Cat's Book Reviews: biography

Showing posts with label biography. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Book Review: The Family Law by Benjamin Law

The Family Law - Benjamin Law

Synopsis:
Benjamin Law- the third of five children, born to Chinese immigrants who settled in Australia- tells some of the stories of his childhood in this humorous, often cheeky biography. As one of the first Asian families to live in Caloundra, Queensland, in 1975, Law’s parents soon set up a popular Chinese restaurant, making the Law family an exotic household name for the white families living in the area. With the restaurant so popular, Law’s dad embarked on several business enterprises, which meant that while the family wasn’t poor, they also didn’t get to see their father that much. You could probably say that Law’s father is the absolute definition of a workaholic.
Regardless, Law recounts some memorable stories about life as a Chinese-looking, Aussie-speaking boy in Queensland.
Along with his three sisters and one brother, Law’s family life has been anything but ordinary- from hearing graphic accounts of birth and babies from his mother, to having the house raided when he was only four-years-old, by federal police looking for his illegal immigrant cousins.
In one chapter, Law tells of trying to learn Cantonese at a language school so he can better communicate with his extended family. While he understood some of the language, he found that he couldn’t actually communicate back, and hoped that lessons would help him improve, at least a little bit. He wasn’t terribly successful.
In another chapter, he recounts family holidays to the amusement parks in Queensland. His mother would act as a stereotypical Asian tourist, documenting everything on film, and he and his siblings would speak in loud, bogan voices so that other tourists wouldn’t think that they were tourists.
Law also tells of cockroach invasions, dangerous school camping trips, his Home and Away acting dreams, seeing his family naked, his mother’s aversion to technology, and gift-giving issues, among other unusual things…

What I gained from reading this book:
Family is an important theme in this biography, as anyone can tell simply from looking at the title! It’s obvious to anybody reading this book that Law shows deep respect and love for his family, even when they behave in seemingly dangerous (his brother, occasionally) or outrageous ways that would be considered out of the norm for most people. Even so, there is an underlying tone throughout the entire book that seems to say: ‘They’re my family- I have no choice, I have to put up with their wacky ways. But, boy, do I love them!’
This highlights the fact that although there can sometimes be friction between some family members, occasional bouts of stupidity and hilarity, and limited communication due to technology issues, there is nothing more important than the comfort of knowing that you have a loving family behind you.

Positives:
This book is quite funny, written with trademark Law wit (not unfamiliar to those who have read his contributions to Australian magazines). This self-confessed ‘double-minority’ writer (he is gay, as well as Chinese-Australian), paints a hilarious portrait of his life, and really makes you wish that you could meet his family, simply to be a part of it all.

Negatives:
There is a little bit of swearing and indecent language in this book, which some people might not be too happy about. But if Law had left it out, the stories wouldn’t be nearly as entertaining. If you can handle a little bit of cursing, this book is well-worth reading!

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Biography

Recommended for: People who enjoy reading Benjamin Law’s articles and anecdotes in Australian magazines like frankie, and want to learn more about him and his childhood.

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Book Review: Escobar by Roberto Escobar & David Fisher

Escobar - Roberto Escobar & David Fisher

Synopsis:
Life for Pablo Escobar was never going to be ordinary. Growing up in the poorest part of Colombia, he dreamed of becoming a millionaire and, eventually, the president of his country. Meanwhile, his older brother Roberto was interested in cycling, hoping to set up his own bike factory and represent Colombia in world cycling events.
Growing up in poverty, with barely enough money to get by, it seemed that the Escobar boys’ dreams would remain just that- dreams.
But as they grew older, circumstances and good fortune allowed them to succeed and see some of their dreams come true (although this wasn’t necessarily through legal means). Soon Pablo was heading a successful contraband smuggling business and Roberto was selling his bicycles to several large stores.
But then Pablo realised he could make more money producing and smuggling cocaine, and that’s when their lives changed completely.
With his drug business booming- especially in America- Pablo enlisted the help of other smugglers, and formed Colombia’s most infamous drug cartel, Medellín.
He also hired Roberto, a qualified accountant, to handle the millions of dollars of dirty money that was coming in.
Soon Pablo had more money than he knew what to do with, and he started to give it away to the poverty-stricken members of his community- helping to enrich their lives, and buying their undying loyalty at the same time.
But there were people determined to bring Pablo down, namely American politicians and the new Colombian government, who were intent on stamping out drug smuggling. With these forces trying to destroy his livelihood, and the lives of many Colombians, Pablo decided to fight back, and so began a war filled with bloodshed and murder.
This is the biography of the legendary Pablo Escobar, as told by his closest confidant- his brother Roberto. This book covers the highs and lows of Pablo Escobar’s life, and details the many things- both good and bad- that he did throughout his lifetime to make him such a notorious yet beloved member of Colombian society.

What I gained from reading this book:
This book was written so that Roberto could tell the world the truth about his famous outlaw brother. He did not write it to clear his brother from crimes committed or to paint a portrait of him as an innocent. In fact, Escobar goes into much detail about some of the unthinkable things that his brother was involved in, and doesn’t pardon him at all for some of the terrible things he did (only saying that if he could have prevented some of it, he would have). But Escobar also heaps praise on Pablo, for being such a kind-hearted soul to the poorer people of Colombia and for showing them so much charity and compassion.
These contrasting views of the same man provide an interesting picture of the outlaw who holds a place in the record books for launching one of the biggest manhunts in history.
This book also proves that people shouldn’t pass judgement on others without knowing the full story. I’m sure that many of the people who were after Pablo Escobar for his drug trafficking had no idea about his ‘Robin Hood’ reputation, given to him by the poorest people of Colombia.

Positives:
Pablo and Roberto Escobar were very close- towards the end of Pablo’s life, Roberto was one of the few people that he could trust. Because of this trust, Escobar was privy to many things that were never revealed to the public about the cartel, the money and the numerous murders and kidnappings. Escobar’s biography elaborates on much of the information known on Pablo, and establishes which rumours were true and which weren’t, while shedding new light on the life of his brother.

Negatives:
The narrative jumps a little bit in this biography- Escobar will be talking about one event that occurs and then, in the next paragraph, might jump several years forward or backward to prove a point (leaving a very fragile link between the two events).
If you’re hoping to read about Pablo Escobar’s life in chronological order, then you could get a little frustrated with this book at some points.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Biography

Recommended for: People who have heard the legend of Pablo Escobar and would like to learn about his life- told from the point of view of his older brother.

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Escobar: The Inside Story of Pablo Escobar, the World's Most Powerful Criminal

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Book Review: Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

Sh*t My Dad Says - Justin Halpern

Synopsis:
Comedy writer, Justin Halpern, was 28-years-old when his girlfriend of three years broke up with him, forcing him to move back home to live with his parents.
While most young people would be frustrated to be living once more in constant contact with their parents after an extended period of independence, Justin took this as an opportunity to start recording all of his father’s outrageously funny comments and ponderings on life.
What originally started out as a Twitter page called ‘Shit My Dad Says’, soon became the catalyst for this book, as well as the source of many newspaper articles and television interviews. Halpern’s Twitter page also attracted a fan-base of over one million people, demonstrating just how popular Halpern’s witticisms are.
This book- Halpern’s tribute to his 73-year-old father, showcasing the profound, witty and hilarious things that Halpern Senior has said over the years- is filled with touching and amusing anecdotes and quotes straight from the mouth of Mr Sam Halpern, and covers some of the monumental moments in Justin’s life. From coaching Justin’s Little League baseball team, and trying to ensure he had the best science competition project, to confronting burglars with a shotgun while naked, Justin doesn’t hold back in showing the world just how unique his father is.
While some of these scenarios may sound slightly condescending, Justin is clearly a man who cares deeply for his father, and tells these stories with the utmost respect and loyalty (and a lot of humour!).

What I gained from reading this book:
Most people, at some point in their life, have looked at their dad with embarrassment. Maybe he said something totally inappropriate in front of your friends, or did something that you would only ever see on a really bad-taste television program.
The great thing about this book is that no matter how embarrassed you felt then, there’s a strong chance that Justin Halpern’s dad has said or done something equally embarrassing- only his social faux pas has been documented by his son so that the whole world can read it! Not only does this book help to ease some of the awkwardness you once felt about your father (because he could obviously be a lot worse), but it is also a sweet -albeit humorous- tribute that one man has written to his father.

Positives:
Even though most of the scenarios that feature in this book could be considered really embarrassing- to both Halpern and his father- it is clear that Halpern has a strong admiration and respect for the man whose funny quotes he is retelling.
I was also impressed with the set-out of the book- there is a developed story at the start of each chapter, and then several quotes at the end of the chapter that only accentuate just how witty (or wacky, depending on what you think) Halpern Senior is. Hilarious stuff.

Negatives:
If you don’t appreciate swearing or any type of coarse language, you should probably steer clear of this book- Halpern Senior has a way with words that would, in all likelihood, make a sailor blush. He doesn’t discriminate in who he uses this language to, either, choosing to say the f-bomb numerous times in front of his kids when they’re only young. But although Halpern swears a lot, this doesn’t diminish the humour of the book, so if you don’t have a problem with cursing, you shouldn’t have a problem reading this.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Genre: Non-Fiction Humour

Recommended for: People who want to read an extremely funny tribute that one guy wrote for his father to celebrate their relationship. This would actually make a great Father’s Day present.

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Book Review: 90-Day Geisha by Chelsea Haywood

90-Day Geisha - Chelsea Haywood

Synopsis:
Since she was sixteen years old, Chelsea Haywood has travelled the world as a fashion model. While on her travels, she met many girls who were not only intelligent and glamorous, but also financially supported by rich Japanese businessmen.
These women were able to live the high life by temporarily working in Tokyo’s lucrative hostess clubs- accepting expensive clothes, jewellery and the best that the wealthy can offer, by simply being themselves.
Drawing on the traditions of the geisha, and regularly attended by Japanese men, the hostess clubs provide late-night entertainment and are accepted as a part of Japanese culture.
Fascinated by the idea of being a hostess, but unsatisfied with the incomplete recounts of girls’ experiences working as one, Chelsea decides to travel to Roppongi, Japan, with her husband Matt, with the intention of recording her personal experiences.
She gets a job at Greengrass, a quiet but popular hostess club, and soon meets a variety of interesting and unusual men whose only wish is to have a woman listen to whatever they have to say, or sing karaoke with them.
But as the 90-day expiry on Chelsea’s visa approaches, and the hostess life begins to take over, she finds herself becoming too tempted by material things, and struggling to maintain her relationship with her husband…

What I gained from reading this book:
These memoirs provide an interesting insight into the world of Japanese hostess clubs and dispel the negative connotations that most Westerners have of this cultural tradition.
Chelsea writes at the beginning of the novel:
“With all the other options out there, what were powerful, intelligent and obscenely wealthy Japanese men seeking in a young, Western hostess? She didn’t take off her clothes or dance around a pole… I would be required only to wear a respectable cocktail dress and speak perfect English in a polite and charming manner. I’d need to laugh at jokes, pour drinks and light cigarettes…”
This passage dictates what is to follow in Chelsea’s experiences and immediately shows readers that hostessing is a modern mimic of the Geisha traditions of ancient Japan, rather than prostitution or stripping as it is thought by some to be.
By dispelling such myths, Chelsea is able to inform her readers of a life unique to Japan that is often difficult to comprehend by many Western countries.

Positives:
The author is very good with words and is easily able to set a scene using strong verbal imagery. Her descriptions of places and people, along with little historical facts about Japan, make this book quite engrossing. Chelsea is also able to portray the grittiness of working in such a seedy district, and contrasts this with some of her better experiences, allowing the reader to make up their own mind about the profession.

Negatives:
Some of the people that Chelsea mentions in the novel seem quite crazy, and you can’t help but wonder how she could tolerate being in the same vicinity as them for so long. This admittedly isn’t a negative on the author’s behalf, as she was only writing about her experiences, but surely if you had to face those kinds of people on a daily basis you would do your best to avoid them, rather than go on countless outings with them? I can’t really understand it, except to say that money must have been a big motivator.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Genre: Biography

Recommended for: People who have a fascination with the people and culture of Japan.

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Book Review: Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin

Mao’s Last Dancer - Li Cunxin

Synopsis:
Growing up in Qingdao, a poverty-stricken rural village in Northeast China, Li Cunxin’s life is already mapped out for him. Only divine intervention will prevent him from doing anything more than work in the fields for the Chinese government, just like his father does, seven days a week.
Even with his father constantly working, Cunxin, his parents and his six brothers barely have enough to eat, and share two beds amongst them. The only enjoyment in their lives comes from telling fables and folk stories, catching crickets, playing marbles, and pretending to be kung fu masters.
Despite his reverence for Chairman Mao, the communist leader whose every word is sacred and filled with promises for a better China, Cunxin can’t help but dream of a better life where his family can prosper and his beloved mother can have enough food to eat.
At age eleven, Cunxin’s life changes dramatically, when Madame Mao’s cultural delegates visit his school to select young peasants to train in ballet. It is hoped that the students will become faithful guards to the communist leader’s aspirations for a better China, and help to bridge the cultural gap in a country that is determined to avoid capitalist ideals at all costs.
Li Cunxin is one of the students chosen, an honour that sees him leave his hometown, family and friends and move to the dauntingly large city of Beijing.
In the years that follow, Cunxin learns to push his body to the limits, dances for international ballet companies and befriends the American president and first lady. This is his remarkable and challenging story.

What I gained from reading this book:
This novel provides a fascinating insight into the world of communist China during Chairman Mao’s ruling, and the views that were once held regarding countries like America and Britain. It is also interesting to see how Li Cunxin’s life was shaped by communist propaganda and how he was able to form his own perceptions about Western countries, having actually visited them and learnt about the people living there.
The most important thing to note about this book, however, is Li Cunxin’s strong sense of nationalistic pride. Despite some of the problems that he had with the Chinese government, Cunxin was still determined to represent his country and make his family proud. It is this on-going determination that makes Cunxin’s biography so interesting to read.

Positives:
Cunxin doesn’t shy away from telling the story as he remembers it- he recounts watching the execution of men accused of being too wealthy when he was a boy, and tells of the squalid conditions that he faced while living in his village. He also points out the vast differences in the wealth of the Western world, in comparison to the poverty of the world that he grew up in, and raises questions about why such poverty exists.

Negatives:
Some people may wonder how Cunxin and the other Chinese people could be so brainwashed by the communist propaganda spouted over the years but as you read the novel you can understand the reasons why. The Chinese people didn’t really have much of a choice if they didn’t want to face accusations of treason or be executed. Chairman Mao’s propaganda was also spread through his Red Book that everyone was supposed to own and study, and his values were among the first things taught at school. So it is through no fault of their own that the Chinese believed almost everything that they were taught about Chairman Mao and his ideals.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Genre: Biography

Recommended for: People interested in a young boy’s journey from poverty to international stardom

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Book Review: Marley And Me by John Grogan

Marley & Me - John Grogan

Synopsis:
John and his wife Jenny are happily married, working as journalists at competing newspapers and considering starting a family in the not-too-distant future. But concerned that they might not be able to cope with looking after a child, they decide to get a puppy so that they can have a ‘practice run’.
After visiting a local breeder, they pick out a yellow Labrador pup and name him Marley, but they have no idea what they’re getting themselves into.
Marley is adorable and lively as a puppy and continues to be so, even after he is fully-grown and weighs over ninety pounds. His unbridled energy and unconditional love for everybody he meets, and his love for eating things that he shouldn’t, drives the Grogan’s insane but they can’t help but love him for who he is.
As the family begins to grow, the Grogan’s face many challenges, mostly to do with the mayhem that Marley causes, but they stay united as a loving family unit until the end.

What I gained from reading this book:
There are many pet owners in the world who believe that they have the best dog in the world. There are also many in the world who think that they have the worst. John Grogan found the best and the worst in his yellow Labrador Marley, and recounts his experiences with his lively and often misbehaving dog in this biography.
Together with his wife Jenny, John picked out Marley from a litter of nine puppies, and soon became the owner of an incredibly goofy yet loving Labrador.
This novel recounts some of the more memorable moments in Marley’s and John’s life, highlighting the companionship that so many people share with their dogs throughout their lifetimes together.

Positives:
Grogan’s tribute to his beloved dog has touched people’s hearts all over the world, and his biography has been made even more popular with the release of the Hollywood film of the same title, starring Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston.
It’s wonderful that Grogan has been able to celebrate Marley’s life in such an honest and candid way.

Negatives:
People who have recently lost a beloved pet may find it difficult to read this book, especially if they can recognise aspects of their relationship in Grogan and Marley. On the other hand, this book may be a good way to help people come to terms with their grief, as they read about the love and hardships that others endure with their pets.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Genre: Biography

Recommended for: People who might have seen the film and are interested in reading the source.

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog

Monday, May 25, 2009

Book review: A tribute to Heath Ledger - the illustrated biography by Chris Roberts

A Tribute To Heath Ledger: The Illustrated Biography - Chris Roberts

Synopsis:
This biography details the extremely short life of talented Australian actor Heath Ledger, who tragically died from a prescription drug overdose in January, 2008.
Printed alongside the lists of television and film roles that made Ledger famous are snippets of reviews, interspersed among the minutiae of his personal life.
This information is framed with a collection of photographs of the star taken from the paparazzi, press conferences, red carpets and the sets of his films.

What I gained from reading this book:
As an Australian who has followed Heath Ledger’s progression from small independent films to fame in Hollywood, I remember being deeply shocked when I saw the initial news reports about his death. I picked up this book more than a year after his death as a way of commemorating his brilliant life and as a way to learn more about him. Like River Phoenix, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe before him, Heath Ledger’s life has been immortalised in film and his death serves as a reminder that no one is immune to death, no matter their age or success.

Positives:
This book showcases a varied assortment of photographs of Ledger: from early headshots to film and television stills, and from film premier photographs to paparazzi shots of him walking down the street with the various women of his life, including his daughter Matilda.

Negatives:
Although this book holds all the vital information about Ledger, it is nowhere near as comprehensive as you would expect, and you can’t help but get the feeling that this book was written quickly and rushed out in order to capitalise on the interest surrounding Ledger’s death. The book is filled with photographs of the star, most of which take up half of the page, if not the full page. It is also made obvious through the text that the author had never met Ledger and has never been in contact with his family, through the detached way in which the book is written. Instead, Roberts relies heavily on interviews and reviews from websites, newspapers and magazines to back up his claims. Despite this, the author definitely has strong research skills and wields the ability to piece together all the information he has collected, in order to produce a clear and coherent book about Ledger’s life.

Rating: 5 out of 10

Genre: Biography

Recommended for: Heath Ledger fans

Australians can buy the book by clicking the picture below:

Saturday, April 25, 2009

New book review blog

Hi everybody my name is Catherine. I will be reviewing novels and biographies to help you decide if a book is right for you. I am a literature and journalism graduate and enjoy reading books whenever I can.
If you have any books you would like me to review please let me know. If you have read any of the books reviewed here, feel free to add your own comments to help out other people.

Catherine