Book Review- Zosia Mamet's My First Popsicle

Thank you to LibroFM for an audio arc of the essay collection, My First Popsicle: An Anthology of Food and Feelings, edited by Zosia Mamet.

Actress and writer Zosia Mamet ( daughter of famed playwright David Mamet) had an idea to curate a collection of essays regarding food and our emotions surrounding food. Mamet contributes her own essay, but also calls upon famous friends, such as Kaley Cuoco, her costar on The Flight Attendant, to contribute to the anthology. I listed to the audio version and many of the essays are read by the writers themselves, adding to the charm and intimacy of the stories.

As with many anthologies, the content was uneven in how I connect with the stories. Regarding this collection particularly, the writing talent was uneven, likely due to the abundance of celebrity contributors. I’m not implying that celebrities can’t also write, just that it was uneven and some contributions felt less polished or poignant than others. That said, I applaud the concept and generally delighted in several of the contributions.

Although we may connect with food in different ways, the idea of having emotional attachment to taste and the power of that particular sense is universal. I think most readers will find a connection with some of the essays, enough to make this collection recommendable.

Book Review- Erika Krouse's Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation

Thank you to Libro FM and Macmillan Audio for a copy of Erika Krouse’s Tell Me Everything: The Story of a Private Investigation.

Despite having no previous experience as a private investigator, Erika Krouse is given an opportunity by a lawyer named Grayson who notices Krouse’s keen ability to get people to talk. Not only does Krouse have the gift of getting clients to open up and trust her, but she also has a knack for blending in with a crowd. Grayson hires Krouse for long-term case involving rape culture among athletes at a Colorado University. Krouse must confront her own history of sexual violence, while working this high-profile case.

Tell Me Everything is an excellent book. Krouse balances the genres of memoir, journalism, and true crime to reveal a story that is as engaging, as it is horrific. The case involved university football players who were accused of underage drinking/drugs, soliciting prostitutes, and rape. One of the biggest issues in the case was the cover-up by university officials and prominent members of society, who had an interest in supporting the football team, no matter how heinous the crimes. Additionally, teenage recruits were involved, as some of the illegal behavior took place during recruitment weekends, the parties used to entice young men to choose this particular university. The adult prostitutes often turned a blind-eye to the men being teenagers.

Krouse interviewed former players, both those accused and on the periphery, prostitutes involved, and the rape victims to try to get a full picture of the situation. The university and local authorities were determined to keep the crimes from being prosecuted, so Krouse used her power of persuasion to get confessions. One of the prostitutes that helped with the case, did so at great detriment to her personal life. Krouse had gained this woman’s trust through a guise of friendship, knowing that professional lines were blurring, eventually feeling guilt for this aspect of private investigation. The work was not always clean. Krouse often had to lie and manipulate to gain access to information.

Tell Me Everything is fascinating, but due to the grim content, a difficult read. Krouse’s private life and family relations are nearly as complicated as the case, which adds an interesting layer to the book. I felt heavy that Krouse has difficulties, but from a story perspective this added so much more to Tell Me Everything, much more nuanced than if she had simply written about the case. It could not have been easy to be so candid about her personal issues, but it certainly made Tell Me Everything an outstanding book.

If you like non-fiction that tackles complex societal issues Krouse’s Tell Me Everything is an excellent pick.

Book Review- Laura Clery's Idiots: Marriage, Motherhood, Milk and Mistakes

Thank you to LibroFM and Simon & Schuster Audio for a copy of the audio version of Laura Clery’s memoir, Idiots: Marriage, Motherhood, Milk & Mistakes.

Prior to Idiots, I had not heard of Laura Clery. I just thought Idiots sounded like a book that I’d enjoy and I’ve since learned that she is an actress, comedian, and has quite a large social media presence.

Clery is very funny and completely open about her life, including some less than stellar personal moments. She gets cringy. She includes stories that were too personal or horrific to include in her first memoir, stating that she now feels ready to share them. I admire her willingness to be so open, especially as some of the content was quite shocking.

Clery narrates the audio version of her book and I felt this added to the experience. Admittedly, it took me a bit of time to get used to her voice, especially when she gets enthusiastic and changes her tone for effect. She can be loud! However, I liked that I could experience her stories in the way she wants listeners/readers to experience them, through her vocal changes and pauses. Adding to the comedic effect, Clery does hilarious accents/voices, such as her British husband and her elderly neighbor. Clery is a solid storyteller, both through her writing and her vocalizations.

Although there is plenty of humor, Idiots also deals with serious subjects such as addiction, infidelity, and parenting issues. Clery explains the difficulties and joys of being neurodivergent. Not only is she neurodivergent, but so are her son and husband. Clery shares her thoughts on the importance of celebrating all types of people, and that despite the challenges, having a different way of thinking can be an asset to both an individual’s life and to the greater world. It’s a hopeful and kind message.

I throughly enjoyed Idiots. I look forward to reading Clery’s first memoir and future works.