Tag: memoir
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Arsenio by Arsenio Hall
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Arsenio: For God’s sake, do not take his pocket money. Quick synopsis: It’s Arsenio Hall’s memoir. Duh. Fact for Non-History People: The iconic “woof, woof” is actually based off the Cleveland Browns. Fact for History Nerds: Jay Leno and Arsenio are actually great friends. My Take on Arsenio: I love memoirs…
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Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Giuffre
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Nobody’s Girl: More brutal than you expect. And I expected a lot. Quick synopsis: The memoir of Virginia Giuffre, who was one of Jeffrey Epstein’s most known victims. Fact for Non-History People: Epstein’s net worth at this death was $600 million. Barf. Fact for History Nerds: Giuffre’s abuse at the hands…
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Vagabond by Tim Curry
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Vagabond: He’ll always be Nigel St. Nigel to me. Quick synopsis: The life of Tim Curry in his own words. Fact for Non-History People: Curry grew up a military BRAT (which stands for British Regiment Attached Traveler, apparently). Fact for History Nerds: Curry actually knew Clue director Jonathan Lynn from his…
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Second Life by Amanda Hess
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Second Life: As if parenting weren’t anxiety inducing already. Quick synopsis: A memoir of parenting in the digital age. Fact for Non-History People: In 1900, only 5% of childbirths took place in hospitals. Fact for History Nerds: By 2020, 98.3% of childbirths took place in hospitals. My Take on…
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Good Game, No Rematch by Mike Drucker
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Good Game, No Rematch: Literal trigger warning for Duck Hunt survivors. Quick synopsis: A memoir by comedian and comedy writer (Tonight Show/Full Frontal) Mike Drucker seen through his life in video games. Fact for Non-History People: The Nintendo company is 135 years old. Fact for History Nerds: In Street Fighter 1,…
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After Lives by Megan Marshall
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for After Lives: Oh no, this made me introspective! Quick synopsis: A collection of Megan Marshall’s essays which are part memoir, travelogue, true crime, and biography. Fact for Non-History People: Pearl Prynne from The Scarlet Letter was based on Nathaniel Hawthorne’s eldest daughter, Una. Fact for History Nerds: Marshall was a Pulitzer…
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The House of My Mother by Shari Franke
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The House of My Mother: It’s almost like YouTube fame doesn’t solve all your problems. Quick synopsis: The story of the Shari Franke, the 8 Passengers family YouTube account, and the downfall of Ruby Franke. Fact for Non-History People: Shari’s mother (the villain of this piece) was born on my exact…
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A Well-Trained Wife by Tia Levings
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for A Well-Trained Wife: When you gotta go, you gotta go. Quick synopsis: The story of how Tia Levings left her abusive marriage. Fact for Non-History People: U.S. women couldn’t open their own bank accounts until 1960. Fact for History Nerds: They couldn’t get credit cards until 1974. My Take on A…
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Sociopath by Patric Gagne
Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for Sociopath: Sociopaths are people, too. Quick synopsis: A memoir from a confirmed sociopath who wants to be understood. Fact for Non-History People: Sociopathy was the first personality disorder ever identified over 200 years ago. Fact for History Nerds: Sociopaths are about 5% of the population. My Take on Sociopath: Buckle…