Books matching: memorable anecdotes
19 result(s)
'Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law' by Haben Girma is a remarkable journey of a tenacious, intelligent, and inspiring deafblind young woman. delves into Haben's life experiences, from her struggles and achievements to her advocacy for disability rights and inclusivity. Through vivid storytelling, Haben shares her experiences of overcoming obstacles, breaking down barriers, and making a positive impact on the world. The writing style is engaging, informative, and thought-provoking, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and the importance of accessibility and inclusion in society.
Two men in uniforms stand in the aisle of the plane, towering over Daddy. I watch from the seat next to him, straining to see the shadowy figures. Their curt tones trigger the sensation of mosquitos s...- #2
Save:Ruth Reichl's memoir of the decade she spent as editor of Gourmet magazine from 1999 to 2009 is engaging and well-written. She takes the reader on a journey through her experiences entering the world of Conde' Nast, sharing vivid descriptions of people, food, and the social interactions surrounding them. Throughout the book, Reichl intertwines her personal challenges, such as her mother's bipolar disorder and her own struggles with balancing motherhood and career, with the behind-the-scenes workings of the magazine industry, providing a peek into the captivating world of Gourmet and its impact on the culinary landscape.
I WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD when I first found the magazine, sitting on the dusty wooden floor of a used-book store. My father was a book designer who enjoyed the company of ancient volumes, and he often to... 'How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships' by Leil Lowndes is a comprehensive guide on improving interpersonal communication skills. It offers a collection of 92 communicative strategies that can be applied in various social interactions. The writing style is described as analytical, breaking down human behavior in a way that is easy to internalize. covers techniques for building relationships, engaging positively with others, and making better impressions.
Despite some readers finding the book slightly dated, it is praised for its useful tips and strategies that can help individuals become more mindful in their interactions. The author, Leil Lowndes, is known for her career in teaching communication skills for success, and in this book, she offers practical advice from first meetings to advanced techniques used by successful individuals. is noted for its easy-to-follow format, with memorable anecdotes and clever devices that provide quick and effective guidance for those looking to improve their communication skills.
The exact moment that two humans lay eyes on each other has awesome potency. The first sight of you is a brilliant holograph. It burns its way into your new acquaintances eyes and can stay emblazoned ...- #4
Save:'Naked' by David Sedaris is a collection of personal stories and essays that offer a humorous and insightful look into the author's life. Sedaris shares various anecdotes from his past, ranging from his family dynamics, early jobs, and experiences at a nudist camp. The writing style is described as witty, dark, and poignant, with a blend of humor and raw emotion that keeps readers entertained and engaged throughout the book.
The essays in 'Naked' explore the absurdities of modern life through Sedaris' unique perspective, creating a portrait of a world that is both familiar and bizarre. From his struggles with obsessive behavior to his reflections on family, friendship, and personal growth, the book takes readers on a journey through Sedaris' life, filled with laughter, introspection, and memorable moments that leave a lasting impact.
I'm thinking of asking the servants to wax my change before placing it in the Chinese tank I keep on my dresser. It's important to have clean money — not new, but well maintained. That's one of the te... - #5
Save:"Going Solo" by Roald Dahl is a memoir that picks up where the first volume left off, following Dahl's life as a young adult working in Africa and later as a fighter pilot in World War II. The writing style is described as compelling, full of suspense and drama, yet written with a light touch, making it a true pleasure to read. Readers get to experience Dahl's adventures in Africa, his time in the RAF, and his encounters with danger and survival, all narrated with Dahl's acute observation and absurdist humor.
It would seem that when the British live for years in a foul and sweaty climate among foreign people they maintain their sanity by allowing themselves to go slightly dotty. They cultivate bizarre habi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Roald Dahl's Autobiography ) - #6
Save:'Fillets of Plaice' by Gerald Durrell is a collection of five short stories that offer vivid and humorous insights into the author's life experiences. The book is filled with colorful descriptions of his surroundings, animals, and the people he encountered, showcasing Durrell's keen observations and witty storytelling. From childhood mishaps on Corfu to adult adventures in Africa, each story presents a unique and entertaining glimpse into Durrell's world, blending humor with poignant moments.
The writing style of 'Fillets of Plaice' captures the charm and quirkiness that Durrell is known for, making the stories easy and pleasant to read. With a delightful authorial voice, Durrell skillfully weaves together tales that range from funny anecdotes to insightful reflections, offering a mix of entertainment and depth that keeps readers engaged throughout the book.
(Also, see 32 recommendations for the series Gerald Durrell Autobriographical ) - #7
Save:'Don't Sleep, There are Snakes: Life and Language in the Amazonian Jungle' by Daniel L. Everett is a captivating exploration of the author's experiences living with the Pirah tribe in the Amazon. The book delves into the unique language and culture of the tribe, challenging conventional beliefs in linguistics and anthropology. Everett's writing style weaves together anecdotes of his time in the jungle, providing a window into the fascinating world of the Pirah people while keeping the narrative engaging and humorous.
The book highlights Everett's journey from a missionary to an atheist as he grapples with the tribe's language, culture, and his own beliefs. Through vivid descriptions and personal reflections, the author challenges established theories about language and culture, particularly those of Chomsky, while shedding light on the resilience and contentment of the Pirah tribe in the face of modern influences. The narrative unfolds with a mix of anthropological insights, linguistic revelations, and personal introspection, making it a thought-provoking and enlightening read.
It was a bright Brazilian morning on December 10, 1977, and we were waiting to take off in a six-passenger plane provided by my missionary agency, the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL). The pilot,... 'Americana: A 400-Year History of American Capitalism' by Bhu Srinivasan is a comprehensive exploration of the economic history of the United States, covering various industries and pivotal moments from the colonial era to modern times. The author's writing style is engaging and informative, presenting historical facts in a new light and weaving together stories of entrepreneurs, industries, and economic developments that shaped America's capitalist landscape.
Lost in the American mythology of the Mayflower is a central question: How did a group of disenfranchised religious separatists finance a large ship, pay an experienced crew, and provision for a year’...- #9
Save:Michael Pollan's "Second Nature" is a collection of philosophical reflections on gardens, life, nature, and the human relationship with the environment. The book delves into Pollan's personal experiences with gardening, exploring the role of the gardener in manipulating nature for his own purposes. Through autobiographical anecdotes and seasonal themes, Pollan examines the cultural, historical, and philosophical aspects of gardening, touching upon topics such as the American approach to lawns, the debate over shaping nature, and the metaphor of the garden versus wilderness.
My first garden was a place no grown-up ever knew about, even though it was in the backyard of a quarter-acre suburban plot. Behind our house in Farmingdale, on Long Island, stood a rough hedge of lil... 'Riding Rockets: The Outrageous Tales of a Space Shuttle Astronaut' by Mike Mullane is a gripping memoir that offers a unique perspective on the Space Shuttle era. Mullane's writing style is described as candid, enlightening, and almost immersive, providing readers with a firsthand insight into the challenges and excitement of space flight. The book delves into the fateful uncertainty of the Space Shuttle program, highlighting both the glory and folly of this remarkable era in human exploration. Mullane's storytelling reads like a novel, captivating readers with his emotional depth and wittily told anecdotes about his experiences as part of the 1978 class of astronauts.
Mullane's book not only provides a detailed account of his journey as an astronaut but also touches on important themes such as family impact, dreams, and the reality of space exploration. The narrative is filled with humor, inspiration, and a wealth of background information for space enthusiasts, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the space program and the extraordinary individuals who were part of it.
I was naked, lying on my side on a table in the NASA Flight Medicine Clinic bathroom, probing at my rear end with the nozzle of an enema.Welcome to the astronaut selection process, I thought. It was ...
