I love learning people’s stories. It is one of the reasons I am in the profession that I am. Learning the steps a person had to take to achieve where they are in life, intrigues me. Historical memoirs and biographies allow for the audience to get an understanding of why the chain of events in history have happened. I find myself reflecting on my own life and the steps I have taken so far and what lies ahead. I also find myself feeling empowered after reading a memoir or biography. Especially when reading how a person persevered in time of trouble or hardship. Catherine the Great is a biography that I am currently reading. I first became interested in learning more about her after watching The Great on Hulu. I know that a large portion of that show is fiction but the woman herself lead a fascinating life and overcame multiple challenges. She was very intelligent and wanted to bring Russia into an age of enlightenment.
I have also found myself enjoying comedian’s memoirs. I am especially fond of Chelsey Handler and Ali Wong. Chelsey’s stories make me laugh out loud and forget about everything around me. Ali allows an insight into a woman of color trying to work in comedy and Hollywood. She speaks to the issues of working in a male dominant industry. One of people I have found inspiration from is Mindy Kaling. She not only is an actress but also a writer, producer and director. Learning how she had navigated through her career is heartwarming and encouraging. Jen Lancaster has several memoirs and I love all of them. They are relatable and funny. She deals with the struggle of weight loss, in a real way. She deals with having a wonderful job with lots of money to becoming broke and then back to having enough to be comfortable.
Book talk and review 