Ah, Summer…..that sweet time of year when we return to our favorite pastimes. Or, at least fool ourselves into thinking we will have time to pursue our favorite pastimes…After a long drought, I have dove back into the reading pool by indulging in a little “celebrity” reading. That is, books published by various celebrities in an attempt to either enlighten us regarding how really difficult it is to be a celebrity or an attempt to defend themselves from the vicious slurs and untrue stories the public reads (and therefore believes).
My first foray was into the world of Tori Spelling, who’s TV Reality show portrays her life with husband Dean and their (now two) children. Entitled “Storitelling”, Tori’s book reveals the trials and tribulations of being the child of “Hollywood Royalty”, the difficulties of having a successful career, despite your father being one of the world’s most successful TV producers, and the unbearable heartbreak of being estranged from the one woman you thought would always stand by you (your mother) over money (namely, Daddy’s money after he drops dead). Yet, despite all Tori’s “poor pitiful me” and “life is so rough” stories, I still feel – well – sorry for her. She actually seems pretty normal and really is just trying to make a living. A good, fun, non-brain-taxing read -perfect for the beach or pool.
The second book I read (in an attempt to read anything remotely interesting really) was Gordon Ramsey’s “Roasting in Hell’s Kitchen”. Gordon is my favorite TV chef and I wanted to see if he really is the mean, sharp tounged, unfeeling jerk he seems to be on TV. He is. But it’s not his fault. Gordon had a truly rotten childhood (unreliable, drunk father and all), had his early dreams dashed (football injury), discovered his true calling (cooking, not yelling), struggled to gain the opportunity to show the world how great he was, etc. However, in the end, he triumphed with not only award winning restaurants all over the world but with several British and Amercian TV series. And, Gordon knows he acts like a jerk so that makes it all right. “Roasting” is a quick read and perfect for a Summer afternoon’s entertainment.
My third offering is “Why We Suck” by Denis Leary. If you don’t know, Denis is a foul mouthed, loud, obnoxious comedian whose act consists of making fun of the rest of us. Offensive as he may be, he is absolutely correct 99% of the time. “Why We Suck” offers a hard look in the mirror at ourselves as Americans and yet, at the same time, identifies all the blessings and bounties we enjoy as Americans. I will admit, I had to skip around in some the the chapters due to Denis’ vitrolic writing (there is only so much well-intended abuse one can take) and some chapters I skipped altogether, but as I was reading this book, I kept saying (to myself) “Yes, you’re right Denis” but like most good Americans, I just accept the way we are and try to control my own interactions in an attempt not to make things worse. If you have already been exposed to Denis, read the book. If you have not, don’t read it – it will just make you angry (much as Denis warns in the foreword to his book in which he confesses he knows his writing will make everyone angry).
Gee, I’ve been reading memoirs lately, too. Actually I abandoned several but really enjoyed one: “Losing Mum and Pup” by Christopher Buckley. Christopher is a novelist who is the son of William F. Buckley. If you don’t like William F. Buckley, don’t let that stop you from reading this. Christo is not always flattering but is always loving as regards his father. He is the only child of any extraordinary couple and an engaging writer. The book is a worthwhile read especially if you are in mid-life and facing or have faced the loss of your own parents.
Comment by Julie — July 9, 2009 @ 5:02 pm |