Review: My Life to Live

My Life to Live

Agnes Nixon

I grew up watching One Life to Live and All My Children, but I didn't know anything about the creator of these two long-running soap operas. Therefore, this was quite an interesting book for me to read. I loved hearing about Mrs. Nixon's childhood and how she came to be interested in writing and creating characters.

It was also nice to read about a woman who was able to make both her family and her career a priority. It obviously helped that she had a loving and supporting husband. And while it did seem that her younger life with a father who appeared bent on controlling her and her future was tough, it no doubt led to her determination to chart her own path.

Although it was mentioned that she found writing a book more challenging than writing for television, I don't think many readers would ever guess this was the case. In fact, I thought more than once as I read this book; if Mrs. Nixon hadn't been writing soap operas she no doubt would have been writing best-selling novels. She clearly had a talent for keeping the reader hooked, not only on television but also in her autobiography.

I was saddened when I got to the end of the book and found out that before finishing it she suffered a debilitating stroke. But I was not surprised that she had the help of her family that allowed her to complete the work. I enjoyed getting the chance to read such an interesting book about an amazingly talented woman.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Postman's Fiancée

The Postman's Fiancée

Denis Thériault

Tania has moved to Montreal from Germany, where she works as a waitress in one of the city's numerous restaurants. She has fallen in love with one of her regular customers, Bilodo, a local postman. Unfortunately for Tania, Bilodo has fallen for his Haiku writing pen-pal from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. But, when he has an accident that leaves him with amnesia, Tania sees her chance to claim Bilodo as her own betrothed. If only things would work out the way, she planned. But alas, fate and destiny might stand in the way.

This is a fabulous and original story which I couldn't put down. I don't remember reading anything quite like this one before. I loved the characters and the events which take place throughout the story. In fact, I think this is my favorite book so far this year. It is one I would definitely recommend.

Thanks to LibraryThing for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: The Inkblots

The Inkblots

Damion Searls

This book takes a look at the interesting life of Herman Rorschach and his iconic inkblot tests. The first half of the book analyzes in depth the scientist's short but extremely productive life. The second half is basically devoted to spread of the inkblots and how they were subsequently used.

Before reading this book I was unaware of the profound impact that Rorschach had on the field of psychology. I was fascinated to learn about his work in both Switzerland and Russia in the early 1900's. And while he died at the early age of 37 one has to wonder what he would have achieved had he lived even longer. It also made me wonder how or if he would have gone on to make further developments to his ground breaking tests. Nevertheless, the author provides a sympathetic and humane view of Rorschach and his work making this a must read for anyone interested in psychology or those who want to know more about the development of his infamous inkblot tests.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.