As of late I have been reading mostly essays and semi-biogrophies/memoirs. I say this because much of what I'm reading is humorous and not a full blown, detailed life story.
I've read 3 books by Lewis Black: "Nothing's Sacred" , "I'm Dreaming of a Black Christmas", & "Me of Little Faith". If nothing else this man is funny and he tells it like it is. he's astute, honest and very intelligent. He talks about his life, Judaism, politics, children & how they are raised, the environment, economics, his family, and a myriad of other topics. My only complaint, is that on occasion he seems to use profanity where it isn't needed or funny.
I've read 2 books by Celia Rivenbark: "Stop Dressing Your Six-Year Old Like a Skank" & "Belle Weather: Mostly Sunny With a Chance of Scattered Hissy Fits & Conniptions". Celia is a Southern Belle Journalist, but unlike most Southern Belles, she doesn't priss around being nice, but takes the bull by it's horns and faces the facts of life. Like Lewis Black, she also tells us like it is and wraps it all up with a ribbon, bow & gales of laughter. I am looking forward to reading her other three books: "Bless Your Heart, Tramp: and Other Southern Endearments", "We're Just Like You Only Prettier", & "You Can't Drink All Day if You Don't Start in the Morning".
I've also read both books written by Fran (Nanny) Drescher: "Enter Whining" & "Cancer Schmancer". The latter is the amazing story of how she suffered with cancer for two years before the 8th doctor she went to was able to diagnose what was ailing her. Here is a bright, intelligent & funny woman telling about her fight with cancer, loss of her beloved dog, Chester, and divorce in an honest, funny & heart-felt manner.
The last book of essays: "The Bullfighter Checks Her Makeup: My Encounters With Extraordinary People" was written by Susan Orlean. Until I read this book I had never heard of "The Shaggs" an all girl band singing home written music at the local Community Hall who are now pop-icons, The Fish Market Window Artist, the only Buttons-Only Store in America, the top ranked Bullfighter (who happens to be a Woman), or the Hana Hilo Surfer Girls.... I had heard of Bill Blass...but everyone else were non-bell-ringers for me. But you know what? All the people she wrote about, Really Are Extraordinary and in a really Make-You-Feel Good kind of way.
