Bettyville: A Memoir | 
I want to see more from the Kevins of this world. Sometimes, 20 or 30 years later, we get an apology out of them when they‘re challenged on their past behavior. But I want more. I want to see them put actions to their apologies — getting involved in anti-bullying or providing some type of support to marginalized kids.
At the end of July, the lovely George Hodgman committed suicide. He had been a well respected editor and wrote a terrific book about returning home to care for his mother. He would occasionally comment on my Facebook posts and for some reason I felt very close to him. He was funny and cared so much about so much. Yesterday I realized I hadn‘t heard from him and in looking him up I learned of his death. I‘m so sad that he needed to leave us.
A favorite, and signed! #Riotgrams #QueerReads @bookriot
"three things changed rural America: the breakup of the family farm; Wal-Mart; meth."
pickMemoir about a man and his failing (ok, dying) mother in Missouri. Sometimes painful but more often laugh out loud funny. Delightful. 5 out of 5.
#riotgrams #setnearwhereyoulive I really enjoyed this book, the true story of a gay man who returns home to Missouri to take care of his mom.
I had the great pleasure of hearing George Hodgman read and speak tonight. He was kind and gracious and I can't wait to read his memoir.
so-soA memoirs - this book is both humorous and poignant. The author recounts his time of being sole caregiver to his 90-year-old mother (a character to be sure) while at the same time reflects on his own life as a gay man and how it impacted his relationship with his parents and shaped his life. I enjoyed the book, but found it easy to put down when other activities called.
#bookmealilove #17booklove I just got back from Barnes & Noble and Panera. Yum!
About half way trough this memoir about a gay son looking after his ill mother in small town America. It's bittersweet and wonderful
pickI knew this was going to be about a son helping his mother as she aged. What I didn't realize was that the author would offer so much information on social issues. It is funny, heartwarming, and informational. People will grow to love Betty and her son.
My Sunday date. Hilarious, yes, but also deeply tender.
"When she opens her eyes, I put an old soft towel in the dryer to warm up and then spread it around her feet, which she complains get cold at night."
I'm going to have to take breaks, because feelings. Yuck. Feelings. Who needs those.
#TBRTuesday. I give up. The TBR is sky high. I just wing it. At least October will be planned a bit better.
Broken Wheel, Iowa, Sara, who traveled all the way from Sweden just to meet her pen pal, Amy. When she arrives, she finds that Amy's funeral has just ended. Luckily, the townspeople are happy to look after her even if they don't understand her peculiar need for books. Marooned in a farm town that's almost beyond repair, Sara starts a bookstore in honor of her friend's memory.
pickThis memoir is part sweet tribute to beloved parents, part painful journey through Hodgman's life, as he struggles to accept and love himself. Growing up he knows from an early age that he is gay, different, doesn't fit in. He picks up self-destructive behaviors, always jokes about everything, too much self-deprecating language, a drug habit he eventually kicks. Sad because he seems so sweet. Is it really so hard to love yourself? Apparently.
