WooReads Patron Book Reviews: Inspiration for the New Year!

Number one on your list of New Year's resolutions is, of course, to read more books. Number two on your list is to log those books on  WooReads: Adult Reading Challenge and help us reach our community goal to read 5,000 books before the end of May. 

Enjoy these book reviews and get inspired to read in the new year! From organizing to travel to biography to self help, this last has you covered. 

The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art Of Decluttering And Organizing

By Marie Kondo

I intend to clean up my apartment in a method inspired by this book! Now to just get around to doing it!

~Adelaide G.

My Twenty-Five Years In Provence: Reflections on Then and Now

By Peter Mayle

A lovely culmination of a stellar career writing about France and especially Provence. A truly joyful book to read, made all the more poignant for having lost Mr. Mayle in January of this year (2018.)

~Margaret P.

The Art Of Asking: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help

By Amanda Palmer

- 4.5 stars -

I listened to this book (read by the author, which I highly recommend) on a bus ride from Worcester to NYC, and I'm still thinking about it, weeks later. I have appreciated Amanda Palmer and her art from afar for a long time, and listening to her honestly work out the philosophy behind her life and art so personally fascinating. At times it got a little over-indulgent, but for the most part I didn't mind. The narration was close and heartfelt, interspersed with music, by the author and by friends, and ultimately introduced me to the radical concept that art, in all forms, is work, and that connection is a form of art.

~Gretta C.

AVA: My Story

By Ava Gardner

Autobiography of her early years in the south before she was discovered and her tumultuous years as a movie star. The movies she appeared in and the people she met and worked with. Those that loved her and helped her career and those that hurt her both physically and mentally.

~Arlene C.

Crush It: Why Now is the Time to Cash in on Your Passion

By Gary Vaynerchuk

Crush It! Is a great book to help entrepreneurs and creatives think about the choices they make and how to embrace entrepreneurship.

~Giselle R. 

In Pieces: a Memoir

By Sally Field

Sally hasn't had an easy career life but she can still show her funny, pleasant side. From Gidget to Mary Todd Lincoln, she has shown strength and courage. Enjoyed the read, even though it is tear producing at times.

~Arlene C.

So Close To Being The Shi*T, Y’all Don’t Even Know

By Retta

I brought this book on a flight from Boston to San Diego and cracked up laughing out loud at least a couple of times. It’s by Parks and Rec alum Retta (Donna Meagle on the show), who shares some fun stories—though not much dirt—about her time on the show as well as her love of tv, hockey, and Hamilton the musical. This is an easy and entertaining read, perfect for the beach or airplane. Enjoy!

~Amy W.