Book Review- Frank Bruni's The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found

Thank you to LibroFM and Simon and Schuster Audio for an copy of Frank Bruni’s The Beauty of Dusk: On Vision Lost and Found.

In his memoir, journalist and non-fiction writer Frank Bruni details a life-altering medical situation, where a stroke left him blind in one eye. As he was adjusting to his new normal, he also lived in fear of losing sight in his other eye, a problem that some doctors warned could happen. Bruni was middle-aged, in a long-term relationship, and in a very good place in his career, often traveling abroad for both work and pleasure. Doctors warned that his sight could worsen if he spent time in high-altitudes and he began to have trouble seeing in the dark, making driving to destinations difficult, curtailing his travels. Shortly after Bruni’s diagnosis, his partner was unfaithful and their relationship ended. Although not married, they had lived together for many years and the break-up was akin to a divorce, such as dividing shared belongings. Bruni was left alone to rebuild.

Despite all of the challenges Bruni faces, he handles these major life changes with grace. He is surrounded by close friends and a loving family, which help ease loneliness. He finds ways to work with diminished sight and his career continues. Mostly, he embraces the positive aspects of his life. He feels bolstered by all of the travels and experiences that he had prior to losing sight and he stays confident that these experience will continue, even if they are modified. A running theme is to never take anything for granted, but also not to fall into self-pity for things that you no longer have. Bruni shares examples of other people facing challenges to show that everyone has their unique situations. One of the sweetest part of The Beauty of Dusk is when Bruni finds companionship with a dog that he adopts from a family member. I’m a huge animal lover and this just made my heart happy.

The audio version is narrated by Bruni and he has a soothing, easy on the ears voice. I feel that The Beauty of Dusk would be equally engaging, whether you choose the audio or print version. Bruni’s compelling story and poetic words combine for a absolutely beautiful memoir, one that I personally loved and will purchase as a gift for friends.

Book Review- Mary Laura Philpott's Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives

Thank you to LibroFM and Simon & Schuster Audio for a copy of Mary Laura Philpott’s memoir, Bomb Shelter: Love, Time, and Other Explosives.

I have to confess that the combination of the title and the turtle on the cover drew me to Philpott’s memoir, and I knew nothing about the author or subject matter prior to enjoying the audio version of Bomb Shelter. Luckily, judging a book by its cover is a perfectly acceptable way of finding new books and in most cases, as with this, it’s a gut instinct worth following. The turtle plays a minor, yet impactful role in Philpott’s life and if you’re an animal lover like me, you will connect with this moment.

Philpott has a wicked sense of humor. In Bomb Shelter she deftly balances humor with very personal topics, such a serious medical condition that is affecting her teenage son and a revelation from her father regarding the nature of his job when Philpott was a child, which inspires the title of the memoir. Philpott’s memoir is funny and profoundly affecting.

I was cleaning my kitchen while listening and the last paragraphs are so beautifully written with such an inspiring sentiment, that I paused with sponge in hand and was tearing up. Bomb Shelter is not only a book that I enjoyed immensely and will recommend widely, but it is book that I will purchase to give as gifts to friends.

Book Review- Melissa Gilbert's Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, a Life Rediscovered

Thank you to AudibleFM and Simon & Schuster Audio for a copy of Melissa Gilbert’s memoir, Back to the Prairie: A Home Remade, A Life Rediscovered.

Veteran actress Melissa Gilbert’s latest memoir focuses on her most recent decade or so, when she met her third husband, Timothy Busfield, and they decided to leave their life in Hollywood behind, buying a house in the countryside of upstate New York. Although they both still work in the film industry, a majority of their life has taken on a quieter, simpler tone, as they grow their own food and raise chickens on their modest property. This situation had them perfectly set up for isolation and self-sufficiency during the pandemic, but also left them reflective as realized how much they miss connecting with friends and family.

As a kid growing up in the 80’s, I was a huge fan of Little House on the Prairie. When I saw this book on offer, I was curious about Gilbert’s current life and the meaning of the title. She has indeed, created a modern version of a prairie lifestyle and she seems very content. I most enjoyed her interactions with animals, including a story of a friendly bear visiting their property. Back to the Prairie made me wish that I could raise chickens in my neighborhood, as they seem delightful.

I wouldn’t expect anyone other than Gilbert to provide the narration, but I must confess that I found Gilbert’s voice to be a little grating. It was strange, but the real Gilbert gave-off the Laura Ingall’s vibe, a bit “Pollyanna”. I don’t means this as a total negative, as I can appreciate positivity and enthusiasm, but ilso left me listening in short spurts, alternating with other audio books.

The most lovely take-away from Back to the Prairie was an admiration for Gilbert’s ability to make big life changes. Not only did she move away from her Hollywood lifestyle and attempt new skills, such as many DIY house projects, she let go of many trappings of her previous life. Gilbert and Busfield even had a major sale of their treasure possessions, such as Gilbert’s bonnet from Little House on the Prairie. I’ve recently looked through objects from my childhood and many things, I still could not part with. I think it takes guts to let-go. Gilbert also candidly admits to financial stress and the challenges of aging, especially for a woman who has spent so much time in the spotlight. She has a great perspective on growing older and adapting. is the perfect pick for someone who is facing major life changes and needs a dose of encouragement.