Stand-Up British Comedian, Michael Mcintyre pulls no punches in his entertaining, honest, upfront memoir of his early years and subsequent rise to famStand-Up British Comedian, Michael Mcintyre pulls no punches in his entertaining, honest, upfront memoir of his early years and subsequent rise to fame. I wasn't rolling around the floor with laughter, tears streaming down my face, like I do when watching him perform live on stage. Don't get me wrong, there were still plenty of laughs and humour, but they were mixed with some serious, emotional, life-altering moments, and it was refreshing to see that side of him....more
Engaging, interesting, honest, and raw! Andrea Barber's autobiography contains so much depth and heart.
For those who aren't aware, Andrea Barber is thEngaging, interesting, honest, and raw! Andrea Barber's autobiography contains so much depth and heart.
For those who aren't aware, Andrea Barber is the child actor who graced our screens in the 1980’s and 1990’s, first as Carrie Brady on Days of Our Lives, and then, playing the character she's most known for – Kimmy Gibbler of Full House fame. In 2015, after a whopping twenty years away from Hollywood, she returned to acting, to reprise her role as Kimmy in the Netflix reboot, Fuller House.
I was thrilled to learn more about Andrea Barber. The intervening years between Full House and Fuller House were of particular interest. Back in 2008, after re-watching all the seasons of Full House, I looked her up, and as I recall, could barely find out a thing. And there are reasons for that, but you'll have to read the book to find out why.
Andrea's openness when discussing her own struggles with anxiety and post-partum depression, and how terrified and isolated she felt, is brave and inspirational. She also talks extensively about how she eventually reached out for help, and discusses her treatment and the things she has changed and implemented to minimize the effects. Her willingness to share intimate details regarding her private personal life in order to facilitate others recovery is about as selfless as you can get.
During the course of the book she never betrays any confidences, or bags anybody, and I very much admire her discretion. I also respect how humble and grounded she comes across as – how grateful and appreciative she is for all the opportunities and privileges she received early on.
As much as I would have loved to see Andrea take on other characters in TV shows and movies from the 90’s onwards, I am glad she had the opportunity to achieve and accomplish so many other things completely free of Hollywood – college, travel, career goals outside of the industry, marriage, and children.
I understand that she is only acting, but am still astounded over how different Andrea is from Kimmy Gibbler, yet her portrayal of her onscreen is utterly believable.
A quick, well-organised, easy read. I enjoyed reading this immensely. Now I'm an even more devoted fan....more
I was amazed how much I actually knew about Demi Moore as I don't consider myself someone who follows private lives of celebrities in general. Guess II was amazed how much I actually knew about Demi Moore as I don't consider myself someone who follows private lives of celebrities in general. Guess I would’ve had to have been living under a rock to avoid the media circus that followed this talented, famous movie actress everywhere she went, reporting on her every move.
Demi's memoir was articulate, unputdownable, engaging, honest, and emotional. Even though I haven't experienced most of what she's been through, I could completely relate and empathise with her feelings, and found myself nodding in agreement and murmuring under my breath, marvelling over the actress’s ability to express her thoughts so well. Demi both owned and took responsibility for her mistakes, but never placed the blame squarely on her shoulders, because as the saying goes, ‘It Takes Two to Tango’.
The 256 page book was written chronologically, and broken up into three parts: Survival – early years, Success – rise to fame, her marriage to Bruce Willis, and birth of their three daughters, and Surrender – her marriage to Ashton Kutcher, and subsequent breakdown when their relationship ended. Demi was extremely forthcoming and brave when it came to sharing intimate details of her life – abuse, rape, addiction, eating disorder, depression, infertility issues, and miscarriage. Tough and heartbreaking to absorb how much she went through.
What struck me the most was how traumatic her childhood was. I had no idea she’d been forced to leave home at just sixteen. Around the time a heavily pregnant Demi featured on the cover of Vanity Fair, I do recall reading that her mother was difficult and fame hungry, but didn't realise she'd had such a hard time growing up. I have so much admiration for the level of forgiveness and acceptance Demi has shown, and honestly don't know if I would be able to do the same in her situation. But, I 100% agree with her – bitterness and resentment are unhealthy emotions.
On the lighter side, I loved hearing little tidbits from the movies she worked on, and other famous celebrities she worked with. I purchased a copy of the book, but ended up listening to the entire thing via the Libby app (read by Demi) and it was an amazing experience!
Demi's story is one I recommend to all. Huge thank you to her for writing and sharing her heartfelt journey. Long may she continue to find happiness, peace, and acceptance of the things she cannot change, because she deserves it. I wish her the best.
Now I really want to watch Ghost, and About Last Night again....more
Animal lovers, sit up and take notice! I've got just the book for you! And it's a true story.
Meet Molly, a lovable, spirited, talented, cocker spanielAnimal lovers, sit up and take notice! I've got just the book for you! And it's a true story.
Meet Molly, a lovable, spirited, talented, cocker spaniel.
Now, may I introduce you to Colin Butcher, Molly's owner, a true hero, and inspiration.
In 2005, Colin formed the United Kingdom Pet Detective Agency (UKPD), and in 2016, Molly joined the team as his partner, and together they solve crimes. Yes, you read that correctly.
‘I think of Molly as the Watson to my Sherlock, and the Lewis to my Morse.’
Their mission, to locate and rescue missing and stolen animals, with a specific focus on Molly sniffing out lost cats. They are a godsend to heartbroken pet owners everywhere.
Delightful, adorable, enjoyable and informative. I smiled, I laughed, I cried. There were moments of heartbreak. It was harrowing reading about animals in jeopardy – injured, mistreated and abused, and not all the searches had a happy ending. For the most part though, Molly’s journey was uplifting and remarkable. She's also extra special, because she was a rescue dog. The intensive six month scent-match training programme Molly underwent made for interesting reading, and I am in awe over the amazing team at Medical Detection Dogs, and their massive commitment to Molly's success.
Colin's love for all creatures great and small shone through on every page. His background in the Royal Navy and as a DI in the Surrey Police Force gave him the necessary skills and experience to not only set up and operate a Pet Detective Agency, but also taught him how to deal with traumatised and distressed individuals. Knowledge he applies when faced with distraught families, whose beloved pet has gone missing.
Molly & Me was a book with so much heart, and an absolute pleasure to read....more
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