The Boy Who Loved Batman: A Memoir Review

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The Boy Who Loved Batman: A Memoir ReviewNot too long ago, the idea of a Batman film franchise revolving around a serious, dark Batman was considered laughable by practically everyone in Hollywood. One individual had the vision and prescience since childhood to see otherwise. Michael Uslan's memoir tells the tale of how a kid with a dream can one day make it a reality - even as the weight of Gotham City is bearing down on you. Born into a middle class family in New Jersey, Uslan's look back through the years wonderfully meshes humor with nostalgia making for a wonderful read, taking the reader on an emotional journey through life's ups and downs, thereby making this book a must read for anyone, comic book fan or not. (It must be noted, however, that if you are a comic book fan, this read is absolutely essential - Uslan's inside account of the industry provides a rare and unique look into its pioneers and evolution). Uslan has fought vigorously for comics to be taken as a serious American art form, capable of masterful storytelling, and even serving as an educational medium. After reading this book, I don't know how it is possible for anyone to make a legitimate argument against such a stance. However, what makes this visually stunning memoir such a stand out is just how much the reader takes away from the book after reading it. Uslan's narrative is a refreshing glimpse into the life of the man who forever changed the world of entertainment, but does not revolve around fame, gossip, and money in Hollywood - that is completely counter to what the author is about. Uslan's story is about passion, hard work, sacrifice, and focusing on what matters in life - namely family and friends. Far from being handed everything on a silver platter, Uslan encourages us all to go against the grain and think creatively, providing us with the life lessons needed to know how to get through times of struggle and rejection to achieve the highest of goals. It seems to live life any other way would be akin to a life spent stuck in Arkham Asylum.The Boy Who Loved Batman: A Memoir Overview

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Unbillable Hours: A True Story Review

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Unbillable Hours: A True Story ReviewIan Graham's "Unbillable Hours" weaves the true narrative of a young lawyer stumbling into counsel for the murder conviction appeal of Mario Rocha. Mario -- a young man who by all accounts appeared innocent -- was the on the wrong end of systemic oversight and miscarried justice that led to nearly a decade of imprisonment (see the documentary of his case, Mario's Story). Graham, whose privileged upbringing couldn't be any farther apart from Mario's, is drawn through a series of biographical twists and turns after moving to California to join an esteemed firm. Graham's navigation of the big law firm is the classic storyline of an overworked but well-paid greenhorn slowly getting trapped in a legal job by status and compensation. His life at the firm caves in from the booze-driven recruiting process that has him hopping LA hotspots to the realistic and joyless grind of combing legal minutiae. Once the gloss wears off, fate sets Graham on a crash course with Rocha's case through a chance assignment from a senior partner and a relentless nun whose faith in her instincts about Mario is unshakeable. Of course, the case is a Hail Mary, and the events that take place only stack up the odds even further, leaving life and death matters in the hands of a kid under 30 who isn't even sure he should be a lawyer. This thing reads like a novel.
At first the writing seemed quite ordinary, but the superb structure draws you into the web of legal hurdles and personal frustrations. The first chapter has a hook to it that pulled me into reading the book in one sitting. Graham eventually tightens up his prose into an extended, detailed Vanity Fair-type exposition of the case and how dedication to Mario's cause kept him going. One important thing to me as the reader was that the author never tried to redeem his own frailties through Mario or make any demonstration of guilt for the opportunistic upbringing he had. When visiting Mario in prison or finding himself arm-in-arm in an impromptu prayer circle in a barrio home, Graham simply went with the situation, leaving behind the typical upper class tendency to revel in a sort of authentic ghetto adventure that they can later tell their gringo friends about over cocktails.
For the prospective law student, this is the perfect complement to Scott Turow's seminal law school experience "One L: The Turbulent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law School." Careful, though, it strips the polish from big firm life and might result in some self-examination. Or worse, it might not. While Graham doesn't have Turow's mastery of detail, his breezy style is still vivid and probably more accessible to the contemporary reader. This is a four-star plus book, but I'm going to give it five as it is a hell of a first book effort.
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We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction Review

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We All Fall Down: Living with Addiction ReviewI read Tweak after reading Beautiful Boy, by Nic's father, twice. I am the mother of an addict. When I saw Nic had written another book, I instantly read the reviews and kindled it immediately, honestly not expecting to be as moved by it as I was by Tweak. That is not the case. Nic, thank you for writing this book, it was amazing.
It may sound odd to call a book about the tortures of someones life amazing, but, this book is. Nic lets us see every twisted, terrible downward spiral by being honest with how he feels and what he thinks, no matter how dirty it sounds. His braveness is unbelievable, letting us see the worst of him. Then, we also get a glimpse of the greatness in him and the hope that lies within. And that hope gives me hope, for him, for my son, for every addict out there.
Nic DOES NOT whine about 12 step programs nor does he bash them. He simply doesn't think they are his way. They may work for most, but perhaps not for him, or they are not the be all end all. He does participate in treatment that is not 12 step based, although he said he goes to a meeting once in a while. Since when does one thing make sense for ALL, every single person? That thinking is so off track. There is always a percentage of people that the common cure does not work for. All Nic is saying is that 12 step isn't for him, let's not crucify him for it. If he had cancer, maybe chemo would work for most, but maybe not for him, are we gonna fry him for that? I applaud how he figured out what he is comfortable with, and stayed true to himself. He doesn't say don't do treatment, he says find the treatment that feels right to you.
This book is just as good as Tweak, and I sincerely hope Nic keeps writing, because I, for one, will be buying his next one.
Be well Nic and thank you, thank you, thank you.
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An Unquenchable Thirst: Following Mother Teresa in Search of Love, Service, and an Authentic Life Review

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An Unquenchable Thirst: Following Mother Teresa in Search of Love, Service, and an Authentic Life Review"An Unquenchable Thirst" is a memoir of the twenty years that Mary Johnson, a young woman from Texas, spent in the Missionaries of Charity, the order begun by Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Entering the convent at age 19, Mary found herself in a community steeped in pre-Vatican II spirituality. Spiritual practices one associates more with the Middle Ages, such as wearing chains and whipping oneself nightly, were commonplace. One was expected to give oneself over totally to the will of one's superiors, and novices were taught that to question the superior or the Church was to question God. As the author tells it, mind control was practiced by those in authority, all in the name of fidelity to God. Inevitably, shame, guilt, and even mental illness followed. Most of the young women in Mary's class could not live under such conditions and left the order, but Mary and one other in her class remained.
An intelligent and compassionate person, Mary was sent to study in Rome, where she excelled. At the conclusion of her studies, she was put in charge of a group of novices, a job she handled well despite her own growing doubts and awakening sexuality. Pursued by an aggressive younger nun to whom she was attracted, Mary experienced sexual feelings for the first time. Knowing that she has violated her vow of chastity, Mary turns to her confessor, a sympathetic young priest with whom she eventually falls in love. Because the sisters are discouraged from having human friendships, it is difficult for Mary to tell the difference between the simple need for human connection and more complicated sexual attraction.
At the same time, a political coup was underway in the community. The ultra-conservative and anti-intellectual first and second councillors managed to have all the sisters who were studying at Rome's Regina Mundi university removed under the pretext that a priest there was teaching doctrine contrary to Church law on abortion. This is the last straw for Mary, and she requests a leave of absence, to the shock of everyone in the community, including Mother Teresa, who herself urges Mary to stay.
This memoir is amazingly detailed, and although the author admits that conversations are not verbatim, they have the ring of truth. I kept wondering if Mary had kept a journal or diary during her time in the community. I was also struck by the fact that Mary never excuses herself when she makes a mistake or does the "wrong" thing; indeed, I think she is far too hard on herself. That said, at 539 pages, the book is overlong and could have used a good editor. Still, it kept me interested. I was happy that Mary eventually found joy in marriage and career outside the community. I was also interested in the fuller portrait of Mother Teresa, who emerges as a more complex human being with great sanctity but also human flaws and blind spots.
Readers who are interested in a look into Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity will enjoy this book, though some may be dismayed if they view Mother Teresa and her order as perfect. Likewise, very conservative readers may be put off by some of the content. I recommend "An Unquenchable Thirst" to open-minded readers who see the world in all its complexity rather than in black and white.An Unquenchable Thirst: Following Mother Teresa in Search of Love, Service, and an Authentic Life Overview

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Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul Review

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Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul ReviewMy fascination with Starbucks began as I savoured the first book 'Pour Your Heart into It' as a business school student and now continues with 'Onward', another highly inspirational read by Howard Schultz; a now humbled CEO with a natural talent for knitting powerful words together to tell an engaging motivational story that takes you through the nail biting journey of a company that went from peak to rock bottom to a slow, painful yet rewarding ride back up the mountain. I wont be surprised if this book finds itself in the business schools curriculum as a learning guide for reinventing oneself during challenging times. Get yourself a copy now!!Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its Life without Losing Its Soul Overview

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