Maybe it’s the tendency to take stock at the end of the year, but when I was approached about writing this week’s blog my mind immediately jumped to biographies. I went to that section of the library to see what titles would jump out at me. I stopped after the first six. Now I’m not saying these are “must reads”. I’m just saying that I enjoyed reading these, they have stuck with me as a good read, and consequently I have often recommended them to others. The subjects span genres and here’s what I like about each one:
The Bucolic plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. A classic fish out of water story as two New Yorkers do the unthinkable: start over with a herd of goats as gentlemen weekend farmers in upstate New York. “It’s a story about approaching middle age, being in a long-term relationship, and realizing the city no longer feeds you in the same way it used to”. This adventure also became a short reality show called The Fabulous Beekman Boys on the Planet Green network.
Cheaper by the dozen by Frank Gilbreth, Jr. This is the wonderful story of a family with 12 children at the beginning of the 20th century. The forward reads, “To Dad, who only reared twelve children and to Mother who reared twelve only children.” Several movie versions of this original story have been made…along with sequels. Read this original book – and find out what the catch-phrase “visiting Mrs. Murphy” is all about.
Gypsy Boy by Mikey Walsh. “This is an eye-opening memoir of growing up gypsy. Mikey was born into a Romany Gypsy family. They live in a secluded community, and little is known about their way of life. Growing up, he didn’t go to school, he seldom mixed with non-Gypsies, and the caravan became his world. His family’s legacy had a hidden history of violence and grief. Eventually Mikey was forced to make an agonizing decision – to stay and keep secrets, or escape and find somewhere to belong.” It’s a world I never knew much about and perhaps am glad to keep it that way after reading this emotional memoir.
Miss Tallulah Bankhead by Lee Israel. Tallulah was a major star of Broadway and an electric personality. Truly larger than life. It is a shame that her talents and that personality (she had a deep gravelly voice and called everyone Darling) are fading into the past. This biography will bring her back to life and make her unforgettable to you also.
Naked by David Sedaris. This is the first I had read by the now famous comedic writer. The stories involve his early life with his family who are all characters in their own rites. What sold me on him was the title story of this book in which he decides to spend time at a nudist camp. It’s a real hoot!
Diana Ross: an unauthorized biography by J. Randy Taraborelli. Oh well, why the heck not? She’s lasted in our culture and consciousness since the early 1960s. Besides conquering the music world and becoming associated with glamour and fashion, she has been nominated for an Oscar and an Emmy for her acting. Mary Wilson gave her side of the story of The Supremes in “Dreamgirl: my life as a Supreme” – some of it not so flattering to Diana. Taraborrelli tries to balance the good, the bad, and the ugly behavior of one the last century’s biggest divas.
Quoted material has been taken from each book jacket.
Scott Handville, Assistant Library Director