The Undertaker's Daughter by Kate Mayfield

Historical Fiction - 3.5 stars

Sold as a cross between Six Feet Under and The Help, The Undertaker's Daughter is Kate Mayfield's memoir about growing up in 1960s Jubilee, Kentucky in her home that doubled as a mortuary. Her father served as the undertaker as well as the town ambulance driver, and Kate enjoyed every minute she spends with him. She wouldn't, however, spend time in the embalming room.

Mayfield weaves various relationships into the story, from Ms. Agnes, the eccentric older "lady in red," to her bipolar and sometimes violent sister, Evelyn. Subject matter spans many topics, including the argument for concrete vs. metal vaults, desegregation, and small town politics. It is obvious that her father was an alcoholic and a philanderer, but was her favorite person in the world. Poignant and often funny, I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good, interesting read, especially book clubs.

The People of the Abyss by Jack London

Non-fiction - 4.5 stars

I did not know what to expect from this book, as London is mostly known for his Yukon-set fiction, but I will have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this piece of mostly non-fiction work. In many ways an essay on the social issues in the turn of the 20th century East End of London, The People of the Abyss is a peek into the lives of millions at that time and outlines the challenges faced by them to eek out a meager living. It also addresses the homeless situation, perpetuated by the laws and the social programs of the time - a problem we face even with today's homeless society. I really enjoyed this peek into history, a glimpse of the true horrid nature of life in places such as the famed Whitechapel. London pulls no punches describing the wretched nature of the impoverished subculture of workers and homeless. I highly recommend it for those interested in British History or for those interested in social history. Filled with monetary breakdowns of income vs. expenses and with the vivid descriptions that are true to London's style, this book is a true piece of history itself.

Let's Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson

Non-fiction - 4 stars

In the irreverent Let’s Pretend This Never Happened, Lawson retells stories from her childhood with her sister, dealing with the antics of her absurd father. As she gets older, her husband, her daughter, and lots of psychiatric specialists help her uncover the surprising discovery that the most terribly human moments—the ones we want to pretend never happened—are the very same moments that make us the people we are today.

I got this book in a two-for-one sale with Craig Ferguson's, and I am so glad I did. Between Ferguson and Lawson, I laughed for two weeks straight. This book is hilarious, mainly because I can relate to many of the stories she tells, including one about a rattlesnake. I absolutely loved it.

American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson

Non-Fiction - 4.5 stars

In order to realize the American Dream, Craig Ferguson journeyed from the mean streets of Glasgow,  Scotland, to Hollywood. In American on Purpose, he recounts his stumbles through several attempts to make his mark—as a punk rock musician, a construction worker, a bouncer, and, tragically, a modern dancer.

Ferguson repeatedly used and abused drugs and alcohol, addictions that eventually led to an aborted suicide attempt. His success as a standup comedian eventually let to success on The Drew Carey Show and later as host of the Late Late Show. According to Ferguson, though, his greatest triumph was his decision to become a U.S. citizen, a milestone he achieved in early 2008.

I laughed out loud nearly the entire time I read this book. Ferguson is very matter-of-fact about his addiction, his failure, and his love, but his true talent is storytelling. I loved it, and I knew I liked him for a reason.  

Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt

Biography - 5 stars

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I am posting on the Pulitzer Prize-winning Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. This beautiful tale of the childhood of an American-born child of Irish immigrants (who then return to Ireland to raise their children in Limerick) is a haunting story of unfathomable poverty out of which the author triumphs. I cried when I read this book, as I would reading any true Irish story. It touched me as few books, especially non-fiction, have.