Book Review: Dirty Blvd

Katie October 2, 2015 0 Comments

Dirty Blvd. Is a biography about the life and times of Lou Reed. It talks about his early days, his time with the Velvet Underground, solo, and all other endeavors in between.  I found it to be very interesting and very well written. A must read for music fans and Lou Reed fans.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

A tremendously insightful biography of the man who helmed the Velvet Underground and single-handedly created alternative rock

This book covers not only the highlights of Reed’s career, but explores lesser-known facets of his work, such as his first recordings with doo-wop group the Jades, his key literary influences, the impact of Judaism upon his work, and his engagement with the LGBT movement. Drawing from original interviews with many of his artistic collaborators, friends, and romantic partners, as well as from archival material, concert footage, and unreleased bootlegs of live performances, Dirty Blvd. exposes the man behind the myth, the notoriously uncompromising rock poet who wrote songs that transcended their genre and established himself as one of the most influential and enigmatic American artists of the past half century.

Book Review: The Story of my Tits

Katie October 2, 2015 0 Comments

The Story of My Tits is a graphic novel / memoir by Jennifer Hayden.  The book starts out with her as a young girl, wishing for breasts.  She finally got what she had been longing for. She went to college. She met a guy. Her mother was diagnoses with breast cancer.  She finally convinced her boyfriend they should get married and then finally convinced him to have kids. They had 2. Then she found out that she too had breast cancer.  This book tells her story in an interesting way – since she drew it and wrote it.  It’s a different approach to a memoir and one that I enjoyed reading.

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

A landmark work of graphic memoir and a cancer narrative that pulls no punches! When Jennifer Hayden was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 43, she realized that her tits told a story. Across a lifetime, they’d held so many meanings: hope and fear, pride and embarrassment, life and death. And then they were gone. Now, their story has become a way of understanding her story. Growing up flat-chested and highly aware of her inadequacies… heading off to college, where she “bloomed” in more ways than one… navigating adulthood between her mother’s mastectomy, her father’s mistress, and her musician boyfriend’s problems of his own — not to mention his sprawling family. Then the kids come along… As cancer strikes three different lives, some relationships crumble while others emerge even stronger, and this sarcastic child of the ‘70s finally finds a goddess she can believe in.For everyone who’s faced cancer personally, or watched a loved one fight that battle, Hayden’s story is a much-needed breath of fresh air, an irresistible blend of sweetness and skepticism. Rich with both symbolism and humor, The Story of My Tits will leave you laughing, weeping, and feeling grateful for every day.

Book Review: My Hometown

Katie October 2, 2015 0 Comments

My Hometown is a picture book, it doesn’t have many words, yet it manages to tell the story of the hometown of the main character – which you may find similar to your own, depending on where you live. Beautifully illustrated and a great book for kids.

I received a free e-copy of this book in exchange for this review.

About the Book
Every town has a story. Experience small-town life and American history with this nearly wordless picture book. A magical newspaper takes a young boy on a journey through the history of a beloved hometown, from the 1860s to present day. Striking illustrations celebrate main-street Americana as the boy discovers the past and its importance.
For ages 6-8.
*Nostalgia for adults, and a history lesson for children*Wordless picture book format supports and encourages storytelling and writing in young readers*For much of the book, the background of the art features the evolving main street of the town, allowing readers to observe changes to architecture and culture through history