That Churchill Woman by Stephanie Barron

Reviewed by: Melissa Friedlund, Reference Assistant

Genre: Historical Fiction

Suggested Age: Adults

What is the book about?  This book is based on the life of Jennie Churchill, the American mother of Winston Churchill.  It starts at the time of her death and follows her life in flashbacks that are not in chronological order.  From her childhood in New York as the daughter of a wealthy family to her hob-knobbing with royals and aristocrats in Europe and Great Britain, Jennie Churchill lived a life of privilege and notoriety. Her world was filled with politics, rumors, and extra-marital affairs. This book leans heavily on the theory that one of her lovers, Count Charles Kinsky, was the love of her life. While her sons, Winston and Jack, do get incorporated into the story, they are only rarely major characters in the narrative.

My Review:  While I was interested in learning more about Jennie Churchill, I couldn’t help feeling skeptical about some of the scenarios that the author details in this book. I didn’t always feel that the proposed motivations behind the characters’ decisions were believable. For example, Jennie is portrayed as an aloof mother in most early scenes with her sons. However, when her social role dictates that she attend a high-society party while Winston is deathly ill with pneumonia, she supposedly spends the entire party worried sick about him. That seemed like too great a contradiction to me. If read as historical fiction and not biographical fiction, I would say it was more of an account of an aristocrat in the late 19^th century that lacks some much-needed depth.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Non-linear, Ambiguous, Fickle

Give This a Try if You Like…American Duchess: A Novel of Consuelo Vanderbilt, American Princess: A Novel of First Daughter Alice Roosevelt, Dear George, Dear Mary: A Novel of George Washington’s First Love

Rating: 3.5/5

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My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’Homme

Reviewed by: Susie Rivera, Reference Specialist

Genre:  Nonfiction, Biography

Suggested Age: Adults

What is this Book About?  Step into the shoes of famous culinary master, Julia Child, as she travels with her husband Paul to Paris in 1948. Discover quaint Parisian shops, delectable cuisine, and charming cafes where food is considered an art form.  My Life in France chronicles Julia Child’s journey from learning the French language to earning her diploma from the famous Parisian cooking school, Le Cordon Bleu. She begins a friendship with Louisette Bertholle and Simone Beck which leads to the idea of collaborating on a French cookbook for Americans. This memoir illustrates the birth of Mastering the Art of French Cooking, the cookbook that later became an American classic. You may have seen the film Julie and Julia, which is partly based on this book.

My Review: I love to cook myself, and I was hooked by the very first pages of this memoir. If you like true stories and appreciate good food you will love this book.   The descriptions of the places visited as well as the cuisine will leave you feeling as if you had been the one who traveled to Paris. But, this biography is also inspirational as Julia Child adapts to a new country, language, and culture.  She struggled to find a passion and once she discovered cooking, she was inspired to make French cuisine accessible to modern, American cooks by perfecting recipes over several years.  I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of this title, but the print version does include pictures, so you may want to check it out as well to enjoy those little extras.

Three Words That Describe This Book:  Nostalgic, delicious, armchair travel

Give it a Try if You Like: Tender at the Bone by Ruth Reichl, The Tenth Muse: My Life in Food  by Judith Jones, the Great British Baking Show

Rating: 5/5

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About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Graffiti World: Street Art from Five Continents by Nicholas Ganz

Reviewed by: Laura Warren, Adult Services Director

Genre:  Nonfiction, Art

Suggested Age: Adults

What is this Book About?  Graffiti World’s title pretty much says it all. This book is a collection of graffiti and street art from around the world. It begins with a brief history of graffiti and its influence all over the world. It is then broken up first geographically then by artist or crew. There are pictures of the artist’s work and a bio of each artist or crew. The end of the book includes thoughts about where the field may be going in the future. It also includes a very helpful index of all the artists, crews, and even a glossary of important terms used to discuss graffiti.

My Review: This book isn’t new, yet I return to it time after time. I catch something new every time I flip through it. Graffiti is a diverse field and has immeasurable different styles and messages. Each of these artists has a unique point of view and something powerful to say. Due to this art’s medium it is by nature temporary which also affects the art immensely. Street art has always been political, and that is discussed and displayed in this volume. If you have an interest in graffiti or street art, this book is a great place to start. If you just love art, this book is filled with stunning, fascinating pieces.

Three Words That Describe This Book: artistic, diverse, provocative

Give it a Try if You Like:  political art, graffiti

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.

Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark

Reviewed by:  Beth Weimer, Communications Specialist 

Genre:  Memoir, Humor, Advice

Suggested Age:  Adult

*Disclaimer: the book contains profanity and mature themes.

What is this Book About?  This book is a “dual memoir” from the creators of the phenomenal hit true crime/comedy podcast My Favorite Murder. Structured around themes from their show, Karen and Georgia discuss difficult topics like addiction, mental health, feminism, and cultural issues (and a little murder, of course) with the candor, insight, and humor that 19 million listeners adore them for. Sharing personal experiences along with the survival tips they’ve coined (such as f*** politeness, stay out of the forest, and don’t be a f****** lunatic), Karen and Georgia also express gratitude for their success and the supportive community of Murderinos (those who are obsessed with true crime) that has formed around the show.

My Review:  If you’re a fan of the podcast, what are you waiting for?? Hearing the authors read their own words in the audiobook is almost as enjoyable as listening to an MFM episode. (Bonus: some sections were recorded with live audiences and Paul Giamatti appears as a nod to a joke from the show.) Admittedly, the writing feels a bit stilted and the jokes somewhat forced — the format of a book simply cannot convey the conversational intimacy and hilarious, raw moments Karen and Georgia create on the podcast. I was slightly disappointed because I know Karen’s a better writer (although the chapter about her mother’s battle with Alzheimer’s bumped it up a full star), and it’s evident the book was compiled in a rush while their fame was exploding (podcasting, touring, and launching their own podcast network Exactly Right). Regardless, I’ll happily consume most anything they make. It’s hard to explain the essence of the show and the incredible impact of their advocacy for therapy and self-care, so if you’re curious listen to the podcast before you try the book. SSDGM!

Three Words That Describe This Book:  Empowering, Endearing, Relatable

Give it a Try if You Like:   Bad Feminist by Roxane Gay, Stiff by Mary Roach, I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara

Rating: 4/5

Find it at the library!

About FDL Reads

FDL Reads is a series of weekly book reviews from Fondulac District Library.