This book is one that‘s been floating around on my TBR for a while. I wish this book had been around when I was in my early 20s. As I'm now in my mid-This book is one that‘s been floating around on my TBR for a while. I wish this book had been around when I was in my early 20s. As I'm now in my mid-40s, I think I've already learned many of the lessons and ideas she brings across here. But even though I didn't feel it added any real value and only validated my own thoughts/ideas, I still think this is a good book for anyone to read on living a creative, authentic life....more
I visited my local bookshop to pick up a read or two before a trip. The title of this one jumped out at me. I picked it up, read the synopsis, and wasI visited my local bookshop to pick up a read or two before a trip. The title of this one jumped out at me. I picked it up, read the synopsis, and was intrigued. I am fascinated by neuroscience. But I put it back and continued looking. For travel, I wanted something g lighter, something fiction. But for some reason, I kept coming back to this book. Maybe it was random. Maybe it was cosmic guidance. Whatever the reason, I’m so glad I got it.
I read this in one sitting. Fascinating. Part autobiography, part neuroscience, part lesson of the heart. An amazing journey and so inspiring. This is my first must-read of 2020. 5 stars....more
A fascinating autobiography by Daniel Tammet. Mr. Tammet is a high-functioning, autistic savant and his book explores his journey from childhood throuA fascinating autobiography by Daniel Tammet. Mr. Tammet is a high-functioning, autistic savant and his book explores his journey from childhood through early adult years. Written entirely by Mr. Tammet, the narration itself provides a window into how he thinks and relates to the world, and how he has navigated through life. While other reviews have criticised the narration for things such as events being recited like a grocery list, or having to use descriptions of his parents (because certain things don't stick in his memory based on how his brain works), I found it engaging. It was as if Mr. Tammet was speaking directly to the reader. The book would have lost its charm if a third person had written this book....more
I firstly admit, I'm a huge fan. I follow The Bloggess on Twitter and read her blog (and the comments) all the time. Jenny Lawson is an incredibly talI firstly admit, I'm a huge fan. I follow The Bloggess on Twitter and read her blog (and the comments) all the time. Jenny Lawson is an incredibly talented writer and comedienne. She is the type of person you want as a friend, not only because she makes a mean booze slushee, but because she is a genuinely nice person. So, if you haven't heard of The Bloggess (aka Jenny Lawson), then find her on Twitter, Google her blog, and IMMEDIATELY, if not sooner, get this book.
I secondly admit I pre-ordered the book to get the free, autographed book plate. Because HELLO, who wouldn't want an autographed book plate that has Hamlet Von Schnitzel on it?! (And yet another reason to read the book - to find out who Hamlet Von Schnitzel is). Then I anxiously waited for it to arrive. It was a very happy day this past Tuesday (4/17/2012) when after weeks of waiting, I got to my post box and there it was.
Now... about the much anticipated book. I couldn't put it down, except those times when I had to put it down to wipe the tears away ... because I was laughing so hard. The book starts with the beginning of Jenny's life and goes up through more recent times - from childhood to college and marriage to parenthood. I really liked the honest way Jenny approaches her life. Even through her struggles, some of which actually made me cry for her, she finds a way to show us the humor in life. That, folks, is a rare talent.
After finishing her book, I appreciate her blog and Twitter feed even that much more and I am a fan for life. Jenny Lawson, thank you for making the world a better, and funnier, place. Cheers...more