I'm the sort who likes to have two or three books going at once. I limit it to one fiction, in order to keep the characters straght, since i like genre fiction where things CAN get murky if you get three of the same books of the same tiype rolling. For nonfiction, however, the sky is the limit.

Recently, I realized I adore memoirs. I like learning about places, or jobs, or things... but not from cut and dried explanations. Rather, I like hearing from the people LIVING in the places, or taking a trip to the places, or doing the job. It makes it all more real, more alive for me.

I'm enjoying a book by Karin Muller titled 'Japanland'. A judo student who has trqaveled much of her adult life, Karin decides she wants to learn what it is to be Japanese. Despite being told a gajin (non japanese) cannot ever hope to BE Japanese, she decides it is sometihng she wants to attempt. For a year she travels all over Japan, trying to see if she can ever fit in, become a part of their society, and her journal of this time is an amazing read.

I've got another book in the wings. Chef Jake Tilson describes his years training to be, and his time as a chef in the book 'A Tale of 12 Kitchens' and I cannot wait to dive in.

Does anyone else love this sort of book? I happily accept any and all suggestions for upcoming reads!

BBC's Bews Reporter John Simpson's biography
'News From No Man's Land' is a great read-fascinating tales that combine the harrowing & the hilarious. Another good read was 'Total XS'
by Rhett Hutchence (Michael's brother). This was a very open, honest tale of drugs, drink and the excesses of the Rock 'n' Roll lifestyle.

I love memoirs as well. I just finished reading two great ones. The first is Blood Makes the Grass Grow Green by Johnny Rico. It is about young men who go to war in Afghanistan and all the things that affect them: senseless orders, military paperwork, being shot at and the fear of death. I even had the opportunity to email and talk to the author.

My second book was Raised on Rock: Growing Up at Graceland by David Stanley. David is a step-brother of Elvis and he tells about being Elvis' brother, his personal bodyguard and how drugs finally consumed him and Elvis. Great read.