Not Afraid of Life; My Journey So Far (Bristol Palin)

Why I have this book: I borrowed it from the library on my Kindle.

I like autobiographies, and I was curious about this young woman's perspective on her life. The first part of the book was fine. I wasn't loving it... it seemed written by someone young (as it was) and I wasn't sure if the point was much more than a way to try and counter all the rumors told about her life. (There was a co-writer... I know she helped, but the "voice" is very young. I kind of wonder how that all worked.)

I enjoyed the book more as it went along. Bristol seems to be very down to earth and also seems to have a good head on her shoulders... other than for a time with the father of her son. It looks like she's over that, though.

I think it might be a good book for younger girls to read. Maybe they would learn a bit about making good decisions about relationships with boys. Then again, I think a lot of young people think they are the exception to the rule. I liked how she shared her feelings about her Christian beliefs and of God's love and the strength she gets from that foundation in her life.

I thought it was interesting how Bristol talked about other people in her life, naming names and saying things they did. I don't know... it almost seemed vengeful?

If it was a real book, I might have my teenage daughter read it and talk to her about what she can learn from Bristol's experience. I don't think I would keep it forever. I'd probably donate it to the library.

The book mentions premarital sex, where it happened, etc - but nothing graphic. There are some veiled swear words (like the first letter with ---'s, so you know what the word is without it really being spelled out.) There is mention of the boyfriend posing for Playgirl and of the signs of his cheating over and over again. If my daughter was going to read it, I'd definitely discuss it afterward.

I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down (Jennifer Hudson)

Why I have this book: I bought it for my Kindle because I thought it would be interesting to read about Jennifer Hudson overcoming some of the extremely difficult challenges she has faced. I love autobiographies, anyway, but mostly I have been impressed with how she has managed her life after losing her family members in a tragic way... and she is also a spokesperson for Weight Watchers and has had success in losing weight, so I was interested to see how she focused on that in her busy life.

The book is mostly a promotion for Weight Watchers. A good chunk of the book explains the program in almost clinical terms. Kind of disappointing. She doesn't really share a lot about the very tough loss of her family members... certainly, that's her prerogative, and I can't blame her.

The book is written with as much depth as a magazine article. It's very surface. I mostly learned some basic facts about her rise to fame. It provides an interesting glimpse into the world of Hollywood. I am happy for her... she seems like a nice girl and she deserves her success. She's very likable.

I don't think I would read it again.

There is swearing in this book.