The title says it all. With beautiful, honest prose Dr. Angelou distills her life of ups and downs so that others facing similar quandaries and choices may learn and hopefully avoid her pitfalls.She is a keen observer and noticed that many adults are unwilling to share their imperfections with the younger generation, so she is offering up hers. She is humble and grateful for those that were there for her and shares her hard-earned wisdom generously.

Enlightening glimpse in the world of the 1940-50's when computers were actually human and black american women were quietly and competently using their education and skills in non-traditional female fields. They were also raising families and facing racism, sexism and Jim Crow segregationist policies in the southern U.S. This important story is unfortunately at times repetitive and reads more like a recounting of history than bringing these amazing women to life.

Nora's keen observations coupled with her succinct wit make this a great read. There is much to identify with for those of us who lived through the 1960's and beyond. Loved it and highly recommend as antidote to facing life's ups and downs and taking comfort in that you are not alone.

This book is a complete waste of time told in a juvenile tone uttering insulting stereotypes. I can't think of one redeeming take-away from this book.

While this book does not provide deep insight into the seeds of the Hutu-Tutsui schism in the Rift Valley, it does an excellent job of presenting the cultural bonds and humanity that were broken during the Rwandan genocide. It would be nice to think that the world would react differently today than it did then, yet events (such as Syria) prove others.

Beautifully written novel that one could believe is a true story. I gained an appreciation for the Tibetan culture and the potential humanity and courage inherent in each of us if we so desire.

I have great admiration for the willingness of Steve Martin to share the motivating and pivotal moments that shaped his personality and the comedian that he became. It is amazing to me that anyone would pursue this profession given how isolating and challenging it can be. While an interesting memoir, I’m not sure it lends itself well to bookclub discussions.

I like the detective and his quest to remain honorable while solving the murders of his partner and soulmate and a U.S. Marine living in Bangkok. The tale wove in east vs west beliefs in instructive and interesting ways. For me, the dark and fantastical turns that were also part of the plot were more distracting than enhancing. Still, I would read more from this author and think it will be an interesting book to discuss.

The author successfully transports us back to Victorian England by creating a colorful collection of characters who believe opposing philosophies and live in different economic classes. The human failings and odd behaviors are somewhat endearing yet in the end, I felt the story moved painfully slow and I cared very little about what happened to any of them. Notheless, our club did have a robust discussion around this book thanks to some good questions posed about the many themes and situations created by the author.

This book is a remarkable tribute to the capacity of man to explore and persevere in perhaps the harshest and least forgiving earthly environment. While suspenseful and engaging, I would recommend reading this book more to gain historical knowledge than one that will provide robust discussion in a bookclub. For me, it was suspenseful yet it moved as slowly as our USS Jeanette voyagers. And I knew from the jacket cover that with each page turned, I would be entering a world of tragedy and supreme hardship which made it a sad rather than a joyful or exciting read. Still, kudos to the author for his diligent and thoughtful use of the ship’s logs, personal letters and other historical materials to recreate this significant moment in time.

Baldwin’s powerful use of words to bring to life the strong characters and at times brutal moments of his protagonist's pentecostal upbringing are terrifying and held me until the very last page. To me, this book is about survival. Survival of one’s upbringing, survival of one’s spirit, survival in white america, survival of one’s choices and survival of fate.

Baldwin’s portrayal of the stepfather’s physical and verbal abuse was given context yet not condoned. The important women in the 14 year old boy's upbringing showed strength and passion yet they were too often held back by their dependency on men and a a lack of alternative opportunities.

This book is a window into the life of Birth American Indian experience as well as a reflection of anyone who has ever felt alone, different or misunderstood — particularly as an adolescent. The complexity of human emotions is presented primarily through the lives of two friends, Junior and Rowdy. Sherman Alexis’s words can speak to all generations.