Review: Finding My Way

Finding My Way by Malala Yousafzai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wonderful!  I admire her so much. I thought this memoir went a long way into making her a real person who makes mistakes, has flaws, and just is trying to live her life.  Just like everyone else.  This covers a bit of high school, but focuses on her time in college, making friends, and meeting her husband.  

This focuses on the fine line she is always trying to walk; being true to herself and keeping more conservative people happy.  This is also a focus; men policing women's bodies (to "protect" them).  I can't imagine having my every move and picture scrutinized.  Is she Muslim enough?  Pakistani enough?  She was also the sole breadwinner for her family; responsive not only for herself, but her dad, mom, brothers, family back home in Pakistan.  That is so much to put on a teenager.  

She has a way with words and maybe she will write another in a few years.   

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Review: All Wrapped Up in You

All Wrapped Up in You by Rosie Danan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Piper has a crush on her neighbor.  They've never met, but they have a texting relationship that they are both really into.  Scott (the neighbor) wants to meet, but doesn't know how to ask.

I liked their meet-cure outside the comedy club (Piper was having a pre-show panic attack, she was performing); even though they never shared their names.  Then later when Piper needed stitches, she was at Scott's ER and they met again.  I understood why no one asked the other out; for Scott, she's a patient (and it would have been inappropriate) and Piper had some self-confidence issues.

But then things do work-out when he locks himself out after a long shift on Christmas Eve.  Piper is home!  And she comes to is rescue.  I liked the pacing, but this would have worked a little better if they had been more at the end (like an epilogue).

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Review: Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy

Giving Up Is Unforgivable: A Manual for Keeping a Democracy by Joyce Vance
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I follow JV on her Substack.  After being a free member for a handful of months, I have recently become a paid member since I read everything she puts out.

This is timely.  As a reminder, elections have consequences.  This is a good history refresher, an explainer for those that could use it.  The Presidency of the United States has checks on it.  When used.  Article 1- Congress; they've pretty much let this orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole do whatever the fuck he wants.  There (finally) has been a little (emphasis on little) push-back this week, so we shall see.  Article 3; the Courts; they've (for the most part) have been doing there job and holding the orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole accountable (as much as they can anyway).  Then there is the Press; the Mainstream Media has been doing a little bit, but not nearly enough of what they should.  Independent Media continues to do a fantastic job.  I will edit to say this is my opinion; my MAGA parents would strongly disagree with that statement.  Hell, this review (my dad wants me deported.  Where?  Not sure.  I was born here, so was he, so where my grandparents, etc).  

The Rule of Law in short means that no one is above the law.  This is becoming questionable when one looks at all the pardons the orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole has given out.  White collar crimes (Paul Walczak, George Santos, this list is massive), drug crimes (Juan Orlando Hernandez), insurrection (when he pardoned the Jan 6 participants).  With the Supreme Court ruling in 2024 (Trump vs the United States) going the orange, sexist, racist, demented asshole immunity for "official acts," I honestly do not know there the Rule of Law stands anymore.  

JV also discusses how controlling the narrative is important.  With the "right" snapshot, they grow and take on a life of their own.  

In short, be active in your community.  Participate when you can.  Make phone calls, write postcards, participate in boycotts (for example Home Depot), contact your elected officials, participate in the next No Kings protest.  

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Review: Merry and Bright

Merry and Bright by Ali Rosen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Miriam is going home to spend Hanukkah with her family.  She is the youngest (a surprise pregnancy) and her parents and siblings tend to ignore her.  Cal is a football player and is recovering from an injury.  He too, is going home and is dreading it.  He feels his parents are too overbearing (not quite right, but I can't think of the word I want).  They end of sitting together and really connecting on the flight home.  A deal is stuck.  A fake relationship.

This was lovely.  Well paced, I liked both characters and I could see their relationship bloom.  I felt Miriam's family was a bit frustrating.  I really liked how Cal stood by her.  There is a reason Cal doesn't have a solid relationship with his parents and I won't spoil it.  It does make sense and Miriam helps break the ice (so to speak).  

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Review: Snow Place Like Home

Snow Place Like Home by Laura Pavlov
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

oldie has moved back home to start her own vet practice after breaking up with her boyfriend (he was cheating on her). Her brother loves Christmas and is getting married on Christmas Day. She is the maid of honor, and her crush (hoer brother's best friend) is the best man. Ace may also have a thing for Goldie, but has not had the guts to act on it.
Well paced and I think this worked well since the pair have known each other all their lives. I could see them together.

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Review: Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind

Big Dumb Eyes: Stories from a Simpler Mind by Nate Bargatze
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Nate Bargatze is a comedian I sometimes enjoy. I liked it when he hosted SNL. Some of the book is funny, most is not. Disappointed.

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Review: Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice

Nobody's Girl: A Memoir of Surviving Abuse and Fighting for Justice by Virginia Roberts Giuffre
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my. This was grueling and hard to read. But necessary. It's disheartening and fills me with rage. VRG was a very brave woman. Her memoir is in 4 parts. Her childhood, her time with Epstein, the acknowledgement that she is a Survivor, and as an activist.
She was an easier target due to her childhood sexual abuse by her father and a friend of his. I appreciated how she acknowledged she found girls for Epstein to abuse once he had his hook in her and the hard spot she was in. She, like every single person, was flawed, did things they knew to be wrong, and acknowledged that. I think people forget that Survivors go through various stages (and regress at times too) when coping & dealing with the trauma. She bravely escaped when she had an opportunity.
I also appreciate she points out the criticism she and other Survivors received when discussing settlements received by Epstein (and later his estate after his arrest and death). "The DOJ-not Epstein's victims- made the secret deal that ultimately let Epstein off the hook in 2008 (Alex Acosta)...We were also told that extracting money from him was the only way to punish him...But here's the real reason I'm angry at those who judge victims who settle: all that legalese in our lawsuits about pain and suffering and mental anguish- those things are real. And getting treatment for them costs money."
She wrote about her attempted suicides (twice) in 2022 and it is heartbreaking that she was successful earlier this year (April 2025). "And my mental health has faltered at times too- as it may continue to falter for the rest of my life." 
Let's not forget the other (as of now unnamed) rich men who are free and living their lives like they did nothing wrong. Unpunished. Unrepentant.
And let's not forget Ghislaine Maxwell. Moved to a low security comfortable prison where she enjoys special privileges. What the fuck? Let's not forget she wants trump to commute her sentence or a pardon.
"If you've read this far, I hope my story has moved you-to seek ways to free yourself from a bad situation, say, to stand up for someone else in need, or to simply reframe how you judge victims of sexual abuse."

Rest in peace and power Virginia.

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