the remaining years for Mende to be filled with health, love, and happiness.



5. The story of Mende begins as a young girl growing up in a harsh environment in the mountain region of the Sudan. She is playful, witty, too smart for her own good, somewhat at odds with her mother, and completely enamored by her father. She is loved by her family and culture, and loved back in spite of some harsh rituals (female circumcision) and a harsh environment (dangerous wildlife and at the mercy of the land).
   
   When raiders attack her peaceful village it all changes. She is raped on the way to the slave traders who then shove her off to an absolutely evil woman in Khartoum where she is unknowingly sold as a slave. No choices, no friends, no comforts, no real safety. She is a body of labor. Flesh that can work as a substitute for others who practice the art of leisure. Beaten and dehumanized to the point of absolute affliction.
   
   She is then traded off from Khartoum to London where she manages to escape the home of a diplomat. She is now free. But she has still not seen her family in over a decade. She is in complete fear of her own country and those in power. And she is a devout Muslim all the while.
   
   This tale shows us that violence towards darker skinned people is alive and well in the world. The violence in Sudan is not religious as much as it is racist and classist. Mende was an unclean barbarian who did not deserve to be treated as a human by her Arab captors.
   
   Slavery is alive in the world and while much of the world decides to look away at such atrocities, there are undoubtedly thousands like Mende when she was just a little girl who are being beaten and abused in every way possible as I write this. Beaten for not washing dishes the correct way, for talking to others, for laughing, for smiling, for an unnoticed wrinkle left in a shirt, a counter left undusted, for not calling their owner "master". It is a reminder to those in the West that there are parts of the world where basic survival and the freedoms that we have are not taken for granted. A healthy reminder.
   
   The book itself is wonderfully crafted, hard to put down even though you want to avert your gaze often.

5 comments about Grinding It Out: The Making Of McDonald's.

1. Ray Kroc's autobiography provides an interesting glimpse of the McDonald's system and it's development. The book is well written and interesting to read. Despite this, I do not recommend the book. It offers no wisdom or lessons learned to take away from the book besides Kroc's greatness. (Kroc never suffered from an excess of humility.) In addition, I found it difficult to like Kroc. He rarely found fault with himself and blamed others for his and his businesses problems. Particularly galling to me was when Kroc had the opportunity to invest in McDonalds and another earlier business opportunity, his wife of 30 years was unconvinced of the plans wisdom. Rather than spend the time to bring her aboard, he tossed her aside continued with his business plans.



2. It is not often you unearth a business biography that starts your stomach rumbling with hunger while maintaining your attention. No matter what your perception of the fast food hamburger industry, Grinding it Out provides a pleasant look into the origin of franchising and fast food. One will also find some gratification discovering the extent to which Ray Kroc put quality and integrity on an equal basis with profit; something possibly unexpected to those with prior negative perceptions of the mogul due to his abundant wealth.
   
   Anderson provides a wealth of detail outlining the business dealings behind the growth of the McDonalds franchise. This book will be of interest to those with a curiosity towards the making of an industry. I recommend reading this book but suggest doing so with a full stomach.



3. A very good book, a definite read for anyone looking to learn more about start up business or true entrepreneurship.
   
   Although, I think it's very important to look at the fact that things are much different now of days then when Ray Kroc started up Mcdonalds. It is very inspiring though to find out how old he was when he started this business. Though, it's nice to read of all these young kids starting up business, it's also nice to read about a man in his 50's finally doing a start up that he'd dream t of.



4. There's a lot to say about McDonald's, or about any business. But this isn't a book about McDonald's, it's about the life of the man behind it. It's a quaint book. It doesn't tell you about the pathos of the man's life; he mentions his daughter I believe just once throughout the whole book. Instead, we're given a nostalgic rosey-colored view of what got this man up in the morning, the ideas that chewed at his mind, and his drive to achieve them.
   
   Ray Kroc didn't even become interested in McDonalds until he was in his 50's. In fact, the autobiography is most interesting when discussing the series of events leading up to his making the acquaintance of the McDonald brothers, who had a small family-owned venue which was able to pop out hamburgers for a nickel a piece. Before this time, Kroc worked various odd jobs around the city, during prohibition he even played piano at an illeagal salon. He eventually settled in as a sales-rep, eagerly hopping from one product to another, from one costumer to the next. It might not be the ideal life, but Kroc's enthusiasm sure makes it seem that way. At one point he was truly excited about marketing some type of outdoor fold-in chair that his friend had made - he was positive that it was going to take the world by storm. And later he gets into marketing a product called a multi-mixer, which can make six milk shakes at once! This, he thought, will really bring in the dough.
   
   In the meantime, he hauled from one business to another, trying out various ideas. Some days he would hardly sleep - in one passage in the book, he talks about his tricks for getting to sleep as quickly as possible after his head hit the mat. That way he wouldn't lose valuable time trying to fall asleep.
   
   There are a lot of fun anecdotes in the first third of the book. But what brings the book to the next level is the description of how he stumbled upon the McDonald's brothers, and made their business (unfortunately, without them) one of the most successful businesses of the century. Kroc applies the same raw enthusiasm and smarts, but the scale of his business keeps exponentially increasing. In this section, the nature of the anecdotes changes - they're more like what you would expect, with meeting so-and-so who now has millions of dollars, and striking a deal with so-and-so who is now stinking rich. And then there are still the more humbling stories, which match up with the folding-chair experience above - like the creation of the HulaBurger, a fried pinapple with cheese and fixins in a bun. Kroc thought it was the best thing he had ever tasted, how could it ever fail?
   
   McDonald's didn't change Ray Kroc, it's clear that the business came straight out of a person who knew what people wanted. Throughout the book, Kroc is solving problems, working his hardest, observing human nature. The ideals you see in a young piano-playing or door-peddling Ray are the same ideals that created the double arches. By connecting all of these dots, this autobiography depicts a very inspiring man, albeit from rose-tinted lenses, along with the values of remaining honest, genuine, and business-like.



5. This is a great book for all entrepreneurs who are starting out and a good reminder for established ones. The title fits the book very well since it does show that Ray did make a lot of gambles to make it all work out and he started out an average middle income citizen like everybody else. Lessons like:
   - Sweating it out
   - Constantly trying new things
   - Learning from mistakes
   
   Very good lessons in business and life.
   
   Although the first few chapters on his biography do not have much to do about business.

5 comments about Roasting in Hell's Kitchen: Temper Tantrums, F Words, and the Pursuit of Perfection.

1. One of the many complaints about Gordon Ramsay is his harshness. Many people I know dislike him because of his treatment and apparent belittlement of his contestants on Hell's Kitchen. (Season 1 now available on DVD - Hell's Kitchen: Season 1)
   
   Read this book and you will have that feeling no more.
   
   The best attribute of this book for me was reading about all of his life experiences and to see how they shaped who he is today. It really becomes evident when you watch him on television. If you think he is harsh to the Hell's Kitchen contestants, listen to what happened to him working for Joel Robuchon and Marco Pierre White. Incredible.
   
   Not only do you feel for him because of his situations with his family, but you really develop a full-blown respect for him. He was, is and always will be a very classy and mature man.
   
   His narrative just sails you through this book. It is quite a wonderful story to read. You will love the stories that you read. It will change the way you look at Gordon forever!



2. Ok so I am a Chef and I love this book. If you are a fan of hells kitchen, and I was until the second season, you will enjoy reading this. It goes into why he became a chef and why he gets so upset on the show, other than the paid for dramatics. If you are thinking of auditioning then I would suggest reading this book first -M



3. I was floored when I read this book. I've always been intrigued by Ramsay because of his shows and his management style (and, of course, his mouth). He says what everyone wishes they could say -- not a single filter -- and gets away with it.
   
   What you get in this memoir is a deep understanding of how to excel at your job -- be passionate about what you do, commit to what you do and then, simply, do it with conviction.
   
   Ramsay is to cooking what Tiger Woods is to golf -- a unique and talented guy who brings unbelievable attention from the non-culinary crowd to his business.



4. I found this book to be well written and entertaining. It gives a different perspective of Gordon Ramsay than what most people think. I found it hard to put down, I wanted to keep finding out more about his journey to become such an outstanding chef.



5. This book grabs you from page 1. Anyone who thinks they know Gordon Ramsay -- even after watching him on TV -- will be taken aback by what they read. Here is a climb from despair, through mine fields of restaurant kitchens, to the heights of fame and fortune.

5 comments about Made From Scratch: A Memoir.

1. I became interested in Sandra Lee's past after hearing others on the Food Network mentioning her hard life. Sandra made her own decisions growing-up to have a better life than her parents. Every time she was knocked-down, she got back up and moved forward. A riveting read.



2. With a childhood like Sandra had, you wonder how anyone could survive, let alone succeed. What an inspiration she is! I could not put this book down.



3. Reading about Sandra Lee's upbringing was very emotional and heartwrenching. Made From Scratch is a very apt title. Did not have any idea what a hardscrabble childhood she had. I was interested in learning that she lived in Sumner, just a town away from me. She worked so hard and kept a good head on her shoulders through horrors hopefully none of us have experienced. She truly deserves all the success she has enjoyed. I hope she continues to flourish. I did not know about her former Beverly Hills/jet-setting lifestyle either so it was interesting to get a peek inside that world. I recommend this book--you will have a better understanding of Sandra Lee and her semi-homemade empire.



4. This book was great! I read it ONE day and I'm not a fast reader, but I just couldn't put it down! Gratned, it's not the most well-written or gramatically correct piece of writing I've seen in a while, but who cares! The story is real and honest and so is the woman behind it! The way she tells her real-life story is engaging and inpsirational! k! While I agree that her tablescapes are not always "easy" or "inexpensive," and her food is often chemically ladden with all of the "starters," and artificial crap in it, it IS easy! I think Ms. Lee is a very savy, smart and intelligent business woman, who yes, happened to know the right people and be in the right places at the right times, but hey, she worked her butt off, literally, for years and years and obviously, still does! I can't help but admire a hard worker! I think Ms. Lee's heart is/was always in the right place and her charitable work is admirable! I also liked the fact that she so honest at the end with how this book came to be! She states she's not a writer and also shares some of the pain in re-visisiting these memories and writing this story. I also liked that she acknowledged her divorce and how painful that is, many people glide over that facet of their life, I appreicated her honesty! All and all, I have a WHOLE NEW RESPECT and admiration for Ms. Lee after having read this book; if you want a quick, fast, easy and highly inspirational, encouraging read, you've found it!



5. At our local library you can request new books online. As the library has funds, books are ordered. I waited in anticipation for several months; the reviews were wonderful. I will write a check to our library for the price of the book $24.95 ,what a waste to have such a book in our public library.
   
   From her pathetic reverence to Danielle Steele & St. Tropez to her reaction to Princess Diana's death this poor woman is a star obsessed name dropper. "Sensing my discomfort Charlie Sheen walked up to where I was standing, put his arm around me, and told the drunken guy I was his girlfriend"
   
   
   The book is rampant with grammatical errors, ie; a photo caption "Me and Richie shooting the close of ..." There are many pictures, of Sandra with "famous" people, it's like a "worship me, look at me" book. Counseling will be worth it Sandra, get some help.
   
   As for the quotes throughout the book, I don't believe she would understand or know how to use any one of these. Perhaps the ghostwriter looked these up on the net and inserted them where plausible?
   
   Here are a few quotes for poor Sandra: "You Might Move Out, but You Can't Move On" and "You can take the trash out of the trailer but you can't take the trailer out of the trash".
   
   To be fair, I quit reading halfway through as I could not stomach any more, she is too into herself. I wish there was an option for a ZERO star rating.