To continue our monthly series of book lists, the Washington Talking Book & Braille Library would like to recommend the following books.
Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself by Alan Alda. In this follow-up to his memoir Never Have Your Dog Stuffed (RC 60651 and LP 21847), in which he recounts how he nearly died in Chile, actor Alan Alda muses about what is really important and examines the turning points in his life. 2007. Cassette book RC 64972. Large Print book LP 23320.
Home: A Memoir of My Early Years by Julie Andrews. British actress describes growing up a child star with her vaudevillian mother and stepfather. By book's end she has given a royal command performance, acted in Broadway's Camelot and My Fair Lady, is married with a child, and is heading to Hollywood in 1963 to film Mary Poppins. Bestseller. 2008. Cassette book RC 66539. Digital Book DB 66539. Large Print book LP 23653.
Friends: A Love Story by Angela Bassett and Courtney B. Vance. Dual autobiography of acting couple – both graduates of the Yale School of Drama. The two recall their childhoods, travails on the road to success, and their courtship. Gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse of their performances, including Bassett's part in the film Waiting to Exhale. Some strong language. 2007. Cassette book RC 65675.
Losing It: And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time by Valerie Bertinelli. Bertinelli recounts her teen years acting in the 1975-1984 television series One Day at a Time and her twenty-year marriage to rocker Eddie Van Halen. Discusses being an actress, a divorced single mom, and a Jenny Craig spokesperson following a long struggle with her weight. Some strong language. Bestseller. 2008. Cassette book RC 66058. Large Print book LP 24039.
Let's Face It: Ninety Years of Living, Loving, and Learning by Kirk Douglas. Memoir of actor's later years, following My Stroke of Luck (RC 55049). Douglas, who turned ninety in 2006, reminisces about his childhood, fatherhood, career in Hollywood, and the deaths of many friends. Describes reaffirming his Jewish faith and enjoying life despite illness and accidents. Foreword by Jack Valenti. 2007. Cassette book RC 65366. Large Print book LP 23508.
Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist by Michael J. Fox. Actor Michael J. Fox writes about seeing challenges as opportunities, an emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual outlook that has served him throughout his struggle with Parkinson's disease. He discusses work, politics, faith, and family, the consolations that protect him from the ravages of Parkinson's. Bestseller. 2009. Large Print book LP 24522.
Always by My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other by Jim Nantz. CBS sportscaster Nantz recounts his career, which has included calling the play-by-plays at the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the Masters. Offers anecdotes about the athletes and coworkers he has befriended over the years and memories of his beloved father – his mentor until Alzheimer's took its toll. Bestseller. 2008. Cassette book RC 67078. Digital Book DB 67078.
The Heroin Diaries: A Year in the Life of a Shattered Rock Star by Nikki Sixx. Memoir of Motley Crue bassist details his battle with heroin and alcohol. Sixx shares his diary of 1987, the year his addiction lead to an out-of-control downward spiral. Briefly recaps later years. Interspersed with comments by band members Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Mick Mars, and others. Strong language. Bestseller. 2007. Cassette book RC 65394.
Stori Telling by Tori Spelling. Daughter of producer Aaron Spelling describes her affluent upbringing, acting in Beverly Hills, 90210, leaving her brand-new husband for a married costar, and poking fun at her tabloid image in reality television shows. She discusses her father's death, her mother's estrangement, and living a simpler life. Bestseller. 2008. Cassette book RC 66666.