5 comments about Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe.

1. While there are indeed some inaccuracies in the book and some moments when the historical moment is glossed over with a single sentence, I found Four Queens to yet be an engaging read. The professional historian would likely choose books authored by other professionals, but certainly Goldstone did an extraordinary amount of research for this book even if she didn't get every detail down. What she did get down makes for good reading - if you're reading for pleasure and enjoy the sagas even softly told of women's history.



2. I must admit that I very much looked forward to reading Ms. Goldstone's book, so it was with a growing sense of disappointment that I continued to turn the pages. Ms. Goldstone does have an engaging, albeit uneven, style of writing, but after I started to find spelling incongruities and sloppiness in her representation of facts, I started to feel slightly cheated. Medieval European historical fiction is a favorite reading genre of mine, but I was "underwhelmed" after having read the first few chapters. I have to admit that some of the blame lies with a lazy or incompetent editing staff. It was not published by Oxford or by Cambridge University Presses - it was published by Penguin. Unfortunately, I see more and more sloppy editing these days, but whether it is due to the lazy use of SpellCheck, or to the lack of a certain level of competence in the teaching of spelling, grammar, syntax, etc., in our schools now - I don't honestly know. I just wish that I had waited until Ms. Gladstone's book had come out in paperback before I made my purchase. I will stick to my favorite authors such as Robert Massie, Ken Follett, and Alison Weir, all of whom are far more capable of checking facts before publishing a book!



3. My love of medieval history and soft-spot for popular history made this book a natural for me. The story of four daughters of the Count of Provence who became "queens" is set in an era I've study quite a bit yet (back in college!) I know relatively little about Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia and Beatrice.
   
   Any biography of a major figure from the 13 century has hurdles: few contemporaneous first-hand accounts, few to none documents written by the figures themselves, etc. These problems are compounded exponentially when the figure in question is female. All too often, women just didn't rate making it into the chronicles. So Goldstone has her work cut out for her. She makes a valiant effort to piece together the careers and characters of these women drawing conclusions from the smattering of available facts. The reader can take issues with these conclusions but that, to me, is one of the rewards of reading about this era.
   
   All that said, this book was a disappointment. Other reviewers have noted the multitude of factual errors in this book and I have to add my voice to the chorus. Silly, stupid mistakes are present in every single chapter. Were all the fact checkers on vacation when this book was being edited? Did Goldstone get her index cards mixed up? Popular history often needs to tread lightly on the details but never on the facts.
   
   The narrative starts well but writing starts to become heavy going before youngest sister Beatrice hits the stage. Goldstone starts overwhelming the reader with "events" that aren't particularly telling about the four sisters or illuminating of their times. She also over does the adjectives; Sanchia is too frequently "gentle Sanchia", for example. The last quarter of the book was a real trial for me to finish.
   
   I've given this book three stars, the writing and the factual errors would make this book a two but the decent start and the relative obscurity of the topic earn it an extra star from me. If you want an intro to the period this is not the best place to start. If you are immersed in this period, you may find the errors too annoying to bear. If you are interested in learning about these four under-known sisters and their times and are comfortable skipping judiciously, this book may be for you.
   
   Kindle note: photos are included.



4. Reader friendly nonfiction historical. All interesting information about Louis the Ninth, Henry the Third, and others; most interesting to me were the four sisters, but of course the book doesn't concentrate on them as much as the crusades, and the men. I would love a novelist to tackle this story. Loads and loads of info on that time period in France, England, Italy. Not enough on the four sisters.



5. Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe is about the 4 daughters of the Count and Countess of Provence who all became Queens. They are Marguerite (married to Louis, King of France), Eleanor (married to Henry, King of England, Sanchia (married to Richard of Cornwell, later King of Germany) and Beatrice (married to King Louis' brother Charles of Anjou, later King of Sicily).
   
   I was worried that since this was non-fiction it would be dry and boring - a hard read, but I was pleasantly surprised. I really enjoyed the writing and layout of the book (the chapters alternate between the sisters) and the sisters gave the author plenty to write about. What wonderfully strong, intelligent women! The drama within the family is more than adequate for a good read, but through in some wars and crusades and it becomes very interesting! Sibling rivalry at its best!
   
   I highly recommend Four Queens and look forward to learning more about these historical sisters!

5 comments about My Story: Illustrated Edition.

1. I have always been a fan of Marilyn Monroe. I finally decided to read a little more indepthly about her and thought there would be no better place to start than with her own words.
   
   The book is just fascinating. Although parts were miserable (mostly about her childhood), it was such a brief glimpse that her light spirit remains intact. Since I find her absolutely fascinating, so this book was a real treat.
   
   The eerie entries that almost seem to foreshadow her gradual demise are so coincidental, I wonder if that was not her friend Ben Hecht embellishing after the fact. And even though some people say she could not have written this, I see her voice in the phrasing and choice of words. My only complaint that the book, like her life, was too short.
   
   Highly recommend.



2. Lately I have been on a Marilyn Monroe reading Jag (I do recommend "Misfits Country") that was brought on by watching most of her films. This book offers unique insights as it is Marilyn in her own words. She covers everything from her early childhood, to her rise to stardom, and her rocky marriage to Joltin Joe DiMaggio. There are nuggets here that explain much about how she went from Norma Jean to Marilyn Monroe, and some interesting foresight as to her demise. The books only weakness is that it is way to short, there is so much more I wanted to hear Marilyn talk about....



3. This book is amazing!! Marilyn vividly descirbes her good/bad expierences and her dreams of becoming a famous actress. When reading the book it feels like your going back in time and watching Marilyn grow into one of the most memorable, sensitive, and discredited actress of all time. During some parts I have to admit, I felt chills up my spine and was a little spooked. I have never been able to complete this book because I know that it will not have a happy ending and will forever be incomplete and that Marilyn will never have a chance to try some of the things that she longed for. I would highly recomend that you would read other books on Marilyn before reading her autobiography. You should know some of the people and events in her life because there are no explainations and a reader my get confused.



4. I was so impressed with this book I brought a copy for my friend, this book is really easy reading (great for bedtime) and quite an insight to Marilyn Monroe's own personal biography, the pictures are fantastic and this is a must for any Marilyn Monroe fan an absolute must for any fan's collection. Most enjoyable, if I hadn't broughtit already I'd buy it again.



5. I've read that this book was not actually written by Marilyn. Despite this, I do like the way the story was put together/told. Even though it leans toward depressing, it's still a very interesting read. This book would be better as a much smaller paperback with fewer photos. We know what she looks like. The space fillers can distract. They are great photos, but perhaps limiting them, making them smaller and fitting them onto smaller sheets of paper, or placing them at the end might be better. Smaller paperbacks are easier to take everywhere with you.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

1. This was a great book - it is an alphabetized list of insights and observations of everyday life - I laughed out loud several times and highly recommend this book



2. i loved this book. it's just fun, light reading. it's not profound. it's witty and silly and a good summer read. i could relate to some of the details of her "ordinary" life. my husband and i took turns reading some of her topics aloud to one another and got a good laugh out of it. i recommend this book.



3. I've had this book in my possession for 6 months and wish I had read it when I first got it. I had serious laughter tears.
   Thanks.



4. Disappointment of the year. I was quite excited about Krouse Rosenthal's book, but perhaps ordinariness is indeed simply too dull to write about (Tolstoy nailed that one at the beginning of Anna Karenia). Her style is choppy and disconnected, which, she mentions, has never endeared her to editors. It never endeared her to this reader, either. Short as the book was, I was unable to finish it--a rare problem for me.



5. Buy this book and lift your spirits, it is delightful in every way. I wish the author was my best friend.

5 comments about Queen of Fashion: What Marie Antoinette Wore to the Revolution.

1. I was very impressed with this book and how the author was able to blend historical fact with the fashions of the time. This book ties in well with The Journey as well as with the Marie Antoinette movie. I would highly recommend checking this book out.



2. I found this book to be a fantastic read! Out of the many, this is the book I chose to read first when I became interested in Marie. Caroline Weber did a beautiful job destroying (if you will) old stereotypes that are associated with this woman.
   One reviewer stated," Not sure whether it wants to be a biography or fashion."
   I respectfully disagree. I'm not sure you can have one without the other. I'm very pleased that I chose this book to be my first. It made me want to know more about this courageous woman as well as the fashion of the 18th century, the French Revolution, and all who were involved.
   Just recently I pick this book up from my shelf, dusted it off and decided to read it again, only to realize that there were things that I had either dismissed or forgotten, and am now studying them further.
   
   All in all, a fascinating and fast paced bitter sweet telling of how fashion and Marie Antoinette are intricately entwined.
   A must read for those who are just starting to learn about her as well as the seasoned expert.



3. Beautiful, informative, interesting. The famous queen comes to life, as well as her notorious wardrobe. Her ability to express her feelings through fashion and how it eventually lead to her downfall really makes you think about how much of a victim she was, especially from the jealous and arrogant courtiers of France. A must read for any Marie Antoinette fanatic or someone who just wants to know who she was.



4. Wonderful new viewpoint on the age old subject of Marie Antonette. She never really said "Let them eat cake..." but she did a lot of other interesting things!



5. I bought this upon reading the recommendations. I've read some of the other books mentioned and loved them. This one, not so much. For me, it seemed somewhat like a text book. I didn't finish it.

5 comments about Mother Angelica: The Remarkable Story of a Nun, Her Nerve, and a Network of Miracles.

1. This book describes the story of a seemingly common nun who achieved what no money or famous tycoon could have accomplished. Catholic programming 24/7 throughout the world - radio, TV and website. God works marvels thru his weakest servants!



2. Mother Angelica reminds me of my Mother.
   I've watched her on EWTN for many years. I never realized what she had to go through to get her ministry to the point it is now.
   A real page turned that has inspired me to visit the Abbey in Hanceville, AL this Fall.
   Buy it, borrow it,(but, don't steal it). You will enjoy it.



3. Thank you, Raymond Arroyo (and all those who helped him), for writing this wonderful biography of the much loved Mother Angelica and narrating the story with such sincerity. I laughed, I cheered, I cried ... Few books cause one to do that. Her story needed to be told to remind us all of the powerful love of God, His will to do miracles for our salvation, and the astonishing things that can happend when we step aside and let Him work through us, weak and miserable as we are.



4. I wondered what Mother Angelica was like in her spiritual life. On television broadcasts, she always presents herself with common weaknesses and failings, yet communicates plausible remedies to overcome every obstacle. She's as true to form as one might imagine. Raymond Arroyo's writing style is captivating as he shares the life story of this amazing woman of faith. It's inspirational and humorous with so many twists and turns that I've found myself enjoying my second read as much as the first.
   
   Raymond's ability to discover hidden qualities of Mother Angelica, is noteworthy; a masterful writing of a deeply spiritual woman.



5. While corporate America was just discovering the big-hairy-audacious-goal (BHAG) , a spunky little nun from Ohio was living it out. Mother Angelica has taken Jesus' instruction to be "as wise as serpents yet gentle as doves" to heart. Do not let the doughy grandmother face and infectious smile fool you into a false reliance on her being a simple gullible little nun. Beneath that soft exterior is God's iron lady. Many have underestimated her determination and her influence and made the mistake of raising her fiery indignation when she perceived an attack on her spiritual spouse. Truly, Mother's temper rises from time to time but also truly she seems to know how to use that reputation to further the cause of Christ. Miracle upon miracle documented in this book and elsewhere would seem to convey the favor of her Lord on all that she attempts in His name.
   
   Mr. Arroyo does a nice job of remaining neutral in the church politics and ego battles that have surrounded the Eternal World Television Network (EWTN) story from the start. He chooses to focus on Mother Angelica's life, her philosophy, her faith, and her amazing accomplishments. At the same time, he gives us a peak into her troubled youth and how those emotional wounds might have played out to shape her incredible life. The story tugs the emotional spectrum, one page leaving you heartbroken and weeping, the next inspiring you to overcome every obstacle through faith. The message that comes through is that God works miracles despite, and sometimes even through, the weaknesses of poor health, bruised egos, and other human frailties. The message is the story of Mother Angelica's life and one of which she would approve. Her life is a reminder that saints are still imperfect human beings and that no refining fire is as intense as our loving Lord's. But, the resulting joy and peace far outweighs the heat of those flames.

5 comments about I Love Everybody (and Other Atrocious Lies): True Tales of a Loudmouth Girl.

1. I laughed till I cried. I have shared this book with my daughter and several friends. I like the fact that the chapters are short. I'm reading everything by Laurie Notaro I can get my hands on.



2. Laurie Notaro's books are a must-read for the smart-alecks in the crowd. Smart, witty, clever...she fits the bill. Make a note of it...anything by Laurie Notaro is worth reading.



3. I haven't laugh this hard in a long time.... I was having so much fun that I gave one to my daughter and she would called me late at night, just laughing and telling me which page to go to and it was a great bonding experience........It is awesome! thank you Laurie!



4. Although I feel compelled to note, right up front, that humor is tricky and what one person finds funny may not appeal to another, I still think this book is one that MOST readers will find laugh out loud funny. I love every book Notaro has written and they've found a permanent place on my bookshelf because they're guaranteed to lift my spirits on even the worst days.
   
   Hers is the kind of humor that I'm tempted to call a combination of humor and self-help because I ALWAYS feel better about my life after reading about her misfortunes (but not guilty, because she is able to laugh at herself and, besides, her books sell well, so I figure any temporary humiliation is offset somewhat by that).
   
   Notaro has a knack for being totally shameless about exposing life's various insults foisted upon her - and making normally dull subjects seem funny (everything from having kidney stones to finding herself traumatized and in a state of near nakedness, quite by accident, at Disneyland (yes, DISNEYLAND).
   
   She is quick to point out her character flaws as well. She can be impatient, clumsy, drawn to the wrong type of boyfriends (until she found her husband) and prone to the most embarrassing experiences. Somehow this makes for a great read. I relate to her and I think a lot of others will.
   
   I should note that this may fall into the type of book known as a "woman's book" and I'm not sure how many men will relate to this one. I hope I'm wrong about that.



5. Laurie Notaro is my hero. She has a great writing style. Her stories are hilarious. I suggest every woman who has ever struggled to fit in and do the right thing to read her books.

5 comments about The Kiss.

1. I picked up THE KISS this past weekend and re-read this beautifully haunting memoir about family and loss. There are so few writers who approach their subject matter in so painfully honest a way: Harrison's prose is spare and pointed, always insightful and charged with raw emotion as she plunges us deeper into the addictive relationships between mother and daughter, daughter and father. I can say, without any reservation, that Harrison's memoir is one so striking that it always sticks with me, as a book to read and re-read. Highly recommended--this is a powerful and compelling work, from a writer who is always at the very top of her game.



2. I am glad I picked this memoir up again..after at least the second time. Parts of it were poetic and moving, and parts of it were very difficult to read. I am going to get a hold of "The Mother Knot" as soon as possible. It also is a memoir by Kathryn Harrison. After exploring (using Amazon's) search inside feature I found that I had read one of her other memoirs..titled "Seeking Rapture" I will review that one soon.



3. Kathryn Harrison shows compelling bravery in her memoir, The Kiss. She confides in the reader on the dark and disturbing subject matter of her incest relationship with her father. She takes us on a journey through a complex past and family life. When she was young her father was an absent mystery and she is not shy to explain that this made him an object of extreme interest to her. I love the honesty behind her writing and the extreme vulnerability she shows to the reader. She admits, "I want to be held too much to stay away" (87). The abrupt transitions between scenes from her seemingly normal everyday life and the secret she lives with her father is extremely effective in captivating the reader's attention. The pages will keep turning as she continues to be more and more affected by the haunting secret she keeps. Although she describes her encounters with her father in graphic detail, it is impossible for the reader to be disgusted. There is an ongoing feeling of sympathy for Harrison as she beautifully explains her desperate longing for love and a sense of belonging. "I'm afraid that whatever he wants, I will give him," (107) she discloses. The memoir continues to take the reader deeper and deeper to new levels of complexity especially in regards to Harrison's struggling relationship with her mother. So many knots are presented in this book that the reader cannot help but want to continue to read on and try and untie them. Every sentence in packed with emotion and despite coming from an obviously broken girl, the voice is powerful and strong. I definitely recommend Kathryn Harrisons memoir to anyone who appreciates good writing and a profound story.



4. "The Kiss", by Kathryn Harrison, is a spectacular memoir, and I highly recommend anyone to read it. The
   
   book focuses on the incestuous relationship between Kathryn Harrison and her father, who re-enters her life
   
   during her teen years, after not having seen her for several years.
   
   When telling her story, Harrison writes in the present tense. This is a very interesting technique, because it
   
   makes the reader feel as if she is actually speaking the story out loud, telling it directly to her audience.
   
   Harrison portrays this literary talent when she writes, "After months of letters and calls, as many as three of
   
   each in a day, all promising devotion, all asking for mine, my father has prepared me for what he
   
   requests" (107). Harrison may as well be having a conversation with me when she writes this sentence, it
   
   sounds so real and legitimate!
   
   Aside from the use of wonderful literary techniques, Harrison manages to take incest, a dark and "hush-
   
   hushed" topic, and manages to convey it as a beautiful, loving, subject, "'I love you,' my father says. `I need
   
   you.' `I need you, too,' I whisper." If I had read this passage, unaware of the actual content of "The Kiss", I
   
   would never know it regarded incest, yet, two people who love each other. Harrison's story enabled me to see
   
   the true beauty of her words, and to not be so quick to undermine the love of two people.
   
   Read this book. I guarantee you will see the beauty pertained in darkness.



5. Oh, the webs we weave! Kathryn Harrison is one of the best writers around and I've read several of her books. Although this one may be dark, and it's about incest, it is an incredible journey of longing and need that takes a young woman to the very bottom of herself.

5 comments about Marie-Therese, Child of Terror: The Fate of Marie Antoinette's Daughter.

1. 
   Most important to me in a biography is that the writer lay out the story of the person and the times in an interesting and readable way. For the writer this means finding the right balance between documenting, which can get very dry, and telling, which calls for judgment of what to leave in and out. Susan Nagel has hit a perfect balance. She has sorted through a tremendous number of sources and created what may be the first biography of the only surviving child of Marie Antoinette.
   
   Next in importance to me when I read a biography is feeling, at the end, that I know and understand the person who is chronicled. For a subject such as Marie-Therese, the author must bridge the centuries so that the modern reader can actually understand a believer in the divine right of kings. Here, Nagel shows that she has come to know her subject and this period in France and she communicates it very well.
   
   History certainly has some interesting twists and turns. The most interesting to me, in this book, is the support of the British monarchy for the Bourbon exiles not long after concluding a war with them. Another smaller curiosity is how in exile, in the rudest of circumstances, the royals maintain protocol. They bow before each other and the leave rooms in a prescribed order.
   
   Susan Nagel does a wonderful job. For anyone interested in European history, she has created an excellent read.



2. Being a great admirer of Marie Antoinette and a sympathizer of her downfall, I couldn't pass up this book when it was released, the true story of her daughter and first born, Marie Therese. The biography, very interesting and readable, accurately depicts the life of Madame Royale, from her much anticipated birth (for it was hoped that she was a boy) through the turbulent years with her family in prison, and beyond. Marie Therese, locked up in her own cell for a very long time, never even knew of the murder of her mother, aunt and baby brother, due to the harsh treatment she received from her captors. The outside world was a mystery to her, not knowing of the loyal family members that struggled to have her released. After her release, Marie Therese's life never stopped being turbulent. She lived most of the years in exile, whether in England or Austria, Russia, or numerous other places, the victim of France's inability to pick a government and stick with it (in one hundred years, France had three different republics, two emperors of Napoleon blood, two Bourbon kings, and one citizen king). Though her suffering never ceased, Marie Therese always appeared resilient and kind, never forgetting her country and her people, and the parents she loved and cherished. The book is beautiful and informative, since I had never really known what happened in France after the Revolution. The writer brings history to life, and creates a mind blowing suspense throughout the book on whether Marie Therese had switched with her half-sister and look-alike Ernestine after leaving the prison. I will definitely read this book again and am looking forward to more from this author.



3. A must-read to get a much bigger picture of the last years and days of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and the fate of their two surviving children. European history buffs will love the details provided from the family's personal letters and from other contemporaries to the Madame Royale. This book was captivating and enlightening, and draws the reader into the heart and mind of Marie-Therese. Truly an inspirational, if not much overlooked historical figure, this book is a wonderful portrait of this courageous and heroic young girl.



4. Nagel has written a splendid biography of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's only surviving child. The author begins by describing Marie-Therese's birth and early childhood in the luxurious world of Versailles. Nagel then guides the reader on an amazing journey from the sickening brutality of the French Revolution and the French people's savage treatment of the monarchs' children, to Marie Therese's escape and never-ending journeys away from and back to the country of her birth. Nagel takes an enormous amount of historic facts and people and places them neatly in a seamless and brilliant fashion in this biography. The reader doesn't learn only about what happened in the life of Marie-Therese; the reader is also treated to a subtle and gradual revelation of the true and noble character of this woman. If one has enjoyed reading about this woman's parents, then it is such a treat to see that the best characteristics of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette lived on in this lady. I was particularly fascinated to read that Louis XVI's judgment was so well placed when he trusted the American, Gouveneur Morris, with a large sum of money to support his surviving family. Morris personally delivered it to Marie-Therese years later. Amazing when one considers the recent news reports of the failed auction of the pearls Marie Antoinette gave to the British ambassador's wife to sneak out of France. Apparently, those pearls never left the ambassador's family's assets in spite of the fact that Marie-Therese LIVED in England for years!
   This is a great biography and I highly recommend it!



5. I have read every book on the French Revolution and on Marie Antoinette in particular and so I was eager to learn more about her only surviving child. I was absolutly not disappointed!!! This book is wonderfully written and brings to life an era through the eyes of a truly thoughtful, kind, intelligent Princess. This is not just a biography about any royal daughter- she is an inspiration to all women whose lives ebb and flow through good and bad. Always trustworthy and kind, she is an admirable person, and a good example to anyone going through tough times.

5 comments about Celebrity Detox: (The Fame Game).

1. I have been a longtime fan of the talk show personality of Rosie O'Donnell, even tho' I do not agree with her personal views (let's just say I am more Elisabeth Hasselbeck than Rosie O'Donnell). As a talk show host Rosie was the perfect host because she made it okay for every day people to be intrigued with the celebrities she interviewed. After all, Rosie was into her guests as much as the audience. She was and is authentic and real, even with her extremely rough edges and all. Thus I enjoyed her autobiography CELEBRITY DETOX.
   
   This book is more a therapy session and a detox for Rosie once more coming out of celebrity and trying to find happiness and normalcy in her life. It is all over the board and abruptly goes from one thing to the other but not in an irritating way, rather in the way I bet she lives her life. Celebrity Detox makes it clear Rosie is a damaged, hurting victim of abuse still desperately seeking salvation from her wounds but searching in places salvation can not be found--in two celebrity heros/icons Barbra Streisand and Barbara Walters both of whom were also heros of her mothers. Tho' only alluded to, it is apparent that Rosie was not only abandoned by her mother when her mother died when Rosie was 10. She was also betrayed and unprotected by her mother--3 issues that have haunted her and continue to haunt her--abandonement, betrayal and unprotection. Rosie told her mom of the abuse in the only way she could...her mom humored her to the extent of literally cutting down the tree "bad man" climbed up, but when Rosie told her it didn't work, the bad man still comes in her room at night, her mom betrayed her by calling her a liar and implying Rosie would lose her love if she didn't drop this lie. So Rosie lived on with the abuse, defending herself by breaking her own bones to obtain not only attention but "nightime weapons" with the casts. Heartbreaking for any little girl to live through.
   
   I am not surprised that she was more devastated by Barbara Walters' betrayal than she was of Donald Trump's public annialation of her. She already thought of Donald Trump as a pathetic human being. He can only hurt her in the pocket book. She was devasted by Barbara Walters because she made Barbara her surrogate mother so much so she hoped Barbara would do everything RIGHT her mother did WRONG--i.e. protect her and definitely NOT abandon her nor betray her. By not defending her to Donald Trump and the public Ms. Walters did everything Rosie's mother did to her--left her once more alone, unprotected and open to abuse.
   
   All said and done, CELEBRITY DETOX is a fascinating read into the life of a damaged little girl grown up and turned famous ... twice. You'll feel compassion for Rosie, disdain for Donald Trump and sympathy for Barbra Streisand and Barbara Walters who love and admire Rosie but in their own humaness can not be everything Rosie hopes they will be.



2. I was so excited about getting this book for my vacation. I wanted something light, interesting and I was curious about the inside scoop around Rosie's time at The View. When I read all these reviews, I wasn't sure if I should bother. I went ahead and bought it anyway--I'm a daredevil! :)
   I got what I wanted. There were some kibbles of information I didn't know about her co-hosts and some other celebrities. That was fun. Rosie sure tells it as she sees it. I don't accept that as the whole truth but I like hearing people's sides of the same coin. I did have some trouble relating to her love of Babs...it came off as a little sad too me how much she idolizes some people even as she's telling her readers all the reasons why celebrity is an illusion.
   This was no "War and Peace" if that's what your looking for. This is no objective, weighing both sides, kind of memoir. This is Rosie talking about her life as she felt it. That to me, is interesting and I read this book in two sittings. I really enjoyed it and recommend it as long as you have properly aligned expectations!
   
   Tiffany Christensen, author of "Sick Girl Speaks!"



3. I think this book had a certain kind of honesty we would all appreciate in respect to celebrities... Rosie shows a "behind the camera" glimpse into fame, fortune and life as the Rosie O'Donnell. As a Rosie fan myself, I was not at all disappointed. She is Real, honest, and true to herself! I loved the book! I recommend it to all!



4. I read and enjoyed Rosie's last book: "Find Me". After watching her on the View and vaguely following the blow-up between she and her co-host, Elisabeth, I was curious about how that built up. When Rosie claimed she was writing this book to "answer those questions" about what happened that day and immediately after, I looked forward to her explanation. That's why I was disappointed by "Celebrity Detox". It didn't go there. In fact, there's hardly a word about the incident prior to the last chapter (about five pages). Instead, she focuses on ear transmitters far more than anyone cares to read (or know). She talks about the Trump scuffle but doesn't even do her position justice in her own book. I came away from those chapters wondering if her beef was with Donald Trump and his poor behavior or her hurt over a quote that Trump assigned to Barbara Walters. Shortly after that, she goes off on the ear transmitters and how she saw the other hosts (who wore them even after Rosie's refusal and wishes) slowly came to agree with her and speak their mind (implying that, prior to that point, they'd been getting prompting and feedback in the devices). In the last chapter, she only mentions Elisabeth by sharing that she'd sent her and e-mail of support only a week or two before that Elisabeth may have been put-off by (Rosie tells Elisabeth she loves her and is proud of her asking John Stamos to stay and do crafts). But, that's where it ends. She never goes into the background regarding how Elisabeth disrespected her by not defending her in another interview. She says nothing really tangible about the feud at all.
   
   However, if you're not looking for more insight on the squabble, then the book is okay. It's often repetitive. But, based on Rosie's art and poetry, it makes sense that she would have certain themes throughout the book. If you're looking for a perspective on how celebrity makes you different, then this may be the book you want to read. And, if you'd like to have a better understanding of why she left her own show, then I'd recommend this. Her reflections of 9/11 between she and her brother are interesting (and I've had my daughter read them as an example of how perspective is, at times, everything).



5. There is one word to describe this book and that is Wonderful. I was amazed. She put her life out there for all to read. She shared her personal feelings, almost like therapy. I loved this book. I love Rosie. I do suggest you read Find Me first. Fame is an addiction and I can understand that without ever being famous. I think Rosie truly is a kind soul and this book will reflect that.

5 comments about Five Lessons I Didn't Learn From Breast Cancer (And One Big One I Did).

1. Last year, my husband was diagnosed with an incurable cancer at just 35 years of age. As we went through this devastating ordeal, the last thing we wanted to read about was how we should be having some great epiphany. I can assure you that cancer is not the best thing that ever happened to our family, nor did it make us better people. I often felt guilty for the sort of resentment I felt towards the cancer hype portrayed in the media. That is, until I read Ms. Lewis' book and discovered that I wasn't the only one with this reaction. How liberating to read thoughts, which mirrored my own, within those pages!
   
   When I first found this book on Amazon, I read the synopsis and excerpts to my husband. We were both in tears from hysterical laughter! I anxiously awaited the book and immediately dove into the pages when it arrived. I read most of it aloud to my husband, who laughed along with me, giving us a much needed therapeutic break. As my husband and I further discussed excerpts, I learned details about his perspective, about which I had never thought. I was able to see I had unknowingly been insensitive in certain instances. This book served as a wonderful catalyst for discussion.
   
   Ms. Lewis states her case clearly and adeptly. The writing is exceptional, and the read is easy and light. As a writer myself, this book served as a wonderful source of inspiration. It certainly tops my list of favorites!
   
   I want to thank Ms. Lewis for having the guts to be honest about this very sensitive topic. There is an immense amount of pressure on patients, "survivors", and caregivers to "sugar-coat" the realities of cancer. In my opinion, her candid approach is much more therapeutic and helpful in the end. I encourage anyone going through a cancer experience to read this book. It is a valuable resource for patients, caregivers, family, and friends.



2. Is it possible to be this sardonic and compassionate at the same time?
   Shelley Lewis opens the windows in the stuffy room of bumper sticker spirituality. Funny and caring in a Nora Ephron way and yet full of useful info. I read it as a story, not as a way to face breast cancer, and I recommend it to doctors and patients. You don't have to have breast cancer to enjoy this book. Another book I recommend to anyone facing a "devastating diagnosis" is Jessie Gruman's Aftershock.



3. Thanks you Shelly for letting me know that I am not alone!
   I am in the middle of my chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer and I WAS feeling lousy for not finding the "silver lining" and not experiencing the upliftling life changing moment I was supposed to get from having cancer.
   She really gave me alot to think about, namely that its ok to have my own experience and it's ok if it really sucks.
   Thanks for writing this book Shelly!



4. Being a 3 time breast cancer repeat offender, this book rang more true than any of the others I have read. I was beginning to feel guilty about not having a spiritual experience until I read this book. Also I was getting quite peeved about "the race" because they don't interview people with multiple occurences. They only show happy, happy, happy faces of those with 1 occurence. What are we, chopped liver?
   This book has made me rethink my advice to first time offenders. It is certainly the most honest book I have read about this awful disease. I highly recommend it to any breast cancer patient or family member of patient.



5. Part memoir, part how-to book, "The Five Lessons I Didn't Learn from Breast Cancer" has universal appeal for all sorts of cancers, even the "non-female" kind like my non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Though there are plenty of how-to tips for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients, I enjoyed this book because of Lewis' take on the "Tyranny of Positive Thinking" and the pinkapalooza cartel. I respect her choice not to call herself a "survivor," though I wonder if it's really because, as she says, Death wasn't at her door, but rather sent her a "Thinking of You Card." (For me, Death had pulled into the driveway and parked the car.) Never whiny and often downright funny, this book is a must-read for anyone who has been sucker punched by cancer.