Biography or Memoir
I Never Met a Story I Didn’t Like: Mostly True Tall Tales by Todd Snider
Singer-songwriter, Todd Snider, tells what he calls a “mostly true” story of his fun andeventful life with humor and kindness. Todd performed at many venues across the country,including our own local Live Oak Music Festival. He was a multi-talented performercombining music, story-telling and stand-up comedy to hold an audience enthralled. He loved all kinds of music and had many influences, but his hero was Jerry Jeff Walker, who wrote “Mr. Bo Jangles.”
This book can be purchased through several book sellers.
You With the Sad Eyes by Christina Applegate
Christina Applegate grew up with an abusive step father and a mother addicted to heroin.This was a difficult beginning to a life full of ups and downs.
She was a member of the cast of “Married with Children,” a 1980’s sitcom. She strived to continue in her chosen field, but every good thing that happened to her was overshadowed by super bad luck. She married an abusive husband; she landed the leading role in a Broadway play, “Sweet Charity”, and then broke her foot the day before opening night; she had a success with a sitcom, “Samantha Who” and got breast cancer; she started another series, “Dead to Me” and was diagnosed with MS.
Throughout, she strived to keep a positive outlook. This book is at the SLO CO Library.
Gumbo Tales: Finding My Place at the New Orleans Table by Sara Rowan
This memoir is about a Wisconsin native finding her identity and home in New Orleans through its unique food culture, exploring iconic dishes like gumbo and po-boys alongside lesser-known culinary gems, with the narrative shifting to address the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the city’s food scene and people.
The book blends personal discovery, cultural history, and poignant reflections on the city’s resilience, making it a beloved read for those interested in New Orleans’s food and culture.
It can be purchased through ThriftBooks.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
In her own words, Michelle Obama recalls her life prior to her tenure as First Lady. She relates that Barack referred to her family and upbringing like a “black ‘Leave It to Beaver.”
Her parents and extended family were very supportive. She was a successful student and earned a partial scholarship to Harvard. She met Barack when he came to intern at the law firm where she worked. And then the romance and adventure really began!
Several book group readers highly recommend this book. It is available at the Grover Beach Community Library.
Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die: Musings From The Road by Willie Nelson
The iconic poet and songwriter, Willie Nelson, hails from a tiny town in Texas. When he was just a kid, his teacher recognized his potential and told his mom that he was going places. He is quite the character, and although he had several wives and many children, all remain friends.
Nelson tells his story with humor and heart. One notable quote: “Sometimes I think, well . . ., then again, I don’t know . . . but when you get right down to it, there it is.”
This book is available at the SLO Co. Library.
How To Lose Your Mother: A Daughter’s Memoir by Molly Jong-Fast
Growing up as the daughter of Erica Jong, author of the bestseller “Fear of Flying,” was no walk in the park. In fact, getting her mom’s attention was an ongoing struggle for Molly.
Coming to terms with her mother’s narcissistic personality, Molly struggled with her parents alcoholism and her own. But at age nineteen, she recognized that this was not the path she wanted to take. She insisted on going to rehab and has maintained sobriety ever since.
Erica’s relationship with her daughter was ambivalence, which really hurt Molly. When she realized that her mother was descending into Alzheimer’s disease, she had to face the reality of their troubled relationship.
This book is at the SLO Co. Library.
Next Meeting of Book Break – May 12, 2026, 10:30 a.m. The topic is Historical Fiction.