The Week in Review: 05.26.2017
Between the Covers
Finished last week:
BORN A CRIME: STORIES FROM A SOUTH AFRICAN CHILDHOOD by Trevor Noah is the memoir of The Daily Show‘s popular host. Noah was born during apartheid so the fact that his black mother had a baby by a white man was a crime. His mother was scrappy, though, and found a way to survive and dodge the system. Being “colored” meant Noah often didn’t fit in but he, too, learned to survive, hustling his way to make a buck. His story is compelling as is the backdrop of South Africa during apartheid and afterward. I want to read more about that country after reading this book. Noah narrates the audio version of BORN A CRIME himself and does a terrific job – he speaks quite a few languages and after hearing him speak a little Xhosa, I became fascinated with the language and found myself watching videos of people speaking it. You’ll want to read this book whether you’re a fan of Noah and The Daily Show or not.
THIS BOOK STINKS!: GROSS GARBAGE, ROTTEN RUBBISH, AND THE SCIENCE OF TRASH by Sarah Wassner Flynn is a fabulous book about trash for middle grade readers. It gives statistics about all the things we throw away and how it affects the planet and – here’s the best part – it teaches kids things they can do to make a difference. It also shares the things some companies and countries are doing to have a positive impact on our environment. This book doesn’t come across preachy and there are a lot of visually appealing photos and graphics so young readers are sure to enjoy it and learn a thing or two about reducing, reusing, and recycling. Pick it up for the middle grade student in your life! (Review copy provided by Media Masters Publicity.)
Currently reading:
- KISS CARLO by Adriana Trigiani
- THEFT BY FINDING by David Sedaris
- OUT ON THE WIRE: THE STORYTELLING SECRETS OF THE NEW MASTERS OF RADIO by Jessica Abel
On the Screen
I watched Dancing with the Stars with my mom and sister and we all found the show very entertaining. It’s been a strange season, though, and the finale was no different. While I was a fan of Rashad and Emma all season, I thought Normani was the best dancer in the finals so I was shocked when she came in third. Since I don’t vote, I can’t complain too much, though.
Off the blog
- I spent a week at the beach with my mom and my sister and got back late yesterday. We had a great time even though we had a couple rainy days.
- While I’m with my (90 year old) mom, I let her set the pace when it comes to walking so I averaged just over 7,200 Fitbit steps a day.
What’s going on in your corner of the world?
I really enjoyed Born a Crime too – even though I’ve never watched The Daily Show…it’s definitely not about that. And I listened on audio…his accent really made it!
I was happy with the DWTS final. I liked the baseball player but if he’d won I probably wouldn’t watch the show anymore, ha. That said, Normani is such a talented person! I expect to see her go far in her endeavors.
You still did better with your steps than I normally do 🙂
Glad you enjoyed Trevor Noah’s memoir – we loved it as well.
I’ve heard great things about Noah’s book and want to read it now. Glad you enjoyed it so much 🙂 A week at the beach with your mom and sis – how fun! And you still got your steps in 🙂 Have a great weekend!!
I loved Born a Crime. He had such an amazing childhood.
Born a Crime does sound like a book I must read. Thanks for sharing all of your books…and what a lovely time you had at the beach.
Glad you had a great week at the beach! I’ll be listening to Born a Crime soon… can’t wait!
The time you spend with your mom, and other family members will be a great comfort to you one day. I know they are to me.
I plan on getting to Born A Crime soon.
That’s so sweet how much less walking you get in and the reason for less walking. But it is such a worthwhile one.
I agree that Normani is a better dancer. But Rashad was definitely a worthy winner.
I loved Born A Crime and I’m reading Kiss Carlo right now.
I really do want to read Born a Crime at some point! I’m glad you had such a nice time at the beach.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
I keep hearing such good things about Trevor Noah’s book. I’ve got to get a copy of it.
I don’t usually watch Noah, but do see his clips often and he seems like such a good guy so I’m glad that his book was good. I’ll have to check it out!
We’ve been traveling so I’ve had a pretty sparse two weeks of reading, but I suppose every once in a while one has to do “real life” stuff too! :–)
I want to read that Born a Crime book too. The trash book was fascinating. I loved teaching my daughter about upcycling.
So happy you spent time with your mom.
Trevor Noah’s book seems to be making the rounds as of late. It sounds interesting. I may have to give the audio version a try. A week at the beach sounds like a pleasant way to spend the time! I haven’t been in awhile. I hope you have a great week, Kathy!
I was traveling last week to a wedding so I initially missed your post, but making up for it now. Trevor Noah’s story sounds quite compelling & a good listen on audio. This is the first I’ve heard of the Xhosa language … I must google this. thx
I liked BORN A CRIME too. I bet it was even better on audio! Your mom still walks more steps in a day than the average person! She’s amazing! We made up those steps in NYC last week!