Books matching: quick, engaging anecdotes
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Trevor Noah's memoir, "Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood," offers a unique perspective on growing up during and after apartheid in South Africa. Through a series of vignettes, Noah intertwines seemingly unrelated stories to illuminate the forces that shaped his childhood. The book delves into the complexities of race and culture in South Africa, providing insights into the author's upbringing, his family dynamics, and the societal norms that influenced his life.
Sometimes in big Hollywood movies they’ll have these crazy chase scenes where somebody jumps or gets thrown from a moving car. The person hits the ground and rolls for a bit. Then they come to a stop ...Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys. by Viv Albertine is a brutally honest and emotionally raw memoir that delves into the author's life in two distinct parts - pre and post Slits era. The book captures Albertine's journey through the punk scene, her personal struggles, relationships with notable figures in the music industry, and her evolution as a musician and individual. Through short, energetic bursts of storytelling, Albertine paints a vivid picture of her experiences, from the formation and disintegration of The Slits to her battles with health issues, relationships, and self-discovery.
I live with my mother, father and little sister, on the ground floor of my grandmother’s house in Muswell Hill, North London. The house smells of moth balls and we have to be quiet all the time, even ...'The Gift of Fear' by Gavin de Becker delves into the realm of personal safety and intuition. The book challenges conventional wisdom by arguing that fear, often dismissed or suppressed, can be a valuable gift that can protect us from harm if we learn to listen to it. De Becker explores the concept of pre-incident indicators and provides practical advice and strategies to enhance personal safety. He emphasizes the importance of trusting intuition, situational awareness, and recognizing warning signs to prevent dangerous situations.
De Becker's writing style combines real-life examples, case studies, and practical insights to empower readers to navigate potentially dangerous situations confidently. The book encourages readers to embrace their fear as a tool for motivation and proactive measures to ensure their safety, without letting fear paralyze them or prevent them from leading fulfilling lives.
'Mr. S: My Life with Frank Sinatra' by George Jacobs provides an intimate look into the life of Frank Sinatra through the eyes of his valet and confidante. Jacobs shares personal anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, showcasing Sinatra's complex personality and the glamorous yet dark world of Old Hollywood and Young Vegas. The writing style is candid, engrossing, and filled with admiration for Sinatra, offering a unique perspective on the legendary singer's rise and fall.
SUMMER 1968. The only man in America who was less interested than me in sleeping with Mia Farrow was her husband and my boss, Frank Sinatra. Theirs had to be one of the worst, most ill-conceived celeb...'The Victorian Book of the Dead' by Chris Woodyard and Jessica Wiesel is a fascinating dive into the Victorian era, exploring the customs and rituals surrounding death during that time. The book provides a detailed look at the heavily contrasted lives of the rich and poor in Victorian society, both of whom practiced a strict decorum in mourning, influenced by Queen Victoria herself. Through anecdotes, old print articles, and true stories, readers are transported back to a time where death was an integral part of life, showcasing bizarre superstitions, rituals, and grisly deaths that captivate and educate simultaneously.
The book is a treasure trove of information for history buffs, Victorian enthusiasts, and those with a curiosity for the macabre. With bite-sized stories and captivating details, 'The Victorian Book of the Dead' offers a cozy all-nighter read by the fireside, complete with fascinating insights into cemetery caretakers, funeral customs, and the evolution of mourning practices. The author's writing style is intimate, entertaining, and educational, making this book not just informative but also a page-turner that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
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Save:'A Short History of Drunkenness' by Mark Forsyth is a humorous and informative exploration of how alcohol has been used and regarded throughout history and across different cultures. The book covers topics such as the origins of alcohol consumption, the role of alcohol in religious ceremonies, the impact of alcohol on societies, and the history of popular alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and gin. The writing style is witty, irreverent, and conversational, making the historical information engaging and entertaining for readers. Forsyth's humorous tone and amusing anecdotes provide a unique perspective on the relationship between humans and alcohol over time.
Before we were human, we were drinkers. Alcohol occurs naturally and always has. When life began four-billion-and-something years ago there were single-cell microbes happily swimming around in the pri... 'Thanks A Thousand: A Gratitude Journey' by A.J. Jacobs takes readers on a journey of appreciation and thankfulness towards the often overlooked individuals involved in the everyday conveniences we take for granted. Through a unique blend of humor, scientific research, and heartfelt conversations, Jacobs explores the process behind his morning cup of coffee, starting from the farmers who grow the beans to the barista who serves it, while also delving into the broader concept of gratitude and its impact on our lives. The narrative style of the book is engaging and conversational, making the reader feel as though they are sitting in a cafe listening to Jacobs share his eye-opening experiences.
'Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide' by Peter Allison is a collection of amusing anecdotes from the author's time as a safari guide in Africa, particularly in Botswana. Allison shares stories of his encounters with African wildlife, tourists, and fellow guides, all narrated with a lighthearted tone and self-deprecating humor. provides readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a safari guide, showcasing both the humorous and challenging aspects of the job.
Allison's writing style is described as humorous, descriptive, and engaging, making the book a quick and entertaining read. The author's deep love and respect for the wildlife in Botswana shine through the stories, as he shares his experiences with wild animals, the daily grind of running a safari camp, and interactions with tourists. While the book focuses on the author's adventures and mishaps in the African bush, it also offers insights into the nature of safari tourism and human-animal interactions in a captivating and light-hearted manner.
The first place in Africa that employed me was a camp called Idube. The people who came there, like the people who came to every camp where I have ever worked, loved a thrill, something different. So ...- #9
Save:'A Working Stiff's Manifesto: A Memoir of Thirty Jobs I Quit, Nine That Fired Me, and Three I Can't Remember' by Iain Levison follows the author's journey of working in various physically demanding and unusual jobs to make ends meet. provides an autobiographical and engaging account of the author's experiences, highlighting the challenges and realities of living on minimum wage while also incorporating humor and wit into the narrative. Readers can expect a candid exploration of the struggles faced by the author in different workplace settings, shedding light on the dynamics of employment and the disconnect between academic education and practical job requirements.
Iain Levison's writing style in the book offers a blend of wit, cynicism, and insightful observations about the American workplace. Through his humorous and honest narration, Levison delves into the power dynamics, ridiculous work policies, and personal reflections on the nature of work. While the book may not solely focus on a manifesto or a comedic portrayal of multiple jobs as expected, it presents a compelling narrative that resonates with readers through its authenticity and relatable depiction of the challenges of finding meaningful employment.
There are pages and pages of the first type—jobs I will never get. Must know this, must know that. Must be experienced in this and that, for at least six years, and be fluent in Chinese, and be able t... - #10
Save:'Shakespeare and Company' by Sylvia Beach is a memoir that delves into the fascinating history of the English language bookstore that served as a hub for writers and artists in Paris during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. The book provides personal insights into iconic figures like James Joyce, Ernest Hemingway, and F. Scott Fitzgerald, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs faced by Sylvia Beach as she navigated the literary world and brought groundbreaking works to the public. Through a series of engaging anecdotes, Beach captures the essence of a bygone era when Paris was the cultural capital of the world, making this memoir a valuable window into the lives and relationships of literary luminaries.
According to an article in Munsey's Magazine on curious family trees in America, the Woodbridges, Father's maternal ancestors, were clergymen from father to son for some twelve or thirteen generations...
