Books matching: memoirs
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'Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly' by Anthony Bourdain is a memoir that takes readers behind the scenes of the restaurant industry, revealing the gritty and chaotic world of professional kitchens. Bourdain's writing style is described as raw, humorous, and brutally honest, showcasing his experiences as a chef with a no-holds-barred attitude. The book delves into the dark side of the culinary world, touching on topics like drug use, kitchen culture, and the challenges faced by those working in the food industry.
Bourdain's narrative weaves together anecdotes, insights, and reflections on his time in the restaurant business, providing readers with a candid look at the realities of the culinary profession. Through vivid descriptions and colorful storytelling, Bourdain paints a vivid picture of the high-pressure environment of kitchens, offering a glimpse into a world that is often hidden from public view but essential to the dining experiences of many.
MY FIRST INDICATION THAT food was something other than a substance one stuffed in one’s face when hungry – like filling up at a gas station – came after fourth-grade elementary school. It was on a fam...- #12
"Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs is a memoir recounting the author's tumultuous childhood and adolescence. Living with a mentally ill mother, he is sent to live with her psychiatrist, Dr. Finch, where he navigates bizarre and dysfunctional relationships, including a love affair with an older man. The book is a darkly humorous and candid portrayal of a dysfunctional family dynamic, exploring themes of abuse, resilience, and survival. Burroughs' writing style blends humor and honesty to create a unique and engaging narrative that delves into the author's unusual life experiences.
Y MOTHER IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE BATHROOM MIRror smelling polished and ready; like Jean Naté, Dippity Do and the waxy sweetness of lipstick. Her white, handgunshaped blow-dryer is lying on top of ... - #13
'The Liars' Club' by Mary Karr is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's tumultuous childhood in Texas and Colorado. Through vivid imagery and compelling storytelling, Karr narrates the horrors and resilience of her upbringing, painting a raw and unflinching portrait of her dysfunctional family dynamics. The writing style captures the reader's attention by evoking all five senses, immersing them in the heat of East Texas, the stench of stale bars, and the emotional turmoil of a young child facing abuse and trauma.
Karr's memoir is a gripping tale that balances between howling misery and howling laughter, showcasing the author's ability to recount her childhood with humor, insight, and self-deprecation. The narrative follows Karr's journey as she navigates the chaos of her family life, revealing moments of bravery, strength, and love amidst the darkness. offers a poignant reflection on survival, familial bonds, and the impact of a challenging upbringing on one's identity and resilience.
My sharpest memory is of a single instant surrounded by dark. I was seven, and our family doctor knelt before me where I sat on a mattress on the bare floor. He wore a yellow golf shirt unbuttoned so ... - #14
'In the Dream House' by Carmen Maria Machado is a memoir that intricately explores the author's experience in an abusive queer relationship. Rather than following a linear narrative, the book breaks down the story into fragments, interweaving reflections on gaslighting, folklore, and the author's writing process. The writing style is described as creative, original, thought-provoking, and emotionally impactful, offering a unique and engaging approach to discussing the complexities of abuse in lesbian relationships.
I daresay you have heard of the Dream House? It is, as you know, a real place. It stands upright. It is next to a forest and at the rim of a sward. It has a foundation, though rumors of the dead burie... - #15
'Bossypants' by Tina Fey is a humorous and insightful memoir that delves into the life and career of the iconic comedian. Fey shares anecdotes from her childhood, her experiences at Saturday Night Live (SNL), and her journey to creating the hit TV show '30 Rock'. Through a collection of essays, Fey discusses topics such as feminism, women's issues in show business, and her comedic approach to life, all while maintaining her signature self-deprecating humor and wit.
As I nauseously perused “How Shall I Tell My Daughter?” I started to suspect that my mom had not actually read the pamphlet before handing it off to me. Here is a real quote from the actual 1981 editi... - #16
The Sound of Gravel by Ruth Wariner is a memoir that dives into the harrowing experiences of the author growing up in a polygamist community in Mexico. Through clear-eyed prose and unwavering courage, Wariner recounts the hardships and abuse faced by her family, showcasing her survival and ability to thrive despite the adversities. The book offers a detailed and vivid account of Ruth's challenging childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, highlighting themes of resilience, courage, and the human spirit.
I am my mother’s fourth child and my father’s thirty-ninth. I grew up in Colonia LeBaron, a small town in the Mexican countryside 200 miles south of El Paso, Texas. The colony, as we called it, was fo... - #17
Cupcake Brown's memoir, 'A Piece of Cake', delves into the harrowing experiences of her life, from her tumultuous childhood marked by drug abuse, homelessness, and prostitution to her journey towards recovery and transformation. The book offers a raw and honest account of Cupcake's struggles and triumphs, showcasing her resilience and strength in overcoming adversity. Readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride through Cupcake's life, witnessing her descent into darkness and her eventual rise to success as a lawyer and motivational speaker.
My name was La’Vette, but my first birth name was Cupcake. At least that’s what my momma told me. Seems Momma craved cupcakes when she was pregnant with me. She had three cupcakes a day, every day, wi... - #18
'On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft' by Stephen King is a unique blend of memoir and writing advice. It delves into King's journey as a writer, offering insights into his life experiences that shaped his craft. The book is written in King's signature readable style, making it an engaging read for both aspiring writers and fans of the author. It covers topics ranging from practical writing strategies to personal anecdotes, creating a rich tapestry of storytelling and guidance.
A year or so later, my mother, my brother, and I were in West De Pere, Wisconsin. I don’t know why. Another of my mother’s sisters, Cal (a WAAC beauty queen during World War II), lived in Wisconsin wi... - #19
'Finding Me: An Oprah's Book Club Pick' by Viola Davis is a deeply moving memoir that takes readers on a journey through Viola's life struggles, triumphs, and resilience. The book is written in a raw and honest style, showcasing Viola's courage and vulnerability as she shares her story of hope, survival, and self-acceptance. From her challenging childhood to her Hollywood stardom, Viola's narrative is a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity.
Viola Davis's memoir is not just a recounting of her life experiences but a testament to the importance of self-discovery and embracing one's true self. Through her poignant storytelling, Viola encourages readers to find themselves, to embrace their vulnerabilities, and to seek courage in the face of struggles. Her narrative sheds light on issues such as colorism, discrimination, poverty, and the impact of upbringing, inspiring readers to reflect on their own lives and the societal changes needed for a more compassionate world.
- #20
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion is a deeply personal memoir chronicling the author's experience with grief and mourning after the sudden death of her husband and the critical illness of her daughter. Didion's writing style is described as raw, honest, and poignant, capturing the profoundness of a lengthy marriage and the crippling grief of its unexpected end. The book delves into the stages of grief, offering insights and detailed analysis of the author's reactions, thoughts, and feelings as she navigates through loss and tries to come to terms with this life-altering event.
At times, the book reads like a shipwreck, mirroring Didion's state of mind during this period when she grapples with the possibility of her husband's return. The writing is elegant yet down to earth, with a sharply honed talent for language and a strict honesty that makes this memoir a treasure. Didion's ability to convey emotions surrounding loss and love is highlighted, as she weaves together memories, personal reflections, and literary allusions to create a contemplative collection of prose that delves into the depths of human experience.
Those were the first words I wrote after it happened. The computer dating on the Microsoft Word file (“Notes on change.doc”) reads “May 20, 2004, 11:11 p.m.,” but that would have been a case of my ope...