Life has been busy lately! I’m hoping to be back soon with proper reviews, since I’ve read a few books, which I’d really like to write about. Until then, I will highlight a couple of nonfiction books, which made an impression.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Becoming is a 19 hours audiobook. But I raced through it during a weekend. The story of the former first lady was extremely inspirational and I enjoyed learning about her background and the people who influenced her when growing up. I have no doubt Michelle Obama is a great role model for women and for coloured people.
I admired her determination, her will to change things and the fact she gave up a prestigious job and high salary to work for the causes she really believed in. Also, I couldn’t help thinking about how difficult it must have been, possessing her talents and ambitions, but always having to adjust her career to that of her husband and in long periods raising their two daughters on her own.
Michelle Obama is narrating the audiobook herself, which definitely adds to the listening experience. For instance, when talking about her realisation that Donald Trump will be the one taking over in the White House, she is quite diplomatic and low-key. But her intonation and the breaking of her voice say more than a thousand words about how she really felt about the situation. Becoming has been on the bestseller list for ages and I can easily see why. If you are looking for an inspirational, butt-kicking read, this is perfect.
Title: Becoming [2018] Author: Michelle Obama Format: Audiobook, narrated by Michelle Obama Genre: Memoir
Dark Towers by David Enrich
Wow. This book had it all. A drama of Greek dimensions featuring some of the worst traits of humanity such as vanity, greed and hubris en masse. Death by suicide, plane crash and terror attack. And a colossus on clay feet which eventually came tumbling down.
You may have guessed that I am talking about Dark Towers, the book describing Deutsche Bank’s rise and fall. It was completely riveting, shocking and very ugly indeed.
As an extra bonus it revealed the relationship between Trump and his bank, with the impression of neither party coming across as particularly flattering. Recently, it was reported in the news that Deutsche Bank had to hand over Trump’s financial records to the New York state prosecutor, so I doubt we’ve heard the last in that case. If you are interested in finance and politics, this is a must read and it’s a great example of how reality sometimes exceed even the most imaginative fiction. Thanks to What’s Nonfiction for recommending this.
Title: Dark Towers [2020] Author: David Enrich Format: Audiobook, narrated by BJ Harrison Genre: Nonfiction
I’ve never really gone for audio books (I read them better in my head!) but I can see how the Michelle Obama one might really work
I think audiobooks are quite divisive – people seem to either love them or don’t get on at all. For me, a good narrator can really enhance the reading experience (Stephen Fry reading Harry Potter or Tom Hanks reading The Dutch House). Also, there is the time-saving element; I rarely have time to sit down with a book, but I love to listen whilst commuting, doing exercise, grocery shopping, etc. Michelle Obama reading Becoming was certainly a hit! π
Great reviews. Are you going to do non fiction November?
Thanks! π Yes, I definitely mean to join Nonfiction November. What about you, I think we discussed it last year? I would love to see your nonfiction recommendations and posts.
Yes, Iβm looking forward to it since you told me about it last year! π
Great, I look forward to your posts! π You can see the official part of the program here, but people are also encouraged just to post nonfiction reviews during the month.
Cool. Thank you. π
I do want to read Becoming, but I can see how it would be even more powerful as an audiobook. I think I might do it that way after all!
I thought it worked immensely well on audio, there is something special about an author reading her/his own book, especially memoirs. Hope you will enjoy it, whatever you decide!
Fab reviews! I’m so glad you enjoyed Becoming!
Thanks Nicki! π Honestly, I would have been surprised if I hadn’t enjoyed it.
Great reviews! I like non-fiction just as much as fiction π
Thanks so much! Yeah, so do I, but I still read a lot more fiction than nonfiction!
I’ve read Becoming. Its truly inspiring. I enjoyed reading about when Michelle met her husband and the build up to their marriage
I agree, she did tell quite a bit about her husband and it was interesting to get to know him (through her eyes) as a young man. I couldn’t help laughing at the way he proposed – how cheeky was that?! π
I’m so impressed that you listened to Dark Towers, I’m not sure I could’ve absorbed it at all that way, it felt so complex as it was! Isn’t it such an insane and fascinating story?? I couldn’t stop thinking about it for weeks after reading that book. I’ll be so interested to see if more comes out about his Deutsche Bank connections since they’ve had to hand over his files. It’s such a mess already, hard to imagine it can get worse and yet it probably can. So glad you enjoyed it, it’s been one of my favorites this year!
Actually, I acquired both the eBook and the audiobook, so I could switch between them, but ended up listening to most of it (as I always do). There was a lot to take in, but I am used to listening and can cope with relatively complex stuff (as long as it doesn’t include formulas – why would anyone do math books on audio??!!) This was such a great recommendation, I am so pleased I stumbled across it on your blog! I am sure we will hear more about Trump’s finances, but in the meantime I suppose his corona virus drama and the effect on his campaign will dominate discussions!
The Deutsche Bank one sounds great! The Trump years have been horrendous but I must admit I’m looking forward to the history books that will be written when they’re finally over… π
I guess Trump himself is a great example of reality exceeding fiction. During his presidency so much have happened which – if described in a novel – would have been perceived as utter nonsense and completely unrealistic!
Omg I have yet to read Becoming! Must do it soon! You see, one of the dangers of finding people sharing similar reading taste as you is this. They donβt help me in reducing my tbr stack!π Now you have me intrigued about Dark Towers!!!! Great reviews, stargazer!π
Haha, that is part of the blogging fun! Luckily, I don’t have a TBR, so my reading is still relatively impulsive. But during my time as a blogger, I have found so many great books, which I wouldn’t have picked up if it hadn’t been for recommendations by fellow bloggers. Will definitely get to Transcendent Kingdom as well after reading your review! Thanks! π
Excellent thoughts on both! I have always wanted to try Belonging for a while but never really found the time, or made time, for it. Will you be checking out the documentary adaptation of it? Which recently came out on Netflix, I believe. I haven’t heard of Dark Towers though. For a second, I thought you meant King’s western-fantasy series too hahah It sounds truly insightful though. Thanks for sharing! π
Thanks Lashaan! I recently gave up Netflix, so I doubt I can watch the documentary adaption of Becoming. I know, Dark Towers is almost identical to King’s title and I even found myself referring to it as The Two Towers at some point. I have definitely read too much Tolkien π
Great post! Thanks π I really enjoy reading these kind of non-fic books; i.e. Becoming – inspiring!! Need to check it out β€οΈπ
Thanks so much! π Becoming was so inspiring, I hope you get to read it – or even better, listen on audio!
Excellent, excellent, excellentπ
π π