No Crying in Baseball by Erin Carlson

The movie "A League of Their Own" was released in 2008, and is today the highest grossing baseball movie of all time. I had somewhat of an insider's view of the movie, since my aunt Penny directed the film, and my two cousins, sister and father appeared in the movie. When I heard my sister was interviewed for this book, I asked her "Is it any good?" And she said "Riveting." So, I said "Hand it over." And I began to read about the making of the movie shot in Chicago and Evansville, Indiana. The details are fascinating. Penny liked to sip sake after work, while Madonna asked for Evian in glass bottles, not plastic ones. Geena Davis replaced Debra Winger, who got paid $3 million not to do the movie. Apparently she did not approve of the casting of Madonna. Lori Petty, who played Dottie's sister, worried she would be fired because she looked like Winger and not Davis, but they had no intention of firing her. The cast and crew hung out at a gay/drag bar in their off hours and danced the night away. Rosie O'Donell and Madonna became fast friends, as they were both named after their mothers who died young of breast cancer. Penny shot so much film, nearly 12,000 feet a day, that Kodak came to the set and threw her a party with lobster. If you are a fan of "A League of Their Own," or just like a revealing and well-researched book about a classic movie, this is the book for you. Well done @erinleighcarlson. Always love seeing Pop playing candy mogul Walter Harvey. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Every Family Has a Story by Julia Samuel

My friend Noelle now lives in London, and we try to talk on What's App every other Wednesday. One day she recommended this book, "Every Family Has a Story" by Julia Samuel. A bestselling psychotherapist in London, Samuel shares eight case studies of multi-generational families she has worked with over the years in her practice. What makes her therapy so fascinating is that she doesn't just meet with the family members individually. On the contrary, she brings them all together into group sessions, to try to teach them how to work together. The work is uncomfortable and messy for almost everyone involved. The issues in these families range from suicide and alcoholism, to same-sex couple adoption, to questions of paternity. What becomes quickly apparent is that family members often put up big road blocks to prevent them from working out their issues. Samuel  teaches them how to untangle their own wicked webs. She encourages open communication, setting boundaries, allocating time for fun, allowing change, and turning habits into rituals. I've never met a family who didn't have an issue, but after reading this book I came away with a new appreciation for how to bring about change. An excellent read for anyone interested in cracking a complex family issue or just a good read and glimpse into families trying to get along better. To buy this book on Amazon click here.

Chinese Groove: A Novel by Kathryn Ma

When I first moved to San Francisco from Chicago in the summer of 1989, everyone I met was not from the Bay Area. For years, out of all the people I met, only my friends Jay and Sally grew up in San Francisco and attended high school here. So for me, San Francisco was a town that welcomed immigrants. It wasn't always easy to make friends here, but once you made one it was a friend for life. "The Chinese Groove" by Kathryn Ma is the story of an 18-year-old immigrant boy named Shelley who moved to San Francisco from China, with big dreams. After his mother died, his grieving father helped Shelley raise enough money for a plane ticket to California. With the knowledge he had distant family in San Francisco, Shelley thought they would welcome him into their homes. Despite not having a job, and coming from a family with little clout, Shelly was optimistic because he believed he had the "Chinese Groove," a special and magical bond with his ancestors. This is a quirky book with an infectious plot, all set in our 7-miles-by-7 miles town. San Francisco might be small, but we are full of personal stories, and Shelley's is a winner. Thank you, native Sally, for this recommendation. So glad we still live in the 94118. To buy this book on Amazon click here.