​Welcome to my non-fiction Shelf Addiction podcast feature! Once a month I feature a non-fiction title that I've read during the month. If you enjoy this episode and want to hear what non-fiction title I'll be discussing next month, please subscribe on your pod-catcher of choice. 

​In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on This Is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare, by Gabourey Sidibe. If you've read this book or listened on audio, let me know what you thought about it by dropping a comment below!

Publisher: Viking Adult
Release Date: January 2, 2014
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 224
Source: Publisher
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir
Review Date: January 7, 2014
Rating: 4 bookmarks 

Synopsis: Cindy Chupack has spent much of her adult life writing about dating and relationships for several hit TV series and as a sex columnist for O, The Oprah Magazine. At the age of thirty-nine, she finally found The One—and a wealth of new material.

Marriage, Cindy discovered, was more of an adventure than she ever imagined, and in this collection of essays she deftly examines the comedy and cringe-worthy aspects of matrimony. Soulful yet self-deprecating, The Longest Date recounts her first marriage (he was gay) and the meeting of Husband No. 2, Ian.

After the courtship and ceremony, both Cindy and Ian realized that happily ever after takes some practice, and near constant negotiation over everyday matters like cooking, sex, holidays, monogamy, and houseguests. The Longest Date takes a serious turn when it comes to infertility.

The Longest Date is the perfect companion for anyone navigating a serious relationship, be it newlyweds or couples moving in that direction.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

"Sex In The City". That's what first caught my attention when I read the synopsis provided by the publicist. I loved the writing on that TV show, so of course I thought that I would also enjoy Cindy Chupack's writing style. Second was that crazy cover. I got a chuckle out of that. Third, being that I'm married, I always enjoy hearing others take on marriage, especially a comical one. 

The memoir was well paced and easy to read. In addition to the story flowing smoothly, I was genuinely entertained. Chupack is witty, a tad snarky and hilarious. I actually found myself laughing out loud more than a few times. The one thing that I felt was a bit much was the name dropping. Yes, we know you've worked with and most likely had dinner with more than a few A list celebrities. Thankfully that was not the main focus and was only a minor part of the story.  Putting the name dropping aside, which was only slightly annoying, Chupack's account of her marriage woes are comical and pretty entertaining. Even the heavy subject matter of infertility is somehow lightened a bit.  

After reading The Longest Date, as a married lady myself, I found that I really related to Chupack and her husband. Even though I'm not Jewish, wealthy, or an Emmy-nominated writer, the main themes in marriage cross all tax brackets, religions, and races; simply put, marriage is marriage. Each of us have our own adventure to contend with.  

Chupack is what most of us would deem as an successful woman, and to read about her own personal drama is refreshing because it shows that everyone has ups and downs.  Nobody has a picture perfect life and she does an excellent job giving us a good dose of both marriage and relationship reality.  I really enjoyed several components of this story.  I thought the chapter where she shares her marriage vows and her fifth year re-commitment vows were both touching and sweet. I also enjoyed her husband's moment to share his point of view on their attempts to have a baby.  They both seem like genuine, fun and down to earth people.

I'm glad that this book was introduced to me as I probably wouldn't have come across it on my own. If you enjoy memoirs that read more like fiction than a history of events, then do check out The Longest Date. 

Happy Reading,
~Tamara

Hey friends!
I have a mini review for you today!  A mini review is my short and sweet analysis of a book.  You'll know in 350 words or less if this is a book I recommend.

Publisher: Viking Adult
Release Date: October 29, 2013
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Genre: Autobiography, Memoir
Review Date: December 2, 2013
Rating: 3 bookmarks 

Synopsis:The Emmy Award-winning producer of PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre and Mystery! reveals the secrets to Downton Abbey, Sherlock, and its other hit programs

For more than twenty-five years and counting, Rebecca Eaton has presided over PBS’s Masterpiece Theatre, the longest running weekly prime time drama series in American history. From the runaway hits
Upstairs, Downstairs  and The Buccaneers, to the hugely popular Inspector Morse, Prime Suspect, and Poirot, Masterpiece Theatre and its sibling series Mystery! have been required viewing for fans of quality drama.

Eaton interviews many of the writers, directors, producers, and other contributors and shares personal anecdotes—including photos taken with her own camera—about her decades-spanning career. She reveals what went on behind the scenes during such triumphs as Cranford and the multiple, highly-rated programs made from Jane Austen’s novels, as well as her aggressive campaign to attract younger viewers via social media and online streaming. Along the way she shares stories about actors and other luminaries such as Alistair Cooke, Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, Benedict Cumberbatch and Daniel Radcliffe, whose first TV role was as the title character in David Copperfield.

Readers will also get to know Eaton on a personal level. With a childhood steeped in theater, an affinity for nineteenth century novels and culture, and an "accidental apprenticeship” with the BBC, Eaton was practically born to  lead the Masterpiece and Mystery! franchises. Making Masterpiece marks the first time  the driving force behind the enduring flagship show reveals all.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a courtesy of the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

As you all can tell (possibly from the content on my blog) that I rarely read nonfiction so this one is a tad bit out of my comfort zone, but I had to read it. I adore Masterpiece Theatre, especially Downton Abbey, Mr Selfridge, and The Paradise. Not mention, my husband LOVES to watch Sherlock.  What can I say, I'm addicted to British TV....as are many of us PBS/BBC watchers.  When I was asked if I'd like to review this, I jumped at it just to get a small peak behind the curtains.