Fall to Pieces: A Memoir of Drugs, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Mental Illness by Mary Forsberg Weiland

July 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Fall to Pieces: A Memoir of Drugs, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Mental Illness by Mary Forsberg Weiland
Publisher: It Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Contemporary, Recent Historical
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

On the surface Mary Weiland had a fairy tale life. She was a successful model married to a successful rock star—Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland—and a world traveler with a home and two beautiful children. But it wasn’t until her rampage in a Los Angeles hotel room and the resulting media frenzy that the world got a glimpse into Mary’s inner turmoil, self-destructive behavior, bipolar disorder, and drug abuse.

In Fall to Pieces, she reveals the extreme highs and lows of her life, the volatility of which long hinted at her bipolar disorder. Weiland tells her story with refreshing candor, unflinching detail, and more than a little humor. Reminiscent of celebrity memoirs from Tatum O’Neill, Brooke Shields and Valerie Bertinelli, Weiland offers a window into the world of modeling and rock’n’roll celebrity while at the same time providing deep insights into a serious and misunderstood mental illness.

Co-written with veteran journalist Larkin Warren, Fall to Pieces is a blistering, eye-opening memoir of Hollywood meltdown.

Together, they’re a hot mess, but everyone wants the burn.

I stumbled across this book by accident, but it’s no accident I read it. I couldn’t put it down. Weiland’s story captivated me with her sadness and utter confusion. I could feel the way she did and understood both her and her husband better.

Mary Forsberg Weiland never set out to rule the wold. She wanted to conquer her little piece. Unfortunately, it took a lot of drugs, pain and self-destruction to realize the issues were bigger than she could handle alone. I admit I sobbed for her at times. Reading the ways she struggled and managed to right herself was darn fascinating and heartbreaking. Putting her together with her then-husband, Scott Weiland (of Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver) was an oil and water situation.They loved each other, but they were toxic, too.

If you’re looking for something that’s sad, but beautiful, toxic, but fascinating, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times by Lowell Klessig & Lukas Klessig

July 17, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times by Lowell Klessig & Lukas Klessig
Publisher: Medley Park Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

THE DRAMATIC STORY OF A PIONEERING MAN, HIS MERCURIAL MIND AND A SOCIETY IN LIMBO.

Lowell Klessig’s posthumously-released story, infused with reflections by his son Lukas, provides an intimate window into one man’s life in flux with bipolar disorder. As the author narrates a postwar upbringing and describes the manic-depressive travails of developing his identity, he offers us a view into the turmoil of the times – and of his mind.

Through mania- and danger-filled months fighting for Civil Rights, protesting the Vietnam War and furthering the Conservation Movement, we see the purpose that sustained him. Through darkened panes, we witness the isolation and malaise of depressive winters that nearly took his life. This masterful chronicle allows us to peer into a restless and kinetic existence in one moment and a chasm of fatigue and hopelessness on the next page.

It’s a bipolar journey that you won’t ever forget.

Diagnoses don’t determine your destiny, but they are still important things to have.

This was a detailed and honest description of German-Americans who are either farmers or live in farm country. As someone who grew up in that culture, I smiled and nodded along as countless details about it popped up that only someone who grew up in that community would think to include or as I realized what unspoken cultural expectations the authors were probably going to talk about next. There were plenty of explanations of the nuances of it all for readers who aren’t from that background, too, so don’t worry if it’s not something you’re familiar with yet. It will all be made clear as the story advances.

Not everyone is able to be diagnosed with their mental or other illnesses early in life. The social stigma and misunderstandings surrounding certain diagnoses can be just as difficult as the diseases themselves, especially decades ago when doctors knew so much less about bipolar disorder than they do today. I was impressed by the coping mechanisms the Lowell family came up with and how hard they worked to overcome the disruptions that the elder Mr. Lowell’s illness brought not only to his own life but also to the lives of those who loved him as he cycled between mania and depression. You never really know what’s going on behind the scenes in other people’s lives, but this was a fascinating glimpse into the private matters of one such family.

It takes courage to admit one’s mistakes. Some of the most memorable chapters in this memoir were the ones that talked about things the elder Mr. Lowell did and said that he later regretted. He explained why he made those choices not to defend them but to explain how his childhood affected the assumptions he made about the world and how his later experiences encouraged him to rethink some of his previous opinions. Meeting people from other walks of life is a fantastic way to take note of the things we might not fully understand at the moment and work on what our families and communities may not have taught us earlier in life. I liked the graceful and humble way the elder Mr. Lowell discussed these topics.

Words With My Father: A Bipolar Journey Through Turbulent Times was excellent. I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Depression: In My Own Words by Mahiraj Jadeja

July 11, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Depression: In My Own Words by Mahiraj Jadeja
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

“Depression in My Own Words” is an introspective and compassionate exploration of the complex and often misunderstood world of depression. In this thought-provoking book, the author delves into their personal experiences, sharing their unique insights, struggles, and triumphs with unwavering honesty.

Through the power of storytelling, “Depression in My Own Words” takes readers on a journey that goes beyond clinical definitions and diagnostic labels. It delves into the depths of the soul, examining the intricate interplay between the soul (battery), hardware (body), and software (brain) that contribute to the onset and manifestation of depression.

With sensitivity and empathy, the author examines the various facets of depression, shedding light on the profound impact it has on individuals and society as a whole. Drawing from personal anecdotes, they explore the common threads that connect those grappling with depression while celebrating the uniqueness of each individual’s experience.

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to mental illnesses.

It can be difficult to describe the drudgery and exhaustion of depression to people who have never experienced it themselves. Mr. Jadeja did a good job of sharing allegories like the one in his opening paragraph about being trapped in a “relentless storm” to help explain why some people who are depressed can find it so hard to finish even simple tasks. This is something I wish everyone would read, especially those who struggle to show empathy for anyone who has this mental illness.

I did find myself wishing the author had included a wider variety of explanations for why depression happens. Suppressing emotions could certainly be one of them for some people, but I think it would have been more helpful if this book had explored other causes as well in order to appeal to a wider audience and offer hope to people who might be depressed due to difficult circumstances in their lives, chemical imbalances in their brains, or other factors. This could have easily been expanded into a novella or full-length novel, and it would have made his work stronger to have more details and examples included in it in my opinion.

It was nice to see so many different types of treatment options mentioned in this piece, though. Depression is one of those diseases that can respond well to a combination of therapy, medication, diet and lifestyle changes, and other treatments. I was not expecting to see a warning included about certain alternative treatments that haven’t been proven effective, but I was glad the author included it as well. Desperate people often try all sorts of things to feel better, so it’s important to balance out the burning desire to find a cure with a rational approach to what may or may not actually work for most people.

Depression: In My Own Words was a thought-provoking read.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Bunny Years: The Surprising Inside Story of the Playboy Clubs – The Women Who Worked as Bunnies, and Where They Are Now by Kathryn Leigh Scott

July 7, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Bunny Years: The Surprising Inside Story of the Playboy Clubs – The Women Who Worked as Bunnies, and Where They Are Now by Kathryn Leigh Scott
Publisher: Gallery Books
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

A PROVOCATIVE AND INSIGHTFUL PORTRAIT OF THE BEAUTIFUL, FREE-SPIRITED, AND SURPRISINGLY INDEPENDENT WOMEN OF THE ICONIC PLAYBOY CLUBS

The 1960s were a time of change in America, an era when safely guarded innocence gave way to explosive social revolution. For Kathryn Leigh Scott, or Bunny Kay as she was known in the New York City Playboy Club, and the more than 250 former Bunnies she interviewed for this book, donning satin ears and a fuzzy cottontail was an act of liberation—a chance to bridge the gap between being girls and becoming women, to earn more money than their own mothers ever fathomed, and to find their way in a world that would never be the same. Lauren Hutton was a Bunny. Deborah Harry was too. Bunnies went on to become doctors, lawyers, stockbrokers, real estate tycoons, nurses, scientists, entrepreneurs, and teachers.

Called “a smart oral history” by Esquire and “entertaining” by Entertainment Weekly, The Bunny Years goes beyond Gloria Steinem’s infamous magazine exposé, “A Bunny’s Tale,” beyond detailed instructions for perfecting the “Bunny Dip” and providing Keyholders with “efficient, friendly, personalized service,” to explore, in the words of the remarkable women themselves, what it really meant to be a Bunny.

There’s so much more to the bunnies than just ears and a fluffy tail.

I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about the actual lives of the Playboy Bunnies. Not the women in the magazine, but the women in the clubs. This book tells just that and a bit more. There are pieces on each of the clubs and resorts, but most about the women who worked there.

As biographies and anecdotes about the women, the book hits the mark. This is a sneak peek into their world. What it was like to wait tables there, what it was like to get older while serving and some of the not so fun things that took place. This book, while interesting, seemed to do a bit of name dropping in places. Yes, a lot of famous people did time as bunnies, but it almost seemed like the book traded on that, rather than the real situations the women dealt with.

Still, it’s an interesting window into their lives and the way the supernova of the Playboy brand exploded. It’s fascinating and somewhat scary, but I’m glad I read it. Give this book a try.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Immortal Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book by Tania Maia (Author), El Rose (Author), François Gautier (Author)

July 3, 2023 By Leave a Comment

Immortal Ink: A Tattoo Coloring Book by Tania Maia (Author), El Rose (Author), François Gautier (Author)
Publisher: Plume
Genre: Art, Non-Fiction, Coloring Book
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

More than just a coloring book, Immortal Ink is a true celebration of tattoo art.

Featuring 45 incredible designs from talented tattoo artists, each illustration is as inspiring as it is fun to color. With artwork in eight different styles including Americana, Japanese, blackwork, and steampunk, each daring design offers you the opportunity to unleash your own creativity as you add your choice of stylish color. The accompanying text delves into the history and ethos of each genre and explores the rich and fascinating symbolism behind individual elements used in every spectacular piece.

Beautiful and distinctive, Immortal Ink will celebrate an art form that has captivated us for generations.

A coloring book for adults that’s a wonderful step into the world of tattooing and what’s behind the design.

I hadn’t taken up the fun of coloring in adult coloring books until the last few years. Now I see what the excitement is all about. The art in this book is tattoo art, which is already fantastic, but now it’s up to the person with the colored pencils to add the pop of color. I liked that. I also liked that there’s a description with each design that’s not just a simplistic line about what the image is, but why the art is popular and what it symbolizes. That’s fascinating.

If you’re looking for a coloring book with not only images, but education and a great sense of fantasy, then this is the coloring book for you. Check it out!

Filed Under: Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

32 Days – A Memoir of Love and Death by Deborah Sabin

July 3, 2023 By 4 Comments


32 Days – A Memoir of Love and Death by Deborah Sabin
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating 5 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Voted BoM by LASR Readers 2013 copy

Mitch and Debbi were beshert. Soulmates. She knew it from the first day of law school. He came to the same conclusion just a few months later. From that day on, they were rarely apart. Debbi made one, five, and ten-year plans for their future. Mitch always replied, “Yeah. Maybe someday.” Someday came too soon.

A terrible freak accident put Mitchell in a hospital remote from home, with a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Alone in the ICU with her husband, away from her children and family, Deborah struggled to manage their days and find a way to keep their love and their marriage alive. Every night, she wrote him a note of news, hope, and love. But, thirty-two days were all they had. Mitch died and Debbi was left with two small children. With the help of family and friends, she struggled to make a life for three seem as good as the life they had when they were a family of four. All traces of her time in the hospital with Mitchell were stored in the “sad” box, stuffed high on a shelf in the back of the closet.

Twenty-five years later, the notes resurfaced in an unlikely space. Deborah knew it was time to share the letters with family, friends, and the world. 32 Days is the story of a wonderful man, taken from this world much too soon. A husband, father, son, brother, friend, lawyer and advocate, and the courageous battle he fought to stay alive. Until someday. Mitchell and Deborah’s story is one of love that transcends time and space. Of faith that grows stronger even in the face of the unimaginable. Of the healing strength given by family and friends. Of hope that life will go on. Of someday.

Two people, one love and one future.

I knew when I picked up this book I’d have moments of levity, but that I’d cry, too, and I did. Deborah Sabin, aka the author Morgan Malone, writes about the thirty-two days in which her life changed. Her husband, her beloved Mitch, was hurt in an accident and this is the story of what happened over the course of those thirty-two days.

The writing moves along at a great clip, despite the not so fun topic. I felt exactly the way she did when writing it—her heart breaking, her soul dimming just a bit, but the fight growing stronger in her. Oh and her love for Mitch. I can’t say I’m glad the author went through this, but I’m honored that she was willing to share her story. Share her heartbreak. It resonates on every page.

If you’re ever loved someone and lost them, then this is a book that will speak to you. If you’ve had a soulmate who was gone too soon, then I recommend this book. It’s a keeper.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Mo : A Woman’s View of Watergate by Maureen Dean

June 28, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Mo : A Woman’s View of Watergate by Maureen Dean
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Political
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Maureen Dean’s experience of Watergate centers on what clothing to wear according to the configurations of the stars (though she says she doesn’t exactly believe in astrology), and how a woman can spend time alone with her increasingly preoccupied, sleepless, and near-alcoholic husband. It is the extreme “”Penelope”” view. One she regrets in hindsight, for Maureen thinks the Watergate cover-up could never have become so dense if only the Nixon men had confided in their–presumably more moral–wives. As it was, what else was there for her to do but worry about knit dresses as she followed the incommunicado John Dean from Key Biscayne to San Clemente to Las Vegas to Camp David on the peregrinations that were supposed to save a government but finally toppled it? No one in politics talked to her, except politely, as a duty, or crudely, as a tomato; the power sincerely bores her; she thinks the pomp is childish–she’d rather be alone with her husband. Her book is actually a love paean to John Dean whom Mo sees as witty, supportive, loving and principled (we have to take it on faith since in this busy period he was rarely around); the “”collapsing world”” she is forever talking about is her home and expectations, not the country which she’s glad is purged of Nixon. It is a sentimental book by the unliberated housewife, but then, bourgeois sentiment may be a better emotion than the lust for power among those who ran the country: we cannot depend on nightwatchmen with astute eyes to catch all our criminals.

One woman’s view of the whole Watergate ‘thing’ and how it affected her life.

I call Watergate a ‘thing’ because it’s more like a moving, crawling being in this book. It’s a looming monster and it takes a strong person to withstand such events. Maureen Dean is one of those people. I blew through this book in the matter of a few hours and loved every second. It was like reading a book by a dear friend or reading their diary. It flowed well and kept me captivated.

Maureen Dean is the wife of John Dean, the man who (among others) blew the lid off the Watergate scandal and helped bring down President Richard Nixon. This book isn’t so much about the case itself, but rather her dealings with the peripherals. How she helped her husband with testimony prep, the fear of being attacked, the confusion over what happened (and what she didn’t know about), and how it all made her life a bit miserable, but she still persevered.

I liked that this wasn’t a strictly political book. There is raw emotion there. She’s not a perfect person, either, and that shines through. That’s what I liked the most about it, her realism and personality.

If you’re looking for a book that’s part politics, part historical but mostly emotional, then this might be the book for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson by Carole Boston Weatherford

June 23, 2023 By Leave a Comment


All Rise: The Story of Ketanji Brown Jackson by Carole Boston Weatherford
Publisher: Random House Kids
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Recent Historical, Childrens (6+ yrs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, is an inspiration and role model to children of all ages. Award-winning author Carole Boston Weatherford tells her story of perseverance, dignity, and honor in this uplifting picture book biography filled with colorful and dynamic illustrations from Ashley Evans.

Whatever she did, wherever she was, Ketanji Brown Jackson rose to the top.

From the time their daughter was born, Ketanji Brown’s parents taught her that if she worked hard and believed in herself, she could do anything. As a child, Ketanji focused on her studies and excelled, eventually graduating from Harvard Law School.

Years later, in 2016, when she was a federal judge, a seat opened on the United States Supreme Court. In a letter to then-President Barack Obama, Leila Jackson made a case for her mother—Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Although the timing didn’t work out then, it did in 2022, when President Joe Biden nominated her. At her confirmation, Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black female Supreme Court justice in the United States.

Lyrical text by renowned author Carole Boston Weatherford and evocative illustrations by Ashley Evans combine to make this an inspirational and timely read.

What a great person and what a wonderful biography for kids.

I picked up this book because I wanted to know more about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson and this book was wonderful for letting me learn about her. There is a lot of information about Brown Jackson, but it’s not overwhelming. It’s told in a bit of a sing-song manner that’s good for early readers to pick up on. There’s a nice cadence to it. The illustrations add to the story and show how Brown Jackson was able to rise to the highest court in the United States. I liked learning about her and how she managed to overcome the obstacles in her life.

If you’re looking for a book that’s informative and uplifting, then this is the book for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Llama or Alpaca? by Jamie Rice

June 20, 2023 By Leave a Comment


Llama or Alpaca? (Bullfrog Books: Spot the Differences) by Jamie Rice
Publisher: Bullfrog Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary, Animals, Childrens (6+ yrs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In Llama or Alpaca?, beginning readers will learn to spot the differences between these mammals. Carefully leveled text relays what the mammals look like and how they behave. Each page then asks readers to name which one is shown in the photo. Answers appear upside down on the bottom of each page, making reading for learning interactive and fun. A See and Compare spread shows and labels each insect side by side, while a Quick Facts feature lists even more information about their similarities and differences. Children can learn more about llamas and alpacas online using our safe search engine that provides relevant, age-appropriate websites. Llama or Alpaca? also features reading tips for teachers and parents, photo labels, a picture glossary, a table of contents, and an index. Llama or Alpaca? is part of Jump!’s Spot the Differences series.

Llama? Alpaca? With this book, you’ll know the difference.

I’ll admit it. I had no idea that there was a difference between llamas and alpacas. Why? Because I’d never read about them. I’ve done that now and I feel a lot stronger about telling them apart. This book not only explains the differences but shows them on the pages. It’s written in an easy manner that will be good for emerging readers or those being read to. There’s even a fun test at the back to reinforce what’s been learned.

If you’re even a little interested in llamas and alpacas, then this is the book to check out.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

The Vegas Diaries: Romance, Rolling the Dice, and the Road to Reinvention by Holly Madison

June 14, 2023 By Leave a Comment


The Vegas Diaries: Romance, Rolling the Dice, and the Road to Reinvention by Holly Madison
Publisher: Dey Street Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Recent Historical
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When you’ve come out the other side of the bizarre, twisted world of the Playboy mansion, where do you land? If you’re Holly Madison . . . there’s no place like Las Vegas!

After making the sudden decision to reclaim her life, Holly broke free from the sheltered, deceptive confines of the mansion (which meant exiting a hit television show) and was determined to start her life over . . . from scratch. Without the security of a job or relationship, she set out to reinvent herself on no one’s terms but her own.

Deciding to roll the dice and begin again in the glamorous and dreamlike city of Las Vegas, Holly quickly realized that while she may have left her past in the rearview mirror, the labels and stereotypes that came from it weren’t so quick to leave her. With a fierce commitment to take charge of her own narrative, Holly dives headfirst into a journey of self-discovery. After a whirlwind stint on Dancing with the Stars, she snags the coveted lead role in the Strip’s hottest new burlesque spectacular and lands a reality series spotlighting her new life as a single woman.

If her own television show and dream job as a showgirl weren’t enough to keep her busy, Holly explores the decadent, exclusive inner-world of Sin City, navigating it’s social and dating scene with humor and heart. When it comes to romance, she is met with an eclectic cast of characters, from fame hounds to long distance loves to the occasional celebrity and more than one tabloid mishap. In this reflective, heartwarming memoir, Holly learns that each dating disaster holds an important, and in some cases difficult to face, lesson about herself.

The Vegas Diaries is a comedy of errors, set against the glitz and glamour of the dazzling Vegas strip. Through the wild and crazy experiences on one young woman’s quest to “have it all,” Holly faces her fears, anxieties, and insecurities to discover that her journey to self-sufficiency is also her path to healing. Letting go of trying to prove herself to others, Holly finally gains the courage to confront her past-and in the process finds the life and love she deserves.

This girl gets knocked down, but she gets up again and keeps trying. Lesson to us all.

I liked Holly Madison’s first book and when I saw this one, I had to read it, too. I’m glad I did. She’s been through a lot, and it shows in this book. I could also get a feel for her sense of isolation and need to find herself. Her life seems to be all glitter and fantasy, but this book shows it’s not that all the time. Sure, she’s in fantastic situations, but there is always a grey side to the glitter. I liked how the author shows both sides and doesn’t mince words. She can’t understand why she seems to lose at love until she learns to love herself. It’s a powerful thing.

I wish it’d been more of a diary and less of reading conversations between her and her friends, but I can’t complain. The story kept my attention and made me want to read more. I wanted to see her finally find her happy.

If you’re looking for a somewhat fluffy Hollywood read, then this might be the one for you. It’s good for an afternoon read and will make you root for her all the more. Give it a try.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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