Books matching: personal challenges
100 result(s)
- #1
French Revolutions by Tim Moore is a humorous and entertaining account of the author's attempt to cycle the route of the Tour de France, despite his lack of experience and fitness. Moore's writing style is described as unique, hilarious, and at times hard to follow due to esoteric references and British cultural humor. The book combines anecdotes about the Tour and its riders with Moore's own journey, showcasing his self-deprecating humor and wry observations. The narrative follows Moore's transformation from a novice cyclist to someone who takes on the challenge of the Tour de France route, complete with occasional cheating and a lot of pain and suffering.
It’s never wise to phone a Frenchwoman more than once in any given fortnight, even if – or perhaps especially if – she happens to work on a help desk. Asking the Tour de France press office for detail... - #2
'The Journal of Best Practices' by David Finch is a memoir that chronicles the author's journey to improve his marriage while dealing with Asperger Syndrome. The author shares his struggles, realizations, and epiphanies as he navigates the complexities of relationships, empathy, and understanding his wife's perspective. Through humor and honesty, Finch offers insights into living with Asperger's and the challenges of communication and emotional connection.
The question may be valid, but validity doesn’t relieve the sting of indictment. It’s a question that implies two things. Namely, that I am the walking manifestation of circus music, and while I may b... - #3
'Mercury in Retrograde' by Paula Froelich is a light and fun read set in New York City, following the lives of three young women who come together after facing upheavals in their lives. The book explores their journeys of personal growth, friendship, and overcoming challenges in a humorous and entertaining way. The writing style is fresh, original, and filled with witty dialogue, providing a glimpse into the New York social scene, fashion industry, and the ups and downs of relationships and work life.
By noon, as Penelope was desperately trying to get back to the Telegraph on West Fifty-seventh Street and Dana was trying not to dissolve into a hysterical mess at work, Lipstick was safely ensconced ... - #4Kookby:
Peter Heller's 'Kook' follows his midlife obsession with learning to surf, taking readers on a journey to Mexico where most of the story unfolds. The book is filled with rich descriptions of the surfing experience, the topography, and the people of Mexico. Heller's writing style captures the essence of the surfing community, blending environmental concerns with personal growth and challenges. The memoir delves into themes of mastering a new skill, reflecting on relationships, and the impact of pursuing one's passion later in life.
'The Noticer' by Andy Andrews is a heartwarming story that revolves around an old man named Jones who has insightful conversations with various individuals in a small Gulf coast town, helping them gain a new perspective on their life challenges. Through Jones' wisdom and guidance, the characters in the book learn to view obstacles and challenges in a different light, ultimately leading them to a path of self-discovery and personal growth. is written in an emotive and thought-provoking style, making it a compelling read that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
HIS NAME WAS JONES. AT LEAST, THAT'S WHAT I CALLED him. Not Mr. Jones … just Jones. He called me “young man” or “son.” And I rarely heard him call anyone else by name either. It was always young man o...- #6
'The Rider' by Tim Krabbe is a unique and compelling narrative that delves into the world of competitive cycling. The book follows an amateur rider through a 150-kilometer race, providing insights into the mental and physical challenges faced during such events. Through flashbacks and introspective musings, the author captures the essence of the race, the psychology of the athlete, and the historical context of cycling. The writing style, with its short sentences and jumps in time, allows readers to immerse themselves in the mind of the rider, experiencing the highs and lows of the race.
Meyrueis, Lozerèf June 26, 1977. Hot and overcast. I take my gear out of the car and put my bike together. Tourists and locals are watching from sidewalk cafes.Non-racers. The emptiness of those lives... - #7
'The Secrets of a Fire King' by Kim Edwards is a collection of beautifully written short stories with odd, poignant twists that keep readers engaged. The stories explore themes of human foibles, disenchantment, and entrenched cultural traditions, richly flavored by the author's experiences teaching in Asia. From tales about a cross-racial marriage and unbreakable bonds of love to haunting and clever stories of colonial women and acrobats, each story offers unique insights into the human experience. The plots are straightforward yet compelling, with actual PLOTS that are not difficult to read, making this collection a delightful and thought-provoking read.
MY FATHER WAS A MAN WHO BELIEVED HISTORY REPEATED itself. Not in the large ways, of nations and of wars, but in the smaller ways of families. He was a religious man, and he believed that the patterns ... - #8
'The Last Man on the Moon' by Eugene Cernan and Donald A. Davis is a captivating autobiography that delves into the life of astronaut Eugene Cernan, providing insights into his early years, naval service, and his experiences working at NASA. The book chronicles Cernan's journey from being a Naval Aviator to becoming an astronaut, detailing his missions on Gemini and Apollo flights, including his spacewalk and the Apollo 17 lunar mission. Through Cernan's own words, readers are taken on a thrilling adventure, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and personal sacrifices that come with space exploration, all while gaining a deeper understanding of the Apollo program and its impact on humanity.
- #9
'Writing the Rules' in the series 'The Dating Playbook' by Mariah Dietz follows the story of Paxton and Poppy, two characters who have known each other for years. As they navigate through fake dating, lies, and past relationships, their friendship evolves into a deeper connection filled with sweet and steamy chemistry. The book delves into themes of honesty, friendship, and the journey from fake to real relationships, all set against the backdrop of a college football environment.
(Also, see 8 recommendations for the series The Dating Playbook ) - #10
Readers found "My Life" by Bill Clinton to be a comprehensive autobiography that delves into the life and experiences of the former President. The book chronicles Clinton's journey from his early struggles and hardships to his rise as a beloved and admired leader on the world stage. Through personal anecdotes and political insights, Clinton provides a firsthand account of his life, showcasing his passion for making a difference and his strategic approach to navigating the complexities of politics.
W hen I was a young man just out of law school and eager to get on with my life, on a whim I briefly put aside my reading preference for fiction and history and bought one of those how-to books: How t...