by Sarah Polley
Run Towards the Danger: Confrontations with a Body of Memory is technically a memoir, though Sarah Polley herself doesn’t seem to see it that way. It’s unconventional compared to most memoirs I've read, focusing on a handful of key moments rather than a broad sweep of her life. Polley delves into periods where her body, mind, and spirit were deeply affected—through pregnancy, sexual assault, childhood trauma as a star, and a serious head injury. Her life appears filled with moments of agony that initially seem like defeat.
This is a book about memory and how we come to understand our own realities. It looks at the distorted realities we experience in the midst of trauma, and the clearer, more truthful versions we piece together later on, with the support of loved ones and trusted confidants. #Memory
I wasn’t too familiar with Polley’s work before this, nor her contributions to Canadian media and pop culture, but reading this made me realize I’ve enjoyed some of her most notable projects, like Take This Waltz (2011), Alias Grace (2017, miniseries), and Go (1999).
Run Towards the Danger (2022) is a deeply personal read that tackles tough topics, ones you need to approach with care. While it’s not a complete history, Run Towards the Danger offers insight into the development of a child star in the Canadian acting scene and the often harsh realities of life in the spotlight.
by Megan Phelps-Roper
I can't recall where or when I picked up this book. It likely came into my possession through our Little Free Library or from a bulk collection I bought at a good price. Regardless of how it came to me, I was disappointed by the time I spent reading it.
There’s no doubt that Phelps-Roper’s story is both important and interesting. I believe that wholeheartedly. However, the book felt lacking in substance and depth, and it simply wasn’t long enough to provide a fuller, more complete narrative to make it worthwhile.
At times, Unfollow felt too simplistic—a story that didn’t seem all that difficult or challenging, and where the process of overcoming obstacles didn’t feel particularly arduous. I don’t think this reflects the reality of the author’s experiences; rather, I feel that not enough time, care, or attention was given to telling the whole story in a way that would do it justice.
Perhaps this is more a reflection of poor editing—or a lack of proper editing—than a lack of a compelling story to tell.
by Richard Rosenbaum
A quick, easily, enjoyable, and easily recommended read on a favourite piece of pop-culture from my childhood. Having grown up with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (their 'kid friendly' and mass-marketed form), Rosenbaum's read brought me back to my childhood and brought to light both the history behind the Turtles, their wider social impact, and the critical underpinnings of the dynasty's initial creation and legacy on media across genres.
Aside from minor thoughts of nostalgia now and again, I have not engaged with the Turtles in anyway since my childhood. Now as an adult, and having read Raise Some Shell I am curious in revisiting TMNT with a fresh perspective to see if I might enjoy what the dynasty has to offer on a different, and perhaps deeper, level.
Learning about the darker roots of the series, the shifting personalities the Turtles take on with each new iteration, and the connection (or lack there of) of story lines across decades and mediums has offered a spark to a new entry point for me. Of particular interest is reading the collected Volumes (1, 2, and 4) which seem to have clear connections and stay closest to the original idea which the Turtles grew from. Never being one who has read comics, but as someone who loves reading, this may be a way to bridge a gap in my interests & knowledge.
by Brittney Spears
The reason for picking up The Woman in Me doesn’t really matter, and neither does why I stuck with it until the end. What matters is that I mostly regret ever reading it.
Haphazardly written with poor—or almost no—editing, the book reads like a disjointed stream of consciousness, pulling the reader along on a confusing roller coaster of random thoughts. It’s full of contradictions, trying to convey a life of helplessness while dodging any real sense of personal responsibility.
I believe the book is 100% personal, honest, and written by the author herself, but I can’t imagine recommending it—or, heaven forbid, reading it again—without wondering if its main purpose is to generate cash.
I’m not here to take away from the very real struggles the author faced, whether from societal pressures or her own mistakes. Those challenges are real and ever-present. What I will criticize is the lack of care in communicating those struggles in a way that doesn’t come across as highly entitled. The failure to fully own one’s actions, while placing the blame squarely on others and society at large, reflects a lack of self-reflection, empathy, or awareness of how we all fit into a bigger picture.
by Seth Rogan
Listening to this book was like attending a decent live comedy show. Although I am not a Seth Rogan fan, having him read the written account of his own life was entertaining. This audiobook is more of a standup production than audiobook. There are voiceovers, guests reading what they are actually quoted as saying (Snoop Dogg!), and just the right emphasis in the right places—something only an author who is a comedian could deliver upon. I’m not likely to listen to this book again but I’d recommend it to anyone looking to go on an entertaining trip for a few hours. Oh, and I’m now actually likely to look into some of Rogan’s films to see if there is any entertainment gold I may have missed in recent years.