The Art of Asking

 The Art of Asking; or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Amanda Palmer, 339 pages.

This book, which is part memoir and part self improvement guide, is based on the TED Talk of the same title. I was a fan of Amanda Palmer's music, both with The Dresden Dolls and as a solo performer, as well as her blog writing, and both put together made me think that this book (read by the author) would be worth my time. 

It definitely was. In addition to being a very open look at Palmer's life, this is a book about vulnerability. It's a book that believes deeply in the goodness of people, and the power of community. It's the kind of book that encourages courage. I would recommend it widely, and especially the audiobook (which feels like an especially strong recommendation coming from me, who usually struggles with audiobooks). The thirteen minute TED Talk is a great place to start, and if you find yourself interested, consider treating yourself to this book. 

Hunger makes me a modern girl

Hunger makes me a modern girl by Carrie Brownstein 256 pgs.

Sleater-Kinney always struck me as being a great band even though I never saw them play live.  Founding member Brownstein talks a bit about her childhood and formative years.  Her family, like all others, had their issues and problems.  She was interested in music at a young age but any musical education is unclear.  Did she teach herself the guitar after a few lessons with her neighbor?  Is there more to the foundation of the music the band plays?  It was unclear to me after reading the book.  What was clear is the punishment involved in touring.  As a young unknown band, you have no money, no "help" and spend nights where ever you can find a place to lay your head.  As you start to make it, the schedule is punishing on any "normal" life, relationships, pets, even home ownership.  I've often wondered what it would be like to be on the road and now I think I have a much better understanding.  This book covers the band and we hear nothing about Brownstein's time after aside from her volunteering at a humane society and a horrifying story about the fate of one of her pets.

Any fan of the band or Carrie will enjoy this account.

Every anxious wave

Every anxious wave / Mo Daviau 276 pgs.

Karl and Lena are supposed to be together but time isn't always on their side.  Sometimes the time isn't right, sometimes they are overcome by other needs, sometimes their time travel is difficult.  Yes, time travel plays a big part in their relationship.  Karl has a wormhole in his closet and loses his friend Wayne to the year 980.  He hires Lena to get him back.  Lena is a working on her physics Phd but has some other issues.  She is, of course, VERY interested in the worm hole and its implications.  She sees this as an opportunity to go back and correct a few things that went wrong in her life.  Each time it changes her relationship with Karl.  And eventually they don't really know each other because her life has taken a totally new path.  But never fear...Glory, Karl's eventual step daughter is monitoring the situation from the future and taking care to make sure it all works out.

Very fun book to read...Karl and Lena are fans of indie bands and there is a lot of name dropping of bands and songs.  There are so many people who will like this book, hats off to Mo Daviau for writing it.