These three audiobooks all gave me an inside look into the lives of people that I could not even imagine what their lives were like prior to reading the books
I got an inside look into the life of a member of British Royalty
An inside look into the life of the wife of a US president
And an inside look into the life of two actresses on a long-running hit television show that I love.
It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their motherâs coffin as the world watched in sorrowâand horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feelingâand how their lives would play out from that point on.
For Harry, this is that story at last.
Before losing his mother, twelve-year-old Prince Harry was known as the carefree one, the happy-go-lucky Spare to the more serious Heir. Grief changed everything. He struggled at school, struggled with anger, with lonelinessâand, because he blamed the press for his motherâs death, he struggled to accept life in the spotlight.
At twenty-one, he joined the British Army. The discipline gave him structure, and two combat tours made him a hero at home. But he soon felt more lost than ever, suffering from post-traumatic stress and prone to crippling panic attacks. Above all, he couldnât find true love.
Then he met Meghan. The world was swept away by the coupleâs cinematic romance and rejoiced in their fairy-tale wedding. But from the beginning, Harry and Meghan were preyed upon by the press, subjected to waves of abuse, racism, and lies. Watching his wife suffer, their safety and mental health at risk, Harry saw no other way to prevent the tragedy of history repeating itself but to flee his mother country. Over the centuries, leaving the Royal Family was an act few had dared. The last to try, in fact, had been his mother. . . .
For the first time, Prince Harry tells his own story, chronicling his journey with raw, unflinching honesty. A landmark publication, Spare is full of insight, revelation, self-examination, and hard-won wisdom about the eternal power of love over grief.
I enjoyed Spare and found the book to be entertaining. I did like knowing what it was like to grow up as a member of the British Royal family. The most profound part of the book is where Prince Harry describes his mental health issues. His trauma from the early death of his mother as well as his PTSD from his time in the military. I admired his frank discussions on how his mental health suffered and his struggles to get help. Â
He did share a bit too much information at times, but it did add some humor to the book. Although he spoke about his family very lovingly at the beginning of the book, I wouldnât say I liked that he spilled a bunch of family gossip.Â
I never felt like the book dragged and I never got bored. Overall, Iâm delighted I read this and would recommend it to anyone.
Now in paperbackâthe intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir by the former First Lady of the United States, featuring a new introduction by Michelle Obama, a letter from the author to her younger self, and a book club guide with 20 discussion questions and a 5-question Q&A
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ⢠WATCH THE EMMY-NOMINATED NETFLIX ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY ⢠OPRAHâS BOOK CLUB PICK ⢠NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER⢠ONE OF ESSENCEâS 50 MOST IMPACTFUL BLACK BOOKS OF THE PAST 50 YEARS
In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of Americaâthe first African American to serve in that roleâshe helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.
In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped herâfrom her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the worldâs most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived itâin her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectationsâand whose story inspires us to do the same.
This is my favorite of the three books. I loved Michelle Obamaâs story about starting life on the South Side of Chicago in a poor neighborhood. She spoke lovingly about her family who sacrificed so much for her to make sure she had a better life than they had. But, my favorite part of the story was when she spoke about her life in the White House. I liked that she always remembered what a privilege it was to live there and have the experiences she got because of her husbandâs job. Of course, she spoke highly of her husband and his workaholic tendencies along with his love for his family. The main themes I got from Becoming were hope and hard work!Â
INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * One of Esquire's Best Celebrity Memoirs of All Time
An intimate, behind-the-scenes, richly illustrated celebration of beloved The Office co-stars Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinseyâs friendship, and an insiders' view of Pam Beesly, Angela Martin, and the iconic TV show. Featuring many of their never-before-seen photos.
Receptionist Pam Beesly and accountant Angela Martin had very little in common when they toiled together at Scrantonâs Dunder Mifflin Paper Company. But, in reality, the two bonded in their very first days on set and, over the nine seasons of the seriesâ run, built a friendship that transcended the show and continues to this day. Sharing everything from what it was like in the early days as the show struggled to gain traction, to walking their first red carpetâplus exclusive stories on the making of milestone episodes and how their lives changed when they became momsâThe Office BFFs is full of the same warm and friendly tone Jenna and Angela have brought to their Office Ladies podcast.
This was by far the most fun book. I felt like I was sitting in The Office breakroom with Pam and Angela, eating snacks and gossiping about the cast and crew of The Office. Both actresses were funny, forthright, and compassionate. I loved the cast and crew’s little stories and behind-the-scenes shenanigans. What I loved most about this book is how they support each other and the other women in the office. They spoke about raising families and working on a set while pregnant and nursing babies. If youâre a fan of the US version of The Office then this is the book for you.
Book Challenges:
Spare, Becoming and The Office BFFs all contribute to the following challenges.
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Click on the image to go to the challenge home page
Becoming and The Office BFFs also counts towards the following challenge:
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
The last one is definitely on my TBR. I am loving all the marathons of The Office that are on Comedy Central on the weekends. I love how all of these were narrated by the people themselves. That is what makes those so good for me. I got to hear Michelle Obama speak at a library conference in New Orleans a few years ago, and she was great to listen to, so I’ll bet her book is good too. Great reviews!
All sound like they were good listens and I am happy to hear you enjoyed them all. I loved Becoming so I am not surprised. I pre-ordered Spare, but have not rushed to listen to it yet. I watched a lot of interviews, so am going to wait a bit before I listen to it.
That’s so cute – I didn’t know the two actresses from The Office wrote a book together! As far as the Harry book goes, I think I’ll skip that one. I’ve heard enough TMI snippets lol
Congrats on your reading! I really liked Becoming! I want to read Spare, but probably down the road some as I’ve got several nonfiction books in my tbr!
I’d like to read Becoming at some point, but not The Spare, it is getting so much publicity for all the wrong reasons, but the marketing behind it all has done the job.
Thank you, Susan. The Office BFFs was the most fun one!
Janette
I’m glad you enjoyed Spare although it doesn’t appeal to me at all. I do want to read Becoming at some point though as I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
Glad you enjoyed these, I’ve read such good things about Michelle Obama’s book. I’m on the fence when it comes to Spare, I’ve heard Prince Harry overshares quitte a bit.
Spare 
Becoming
The Office BFFs
The last one is definitely on my TBR. I am loving all the marathons of The Office that are on Comedy Central on the weekends. I love how all of these were narrated by the people themselves. That is what makes those so good for me. I got to hear Michelle Obama speak at a library conference in New Orleans a few years ago, and she was great to listen to, so I’ll bet her book is good too. Great reviews!
All sound like they were good listens and I am happy to hear you enjoyed them all. I loved Becoming so I am not surprised. I pre-ordered Spare, but have not rushed to listen to it yet. I watched a lot of interviews, so am going to wait a bit before I listen to it.
That’s so cute – I didn’t know the two actresses from The Office wrote a book together! As far as the Harry book goes, I think I’ll skip that one. I’ve heard enough TMI snippets lol
LOL, Prince Harry does OVERSHARE! But the Office BFFs is very cute.
Great reviews! Iâm glad you enjoyed these. Iâve had my eye on Spare and Becoming also. Thatâs brave of Harry to talk about his mental issues.
I’d like to read some of these.
Of all three I think I might enjoy The Office BFFs the most. Amazing reviews!
I’m definitely interested in Becoming. I’ve always found Michelle Obama to be so inspiring, with such grace and class. Glad you enjoyed it!
Glad you enjoyed Obama’s book. I loved that one. It sounds like I need to read Spare!
The Office one is on my tbr! I’ll definitely have to get the audiobook when I finally get to it. Great reviews!
The Office BFFs was so much fun! I hope you enjoy it.
Interesting reviews, Wendy. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Linda
Nice reviews! I read Becoming a long time ago, and enjoyed it too.
It’s such an interesting book!
Congrats on your reading! I really liked Becoming! I want to read Spare, but probably down the road some as I’ve got several nonfiction books in my tbr!
I hope you enjoy Spare. It’s a bit different for sure.
I requested a copy of The Spare but I need to request The Office one too. Nice that you’re able to chip away a bunch of challenges!
Thank you, Rachel. If you’re a fan of The Office, you’ll enjoy The Office BFFs
Good reviews, Wendy! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Cindy
Interesting pics & great reviews đ I’ve heard a lot about the Prince Harry one but not the others
Thank you, Jenny!
I’d like to read Becoming at some point, but not The Spare, it is getting so much publicity for all the wrong reasons, but the marketing behind it all has done the job.
That makes a lot of sense, Rosie.
Glad you enjoyed all these, Wendyđ I do want to get to Becoming soon.
Becoming was very good!
The only one I might read is the Office BFFs Wendy. Have no desire to read the other two but I’m glad you enjoyed them.
Thank you, Susan. The Office BFFs was the most fun one!
I’m glad you enjoyed Spare although it doesn’t appeal to me at all. I do want to read Becoming at some point though as I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
I can really understand not wanting to read Spare. Becoming is a wonderful book.
Glad you enjoyed these, I’ve read such good things about Michelle Obama’s book. I’m on the fence when it comes to Spare, I’ve heard Prince Harry overshares quitte a bit.
*quite* even…
Prince Harry does overshare quite a bit! Becoming was great, and I hope you get a chance to read it soon