Category Archives: Bios and Memoirs

Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop – Alba Donati (Author), Elena Pala (Translator)

Posted on July 10, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “People want stories; it doesn’t matter who wrote them, they need stories to take their mind off things, stories to identify with or to take them elsewhere. Stories that won’t hurt, that will heal a wound, … Continue reading →

Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America with Einstein’s Brain – Michael Paterniti

Posted on July 1, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) I first heard about this book the way all the best recommendations happen — from a stranger in a secondhand bookstore. During a visit to Nashville, I ducked into Defunct Books and asked the bookseller for … Continue reading →

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Inspiration Porn: Essays – Ryan O’Connell

Posted on May 26, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) Inspirational Porn is one of the most honest, funny, and emotional memoir collections I’ve read in a long time. Known for the Netflix series “Special” and his television writing career, Ryan O’Connell infuses these essays with … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Non-fiction | Tagged LGBTQ, memoirs | Comments Off

The Royal We – Roddy Bottum

Posted on May 15, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) It’s the early 1980’s and San Francisco is a city of non-conformity, tolerance, and acceptance in contrast to Los Angeles, where most try to conform. That along with the abundance of drugs is part of what … Continue reading →

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Salt, Sweat & Steam: The Fiery Education of an Accidental Chef – Brigid Washington

Posted on April 28, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) This heartfelt culinary memoir follows Brigid Ransome, a Trinidad-born writer and cooking aficionado, as she rebuilds her life after heartbreak. Set against the backdrop of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, … Continue reading →

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Colored Pebbles – Del Staecker

Posted on April 1, 2026 by J D Jung

Reviewed by JD Jung) Every once in a while, I come across a memoir that doesn’t try to impress—it simply asks you to slow down and reflect. Colored Pebbles by Del Staecker is that kind of book. Told through … Continue reading →

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Hey Yang, Where’s My Thousand Bucks?: And Other True Stories of Staggering Depth – Andrew Yang

Posted on March 1, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) If you want to understand the mindset and motivations of entrepreneur-turned-politician Andrew Yang, Hey Yang, Where’s My Thousand Bucks? And Other True Stories of Staggering Depth offers an accessible and surprisingly candid look. The book … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | Tagged American politics, memoir | Comments Off

Job Junky – Rudy Ridolfo

Posted on January 17, 2026 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “What the hell d’you know about workin’? You were in the movie business.” (more…)Read More →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | Tagged drugs, film industry, humor, memoir, occupations | Comments Off

Where’s My Fortune Cookie? – Phil Proctor, Brad Schreiber

Posted on November 20, 2025 by J D Jung

(Reviewed by Don Jung) This memoir is a dazzling look into the wild and bizarre life of the talented Phil Proctor. While he is known as one of the four founding members of the Firesign Theatre, his story is full … Continue reading →

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | Tagged 1960s, cartoons, comedy, entertainment, Firesign Theatre, New York City | Comments Off