Beverly E. Van Citters

Love Ina!

Revisado: 10-16-24

A long time Ina Garten follower. The book was interesting, especially hearing about her background and her upbringing. I came away with more of an appreciation for the woman she became. She showed to us her resilience and her openness. Thank you, Ina for sharing the personal and painful memories that helped you become who you are. You and Jeffrey are an amazing couple.

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Another Trump saga

Revisado: 08-03-24

I cannot imagine the emotional and psychological pain Fred Trump experienced at the hands of the family. The judgmental comments regarding choices regarding eon regarding money, and the far reaching expectation that they, the Trumps, are the best..
He describes eloquently his grandfather. And how his grandfather reinforced Donald as the heir apparent. I read his sister Mary’s book, and I see a lot of similarities. Given the pain. They both felt after their father died. The lack of compassion of the Trump family shows a deficiency in one’s humanity. The duplicitous of Donald has been well documented not only by Mary and Fred, but in legal terms as well.
Hearing this book in Fred’s own words, and with the various pauses and intimations he uses as he describes the challenges and also the inspiration he gets from his son. The changes brought about as a dad to three children. I am amazed that he and his wife have such a strong partnership over all of these years . What even touched my heart was at the end hearing his own daughter speak about this book.

I applaud Fred and trying to connect with the family even after the blowup when the family decided to disinherit not disinherit, but I guess take he and Mary out of their grandfather‘s will. I find it so hard it’s almost like sibling against sibling when you hear Robert and Marianne and you know how the other ones get along. it was all about Donald taking charge and being the one to cover his debts and use the family fortune to cover those debts.

I did enjoy this book. There were some repetitions, but that’s OK. There’s so much in here that we really get a sense of the true character of a Donald Trump and and I’m really not surprised.

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Disappointing but worth a read/listen

Revisado: 10-26-21

I wanted to like this book because I enjoyed watching Meghan over 4 years on the View. She speaks her truth. The surprising areas were the toxicity of ABC and that an esprit de corps was lost. I hold every woman on that show responsible including Meghan. Having gone through similar miscarriages and pre eclampsia, I understand! I also had post partum depression. If people don’t know, how can they be held to a standard of ‘knowing’. Meghan does not take any responsibility for her part contributing to the toxicity. I cried when she discussed her dad. It is still traumatic for her. I see a woman trying to find herself even though she portrays a tough veneer, she is still quite young. I wish she and her family well and I hope she can move on, forgive others, and realize how she played into the toxicity.

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Too Little, Too Late?

Revisado: 10-24-21

Grisham provides an honest look at her time in the Trump White House including her own missteps and her lust for power while getting caught in the web. Besides the content, I have to admire anyone who takes a deeper look at their own character flaws. She admits to those flaws but knowing how powerless she was in that world becomes obvious. The chaos ascribed to Trump was obvious for 4 years. While she speaks of the effective policies he began, she never identifies or explains those policies. More specificity, like when describing the famous worded jacket of Melania, would have added to the narrative. Grisham is not a student of history and the book is limited in scope intellectually. An easy read.

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A Great Dame

Revisado: 08-02-19

While our politics differ, I learned our basic values, love for country, love for husband/family, and impatience towards people who are less than honest are the same.

The posturing by Nancy Reagan, as described, was appalling. Reagan’s small mindedness really displayed an insecure woman. I found the various statements provided to be credible.

I had much admiration for Barbara Bush before this book but now it is heightened. The author sets her credibility in the beginning by describing that she actually interviewed Mrs. Bush and was endorsed by Bush so the family could feel free to talk with Page. Thus biography differs from others for that very reason!

Thank you Ms Page!

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Supreme Justice

Revisado: 11-15-16

What did you love best about My Own Words?

I loved hearing the actual voices of her husband and Justice Ginsburg. The recordings that were provided in Audible would only be read in a hard copy. Hearing the cadence of these voices added much to the book.

What did you like best about this story?

The honesty of some of the decisions and the logic and careful thought that goes into Supreme Court decisions ere some of the best points covered..

Which scene was your favorite?

My favorite scene was the opera created and about Justice Ginsburg and Justice Scalia who shared a love of opera and often attended operas with their families. Knowing that they wee close friends even though their beliefs were different, gave me pause to hope that more of us might be able to do the same.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Justice Ginsburg painting a human picture of Justice Scalia and her own family. I loved that her daughter stated that dad was the cook and mom used her brain! Very funny!

Any additional comments?

This is a must read/hear though I support hearing it. Linda Lavin does an expert job in the narration.

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Acting as whole

Revisado: 11-10-16

This is a master class in living and in acting. Bryan Cranston uses all of his life experiences on stage, in film, to develop characters. He shares his love of the story and the acting process. The complexity of Walter White or LBJ is included in relating the acting process. I am in awe of the time and care Cranston exudes into each character. His ability to be grounded as a husband and father in Hollywood is admirable. I always enjoyed his acting From Malcolm in the Middle to Breaking Bad, but to truly appreciate him, is to listen to this book in his own words! A masterpiece and a wonderful journey for this listener/reader.

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Nothing SHORT but LONG on humor!

Revisado: 10-30-15

If you could sum up I Must Say in three words, what would they be?

Laughter, tears, love

Who was your favorite character and why?

Martin Short is self- revealing and honest in his explanation of the beginnings of comedy for him. His descriptions and eloquence make for easy listening.

Which scene was your favorite?

I appreciated that Short included family stories of his wife and children.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reactions to this book were both extremes...laughing and crying. While laughter is the predominantly emotional reaction with his witticisms, anecdotes, and Short just being himself, I found myself crying as he adjusted to the news of his wife's cancer. The love story between Nancy Dolman and Martin Short permeates throughout this book. With thirty plus years of marriage, he tells their story with humor, sensitivity, respect and above all, with love!

Any additional comments?

This is a must read .....Short does not fit the typical "Hollywood" type....he is a sensitive and deeply feeling person who understands his craft because he understands people. He cares deeply about others. I have a new found appreciation for both he and his craft.

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An amazing read

Revisado: 09-13-15

An amazing journey told in the voice of Alan Cumming. I followed Cumming's career from the beginning and have been an admirer of his work. After listening to this book, in his own voice, I am even more enamored by who Cumming has become given the abuse he received by his father. His storytelling talent does not go unnoticed for his word choice in explaining various events is exceptional. He is a wordsmith...and one who admires and respects language.
I am in awe of where he came and happy for his discoveries of himself I that his future is bright. He gives hope to those who have been abused....much like PTSD ( post traumatic stress disorder).

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American transplant to Burgundy

Revisado: 07-20-15

I loved the book. Unlike other wine books, this one respects the history of wine grown in burgundy. The courage of Ray Walker to pick up his family and leave for France in an unknown adventure demanded and got my respect and attention. I followed up watching him on TV with Anthony Bourdain. Ray Walker is a one of a kind winemaker whom the Burgundians respect and admire.

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