Hello Molly! by Molly Shannon and Sean Wilsey

When I was growing up my dad worked with a lot of comedians, but they were never allowed inside our house. My mother said they were too crazy, and too sad for our house. So instead they would call late at night on the house phone, to speak to my dad. He would punch up their jokes and counsel them, while I waited patiently for him to proofread my homework. This made me always think that funny people had sad stories inside of them. In her new memoir "Hello Molly!" Molly Shannon details how a tragic event in her childhood would not only bring sadness but later a resilient life in comedy as well. Best known for her role on "Saturday Night Live," and most recently "White Lotus," Shannon grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. At the age of 4, Shannon lost her mother, baby sister, and cousin in a car accident in which her father was driving. Molly, her sister Mary and her dad survived the crash in which he fell asleep at the wheel, after a day of drinking at a family celebration. She and her sister were then raised alone by their father, and haunted by the memory of the others they had lost. Improvisation and role playing quickly became a source of joy and comfort for young Molly. Despite the tragedy, Molly didn't hold any resentment against her father. As the only parent left, she loyally stuck by him and never lost touch as she moved to New York for college, and later to Hollywood to start her career. Frustrated by early rejections at auditions, Molly worked in restaurants while honing her comedy in clubs in Los Angeles. Shannon even used a fake name and pretended she worked for playwright David Mamet in order to get auditions. Ultimately it was Calvin Klein's daughter, Marci Klein, who saw the star potential in Shannon when she suggested she audition for SNL producer Lorne Michaels. "Hello Molly!" is rich read full of behind-the-scenes Hollywood and SNL stories. However, at the heart of the story is Shannon's ability to persevere and survive her own childhood. She is now happily married with two children, a boy and a girl. I listened to Shannon recently on a podcast promoting her book, and she is one tough and talented woman, both fierce on stage and off.  To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Left on Tenth: A Second Chance at Life by Delia Ephron

As a big fan of memoirs, I have spent years selecting and following my favorite non-fiction writers. And then they began to die. First there was Nora Ephron's death in 2012, then Maya Angelou’s passing in 2014, and most recently, we lost Joan Didion in 2021. Of course, I still have David Sedaris, but the man really cannot write more than one book a year, so I always find myself clamoring for more memoirists. I am thrilled to say I have found someone new, and she is alive. Her name is Delia Ephron, the younger sister of Nora, and her new book "Left on Tenth" is a page turner, and just the kind of book I love. Delia grew up, like Nora, Hallie and Amy, in a household with two screenwriters who told their daughters "everything is material," meaning anything that happens in this house is “fair game.” So, it is not surprising that Delia is a master storyteller, who has written such books as "Siracusa" and screenplays "You've Got Mail," and "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." This time Delia turns the pen upon herself and writes about the death of her beloved husband Jerry, and how she rebuilt her life after his passing. Connecting immediately with a man online named Peter, Delia feels an instant connection to him and finds a reason to live again. Dry, witty yet some how softer than Nora, Delia describes dating, friendships, and even fighting on the phone with Verizon’s support, like a real master. However, just as she is getting on her feet again and thriving in her relationship with Peter, she is diagnosed with leukemia. "Left on Tenth" describes her life after Jerry's death, her fight against her disease, and her dream of a future with the kind and nurturing Peter. I am the kind of person who does not find cancer books depressing. Rather, I find them life affirming, inspirational, and often a road map on how to live with or without a disease. I am a big fan of Delia Ephron’s, and her leukemia is now in remission. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making Of A Medical Examiner By Judy Melinek, MD, and T.J. Mitchell

On average, five times a week I go to hot yoga for both the challenge and also the people watching. There is this older, possibly retired woman who comes in pretty regularly, and she always stands close to the door. What is most fascinating about her is the towel: a medium blue colored beach towel with the words "San Mateo Coroner's Office" and the outline of a dead body. Where did this towel come from? Was it an office Christmas gift, and everyone got one? Was it a retirement present? A going away gift? Swag from a supplier? Is this woman a former medical examiner or not? I do not know, but this beach towel, along with coroners and dead bodies, is noteworthy. "Working Stiff: Two Years, 262 Bodies, and the Making Of A Medical Examiner" by Judy Melinek and T.J. Mitchell is a memoir not for the squeamish reader. Up-close and un-filtered, the book chronicles Melinek's rookie season as a forensic pathologist in New York City two months before the World Trade Center collapsed. Opting out of the sleep deprived nights training at a hospital, Melinek chose to train as a medical examiner because, with a young son at home, the hours were better. She entered the world of death investigation which includes accidents, suicides, murders and drug overdoses. She is faced with the challenge of going between the land of the dead, and the land of the living in which she must answer questions from the loved ones left behind. Melinek's own father committed suicide, so whenever she does an autopsy on a suicide victim, she is haunted by the memory of her father's own senseless death. Another heartbreaking part of the book is hearing her stories of identifying bodies following the September 11 terrorist attacks. She and other coroners were overwhelmed with bodies of civilians as well as police officers and firefighters. Clear and compassionate, I learned a lot about the human body from this book which is told in a very matter-of-fact manner. I also like people with quirky jobs and Melinek's line of work is certainly fascinating. It is not exactly like you see on television, but it certainly explains why there has been more than one TV series made about a medical examiner. The body is complex and this narrative provides a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the after-life of a corpse. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Renegades: Born in the USA by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen

Here's how you read a coffee table book. You put it on your breakfast table, or kitchen table, and you just leave it there. Then you read a few pages when you are having coffee in the morning. You read another few pages on Saturday morning when your husband is looking for his hiking boots before you go for a walk. And then you read another few pages as you are waiting for the oven to warm up to roast your vegetables for dinner. There are plenty of stolen moments throughout each day that can be used to read a coffee table book. "Renegades: Born in the USA" by Barack Obama and Bruce Springsteen is one of the more beautiful and fascinating books you can ever place on your kitchen or coffee table. The former president and rock-and-roll icon have been friends for years, and this book documents not only their friendship but also their careers and the history of our country. The lively exchange of ideas includes such topics as politics, music, race, family, marriage and parenting. The text is equally matched by rich documentation and wonderful photographs including Bruce with long hair in his early days with the E Street Band, and Barack in high school in Hawaii surrounded by men he is still friends with today. They reveal private family photos of their children, as well as Bruce's dressing room at "Springsteen on Broadway," and Barack's edits to his Selma Alabama speech (Note: He has very neat handwriting). The book is a companion piece to the 8-episode "Renegades" podcast available on Spotify. The book is smart, historical, intimate, revealing, entertaining and very honest, like the two friends themselves. Their conversations are definitely something not to be missed. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard

The other day I was sitting at Angelina's eating sandwiches outside with my friend Page and her son and daughter, and his girlfriend. As afternoon activities were discussed, her son and his girlfriend decided they were going to get their library cards. I wanted to stand up and do the dance of joy! In this uber high-tech world we are now living in, for two young people to actually find value in getting their library cards made me beyond happy. I then suggested that they download the Overdrive app and get free audio books from their library, too. One of the books they were interested in downloading was this one: "56 Days" by Catherine Ryan Howard. So, of course, I had to investigate this title as well. Set during Covid, this is a love-story-turned-murder thriller. Ciara and Oliver meet in the line at the supermarket in Dublin. After a planned movie date turns into a boozy date, they decide they really like each other. When the lock down occurs, Oliver spontaneously asks Ciara to move in with him. However, their Covid romance quickly turns problematic when they both seem to be hiding things from their past. Told in a non-linear manner, the novel moves back and forth through time, unraveling the mystery and the identity of the murdered subject. I found this audio book very exciting, and was thrilled to discover a new author who has written other books, too. So, try Catherine Ryan Howard out from your library, your local book store on here on Amazon.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

I see people reading this book all over town. If people haven't read it, they want to read it, and if they have read it they are loaning it to a friend. I love a book like that - one that spreads like wildfire. "One Italian Summer" by Rebecca Serle, is by the same author who wrote the best seller "In Five Years," which was published last spring. Without giving away too much of the plot, I will say both books share a certain theme of time travel which feels quite magical, rather than contrived. I don't really care much for fantasy books, but in the creative hands of author Serle, the plots come completely alive in the best way. "One Italian Summer" centers around Katy, whose mother, Carol, has unexpectedly died from cancer. Untethered from losing her mother and best friend, Katy sets off on a two-week trip to Positano, Italy. The trip is one she and her mother had hoped to share before she passed away, but time ran out.  Positano was the last place Carol visited before marrying Katy's father, and the city left a lasting impression on her. Traveling back to her mother's happy place forces Katy to take stock of her own marriage, career aspirations and desire to start a family. I went on a girls’ hiking trip to Positano in the fall of 2018, and I found that this book really captured the sound, smell and feel of the charming town along the Amalfi Coast. As Katy hikes along the Path of the Gods trail, I was taken back to what a very special part of the world it is. The novel's theme of travel being rejuvenating and restorative really impressed and resonated with me. My copy is now safely back at the library, waiting for the next special reader to choose it. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

This Will All Be Over Soon By Cecily Strong

Without a doubt, there is going to be a new genre of pandemic non-fiction books heading our way. One of my favorites, of course, was Amanda Kloots' heartbreaking story "Live Your Life" about the loss of her husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero. But now others are writing their reflections and memories of the early days of the pandemic, and I am finding these stories very therapeutic. As a world, we have seen incredible loss over the last two years, and to hear other people's tales of survival is fascinating. Cecily Strong, an uber-talented member of the "Saturday Night Live" cast recently published her own story, "This Will Be Over Soon: A Memoir." The book details her own journey during the pandemic from the star of the iconic Saturday night comedy showcase to her move to the woods in upstate New York with a group of quarantine friends. What is unique about this memoir is that while she was navigating the Covid pandemic, she also suffered through the loss of her cousin Owen, who passed away from glioblastoma at the age of 30. Her reflections on her childhood growing up with Owen are beautifully written, and she uses them as a roadmap on how to live out the rest of her life in his honor, not taking anything for granted. The books is divided into small chapters that read almost like diary entries, and are quite touching and intimate. I have met several comedians in my life and I think it is always interesting how they can be so funny on stage, and yet so very serious off stage. This Will All Be Over Soon" represents a time in history we will never forget, and Strong's memoir is one that should be ready by many for years to come as an example of what we all endured together. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

The Korean Vegan by Joanne Lee Molinaro

The other day I mentioned to my husband that I wanted to try this new restaurant in the Mission called Shizen Vegan Sushi Bar & Izakaya. He looked at me like I told him he could never eat a hamburger ever again. I countered by telling him this would simply be one dinner out, not a complete lifestyle change. But that just goes to show you that vegan cuisine still gets a very bad rap from notorious carnivores. I am here to tell you about a beautiful new book called "The Korean Vegan" by Joanne Lee Molinaro. Now if you have never seen any of Molinaro's videos, I suggest you stop and look her up on Youtube or Instagram. She is more than just a creative and exciting chef, she is also a master storyteller and performer. Whether she is talking about her Korean parents, her divorce, her new marriage, or her struggles with body image issues, her stories and the recipes she pares with them, are heartbreaking and heartwarming. The pictures of her family and the food in the book are gorgeous, far more impressive than the photos in any cookbook I have ever read. The Mung Bean Pancakes, Seaweed Sesame Bagels, Korean Style Omelets using JUST egg (which I love!) and the Angry Penne Pasta and Black Bean Pasta all look delicious, and possible to create even for an amateur chef. Except for some specialty items, most of the ingredients you can get at your local supermarket. Korean cooking, known for it fish sauce and grilled meats, takes on a new look and taste in the skillful hands of the soulful Molinaro. Follow her on Instagram @thekoreanvegan To buy this book on Amazon click here.

How Iceland Changed The World by Egill Bjarnason

My sister said the other day, "If I told your 17-year-old self that at 57 you would be kayaking on the edge of a glacier in Iceland you would not believe it." And that is true. At 17 years old, my princess self had more interest in buying expensive espadrilles and headbands than kayaking. But over time, our interests change and right now two of my passions are kayaking and Iceland. When Jeff and I went to visit Iceland in the summer of 2021, I had no idea I would fall in love with it. From the waterfalls and volcanoes, to the delicious sushi and warm people, it just felt like a magical place. I even fell in love with the popcorn at the N1 highway mini-mart. "How Iceland Changed the World," by Egill Bjarnason is a wonderful little book written by a local, that tells the history of the county. Iceland, a country that is 1000 times smaller than the United States, is quite a quirky and interesting country that, despite its small size, had managed to influence quite a few major events in the world.  This tiny little island in the middle of the Atlantic played a pivotal part in such events as the French Revolution, the Moon Landing and the formation of Israel. While this might seem like a natural fit for history buffs, I think it also make a nice book for anyone interested in traveling to Iceland. Of all the places I have been to in the world, Iceland is one of the few countries I would like to visit again. Jeff Morris please save the date: Meet you at the Retreat at the Blue Lagoon on August 6, 2026. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

Last year my mother and I published her book "One Way Ticket to L.A.: How a Nurse from L.A. Found Love in Hollywood." If you had told my fussy, 15-year-old self that I could write and publish a memoir with my mother, I would never have believed it. Mother-daughter relationships are tricky that way. They are not static but rather morph and evolve over time, into often something better than anyone could have imagined. This is the territory of Michelle Zauner's beautiful memoir "Crying in H Mart." Growing up with a Korean-American mother and a Jewish-American father in Eugene, Oregon, Zauner didn't know many other Asian families. She felt lonely and different, and this pain was made harder by her mother's high expectations. Her happiest memories were traveling to Seoul with her mother where they would stay in her grandmother's tiny apartment, and eat traditional Korean food. She felt safe and protected within the walls of her grandmother's apartment, away from the rest of the world. After moving to the East Coast for college, Zauner's identity as a woman and a child sadly start to unravel when, at the age of 25, her mother is diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. Trying on careers in both cuisine and music, she is not sure where her passions lie. She finds herself racing against the clock to connect with her mother, and learn as much as she can about her Korean heritage to inform her future. Food, motherhood, marriage, love and other themes are artfully explored in this book, which started as an essay in the "New Yorker." Now a successful singer-songwriter, currently with the indie rock band Japanese Breakfast, Zauner's poetic prose presents a moving view into the mother-daughter relationship. And my mom is pretty awesome, too. This year she is celebrating 50 years on the board of my elementary school, Oakwood. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Hooked by Sutton Foster

I am not much of a crafter but I developed one talent: needlepoint. When the lockdown first started in the spring of 2020, I immediately, almost intuitively, began needlepointing again, even though I had not picked up a needle in more than 20 years. I started needlepointing eye glass cases, and giving them to friends and family as birthday presents. There appears to be no stopping me now as I do one case after the other, trying to fit the pattern to match my recipient's personality. "Hooked: How Crafting Saved My Life" by stage and television actress Sutton Foster is a testament to the therapeutic power of crafting. The two-time Tony Award winner, and star of TV's "Younger," has written a memoir that details how her early love of doing craft projects has helped her navigate the tricky waters of childhood, adulthood, relationships and the highs and lows of show business. Cross stitch was her early passion but she later expanded her repertoire into crocheting, collages and drawing. Despite an agoraphobic mother, career rejections, a tough divorce and later infertility struggles, Foster said crafting kept her centered and focused. Known for such Broadway roles in "Thoroughly Modern Millie," "Anything Goes" and her current role opposite Hugh Jackman in "The Music Man," Foster is like a refreshing antidote to the reality television stars who do nothing but shop and eat salad. She actually makes things with her hands every day, and give them as presents to her co-workers and fans. "Hooked" is a delightful read and hopefully will inspire others to get hooked on crafting, too. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Unprotected by Billy Porter

I read a lot of memoirs, so my standards are high. I like a deep dive inside the mind of a person. Whether it is uplifting and inspirational, or tragic and heartbreaking, I want a story I cannot put down. I want it to be so memorable that if I ever saw the author, I would quickly identify myself as a forever fan! I realize this is one tall order to fill, but "Unprotected" by singer, actor, playwright and director, Billy Porter checks all of my required boxes in bold. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Porter had big dreams from the beginning, but those aspirations were never championed. In an attempt to "fix" Porter, he was bullied, sexually abused by his step-father and put down by his family and Pentecostal church. In the middle of this trauma, he saw singing and performing as his way out of the darkness. There is a moment in the book when he realizes that he has finally survived his childhood, and he can now get on with the rest of his life. He packs his bags for Carnegie Mellon University, ready to become a student of his craft. But that road into adulthood was not easy either. Even after he took his last Greyhound bus to New York City, rejection seemed to plague him, but never deter him. After small parts in a slew of Broadway musicals, he was waiting patiently for his lead role when he got the phone call. It was choreographer/director Jerry Mitchell with breaking news. Porter went to Jerry's apartment, where the door opened with two glasses of champagne. "It was always you," said Mitchell. Porter had won the part of Lola in "Kinky Boots," a role that would earn him the Tony award. Despite abuse, racism and rejection, Porter would ride his shining star into an award-winning career across all entertainment genres. "Unprotected" is a riveting read, and if I ever run into Porter, I will tell him how much I loved and admired his memoir.  To buy this book on Amazon click here.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

We call them Fogs, Friends of Garry - those people who worked with my dad on his movies - 18 films over the course of 34 years. My siblings and I would only see The Fogs when we visited our father on his movie sets. Since his death in 2016, I have started following many Fogs on social media. And instead of making me sad, it makes me happy to see the Fogs progressing their careers in film and television. When they start a new movie, play, or TV show, I get excited for them, and swell with my dad’s pride. Recently one of the Fogs went on vacation to Cabo, and she brought along this book, only to find one of her traveling companions brought along the same book. They posted pictures of their twin reads on Instagram. Of course, I immediately had to read the book, to see what all the excitement was about. "The Silent Patient" is the first novel by Alex Michaelides, who was born and raised in Cypress and now lives in England. Set in London, this thriller opens with Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, who literally shoots her fashion photograph husband, Gabriel, to death in their home late one night. Following the murder, she is sent to a diagnostics forensics unit called The Grove, to be observed by doctors. After the shooting Alicia stops speaking, and the doctors try to figure out the key to her silence. Enter Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, who has studied the murder and longed to work with Alicia. While he interviews her friends, and notices the increasing worth of her art, he starts to piece together what happened the night of the murder. Both suspenseful and compelling, "The Silent Patient" is a good beach read in Cabo or just a good winter read for March. The twists and turns to the truth are unbelievable. I look forward to more books by Michaelides, as well as the future adventures of all the Fogs. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah

My friend Leah and I were talking the other day on a walk, about how much we liked this book. And at the same time, we were wondering why some people disregard best-sellers like this as not worth reading. I think a well-read person should dive into a range of genres in order to experience the talents of as many different writers as possible. Kristin Hannah has written more than 20 novels, and I find her historical stories fascinating. She is best known for her international best seller "The Nightingale,” which focuses on two sisters during World War II. Her latest book, "The Four Winds,” follows a woman, Elsa Martinelli, and her two children as they struggle during the Dust Bowl era of the Great Depression. The year is 1934, and Elsa is raising her children in Texas, with her in-laws, in the heat of a drought. Abandoned by her young Italian husband and her own parents, and unable to farm the land, Elsa and her children decide to leave Texas. Together, without much money or experience, they make the pilgrimage to California to search for a better life. I have to say the Great Depression is not a time period I have read a lot about, and I found it very meaningful to learn of the struggles and the courage it took to survive. According to many book reviews, Hannah's details are quite accurate. The novel deals with such themes as classism, living wages, and the formation of unions organizing and strikes. In particular, the story-line of the union organizers feels riveting, and also appropriate for the times in which we are living. Hannah is a former lawyer-turned-writer who lives in the Pacific Northwest, and she is a prolific writer to follow. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

The Master: The Log and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer by Christopher Clarey

Sheryl, this one is for you. When I was a teenager, my parents made me play in a few USTA tournaments. I would make my mother sit in the car until I lost, and then I would run to my waiting getaway car. I hated the competition. I dreamed of hiking and doing yoga, where no one wins. As for tennis, I prefer to be a fan. My mom and I have now been to every Grand Slam, including Wimbledon three times. We have seen many players fantastic players over the years, and none perhaps, better than this elegant man, Roger Federer. "Master: The Long Run and Beautiful Game of Roger Federer" is a tribute to his game, and was written in collaboration with the champion, and long-time New York Times correspondent, Christopher Clarey. This reporter has been following Federer since his first started playing professionally. The book features a look inside Federer's early career, including his former coach, Australian Peter Carter, who died in a 2002 car accident while on his honeymoon in South Africa. Carter's death motivated Federer to exceed relentlessly. Another turning point was meeting fellow Swiss tennis player Mirka Vavrinec. The two first met at a tournament in Biel, Switzerland, and later at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. In 2002, she retired from tennis due to a foot injury, and later the pair married  in 2009. They are the parents of two sets of twins. What I enjoyed about this book was the rare chance to see Federer off the court, traveling with his family. Rather than feel overwhelmed, or held back by the responsibilities of traveling the world with small children, he finds that the presence of his kids relaxes him, and enhances his performance. After winning 20 Grand Slam tournaments, he appears to be both a master of the game, and a testament to the powers of dedication and dreaming. To buy this book on Amazon click here

The Maid by Nita Prose

First, there was the non-fiction book "Maid" by Stephanie Land, which was turned into the terrific Netflix series. Now there is a new maid in town: “The Maid,” a recently published fiction book written by first time novelist Nita Prose. This new book is a suspenseful and very charming mystery, featuring hotel maid Molly Grey, who works at the Regency Grand Hotel. Much like writer Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant, Grey is on the spectrum, often missing co-workers’ intentions and misfiring her own dialogue during most social interactions. And, like Oliphant, Grey is a refreshing and delightful modern-day heroine. At just 25-years-old, she finds herself mourning the death of her beloved grandmother, while also struggling to live on her own for the first time. Suddenly, she is thrown for a loop when, while cleaning a room, she finds the dead body of a wealthy, well-known businessman. Very proud and also clearly proficient at her job, at the Regency Grand, Grey is thrust into the spotlight when the police mistakenly identify her as a murder suspect. While keeping a cool head despite the pressure, Grey is able to put together an unlikely group of friends in order to solve the mystery, and prove her innocence. This is an excellent book for those who enjoy a good mystery, and also a perfect read for those who have not read a good mystery in awhile. Author Nita Prose is a Canadian-based long- time editor of best -selling authors. “The Maid” represents her own time to shine.  To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Taste: My Life Through Food By Stanley Tucci

A few years ago, when I was packing my suitcase for Rome, my friend Jennifer told me about the best place to go for Cacio e Pepe. She said, “Cross the bridge into the Trastevere neighborhood, walk toward this pink restaurant called Trattoria Da Augusto, order the Cacio e Pepe and you will be in heaven.” I did, and I was, and I still am just thinking about it. I love travel tips about food, wine and exploring, and one of most entertaining tour guides to be featured on CNN during this pandemic is the great Stanley Tucci. He is an actor but also a foodie who has one of the fastest metabolisms I have ever seen. His waist seems to get smaller the more pasta and bread he eats. Recently I read his book "Taste: My Life Through Food," a memoir about how his parents' love of Italian food inspired his own. His two previous books, "The Tucci Cookbook" and "The Tucci Table" offer the recipes, but this book also provides recipes and an array of colorful, quirky, Hollywood-insider stories behind them. Known for his work in "The Devil Wears Prada," “The Hunger Games,” "Julia & Julia" and "The Big Night," Tucci's love of food and cocktails has the rich, indulgent feeling of a bygone era. We also get to see the more intimate details of his life, such as his first wife's death from cancer, and his own battle with tongue cancer. Now married to Felicity Blunt (Emily Blunt's sister), Tucci has five children and loves nothing more than making a home cooked meal for them all to enjoy. Tucci is just another break-out Covid star, and I think he deserves every “like” and “heart” emoji right now. You can follow him on Instagram @stanleytucci.  To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Smile: The Story of a Face by Sarah Ruhl

My wise friend Sally told me about a poem called, “Welcome to Holland” by Emily Perl Kingsley, which describes what is it is like to give birth to a child with a disability. The poem depicts a parent feverishly packing for a big trip to Italy, gathering guidebooks, restaurant recommendations, maps and useful information.  And then, abruptly, the plane begins its final decent into Italy, until the stewardess says ,“Welcome to Holland!” Holland is beautiful, but the parent is unprepared for Holland. As mothers of children with disabilities, the poem has been a touchstone for us. I was reminded of the poem while reading Sarah Ruhl’s book “Smile: The Story of a Face.” Ruhl, a playwright, professor and essayist, had a play opening on Broadway, a loving doctor-husband and a little girl at home, when she gave birth to boy-girl twins. Following the births, Ruhl was shocked to discover half her face paralyzed. Once a stroke was ruled out, the cause was undeniable: Ruhl had developed Bell’s palsy, an unexplained episode of facial muscle weakness. Doctors and family were quick to comfort Ruhl by telling her 90 percent of cases improve quickly, and recover fully. However, Ruhl soon found herself in the opposite 10 percent after the first year, and the second year and on into the third year as well. She busily tried to distract herself with her family and work, but she remained haunted by her inanimate face. The memoir finds her struggling to reconcile her feelings of sadness and loss with also acceptance and hope. She searches for answers from acupuncturists, chiropractors and neurologists but comes up empty handed. She can still write her true feelings on paper, but her face can no longer fully express her immediate emotions, feelings and reactions. “Smile” chronicles Ruhl’s quest to adjust and adapt to a change in plans, and it is beautifully and courageously well written. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

How Y'All Doing by Leslie Joran

Finally, progress! Just shy of two years after my local library drastically cut its operating hours due to Covid, this week the library fully re-opened. I triumphantly went to the library right before they closed at 6:50 pm last night, just because I could, and it felt thrilling. We have to be able to access joy wherever we can get it right now. Aside from books, I have found great joy in growing lettuce on our deck, in making needlepoint eye-glass cases for friends and in the shining-light that is Leslie Alan Jordan. He burst on the scene in the spring of 2020 when he first joined Instagram, and became an overnight sensation. After just one viewing, I was hooked. I started to look forward to waking up each morning at 6 am and hearing him say, "Leslie Alan Jordan reporting for duty!" or his catch phrase, "How y’all doing fellow hunker downers?" His memoir “How Y’All Doing? Misadventures and Mischief from a Life Well Lived” was published in 2021 and chronicles his story as a little boy from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who grew up to be a writer, character actor and singer. He is best known for his roles in “Hearts Afire,” “Will and Grace,” and “American Horror Story.” When his father died in a plane crash when he was young, his mother Peggy Ann was left alone to raise Leslie and his twin sisters by herself. After moving to Los Angeles in 1982, he fell into an abyss of drugs and alcohol problems, which found him once sharing a jail cell with Robert Downy Jr. However, after he entered recovery, Jordon was able to build an exciting career for himself in Hollywood. This book includes some excellent Hollywood tales about celebrities like Carrie Fisher, and describes what it was like to be gay at the beginning of the AIDS crisis. There is something infectious about the joy of Leslie Jordan. I dare you to watch one of his videos on Instagram and not break out in a big smile. How Y’All doing? To buy this book on Amazon click here.

"Oh William!" by Elizabeth Strout

"Oh William!" is the third book written by Elizabeth Strout that features the character of Lucy Barton. Previously seen in the novels "I am Lucy Barton" and "Anything Is Possible," Barton is clearly a favorite of the author. Pulitzer Prize-winner Strout is perhaps best known for her two books featuring another fan favorite, Olive Kittredge. In this new book, Strout takes Lucy on a journey in which she re-kindles her friendship with her first husband, William, after her second husband has died.  Like her other books featuring Lucy, "Oh, William" centers around the themes of family, loss, relationships and disappointments. Strout is a sparse yet impactful writer who eschews flowery language, and instead empowers her characters with the ability to speak like humans actually speak. There are awkward pauses and uncomfortable silences just like in real life. This is not a fairy tale but rather a look back on the relationship Lucy had with William, and the two daughters they raised together. When William's third wife abruptly leaves him, he turns to Lucy for comfort. The two then travel platonically to Maine together to meet William's long lost half-sister. The trip brings up memories they shared together, both good and bad. Lucy reminisces that William was one of the few people who really could make her laugh, and it is only after divorcing him, that she has come to realize his importance in her life. In turn, Lucy seems like a true gift to William, supporting him when he has lost his way. As a divorced woman, I found the healing that time brought quite touching.  "Oh, William!" is another must read Strout book, and a book infused with the quirky characters who inhabit her special island of literary fiction. To buy this book on Amazon click here.