Book Review- Eric Weiner's The Geography of Genius

Thank You to Simon & Schuster for providing me with an advanced copy of Eric Weiner's The Geography of Genius, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT- In The Geography of Genius, Eric Weiner travels around the world in an attempt to determine why certain cultures have experienced bursts of innovation. What are the common links between places like Renaissance Florence and ancient Athens? Is America's Silicon Valley the latest pocket of genius? Weiner examines the reason that these short-lived revolutionary periods happen, and why they quickly fizzle. Besides the commonalities, he looks at the unique attributes that each culture brings to the table. Is it possible to predict or create the next place of genius?

LIKE- I was a big fan of Weiner's previous non-fiction book, The Geography of Bliss, where in a similar set-up to The Geography of Genius, he travels the world to figure out the secret to cultures who are considered "happy". 

Weiner's humor shines through in his writing, which is helpful to cut through this dense topic. He writes in a conversational style, that makes it seem like the information is coming through via a coffee chat with your most interesting friend. I have no doubt that amongst his friends, Weiner is the guy with a million unusual anecdotes. His interest in the subject is infectious.

The idea for the book is fascinating, and I liked how Weiner takes a broad approach with his inclusion of a range of cultures and time periods. 

DISLIKE- The subject was dense and I could only read in small chunks, sometimes making The Geography of Genius, feel like a chore to read. I read it on my Kindle and read ten percent chunks a day. Sluggish.

RECOMMEND- Maybe. If the subject grabs your interest, go for it. Going in, I was most excited to read Weiner's latest book and would have probably read it, regardless of the subject. I wasn't as enthusiastic as I was towards The Geography of Bliss, which I recommended to everyone. Despite my lukewarm feelings towards The Geography of Genius, I still hold Weiner in high regard and I'm looking forward to his next book!

Book Review- Gloria Norris' Kookooland

Thank You to Regan Arts for providing me with an advanced copy of Gloria Norris' memoir, Kookooland, in exchange for an honest review. 

PLOT- In her memoir, Kookooland, Gloria Norris details her childhood growing up in New Hampshire in the 1960's. Norris lives in the projects with her parents and her older sister, Virginia. Norris' father, Jimmy, is mentally unstable and the family is ruled by his whims. He can be charming and always has a scheme to support his gambling addiction, but he can also be tyrannical and abusive. Her mother, Shirley, is too fearful to leave him and instead, turns to alcohol and drugs for escape.

As a child, Norris idolizes Susan, the older daughter of Jimmy's friend Hank. Norris' imagination runs wild with ideas of how she can become Susan's best friend and charm the older girl. Her dreams are dashed, when Hank murders Susan's mother and is sent to prison, pushing Norris even further to the edge of Susan's life. 

As an adult, Norris reexamines her childhood obsession with Susan and finds parallels in the violence that both of their families experienced. She reconnects with Susan and discovers a person very changed from the girl that she once admired.

LIKE - I can't remember the last time that I read a story with such a strong narrative voice. Norris, as a child picking up on the lingo of her wise-guy father and his friends, was a force. She immediately brought me into her world and taught me some new phrases!

The voice alone would have been enough to make me love Norris' writing, but the story is a powerhouse. There is never a moment that I didn't feel like Norris or her mother/sister, were potentially in danger. There was even a chapter where I was very fearful for the family cat. The danger is always under the surface, making the story tense and a page turner. I could never have anticipated where Norris was going to take me, especially the twist with Susan. Crazy stuff.

This memoir has many layers and Norris is a strong voice speaking out against domestic violence. There is the sad element of Norris still wanting her father's approval, even when she knows that he has been cruel to her and she is trying to break free from him. Also sad, is watching her mom suffer and trying to find the balance between helping her mother and not creating problems with her father, which could result in more retaliation directed towards her mother. It's compelling to see the terrible dysfunction and abuse in Norris' family, but then to realize that it goes up a notch with Susan's story.

DISLIKE- Nothing. It's disturbing and often difficult to read, but Kookooland is a true horror story, one that needs to be shared. 

RECOMMEND- Yes. Kookooland is an important and compelling read. This will be the memoir that everyone is buzzing about in 2016. It's a powerhouse. 

Book Review- Clara Bensen's No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love & Wandering

Thank you to Running Press for an advanced copy of Clara Bensen's memoir, No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love & Wandering, in exchange for an honest review.

PLOT - Clara Bensen is living a quiet life in Austin, Texas. She's in her mid-twenties and after suffering a mental breakdown, she has finally regained control of her life. Bensen has a stable office job and a small apartment. Things are going well, so she decides to start dating and joins OKCupid.

Bensen meets Jeff, a dynamic personality and free spirit. Jeff is a recently divorced father and college professor, currently illegally living in his university office. After just a few dates, Jeff convinces Bensen to quit her job and join him on a trip to Europe and Asia. The catch? No luggage and no expectations. Will this experiment end in love or disaster?

LIKE- I admire Bensen's spirit of adventure. Although I met my husband on the internet ( Match.com) and we ran way for a Vegas weekend on our third date, I can't imagine quitting my job and traveling without luggage or an itinerary.

She wore the same dress for three weeks and only had what she could carry in her purse. No way could I manage that! They also never made hotel reservations, instead trying their luck with the mercy of strangers and couch surfing. The stars seemed aligned for them and they never encountered much trouble with finding a place to stay. I did see the plus side of traveling without an itinerary; it left them open to magical encounters, conversations with locals, and visits to places off-the-beaten path. Most of their experiences were not those of the typical tourist. 

As far as Bensen's writing, her memoir is a fine blend of personal insight and travelogue. She writes lush, sensory filled descriptions of the locales and infuses her story with her feelings towards Jeff and this burgeoning love. She strikes a strong balance between the various elements of her memoir. 

DISLIKE - As an obsessive vacation planner and OCD regarding personal hygiene, their story caused me stress! It was fascinating and I admire them, but it still was stressful. A note to Jeff - a toothbrush is definitely in the "needs" category! 

RECOMMEND -  Yes! No Baggage: A Minimalist Tale of Love & Wandering, is a great way for the armchair adventurer to live vicariously through Bensen and add a little safe spontaneity into their lives. Bensen's memoir is a hopeful story for those thinking of internet dating. 

Also, make sure you do a Google search for Clara and Jeff to see their vacation outfits, especially that famous green dress!