Tag Archives: Family

Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me
Author: Whoopi Goldberg
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Celebrity, Family, Memoirs
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2024

Thoughts

Bits and Pieces is one of the most beautiful literary love letters that I’ve read in a long while. Whoopi Goldberg’s love for her mother and brother just leaps off of the pages with every single word. I mean, I picked this up because I wanted to learn more about Whoopi, someone I grew up watching and was definitely a household name. And it was a really interesting biography, but what I found the most intriguing and amazing was the fact that everything comes back to her mum. We are shaped by our families, and this connection is absolutely clear in the way that Goldberg is able to write about it.

I’m not going to lie, as someone who has recently lost her dad, there were parts of this that I found a little difficult – I mean, this is literally a biography that centres around a beloved parent, and I’d just lost mine. However, I did find that the final chapter of Bits and Pieces was actually really helpful. I love the way in which Goldberg is able to deal with loss and death with compassion and kindness. Honestly, when I started this final chapter I was kind of filled with trepidation, but I actually found it really supportive and helpful.

Although I grew up knowing Whoopi’s name, voice and face, I didn’t really know much about her early career. Mostly because I just wasn’t alive at this point. It was absolutely fascinating and introduced me to another side of Hollywood that I hadn’t quite anticipated. I really enjoyed learning more and finding out how she rose to fame. I didn’t even know that Goldberg was a mum, so the idea of embracing your fame and chance, whilst also trying to single parent was pretty intense.

Whoopi Goldberg is wonderfully honest about the challenges of juggling motherhood and a career. Not only in her own life, but the empathy she feels towards her mum in her own challenges. I particularly found her compassion for Emma (her mother’s) breakdown and how she was committed to hospital against her will. I just can’t even imagine the fear and uncertainty that the whole family experienced and how strong these women were to pick themselves up from such an upheaval and move forward in their lives.

I knew that I liked pretty much everything that I had seen with Whoopi Goldberg in it, but I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy her biography anywhere near so much. I absolutely demolished this in a really short period of time and I was really disappointed when it finished. This is definitely parts of a fascinating story and a life well-lived so far, and I’m disappointed that there wasn’t more to digest!

<- The GapWe Wish To Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families ->

Image source: Target

Elvenbrood by Tanith Lee

Book Review, , , , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Elvenbrood
Author: Tanith Lee
In: The Faery Reel (Ellen Datlow & Terri Windling)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Family, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2004

Thoughts

Elvenbrood is a short story that is all about the fae and the deals that they make. I mean, in none of the literature have I ever read a story that makes me think, “hmmm, making deals with the fae is a good idea”. Lee is able to expand on this and drive home the many, many ways in which this isn’t the best idea around. And just why it might be a better idea to just… steer clear. Yet, with the deals being made and the horrors of this being unleashed, there are still surprising twists and turns that I just didn’t see coming.

There is a lot of darkness to the fae, and I love that this story carries that tone and feeling throughout. Plus, Jack is a brother who will do anything for his sister, even brave the darker moments of the fae. I love that, while this is a somewhat dark short story, it also has a lot of light and hopefulness to it, primarily in Jack’s love for his sister and his ability to fight for both her and his mother. Plus, the villain isn’t quite who you think it is, and the ending makes you grateful for loyalty and love.

Like all of the other Tanith Lee short stories I’ve read, I absolutely adored this one. I loved the darkness and the twists, brilliantly countered by the light and love Jack shows for his family. This story was seriously enjoyable and I will most definitely read more of her works in the future!

<- CatnypYour Garnet Eyes ->

Image source: Amazon

Side Work by Sara Farizan

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Side Work
Author: Sara Farizan
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food, LGBTQI
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

One of my favourite things to experience in short stories is the suspense of knowledge. I love spending an entire story trying to figure out what happened to have the characters end up where they are. In the case of Side Work, I spent the entirety of the story wondering what it was that the narrator actually did to warrant her exile and silence from her family.

There were so many tangled threads throughout this short story. Honestly, a surprising number considering the length of the actual story. I love that the drama from the past is all twisted up with self-confidence, discovering who you are and sexuality. You know, the dramas and themes that we all have to come to terms with in our teens and figure out as we grow. This was just a bit of a harsher learning curve than some.

Although there is much pain and silent suffering throughout this story, I love that it all, ultimately ends with the beginnings of a happily ever after. I mean, the protagonist is still young, so there’s probably going to be more suffering in the future. But, there is so much hope and optimism for becoming someone you want to be. Plus, she is able to find forgiveness for her past, and find a way to reconcile with her father. A happy ending if I ever did read one.

<- A Bountiful FilmPanaderia ~ Pasteleria ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Monster Game by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Monster Game
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Historical fiction
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

Family is always a tricky thing to experience, describe and write about. Often, it is the thing that most destroys us, but also holds us together. This short story was a reminder of all of that darkness, a family trying to survive throughout war. But falling apart as they try to stay together. It honestly hurt my heart to read this tale. But also reminded me to cherish the family I have and the good memories.

There was a dark foreshadowing in the tone of this story from the very beginning. It was pretty obvious from the beginning that there wasn’t going to be a happy ending for these siblings. Plus, that kind of follows the tone of most of the stories in Green Monkey Dreams… there’s a layer of darkness that I haven’t focused in on in a while.

We all play games as children, and sometimes we remember the most random aspects of these games. Yet, sometimes these games and moments of perceived joy hid a greater, and much darker truth. In this case, the ways in which we hide from the truth and try to protect each other…

<- The Lemming FactorCorfu ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

The Missing Ingredient by Rebecca Roanhorse

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Missing Ingredient
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Family, Food, Horror
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I knew from fairly on that the missing ingredient in the mother’s food was going to be heart. I mean, good food always comes from the heart. But, what I really, really didn’t expect was how this story was going to end. That was just disturbed and uncomfortable.

This short story was a whole lot darker than any of the stories in the Hungry Hearts collection so far. And it actually broke my heart a little. I mean, there was dealing with death and the loss of a father. But then the mother-daughter relationship was so completely broken too. And by the end, it was even more disturbingly broken.

The Missing Ingredient was such an amazing story – I honestly need a whole lot more Roanhorse in my life. There is something really intense and wonderful about her words, and I look forward to reading more of her stories in the future.

<- Gimme Some SugarHearts a la Carte ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Slender One by Caroline Tung Richmond

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: The Slender One
Author: Caroline Tung Richmond
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that throughout this short story, Charlie is trying to figure out how his school and personal life fit together. He also has the added challenges of racism to contend with and people’s assumptions. And there’s a bit of a paranormal aspect that he also has to figure out how to balance.

In his journey to figure out how to move in the world, I love that Charlie’s attention switches from racist Helen to lovely Andie. I also love that Andie is not only interested in engaging with his family and culture, but also that she just jumps onboard the supernatural train and tries to help him.

The Slender One is not just about growing up and figuring out your own identity, there is also the spirits of the departed an dhow they try to move on to the next life. I love that in this it’s food which is a vessel for comfort and happiness. And using this, those who have left this world with unfinished business are able to move on.

<- Moments to ReturnGimme Some Sugar ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Lemming Factor by Isobelle Carmody

Book Review, , ,
Overview
Image result for green monkey dreams isobelle carmody book cover

Title: The Lemming Factor
Author: Isobelle Carmody
In: Green Monkey Dreams (Isobelle Carmody)
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Family, Retellings
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 1996

Thoughts

Something about this short story made it feel like everyone was just… charging towards their death. Which kind of makes sense, since its a story called The Lemming Factor. And even, with the uncertain ending to this, I still felt like the majority had literally been running towards their death.

The Lemming highlights how damaging it can be to only look out for yourself. And how the great importance of loyalty and family is what often carries us through. I love that one of those who was thought to be the ‘winners’ of the race, was more focused on their family.

I felt like there were so many meanings to this story. And many possible interpretations. But, even if you’re not trying to unravel the hidden meanings, the very simple act of running after the pied piper provided and entertaining read.

<- The BeastThe Monster Game ->

Image source: Allen & Unwin

Gimme Some Sugar by Jay Coles

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Gimme Some Sugar
Author: Jay Coles
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

I love that this short story is all about soul food made from the soul. It’s also about family and love. And the ways in which food reminds us of who we are. Leo’s love for his family and the catharsis of cooking his love for them is beautiful and drew me in from the very beginning.

Even though this story focuses on a cooking competition, I wasn’t’ convinced that Leo would actually win in the end. It was fun spending the whole time trying to figure out if Leo’s food would actually win the day, or if he would just find a way to be closer to his mother and grandma.

Although this was a fairly simple and enjoyable story, I also enjoyed the fact that there was a little commentary about the cost of life and medical care in the US. It hit a little close to home as I currently have a parent fighting cancer, but, unlike in the US, I live in a country that makes it a lot more affordable to live.

The Hungry Heart Row cooking competition, quite honestly, just sounds delicious. And it definitely made me salivate while I read this.

<- The Slender OneThe Missing Ingredient ->

Image source: Goodreads

Bad Bridesmaid by Portia MacIntosh

Book Review, , ,
Overview

Title: Bad Bridesmaid
Author: Portia MacIntosh
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

Thoughts

The reason I marked this kind of low in the star factor is that, even though I enjoyed this story, I had some serious issues with some of the family dynamics throughout. I mean, it’s obvious that MacIntosh wants to create a story about a dysfunctional family. But what she created wasn’t dysfunctional. It was downright abusive. And honestly, the bit that made me drastically rate down a book that I otherwise enjoyed was that I was seriously pissed off that in the end, everything was forgiven. There was a lot that shouldn’t have been forgiven.

Mia, as the lead, is kind of sympathetic in the fact that, like I said, her family is filled with arseholes. But, that excuse kind of gets a bit old. I mean, aspects of her personality are sympathetic, but I also found her really whiney and kind of boring at times. There was so much potential for growth in her, and I loved that for the first half. But then, she didn’t really have all that much growth. I did love her she floundered from one epic fail to the other though. It was kind of hilarious if I’m being honest.

Then there was Leo. He was actually kind of sweet, and a lot of what I’m generally looking for in a lead male of a good romance. But, again, there were a few issues. He spends the whole time telling Mia that he doesn’t want a relationship, and just wants a good romp in the sheets. But, it’s obvious from the very beginning that he does want a relationship. And then, he actually admits that that’s what he wants. It’s a little bit, annoyingly deceitful. And yet, like with Mia, I still actually liked him.

So there were a lot of serious issues with this story which would normally lead me to DNF this book. Yet, I actually really enjoyed it. There is something very talented about MacIntosh and how beautifully she is able to craft her stories. It turns something that has points to rant and rave about into a story that I would still read again in the future.

<- The Accidental HoneymoonBetter Off Wed ->

Image source: Amazon

Sugar and Spite by Rin Chupeco

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sugar and Spite
Author: Rin Chupeco
In: Hungry Hearts (Caroline Tung Richmond & Elsie Chapman)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Family, Food
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Year: 2019

Thoughts

There is something about the idea of magic being tied up in cooking that I’ve always enjoyed. I mean, cooking is, for me, an act of love and giving, and magic is much the same thing (if you’re looking at white magic that is). Which meant that I was already predisposed to enjoy this story from the very beginning. The fact that it explored another culture was just another moment of joy for me. And nailed that final feeling of joy into my happy, little coffin.

I love that the Lolas in this spend a lot of time subtly trying to teach the difference in vengeance and standing up for oneself. I mean, vengeance for vengeance sake isn’t right. But also, letting yourself be completely run over by others isn’t right either. It’s definitely a fine line, and one I’m sure is easy to blur. But it definitely is one that works.

This story deals wonderfully with the past and the present. Family traditions and modern spins. It’s a great story that is about women, power and striking out on your own. One that I looked forward to diving into again in the future.

<- The Grand Ishq AdventureMoments to Return ->

Image source: Goodreads