I’ve just re-read Britt Sevitt’s book, ‘More to Life: A Skeptic’s Journey from Depression to Spiritual Awakening’ Contrary to what some people might think, the book is not just about depression, it is about so much more, it’s upbeat, inspiring and exciting, it is about the vision of an ‘awakened’ person, it’s highly thought-provoking, it is ...
‘SHOE DOG’, BY PHIL KNIGHT
I’ve just read Phil Knight’s ‘SHOE DOG’, ‘A MEMOIR BY THE CREATOR OF NIKE’, and what a book, what story, what a guy! Yes, on the face of it, it’s the inspirational story of the man who started with a shoe and spent years in debt, on the precipice of failure, building what is now ...
I’VE STARTED TO WRITE MY BOOK: YAY!!
I have started writing my book – the prep done, the planning, I felt the urge that I think I was waiting for, I just felt the impetus, the fire in my belly and I put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard). The book: my journey into and out of the depths of depression, where ...
‘OUTRUNNING THE DEMONS – lives transformed through running’, by PHIL HEWITT: A ‘MUST-READ’ BOOK!
Phil Hewitt’s book, ‘OUTRUNNING THE DEMONS: lives transformed through running’, I have never connected with a book quite like I have done with this one, never has a book so resonated with me, never have I been so energised in the reading of a book, never has “I just couldn’t put the book down” so ...
A LIFE-CHANGING BOOK: PHIL HEWITT’S ‘OUTRUNNING THE DEMONS – lives transformed through running’
I often read a book and say afterwards that it's a "life-changing book" but I'm not sure that any has actually proved to be that - life-affecting, perhaps, but "life-changing", hmmmm....I don't know. However, a book which I'm reading now, and haven't finished yet, I already know that it'll be, for me, life-changing. In my ...
‘FIVE FAMILIES: THE RISE, DECLINE, and RESURGENCE of AMERICA’S MOST POWERFUL MAFIA EMPIRES’, by SELWYN RAAB
A brilliant ‘Mafia’/‘Cosa Nostra’/‘Mob’ book by Selwyn Raab, absolutely brilliant, a journey from Sicily in the early 20th century, through Joe ‘The Boss’ Masseria, Salvatore Maranzano, the Castellammarese War and Charles ‘Lucky Luciano’, through the precursor to, and formation of, New York’s big five Borgatas/Mafia ‘Families’, the Bonnano, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese ‘Families’, their ...
‘PROOF of HEAVEN: A Neurosurgeon’s Journey into the Afterlife’, by EBEN ALEXANDER, M.D.
First of all, I have no doubt that a lot of people, people who would enjoy this book, who would get a lot out of it, that they will steer clear, will be repelled by the title: DON'T BE! You do not need to be religious, to believe in a theistic God, in any God or ...
A ‘MUST READ’ BOOK! “JOG ON: How Running Saved My Life”, by BELLA MACKIE.
I’ve been reading a lot of books which resonate with me these days: Bella Mackie’s terrific, inspiring "JOG ON – How Running Saved My Life” is one of them. In fact, Bella’s book, her story, mirrors my story in many ways. I so ‘get’ Bella, I can see so much of myself in her struggles ...
“Mum’s Little Book of BIG RULES (in no particular order): For David, Reuben & Ethan and anyone else who might find inspiration in these pages (with some repetition for emphasis :-)”, by Deborah Judah
I have just read this wonderful ‘Little Book of Big Rules’: The beautiful Deborah Judah, of blessed memory, passed away a year ago at the tragically young age of 52. That pesky cancer stole her away from her family, loved ones, friends, colleagues, from all those whose lives she touched in her short life and all ...
‘SINATRA: BEHIND THE LEGEND’, by J. Randy Taraborrelli
Back in 2015/6, I read a magnificent biography of my favourite, my No.1, Frank Sinatra, a two-part colossus of a work by James Kaplan: VOLUME 1: ‘FRANK: THE VOICE’ (in the UK, ‘FRANK: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND’) VOLUME 2: ‘SINATRA: THE CHAIRMAN’. When I finished reading the biography, I was convinced that I had read the definite Sinatra biography. I, some ...
‘FACTFULNESS: TEN REASONS WE’RE WRONG ABOUT THE WORLD – AND WHY THINGS ARE BETTER THAN YOU THINK’, by Hans Rosling, with Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Rönnlund
I’ve just finished reading a book about which Bill Gates said, “One of the most important books I’ve ever read – an indispensable guide to thinking clearly about the world”. It’s certainly one of the most important books I have ever read. This book, ‘FACTFULNESS, TEN REASONS WE’RE WRONG ABOUT THE WORLD – AND WHY THINGS ARE BETTER THAN ...
‘A Very English Scandal’ (TV mini-series, 2018) [see my book review]
I recent read the brilliant ‘A Very English Scandal’ by John Preston (highly recommended!). http://kobygould.com/a-very-english-scandal-by-john-preston/ Last night, I watched the Blueprint Pictures / BBC TV mini-series, all three episodes. Also highly recommended (though, be advised, adult language/theme, to say the least!). If you haven’t read the book AND you haven’t watched the mini-series, my advice is that you ...
‘A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL’, by JOHN PRESTON
I’ve just finished reading John Preston’s terrific book on the ‘Jeremy Thorpe affair'. I only managed to catch the first episode of the BBC’s production but it whetted my appetite and reawakened my interest in the scandal so I bought the book. What a great read! I will watch the BBC’s production and I don’t want ...
‘HARVEY MILK: HIS LIVES AND DEATH’, by LILLIAN FADERMAN
Lillian Faderman's biography of Harvey Milk is terrific. Harvey’s story is inspiring and, because he was no angel, because he didn’t live in an exalted stratosphere, ‘ordinary’ people like me, with character faults and failings, can relate to him, person to person. We can all learn from, and be inspired by, the life of Harvey Milk. ...
“TO LIFE – L’CHAIM”, by Dr. HENRY BRIGGS
I’ve just read a life-enhancing/affirming, inspiring, highly pertinent and heartwarming autobiography of a man – a family man, a father, a husband, a grandfather, a great grandfather (I’m sure many other relation titles), a doctor, a healer, a carer, a multi-faceted man, a person with the soul, the essence, of great humanity, love and courage. I ...
‘LION OF HOLLYWOOD, The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer’, by Scott Eyman
I've just read, for the second time, Scott Eyman's brilliant biography of Louis B. Mayer, 'LION OF HOLLYWOOD, The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer' (who gave his name to the legendary 'METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER' movie studio). It is a must-read for anyone who, well, loves 'the movies' beyond specific movies - if you love 'the movies' ...
‘WHEN BREATH BECOMES AIR’ by PAUL KALANITHI
I don’t remember the last time I finished reading a book and then immediately re-read it but that is exactly what I did with what I think is a life-changing, ‘must read’ book, 'When Breath Becomes Air ' by a very special human being (as I sit typing this blog, I feel tears welling up), Paul Kalanithi. IMPORTANT: THIS ...
BOOK REVIEW: RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON – THE INVINCIBLE QUEST (CONRAD BLACK)
I haven’t been blogging so much recently but I have just finished reading a book, a phenomenal piece of work, a biography of Richard Milhous Nixon, by the highly acclaimed and prodigious biographer/historian, Conrad Black, and I just had to put ‘pen to paper’. RICHARD MILHOUS NIXON – THE INVINCIBLE QUEST. This biography is a bit of ...
‘KIND OF BLUE, A POLITICAL MEMOIR’ – by KEN CLARKE
I have just finished Ken Clarke’s memoirs (reading them, not writing them, of course!), ‘Kind of Blue, A Political Memoir’: a delightful read, not heavy going at all. Ken takes the reader on the journey from his childhood, through school, university, his being called to the Bar, then balancing his early political and legal career, ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: “AND THE BAND PLAYED ON – POLITICS, PEOPLE AND THE AIDS EPIDEMIC” (BY RANDY SHILTS)
I have just finished reading an excellent book: "And The Band Played On - Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic" by Randy Shilts. The ‘Politics, People and the AIDS Epidemic’ part of the title lets you know that this is NOT a fun read! It is a book which had me drowning in a whirlpool of emotions, ...
“REAGAN & THATCHER, The Difficult Relationship” (by Richard Aldous)
I’ve just finished reading an extremely interesting book, “Reagan & Thatcher - The Difficult Relationship” by Richard Aldous. The protagonists are, surprise, surprise, Margaret Thatcher, British Prime Minister from 1979 to 1990, and Ronald Reagan, President of The United States between 1981 and 1989. Most of us have this idea in our heads, an image, ...
‘THE ALCHEMIST’ (by Paulo Coelho)
I’ve just read, again, Paulo Coelho’s classic ‘short story’/novel, ‘The Alchemist’. I read it years ago but in my current state of mind, I was drawn to it again. Insofar as the style of the novel(la) is ‘fantasy’, supernatural, quasi-religious, ‘The Alchemist’ is not a typical read for me. I usually read non-fiction though I do ...
THE DEFINITIVE SINATRA BIOGRAPHY: A MASTERPIECE! (by JAMES KAPLAN)
VOLUME 1: 'FRANK: THE VOICE' (in the UK, 'FRANK: THE MAKING OF A LEGEND') VOLUME 2: 'SINATRA: THE CHAIRMAN' Before I began reading what I am now sure is a never-to-be bettered, definitive 1,800 page, two-volume biography of Frank Sinatra, penned by a genius of a writer, James Kaplan, he, Frank, was already my No.1. I have a wide, ...
A BOOK, AN AUTHOR, A SUBJECT, THAT, I FEEL, MIGHT JUST HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE
Adrenalin is rushing through my veins (does adrenalin do that?), tears are welling up in my eyes, I have just finished reading part 1 of a masterpiece of biographical writing, a work of art, Frank Sinatra, the subject. I have been left hanging....thank heavens I don't have to wait years for part 2 and that ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: ‘OPERATION THUNDERBOLT (FLIGHT 139 AND THE RAID ON ENTEBBE AIRPORT, THE MOST AUDACIOUS HOSTAGE RESCUE MISSION IN HISTORY)’ by SAUL DAVID
It’s my guess that a lot of people think that they know what happened in ‘that’ rescue but I doubt that many know it in as much detail as I do now that I have read this terrific book by Saul David. Saul David: “…I decided to write it unfolding in real time, with the narrative shifting ...
LYNDA BELLINGHAM’S BOOK, “THERE’S SOMETHING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TELL YOU”. A ‘MUST-READ’. INSPIRING, UPLIFTING AND LIFE-ENHANCING!
A book that should be read by everyone who is alive now and who will eventually die, i.e. everyone. A 'must-read'!! Let me first make one thing clear: whilst I did, of course, cry when I was reading this book, predominantly Lynda's journey from her cancer diagnosis to her passing, I smiled more than I cried. ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: “GODLESS (HOW AN EVANGELICAL PREACHER BECAME ONE OF AMERICA’S LEADING ATHEISTS)”
I recently read Chris Hitchens' “God Isn’t Great” (his book IS great!) and Professor Richard Dawkins’ “The God Delusion”, another book which is having an effect on my life. These two books are helping me to navigate the swirling tides. To those important books, I now add a third book: “Godless”, How An Evangelical Preacher Became One ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: ‘I AM JEWISH, Personal Reflections Inspired by the Last Words of DANIEL PEARL’, edited by Judea and Ruth Pearl
Daniel Pearl, an American Jewish journalist, or a Jewish American journalist (only Daniel would have been able to tell me which) was working for the Wall Street Journal in 2002 when he was horrifically murdered by Islamic extremists, aka evil personified, in Pakistan. He was not an 'observant' Jew (I think I can say that ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: ‘THE MARRIAGE GAME’ by ALISON WEIR
What a great book - I thoroughly enjoyed it. I'm upset that I've finished it! Alison Weir, the renowned and respected historian, has delivered a delicious, spicy Elizabethan novel, full to the brim with love and romance, a little steamy raunchiness, heartbreak, pathos, religion, politics, jealousy, war, mischief and Machiavellian intrigue and skulduggery. Weir immerses the ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: ‘THE GOD DELUSION’ by PROF. RICHARD DAWKINS
I have no doubt that reading this book has been, for many people, a life-changing experience. I read it because the subject matter and the philosophy of the author, Professor Richard Dawkins, appealed to me as I walk a well-trodden, rocky, winding road. It has been of immense help and has given me enormous clarity. ...
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: “GOD IS NOT GREAT (how religion poisons everything)” by CHRISTOPHER HITCHENS
This is one of the best books I have ever read - though I'll have to read it again, and again, to really understand it, to fully appreciate everything Christopher Hitchens 'is' saying. Christopher Hitchens is well-known for his atheism. He is also well-known for keeping 'bad company', e.g. Edward Said and Noam Chomsky and he ...
Book Recommendation: ‘Deconstructing Sammy’ by Matt Birkbeck
A few weeks ago, I finished reading a great 'autobiography' by one of the, if not 'THE', greatest all-round entertainers of the twentieth century, the legend Sammy Davis Jr. (co-written by Jane and Burt Boyar): http://kobygould.com/book-recommendation-why-me-an-autobiography-and-an-examination-of-the-nature-of-stardom-the-no-1-all-round-popular-entertainer-the-ultimate-song-and-dance-man-mr-show-business-sam/ The (auto) biography takes the reader 'behind the scenes' - to a degree, it's a warts 'n all picture of Sammy. ...
Book Recommendations: “Why Me?” – An Autobiography (and an examination of the nature of stardom): The No. 1 All-Round ‘Popular’ Entertainer, THE Ultimate Song And Dance Man, MR SHOW BUSINESS, SAMMY DAVIS JR.
"Why Me" is a fascinating, in-depth autobiography, penned by the greatest popular entertainer the world has ever known, and will ever know, the incomparable legend, Sammy Davis Jr. (co-written by Jane and Burt Boyar). It is a fast pace, entertaining, inspiring, emotional, heart rending, oft times desperately sad, roller coaster of an autobiography, an examination of ...
Book Recommendation: ‘Straight Flush’ by Ben Mezrich
A tornado of a tale, this true story of ambition, entrepreneurialship, focus, commitment, team building, 'brotherhood', success, money, power and collapse runs FAST from start to finish. I must preface this 'critique' by stressing that I'm working on the facts as presented by the author, Ben Mezrich, that it may well be, of course, that the ...
RIP Graham Lord
So sorry to learn of the passing, at the relatively young age of 72, of the journalist and biographer, Graham Lord. His biography of one of my favourites, David Niven, ('Niv'), is a triumph and I so enjoyed reading it. Of course, Niv's celebrated classic autobiog, "The Moon's A Balloon" is an absolute joy and ...
Book Recommendation: ‘Nazi Hunter – The Wiesenthal File’ by Alan Levy
I've just finished reading a great book: 'NAZI HUNTER - THE WIESENTHAL FILE (How Simon Wiesenthal hunted down the Nazi war criminals)' By Alan Levy There is so much I could 'say' about this book but I don't want to ruin it for those of you who haven't read it yet but want to read it. I will say ...
Book Recommendation: Alastair Campbell’s ‘THE HAPPY DEPRESSIVE: IN PURSUIT OF PERSONAL AND POLITICAL HAPPINESS
Alastair Campbell's 'The Happy Depressive: In Pursuit of Personal and Political Happiness' is a great read (and a short one). As I 'wrote' in the Amazon Book Review I posted, his candour and openness is to be commended. Heart on the sleeve stuff. People who suffer from clinical depression will empathise. The millions of people ...
