Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson

Title: Broken (in the best possible way)

Author: Jenny Lawson

Genre: Non-fiction, Humor, Autobiography, Mental Health

In Broken (in the best possible way), Jenny Lawson again writes from a deeply personal place of battling mental illness and physical ailments. She alternates between irreverently hysterical moments and to-the-bone honesty. Generally this is done by chapter, so if you're in the mood for only one of these feelings, you can skip around the book.

She does occasionally talk about body parts in less-than-gentile ways so those with delicate sensibilities may want to steer clear. For those of you already acquainted with Jenny and her typical antics, you will not be disappointed: animals, spousal debates, taxidermy, and embarrassing moments abound. If you want her rapid-fire story telling, try the audiobook format.

- Sarah R.

Check out Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson @ the library!

Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life

Title: Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life
Author: Steve Martin
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir, Non-Fiction

Did you know that Steve Martin performed stand-up comedy before he was in such films as The Jerk, Parenthood, and Father of the Bride? This autobiography of his stand-up years will share the path that Steve took to stardom that include stops at Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, The Smother's Brothers Comedy Hour, and later, Saturday Night Live. Between these big names, he played a lot of small venues, worked on honing his craft, and endeavored to be an original voice on stage. 

Included are some of his jokes, but really this is more about his journey, so if you're hoping for a comedy album, look for "Let's Get Small" or "Wild and Crazy Guy." This recount is more serious including topics such as difficulties connecting with his father, the loneliness of a life on the road, and the pressure to be "on" all the time.

- Sarah R.

Check out Born Standing Up: A Comic's Life @ the library!

Hang Time: My Life in Basketball by Elgin Baylor

Title: Hang Time: My Life in Basketball

Author: Elgin Baylor (with Alan Eisenstock)

Genre: Autobiography, Sports

Before Michael Jordan and Julius Erving there was Elgin Baylor. In a thirteen year NBA career (the final two cut short by injuries), Baylor proved to be one of the greatest players in league history. During his career he averaged an incredible 27.4 points and 13.5 rebounds in an era when there was no three-point shot and NBA players took as much pride in playing defense as they did scoring points.

Baylor recounts his upbringing in Washington, D.C. where he learned the game on the playgrounds, being drafted into the army at age 24, as well as his many and varied experiences - first as a player and later as a general manager in the NBA. Some of those experiences were negative - dealing with racism and bigotry on a regular basis, as well as exciting - Baylor an active participant in an NBA that was transitioning into a major sports entertainment option. This is an engaging read that reminds professional basketball fans of all ages that each generation has its stars. Although Elgin Baylor never won a championship, "Hang Time: My Life In Basketball"  serves as proof that one of the games greatest players was a winner - both within the game and outside the sport. 

- Mike

Check out Hang Time: My Life in Basketball @ the library.

A Life in Parts by Bryan Cranston

Title: A Life in Parts

Author: Bryan Cranston

Genre: Autobiography

Though occasionally repetitive in his advice, Bryan Cranston's autobiography, A Life in Parts, is an interesting read spanning his life so far - from childhood through his success with Breaking Bad. He shares the path of his journey mostly organized by the various gigs he's landed (hence the title). It is told candidly with some wry humor and a steady enough stream of drama to keep the reader interested. If you select the audiobook format, you have the added benefit of hearing the book read by the actor himself. 

- Sarah R.

Check out A Life in Parts @ the library.

Hit So Hard by Patty Schemel

Title: Hit So Hard

Author: Patty Schemel

Genre: Music Autobiography

Hit So Hard is a memoir of the drummer from the Grunge era, 90's band Hole that was fronted by Courtney Love. It's an interesting overview of the Seattle scene during that period, and the book takes the reader on an unapologetic ride through the excitement of the music being made as well as the darkness of drugs and excess. Along the way Schemel sheds light on the tragic deaths of Nirvana's Kurt Cobain (Love's husband) and Hole bassist Kristen Pfaff. Schemel herself struggled mightily with both addiction and her sexuality, and the portrait she paints of her drug dependency is harrowing. Throughout, the reader is left wondering how the author did not succumb to the same fate that befell Cobain and Pfaff. Her addiction led her to homelessness, memory blackouts, multiple attempts at rehabilitation, and Schemel's daily quest to satisfy her addiction. In the end, Hit So Hard is about survival. Schemel's story is a wild ride for readers - whether they are interested in the Grunge scene or not. Hit So Hard is a worthwhile read about a woman realizing her inner strength and using it to overcome her demons.

- Michael

Check out Hit So Hard @ the library.