Brat

McCarthy, Andrew. Brat: An '80s Story. digital. 2021. Hachette Audio. Iconic '80s actor and teen heartthrob, Andrew McCarthy, reflects on his early career and rise to success in this revealing memoir. Known for classics such as Pretty in Pink, St. Elmo's Fire, and Mannequin; McCarthy talks about his love for New York City, acting strategies, his struggles with alcohol, and has no compunction about dropping tidbits regarding actors and directors he's worked with. Though he was a founding member of the "Brat Pack," he reflects on why he resents the designation and has never fully embraced the nickname for the group of actors and actresses that he is most often is associated with. Brutally honest, this memoir looks back at youthful debauchery, acting ambitions, and naivety. A perfect example of the highs and the lows that come with achieving the Hollywood dream. McCarthy is more than willing to dissect old mistakes and failings with self-deprecating humor and fresh insight. Brat is extremely well written, something too often missing from celebrity memoirs; and highlights just how talented Andrew McCarthy is on multiple fronts. Narrated by the actor himself, this memoir is an easy listen and perfect for those who grew up loving his work and are looking for a trip down memory lane. Erin Cataldi, Johnson Co. Public Library, Franklin, IN

An Offer From a Gentleman

I LOVED the fairy tale aspect of this one and I really hope there are similar "themes" in some of the upcoming installments. The third book focuses on Sophie Beckett, the bastard of an earl who was horribly mistreated after his untimely death. Being forced to act as a maidservant to her stepmother and stepsisters is unbearable and one night the other servants convince her to dress up and sneak to masquerade ball where she meets the man of her dreams, Benedict Bridgerton. She doesn't even know who he is but they are both captivated by each other. She flees at midnight and doesn't encounter him until years later. Her circumstances haven't improved much and he doesn't recognize her. But is there a spark of interest. Could a member of the ton have feelings for a lowly servant girl? Fun, witty, and sexy. Give me more please! 

Love People Use Things

Before having picked this book up I had never heard of the Minimalists, listened to their podcast or read any of their books. Having finished this book I'm pretty sure that's about to change. Filled with no-nonsense advice and hard truths; this book was VERY impactful. I found myself re-reading sections and bookmarking pages - I hardly EVER do that. At the heart this book is about minimalism, but in fact it is so much more than that. The sections on relationships, creativity, and money were so powerful that I'm still thinking about them. From 30 day challenges to worksheets to engaging questions - this book wants to change how you view your life and wants you to think critically about everything you own, everything you do, and everyone you associate with. It's a handbook that will make you think more deeply about aspects of your life that you take for granted. I really appreciate that this book wasn't preachy and didn't tell readers how wrong they are living their lives. You could do small approaches and monthly challenges to find what works best for YOUR life - because there is no one size fits all approach. I won't become a minimalist over night but I certainly aim to use lots of different advice that this book had to see what changes I can make to improve my life. An excellent book. #celadonreads #lovepeopleusethingsbook

The Book of Delights

Ross Gay set out to write an essay-ette every day for a year, chronicling all the small delights that he encounters in his regular and ordinary life. From nicknames to bumble bees to peeing his pants (a weird delight to be sure, more of a confession) to travelling on planes and encountering babies. Ross Gay can find delight in the most mundane or bizarre things. Sometimes the delight stems from a fear or an uncertainty. Lyrical, comical, and profound - this little book of essays is not what I pictured it to be, but still a delight to be sure. 

Spartan Gold

This is my first ever Clive Cussler - he's really popular at the library so I said screw it and decided to give one of his books a chance. Its not great literature but it's entertaining and fast paced. It's like a modern day uber-wealthy Indiana Jones going on adventures with his wife (if he had one). I liked the history aspect of it and it was fast paced - there is never a slow moment. Treasure hunting team Sam and Remy Fargo stumble upon a World War II German U-boat in in the Pocomoke Swamp - the fact that a German vessel made it inland with no one ever knowing is impressive but what is even more impressive is what they find inside - an old French wine bottle. Could it be part of Napoleon's lost cellar? They soon realize they aren't the only ones on the treasure hunt, Hadeon Bondaruk, a half Russian, half Persian millionaire will do whatever it takes to stop the Fargos and seize their research - could it be there is another layer to the mystery? Great listening for the car - I think I'll continue with the series. 

Aurora Burning

So freaking good!! But that cliffhanger has me!! I need the next book in the trilogy and I need it now! I might almost like this series better than the Illuminae Series by the same authors - but I'm not sure yet. They are both REALLY good! Aurora Burning follows the same squad fresh off the loss of their pilot in book one, Aurora Rising. They now know who the enemy is and that they are the only ones who can stop them and in the process save the galaxy. Not at all a daunting prospect for these young adults. Funny, inventive, and so unique - readers can't help but to fall in love with this quirky cast of oddballs. I won't give more of a summary than that - if you haven't read the first book in the series - DO NOT read this one. Now give me the third book already! 

The Viscount Who Loved Me

I liked this even better than the first one! I'm a sucker for quick wit and charm and the characters in The Viscount Who Loved Me have those in spades. Now that Daphne Bridgerton is off and married (to a Duke no less) Anthony Bridgerton has decided that as man of the house it is up to him to get married and produce an heir. He is convinced that he will not live longer than his beloved father (who died young at the age of 38) so he wants to find a nice wife to bed and be friends with but not to love. When the Sheffield sisters come to London for the season, Anthony is assured that the younger sister, Edwina, is the belle of the season so he decides to wed her. The only trouble is he has to deal with her bull-headed older sister before he can woo Edwina. Thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next one!