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Recommend this book:
Altared
A Tale of Renovating a Medieval Church in Tuscany
Kyle Tackwell Ball
2021 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Tom Gauthier for Readers' Favorite
Altared: A Tale of Renovating a Medieval Church in Tuscany is a charming ride-along with Kyle Tackwell Ball as she pursues her desire to own property in Italy. Her lighthearted narrative makes any of us who have ever tackled a “fixer-upper” project kneel down in thanks that we stopped far short of an abandoned church in Tuscany. She takes us through the unfathomable bureaucratic maze, swerving here and there to throw language challenges, then sliding to a halt at social events with new friends to wrap her in customs warm and charming – and incomprehensible to her. We follow along as she grows, learns, stumbles, and repeats it with a tenacity to prevail that we can only applaud. Ball’s attention to detail both in the project and in telling us about it is brilliant. Her descriptions of the landscape, architecture, history – and the people – are gripping.
Charming, cute, sometimes poignant, Altared delivers a delightful journey through a seemingly impossible mission of making a 12th century abandoned church into a 21st century Tuscany hideaway. Kyle moves us along with a stream of consciousness that at once describes then decries her discoveries, jumping from subject to subject in a way that should confuse us but instead charms us with her perspicacious headlong dive into a culture and a dream. Kyle keeps us chuckling at her constant comparisons of events to songs, movies, books, and other seemingly encyclopedic snippets of her boundless repertoire. Kyle regales us with descriptions of local characters interacting in vignettes and cultural motifs initially incomprehensible to an American. She keeps us learning the Italian language with her and joining in her laughing interpretations. Altared is a laudable first work by Kyle Tackwell Ball. Her writing is engaging, light, and entertaining, and while I would never wish another project like Le Convertoie on her, it would be a pure pleasure to read another tale from this new author. Without reservation, I recommend reading Altared: A Tale of Renovating a Medieval Church in Tuscany.
Altared: A Tale of Renovating a Medieval Church in Tuscany is a charming ride-along with Kyle Tackwell Ball as she pursues her desire to own property in Italy. Her lighthearted narrative makes any of us who have ever tackled a “fixer-upper” project kneel down in thanks that we stopped far short of an abandoned church in Tuscany. She takes us through the unfathomable bureaucratic maze, swerving here and there to throw language challenges, then sliding to a halt at social events with new friends to wrap her in customs warm and charming – and incomprehensible to her. We follow along as she grows, learns, stumbles, and repeats it with a tenacity to prevail that we can only applaud. Ball’s attention to detail both in the project and in telling us about it is brilliant. Her descriptions of the landscape, architecture, history – and the people – are gripping.
Charming, cute, sometimes poignant, Altared delivers a delightful journey through a seemingly impossible mission of making a 12th century abandoned church into a 21st century Tuscany hideaway. Kyle moves us along with a stream of consciousness that at once describes then decries her discoveries, jumping from subject to subject in a way that should confuse us but instead charms us with her perspicacious headlong dive into a culture and a dream. Kyle keeps us chuckling at her constant comparisons of events to songs, movies, books, and other seemingly encyclopedic snippets of her boundless repertoire. Kyle regales us with descriptions of local characters interacting in vignettes and cultural motifs initially incomprehensible to an American. She keeps us learning the Italian language with her and joining in her laughing interpretations. Altared is a laudable first work by Kyle Tackwell Ball. Her writing is engaging, light, and entertaining, and while I would never wish another project like Le Convertoie on her, it would be a pure pleasure to read another tale from this new author. Without reservation, I recommend reading Altared: A Tale of Renovating a Medieval Church in Tuscany.
Recommend this book:
Sooo... How Was Your Day?
Brenda Hammon
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
Life experiences, challenges, and celebrations build lasting memories. These can be both positive and negative but it is your reaction to these events that is the most important. Throughout this collection of personal stories, we learn the power of holding a positive mindset through difficult times and using the lessons learned in a beneficial, not harmful way. In Sooo... How Was Your Day? by Brenda Hammon, discover how Brenda was able to gain a clear perspective on seemingly negative situations such as medical problems, a relationship breakdown, and conquering her biggest fears to emerge stronger and wiser. Follow her brave adventures, her comical mishaps, and heartbreaking hurdles and how these events allowed her true strength of character to emerge.
Sooo... How Was Your Day? by Brenda Hammon is such a well-written account of true-life experiences. Brenda has the most amazing storytelling ability and the entire book reminded me of friends and family sharing their experiences over the dinner table. There is such a diverse range of subjects covered which evoke many different emotions, from sadness to laughter. Every story includes a powerful life lesson that can be related to our own lives. Brenda inspires us to face our fears, challenges, and obstacles head-on with a positive mindset that a solution is available. She embraces everything with such an adventurous and courageous attitude, even skydiving when she suffers from vertigo. I absolutely adored her relationship with her husband Bud, their personalities complement each other perfectly. Her bravery was perfectly highlighted when she broke her ankle and announced that denial was her friend. I also thought the illustrations at the beginning of each story were excellent, especially the hysterical picture of Brenda in, ' What the hell was I thinking?' Brenda is definitely the type of person everyone needs as a friend to inspire you to become the best version of yourself.
Life experiences, challenges, and celebrations build lasting memories. These can be both positive and negative but it is your reaction to these events that is the most important. Throughout this collection of personal stories, we learn the power of holding a positive mindset through difficult times and using the lessons learned in a beneficial, not harmful way. In Sooo... How Was Your Day? by Brenda Hammon, discover how Brenda was able to gain a clear perspective on seemingly negative situations such as medical problems, a relationship breakdown, and conquering her biggest fears to emerge stronger and wiser. Follow her brave adventures, her comical mishaps, and heartbreaking hurdles and how these events allowed her true strength of character to emerge.
Sooo... How Was Your Day? by Brenda Hammon is such a well-written account of true-life experiences. Brenda has the most amazing storytelling ability and the entire book reminded me of friends and family sharing their experiences over the dinner table. There is such a diverse range of subjects covered which evoke many different emotions, from sadness to laughter. Every story includes a powerful life lesson that can be related to our own lives. Brenda inspires us to face our fears, challenges, and obstacles head-on with a positive mindset that a solution is available. She embraces everything with such an adventurous and courageous attitude, even skydiving when she suffers from vertigo. I absolutely adored her relationship with her husband Bud, their personalities complement each other perfectly. Her bravery was perfectly highlighted when she broke her ankle and announced that denial was her friend. I also thought the illustrations at the beginning of each story were excellent, especially the hysterical picture of Brenda in, ' What the hell was I thinking?' Brenda is definitely the type of person everyone needs as a friend to inspire you to become the best version of yourself.
Recommend this book:
The Meat and Potatoes of Life
My True Lit Com
Lisa Smith Molinari
2021 Silver Medal
256 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Michelle du Plooy for Readers' Favorite
Lisa Smith Molinari just got added to my list of favorite authors. Her writing technique is real, humble, and honest and has that touch of humor that everyone needs. In The Meat and Potatoes of Life, Lisa writes from experience and so you can feel it comes from the heart. Her story is a true-life account of day-to-day life, told as if she were writing a diary every day, just with a touch of humor to lighten even the worst encounters. She tells her story of how she got married to a Navy officer with a big heart but absolutely no sense of being a handyman around the house. Once married, they had three very different children together. She documents her day-to-day encounters, good and bad; how she decided to streamline her life by quitting her full-time job as a litigation attorney to stay home and become a full-time organized mom – or so she thought.
The Meat and Potatoes of Life is for everyone trying to figure out juggling life with a busy and unpredictable family, and a 110-pound dog named Dinghy. Whilst Lisa writes from her perspective, her book guides and teaches along the way, letting you know that life is not a schedule cast in stone, and rules must be bent and broken in order to get back on track and have a well-balanced family. A life tale later, and more than two and a half decades of marriage, parenting, and military life, they are happier than ever. I really love Lisa's style of writing. Her story is well told and uplifting for anyone starting out life as a family or anyone caught in the hubbub of life as it happens and feels that they can't get out of disorganized chaos. A must-read if you need some humor mixed in with your everyday challenges of running a very busy household. I can highly recommend this book.
Lisa Smith Molinari just got added to my list of favorite authors. Her writing technique is real, humble, and honest and has that touch of humor that everyone needs. In The Meat and Potatoes of Life, Lisa writes from experience and so you can feel it comes from the heart. Her story is a true-life account of day-to-day life, told as if she were writing a diary every day, just with a touch of humor to lighten even the worst encounters. She tells her story of how she got married to a Navy officer with a big heart but absolutely no sense of being a handyman around the house. Once married, they had three very different children together. She documents her day-to-day encounters, good and bad; how she decided to streamline her life by quitting her full-time job as a litigation attorney to stay home and become a full-time organized mom – or so she thought.
The Meat and Potatoes of Life is for everyone trying to figure out juggling life with a busy and unpredictable family, and a 110-pound dog named Dinghy. Whilst Lisa writes from her perspective, her book guides and teaches along the way, letting you know that life is not a schedule cast in stone, and rules must be bent and broken in order to get back on track and have a well-balanced family. A life tale later, and more than two and a half decades of marriage, parenting, and military life, they are happier than ever. I really love Lisa's style of writing. Her story is well told and uplifting for anyone starting out life as a family or anyone caught in the hubbub of life as it happens and feels that they can't get out of disorganized chaos. A must-read if you need some humor mixed in with your everyday challenges of running a very busy household. I can highly recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
Weasel and Rag
Wasting Time With Watercolor
Richard Schwindt
2020 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Michael Gardner for Readers' Favorite
Weasel and Rag: Wasting Time With Watercolor by Richard Schwindt takes us on a hilarious A to Z romp through the world of watercolor painting from the point of view of an anguished practitioner. We’re treated to a dissection of every topic from artists to colors, art school, equipment, psychology, and even the relationship of watercolor painting to BDSM. Schwindt makes a convincing argument for the last item on that list too. The danger with the A to Z style of book, non-fiction or otherwise, is it can feel disjointed. Not in this case at all. Schwindt creates an excellent, cohesive narrative flow by referencing previous sections of the book and through the use of running gags. They’re good gags too. I never expected I’d be belly laughing at ‘plein air’, purple (ugh), dental hygienists, and cadmium yellow.
I’m putting Weasel and Rag on my ‘books I didn’t expect I’d ever want to read, but am very glad I did’ shelf. Richard Schwindt’s voice and style are accessible and engaging. It feels like he’s sitting in the same room, regaling you with his anecdotes and advice over a can of watery beer. His humor is irreverent and charming in equal parts. I was hooting out loud once I’d got into the rhythm and flow of the book. Laughs aside, Weasel and Rag also provides good information and practical advice. This is a book for anyone who has ever been pained by their creative hobby but can’t stop themselves from doing it anyway.
Weasel and Rag: Wasting Time With Watercolor by Richard Schwindt takes us on a hilarious A to Z romp through the world of watercolor painting from the point of view of an anguished practitioner. We’re treated to a dissection of every topic from artists to colors, art school, equipment, psychology, and even the relationship of watercolor painting to BDSM. Schwindt makes a convincing argument for the last item on that list too. The danger with the A to Z style of book, non-fiction or otherwise, is it can feel disjointed. Not in this case at all. Schwindt creates an excellent, cohesive narrative flow by referencing previous sections of the book and through the use of running gags. They’re good gags too. I never expected I’d be belly laughing at ‘plein air’, purple (ugh), dental hygienists, and cadmium yellow.
I’m putting Weasel and Rag on my ‘books I didn’t expect I’d ever want to read, but am very glad I did’ shelf. Richard Schwindt’s voice and style are accessible and engaging. It feels like he’s sitting in the same room, regaling you with his anecdotes and advice over a can of watery beer. His humor is irreverent and charming in equal parts. I was hooting out loud once I’d got into the rhythm and flow of the book. Laughs aside, Weasel and Rag also provides good information and practical advice. This is a book for anyone who has ever been pained by their creative hobby but can’t stop themselves from doing it anyway.
Recommend this book:
Lost in Mother Russia
A Memoir
Jill McDowell
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Lost in Mother Russia: A Memoir by Jill McDowell is an intimate look at Russia set in the middle 1990s. The author, an ESL teacher who teaches at Moscow State University and at the school in the Japanese Embassy, decides to search for her roots in the remote village of Norka. Together with a colleague, they find themselves in the thousand-year-old village of Suzdal, getting lost in some remote backroad 350 kilometers away from Moscow, going to Estonia, to Warsaw, to Moscow and back. And this is in December when the temperature reaches thirty-nine degrees below zero. Throw in the notorious Russian red tape and an array of interesting characters and the result is a wonderfully wacky adventure.
Jill McDowell's Lost in Mother Russia: A Memoir is a funny, informative and highly entertaining trip in the vast snowy expanse of Russia. The memoir unfolds innocently enough but quickly becomes a series of events that are both hilarious and unfortunate. Driven by the desire to trace her roots, McDowell ends up writing a treasure of a memoir. Her writing style is direct, simple and meticulously descriptive. One can almost feel the chill of the wintry weather and the desire to rave and rant at embassy officials. And in the face of what seems like exasperating experiences, she never loses her sense of humor and that's what makes this memoir a gem of a book. This is a book that definitely deserves a precious space in your bookshelf. Have a nice trip!
Lost in Mother Russia: A Memoir by Jill McDowell is an intimate look at Russia set in the middle 1990s. The author, an ESL teacher who teaches at Moscow State University and at the school in the Japanese Embassy, decides to search for her roots in the remote village of Norka. Together with a colleague, they find themselves in the thousand-year-old village of Suzdal, getting lost in some remote backroad 350 kilometers away from Moscow, going to Estonia, to Warsaw, to Moscow and back. And this is in December when the temperature reaches thirty-nine degrees below zero. Throw in the notorious Russian red tape and an array of interesting characters and the result is a wonderfully wacky adventure.
Jill McDowell's Lost in Mother Russia: A Memoir is a funny, informative and highly entertaining trip in the vast snowy expanse of Russia. The memoir unfolds innocently enough but quickly becomes a series of events that are both hilarious and unfortunate. Driven by the desire to trace her roots, McDowell ends up writing a treasure of a memoir. Her writing style is direct, simple and meticulously descriptive. One can almost feel the chill of the wintry weather and the desire to rave and rant at embassy officials. And in the face of what seems like exasperating experiences, she never loses her sense of humor and that's what makes this memoir a gem of a book. This is a book that definitely deserves a precious space in your bookshelf. Have a nice trip!
Recommend this book:
 is the first in a collection of memoir stories and recollections penned by author Jeff Pearson. In this first act of tales, entitled Greenhorn, we meet our author as he makes his way through the murky waters of late adolescence and young adulthood, through nine chapters which recount some of the most b...){kind=link}
Miss Nude Canada's Shoes (And Other Fiascos)
A Memoir (Act I * Greenhorn)
Jeff Pearson
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) is the first in a collection of memoir stories and recollections penned by author Jeff Pearson. In this first act of tales, entitled Greenhorn, we meet our author as he makes his way through the murky waters of late adolescence and young adulthood, through nine chapters which recount some of the most bizarre and chaotic experiences that happened to him in that time. Self-described as a fiasco-magnet, Pearson fumbles his way into many charming learning experiences with all different types of people in this crazy world and invites readers to look back on the nostalgia with him and learn its many life lessons together.
Author Jeff Pearson has a totally charming, witty and intelligent presence that runs through the narration of this book, making readers feel that they are in safe hands despite the crazy goings-on in the plot. The stories are genuinely larger than life and often ridiculous, but they’re just the kind of crazy that makes you relate to totally mad things which have happened in your own life, and so they’re relatable and fun in that way too. I particularly liked chapter 6, A Scientologist Cycles in the City, which was so hilarious I read it over twice. Pearson spins a yarn like a really entertaining friend would in a cozy bar, and each tale leaves you wanting more, but also adds to his journey and formation as a person overall. Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) is a highly recommended read for those who love a good comedic memoir.
Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) is the first in a collection of memoir stories and recollections penned by author Jeff Pearson. In this first act of tales, entitled Greenhorn, we meet our author as he makes his way through the murky waters of late adolescence and young adulthood, through nine chapters which recount some of the most bizarre and chaotic experiences that happened to him in that time. Self-described as a fiasco-magnet, Pearson fumbles his way into many charming learning experiences with all different types of people in this crazy world and invites readers to look back on the nostalgia with him and learn its many life lessons together.
Author Jeff Pearson has a totally charming, witty and intelligent presence that runs through the narration of this book, making readers feel that they are in safe hands despite the crazy goings-on in the plot. The stories are genuinely larger than life and often ridiculous, but they’re just the kind of crazy that makes you relate to totally mad things which have happened in your own life, and so they’re relatable and fun in that way too. I particularly liked chapter 6, A Scientologist Cycles in the City, which was so hilarious I read it over twice. Pearson spins a yarn like a really entertaining friend would in a cozy bar, and each tale leaves you wanting more, but also adds to his journey and formation as a person overall. Miss Nude Canada’s Shoes (And Other Fiascos) is a highly recommended read for those who love a good comedic memoir.
Recommend this book:
Think Like A Bartender
Recipes for Life
L.D. Morrow
2020 Silver Medal
146 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
Think like a Bartender: Recipes for Life by L.D. Morrow is an engaging read for liquor fans and anyone looking for wisdom to enrich their life. While the author shares her experience of years of mixing cocktails, this book is not about mixing liquors, not about rum and coke, vodka and cranberry, or margaritas. In sharing great tips on becoming a bartender, the author shares her personal philosophy on life, one inspired by that experience; a philosophy that defines relationships, identifies factors that help people keep their cool and become productive in a fast-paced, chaotic environment, and secrets to bringing out the best in them. This book offers tips on handling interpersonal relationships, identifying value and providing value to business relationships, and understanding the boundaries. It is designed to help readers become creative in the way they face life and in the way they live it.
This book starts with the author’s first experience as a bartender when she had to learn a lot in so short a time and had to deal with the frustration that comes from difficult customers’ requests, complaints, and what seemed like a never-ending barrage of insatiability. She moves on to show the similarities between making cocktails and dealing with people in real life and offers lessons that will help anyone have perspective in relationships and work. Here is one great example: “In a bar, it's quite simple. You are given the drink you ordered and in turn, you agree to pay the designated cost for the product and service. It’s also expected that you demonstrate you can handle yourself appropriately.” The same rule applies to relationships and is even more visible. When one side feels they are giving more than the effort made by the other side, things become complicated. Think like a Bartender: Recipes for Life is a beautifully written book and I enjoyed the way the author's personality comes across in the book. It is witty, conversational, and humorous. L.D. Morrow entertains and instructs; she shares the wisdom that readers need to be more practical and to have a good perspective in life. A great read, indeed!
Think like a Bartender: Recipes for Life by L.D. Morrow is an engaging read for liquor fans and anyone looking for wisdom to enrich their life. While the author shares her experience of years of mixing cocktails, this book is not about mixing liquors, not about rum and coke, vodka and cranberry, or margaritas. In sharing great tips on becoming a bartender, the author shares her personal philosophy on life, one inspired by that experience; a philosophy that defines relationships, identifies factors that help people keep their cool and become productive in a fast-paced, chaotic environment, and secrets to bringing out the best in them. This book offers tips on handling interpersonal relationships, identifying value and providing value to business relationships, and understanding the boundaries. It is designed to help readers become creative in the way they face life and in the way they live it.
This book starts with the author’s first experience as a bartender when she had to learn a lot in so short a time and had to deal with the frustration that comes from difficult customers’ requests, complaints, and what seemed like a never-ending barrage of insatiability. She moves on to show the similarities between making cocktails and dealing with people in real life and offers lessons that will help anyone have perspective in relationships and work. Here is one great example: “In a bar, it's quite simple. You are given the drink you ordered and in turn, you agree to pay the designated cost for the product and service. It’s also expected that you demonstrate you can handle yourself appropriately.” The same rule applies to relationships and is even more visible. When one side feels they are giving more than the effort made by the other side, things become complicated. Think like a Bartender: Recipes for Life is a beautifully written book and I enjoyed the way the author's personality comes across in the book. It is witty, conversational, and humorous. L.D. Morrow entertains and instructs; she shares the wisdom that readers need to be more practical and to have a good perspective in life. A great read, indeed!
Recommend this book:
The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other
A Memoir on the Magic of Marriage Vows
Barbara Lynn-Vannoy
2020 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite
When The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other begins, Barbara Lynn-Vannoy, an elementary school teacher, has settled into her life having spent more than a decade as a single mother to her daughter, Katie. When a friend wants to set her up with a man, Barb is resistant until she finds out he is none other than Steve Vannoy, best-selling author of a book that provided valuable advice to her single-parent self. After a first meeting in which Barb finds herself inside a mansion, seduced by a library of books and the perfect song, she begins a journey with a man who is more than his wealth, fame and world travel. His life is full of music and adventure and yet he’s grounded by his commitment to faith and family, especially his beloved Ma and two daughters. As the pair prepares to merge their families and lifestyles together, they are intentional about writing 10 vows they intend to live out each day. They even hang them in the bathroom where they can’t be missed and highlight a few on the refrigerator door. After several years of marriage—not all of them smooth sailing—they find the reason for their leaving an eleventh vow blank—and it propels them into the next phase of their life as Katie starts out on her own and life transitions for the entire Vannoy clan.
I loved The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other: A Memoir on the Magic of Marriage Vows by Barbara Lynn-Vannoy. The writing is superb; it is both lyrical and efficient. This is an honest book where you get a very intimate, up-close look at a relationship from its very beginning. There’s much to love about the journey as it’s filled with touching moments, delightful doses of humor, and tear-inducing sadness. It’s a memoir; it’s also a guidebook on marriage, child-rearing, and teaching. Overall, it’s a beautiful tapestry filled with music, the love of animals and family bonds that shouldn’t be missed. The vows themselves truly are gifts for Barb and Steve, and now for all who read The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other. Highly recommended!
When The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other begins, Barbara Lynn-Vannoy, an elementary school teacher, has settled into her life having spent more than a decade as a single mother to her daughter, Katie. When a friend wants to set her up with a man, Barb is resistant until she finds out he is none other than Steve Vannoy, best-selling author of a book that provided valuable advice to her single-parent self. After a first meeting in which Barb finds herself inside a mansion, seduced by a library of books and the perfect song, she begins a journey with a man who is more than his wealth, fame and world travel. His life is full of music and adventure and yet he’s grounded by his commitment to faith and family, especially his beloved Ma and two daughters. As the pair prepares to merge their families and lifestyles together, they are intentional about writing 10 vows they intend to live out each day. They even hang them in the bathroom where they can’t be missed and highlight a few on the refrigerator door. After several years of marriage—not all of them smooth sailing—they find the reason for their leaving an eleventh vow blank—and it propels them into the next phase of their life as Katie starts out on her own and life transitions for the entire Vannoy clan.
I loved The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other: A Memoir on the Magic of Marriage Vows by Barbara Lynn-Vannoy. The writing is superb; it is both lyrical and efficient. This is an honest book where you get a very intimate, up-close look at a relationship from its very beginning. There’s much to love about the journey as it’s filled with touching moments, delightful doses of humor, and tear-inducing sadness. It’s a memoir; it’s also a guidebook on marriage, child-rearing, and teaching. Overall, it’s a beautiful tapestry filled with music, the love of animals and family bonds that shouldn’t be missed. The vows themselves truly are gifts for Barb and Steve, and now for all who read The 10 Greatest Gifts We Give Each Other. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Cockloft
Scenes from a Gay Marriage
Kyle Thomas Smith
2019 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Kris Moger for Readers' Favorite
Cockloft: Scenes from a Gay Marriage by Kyle Thomas Smith is a clever glimpse into the author’s life. The story centers on Smith’s experiences living in New York with his husband, Julius. Through the use of vignettes and short tales, the author makes the ordinary an enjoyable adventure. Despite what the title might suggest, this book is filled with moments and observations about a couple’s life while at home and traveling the world.
In Cockloft, Kyle Thomas Smith takes the reader on a journey built on humor, irony, and sincerity. I loved it. The humor brings a certain joy to each experience, giving meaning to everyday moments that most people dismiss. Smith shows there is richness in little things and has a gift for creating a clear scene with well-chosen words. The dialogue is snappy and filled with endearing banter. However, I think the biggest star of this book is the squirrel and the havoc it created as the invader of the author’s space.
Reading this book made me wish I could see my life with such well-crafted wit, especially in this time of political and social mess. Even with all the societal junk that people like the author face for living differently than some can accept, Smith does not apologize for anything. Instead, he celebrates his relationship with his husband and the people around them, even when things are not necessarily going well. Cockloft is a good read, no matter what a person’s perspective on life might be. Maybe reading this book might help someone open their mind to someone else’s life.
Cockloft: Scenes from a Gay Marriage by Kyle Thomas Smith is a clever glimpse into the author’s life. The story centers on Smith’s experiences living in New York with his husband, Julius. Through the use of vignettes and short tales, the author makes the ordinary an enjoyable adventure. Despite what the title might suggest, this book is filled with moments and observations about a couple’s life while at home and traveling the world.
In Cockloft, Kyle Thomas Smith takes the reader on a journey built on humor, irony, and sincerity. I loved it. The humor brings a certain joy to each experience, giving meaning to everyday moments that most people dismiss. Smith shows there is richness in little things and has a gift for creating a clear scene with well-chosen words. The dialogue is snappy and filled with endearing banter. However, I think the biggest star of this book is the squirrel and the havoc it created as the invader of the author’s space.
Reading this book made me wish I could see my life with such well-crafted wit, especially in this time of political and social mess. Even with all the societal junk that people like the author face for living differently than some can accept, Smith does not apologize for anything. Instead, he celebrates his relationship with his husband and the people around them, even when things are not necessarily going well. Cockloft is a good read, no matter what a person’s perspective on life might be. Maybe reading this book might help someone open their mind to someone else’s life.
Recommend this book:
Bed, Breakfast & Beyond
Twenty years of kooky guests, gentle ghosts, and horses in between
Jo Ann S Dawson
2019 Honorable Mention
244 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Bed, Breakfast & Beyond is a nonfiction memoir written by Jo Ann S. Dawson. For the first twenty years of their marriage, Jo Ann and Ted dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast. They started out their married life living in a trailer on her parents’ farm where they helped with milking the cows and established a small horse business. Then, three years later, they were selected to operate a county-run equestrian park that accommodated sixty horses. A small house was provided for them on the county property, which was perfect for them, but not nearly what could be turned into a functioning bed and breakfast. Their dream started taking shape with the news that the county administration had changed hands, and they would have to leave. They had managed to save enough to finally start hunting for the right property, but that perfect location remained frustratingly elusive until Jo Ann overheard something at an auction she was attending. It was a farm named Fairwinds, one she had actually visited years before, when she transported her clients’ horses to a show being held there. Now all Jo Ann had to do was sell Ted on the idea of leaving Delaware and moving to Maryland -- and convince him that the fixer-upper had promise.
Jo Ann S. Dawson’s Bed, Breakfast & Beyond will delight anyone who’s ever entertained the notion of opening a bed and breakfast. Dawson’s account shares the frustrations and hard work that went into transforming a run-down Victorian house into a respectable bed and breakfast, complete with resident ghost(s). Fairwinds sounds like it would be the perfect bed and breakfast experience, especially for horse people or those who want to learn about horses. I loved reading about her interactions with guests, both the marvelous and infuriating ones, and enjoyed every minute I spent reading this beautifully written and often humorous account of life as the proprietor of a bed and breakfast. While many former owners of B&Bs are ready to share their worst horror stories, Dawson’s account illustrates just how satisfying a life’s work it could be -- if you have the right temperament, endless energy and a lot of patience. Bed, Breakfast & Beyond is a fabulous read; it’s most highly recommended.
Bed, Breakfast & Beyond is a nonfiction memoir written by Jo Ann S. Dawson. For the first twenty years of their marriage, Jo Ann and Ted dreamed of opening a bed and breakfast. They started out their married life living in a trailer on her parents’ farm where they helped with milking the cows and established a small horse business. Then, three years later, they were selected to operate a county-run equestrian park that accommodated sixty horses. A small house was provided for them on the county property, which was perfect for them, but not nearly what could be turned into a functioning bed and breakfast. Their dream started taking shape with the news that the county administration had changed hands, and they would have to leave. They had managed to save enough to finally start hunting for the right property, but that perfect location remained frustratingly elusive until Jo Ann overheard something at an auction she was attending. It was a farm named Fairwinds, one she had actually visited years before, when she transported her clients’ horses to a show being held there. Now all Jo Ann had to do was sell Ted on the idea of leaving Delaware and moving to Maryland -- and convince him that the fixer-upper had promise.
Jo Ann S. Dawson’s Bed, Breakfast & Beyond will delight anyone who’s ever entertained the notion of opening a bed and breakfast. Dawson’s account shares the frustrations and hard work that went into transforming a run-down Victorian house into a respectable bed and breakfast, complete with resident ghost(s). Fairwinds sounds like it would be the perfect bed and breakfast experience, especially for horse people or those who want to learn about horses. I loved reading about her interactions with guests, both the marvelous and infuriating ones, and enjoyed every minute I spent reading this beautifully written and often humorous account of life as the proprietor of a bed and breakfast. While many former owners of B&Bs are ready to share their worst horror stories, Dawson’s account illustrates just how satisfying a life’s work it could be -- if you have the right temperament, endless energy and a lot of patience. Bed, Breakfast & Beyond is a fabulous read; it’s most highly recommended.
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