Category: Non-fiction

A Review – Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

April 11, 2021 /

In Greenlights, Matthew McConaughey tells us the story of his greenlights: his youthful misadventures, his globe-trekking, and his Hollywood experience.  With each exploit, he redefines what “livin’” is for the reader.

Writing Style

McConaughey wrote the book from his journals, but the presentation conveys a stream of consciousness.  I could hear his voice in my head.  Familiarity with his film work may cause this, but the style is natural and directed.

Did I put it down?

Yes, I read this book in small sections.  McConaughey packs a lot of material into a small package.  I did not want to miss anything.

Who should be reading this?

Anyone from the young adult range and older could pull something from this book.  Besides a bit of violence, language, and brief sexual content, the material is tame.

Would I recommend Greenlights?

I absolutely would and with more enthusiasm than I originally started the book.  I gained more insight from this book than I expected.  Even the small excerpts and poems that filled the margins of the book were entertaining and added value.  I felt personally challenged to reexamine my choice through a new lens.

Check out the book here.

A Review – 101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die by Ian Buxton

March 14, 2021 /

No story here.  Buxton is providing the layman a beginner’s guide to the world of whiskies. From Bourbon to Scotch, Buxton outlines accessible whiskies at multiple prices. For each whiskey, he delivers a brief history and description of the distillery.

Writing Style

The writing style says whiskey textbook.  Buxton is accurate and thorough.

Did I put it down?

For me, this book serves as a reference. Do I want to try something new this week?  I go here as a resource.

Who should be reading this?

Those who can enjoy a drink will be the target audience here.

Would I recommend 101 Whiskeys to Try Before You Die?

You should consider a couple of factors here.   Are you set in your ways?  Do you like whiskey? 

For the longest time, a bottle of Jack Daniels did the job. I wasn’t even much of a whiskey fan.  Beyond this, I knew nothing about whisky. Whiskey is a rabbit hole.  The stories, history, and process are rich.  I will credit this work with allowing me to be more adventurous.  I am currently sipping Tullamore Dew, which I may have never tried were it not for Buxton’s book. 

So without being too obtuse, yes, I enjoyed the utility of this book.  Keep in mind, Buxton does update his editions often. 

Check out the book here.

A Review- The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and War

January 31, 2021 /

By John “Chick” Donahue & J.T. Molloy

In 1967, the war was raging in Vietnam.  Public opinion in the US had turned against not only the military but also the troops.  Protests broke out across the country and specifically in New York City.  George “Colonel” Lynch, a bartender in New York, wanted to show his support.  Inspired by the Colonel’s idea, “Chick” Donahue embarked on his new mission.  He was going to deliver beer to neighborhood guys in Vietnam.

Writing Style

The pacing of this novel was almost frantic.  I would compare the book to a movie like Forrest Gump in that sense. We skip from one unbelievable series of events to the next. Being driven by the narrative, we do miss out on the setting.  The writer even references other media such as Full Metal Jacket to expound.

Did I put it down?

 I read the entire novel in one sitting. The pacing affected this. The voice was also conversational and made for an easy read.

Who should be reading this?

The setting is the Vietnam War.  Although the perspective is unique, the content is not.  The horror you find in any war novel is here as well.  Violence and language are prevalent throughout the entire story.

Would I recommend The Greatest Beer Run Ever?

Yes, I would. As I said earlier, the book reminded me very much of Forrest Gump, which I have always enjoyed. The difference is that this time the story is true.  By the end, I needed to pace myself.  In a way, I was searching. I found myself looking for character growth.  

Donohue’s mission neared insanity. He was reminded of this regularly throughout the story.  I never quite felt that revelation for “Chick,” at least not until the very end.  I don’t want that to take away from the story or what he did.   In some ways, what he did defines honor and friendship.

A Review- The Best of Me by David Sedaris

January 24, 2021 /

Normally, I would discuss the plot here. With this being a collection of stories and essays, I will change tactics slightly. If you have never read Sedaris, The Best of Me is a collection of work spanning his career. 

I was introduced to Sedaris with Me Talk Pretty One Day in 2007. The work was assigned for a course in non-fiction during my time at University. I still recommend that book to anyone looking for something humorous or engaging.  I am always disappointed that I have yet to read any of his other works. 

When I began this review blog, I made a goal to read this collection.  I do not regret that decision.

Writing Style

I recognize the Sedaris that I remember from Me Talk Pretty One Day. He has always been frank and unforgiving, but I find more sentimentality there now. The newer stories were even more poignant and relatable. He writes from a completely different set of life experiences.  Somehow, I could still imagine myself in a similar situation.

Did I put it down?

I did take my time with this book.  My first instinct was to rush through and enjoy the entire book in one sitting.  I was able to digest this better at a slow pace.

Who should be reading this?

There is some language, sexuality, and morbid curiosities sprinkled throughout the stories.  The stories lean towards tasteful. 

Would I recommend The Best of Me?

I find this difficult to answer.  If you have read his other works, you may not need this collection.  I am not that person. I will say that see his older material juxtaposed against the newer did create more of a narrative than I expected.  There is some merit in this. 

The later works spoke to me and left me reflecting on my relationships. He touches on both serious and humorous moments while discussing topics like mortality and alcohol abuse effortlessly. Nothing seems out of its place. In this, many readers will find a microcosm of their life experiences.  In the end, this book gave me another lens through which to look at my own life. 

Check out the book here!

A Review- Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents, by Isabel Wilkerson

December 13, 2020 /

In Caste, Isabel Wilkerson attempts to frame the caste system in America. As the reader, you must survey the foundation on which the country is built.  Wilkerson examines the caste systems of two other societies in comparison: Nazi Germany and India.  Through this, she illustrates the pillars of caste systems and how caste infiltrates our lives. She shows the backlash created when individuals rise above their station. Finally, she highlights the often-overlooked consequences on society and offers hope at healing these divides.  

Caste is unrelenting and eye-opening. Wilkerson crosses between theorizing, research, and anecdotal illustrations.  Her personal experiences are especially poignant as they show vulnerability. Critics claim that the book flounders in depictions of slavery and the Jim Crow South. The oppression experienced by African-Americans is familiar terrain for readers, but without this groundwork, the book would lose stability. Wilkerson’s examples are often vivid and brutal.  Her depictions were not gratuitous and drove her argument. 

In the final quarter, this work truly shines.  Where Wilkerson may leave readers despairing early, she shows a road forward here.   The material is more topical and relatable as well. She has made this an understandable and accessible subject for many readers, especially those searching for meaning in “structural racism.” Lastly, Wilkerson leaves us with a simple call to action around recognition, knowledge, and understanding.

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