Books
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Every Tool’s A Hammer by Adam Savage
I loved the half of this that covered Savage’s love of making. The rest was fine but just not for me (Cosplay and other obsessions). #25wordbookreviews (Amazon) Continue reading
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Hot Young Widows Club by Nora McInerny Purmont
I read this because I really liked the author’s previous memoir on grief. This one isn’t quite as good and the two together are redundant. #25wordbookreviews (Amazon) Continue reading
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Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Charming little novel about the types of love and friendship we seek as adults — complicated and flawed, but still quite wonderful. Great summer read. #25wordbookreviews (on Amazon) Continue reading
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The Bold World by Jodie Patterson
This gorgeous memoir takes you inside Patterson’s privileged African-American upbringing, her wildly successful career, and ongoing efforts to raise a very big, very modern family. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
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Fleishman is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
I thought I knew what this story was going in, and it kept fooling me… right up until the masterfully clever and totally satisfying end. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
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Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls by David Sedaris
A few years ago I tried but couldn’t finish this. Just listened to it the whole way through to confirm it’s a rare Sedaris dud. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
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Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan
This very relatable author commits to overcoming her introversion over a year’s time. It’s basically my life — except I’m NEVER taking improv. Useful and entertaining. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
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Mrs. Everything by Jennifer Weiner
GREAT summer read. Lots of juicy stuff taking place over several generations of women, providing a good view into the aftereffects of some tough choices. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
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Everybody Died, So I Got a Dog by Emily Dean
Slow start but once everyone did in fact start dying, it was a wonderful book. Perhaps I should stop reading memoirs about death and grief. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
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Rules for Visiting by Jessica Francis Kane
Sweet story of a woman trying to understand the complexities of friendship. I mistakenly thought it was a memoir, but it’s actually a novel. Blerg. #25wordbookreviews (link) Continue reading
About Me
I’m Victoria Griffith and I am enthusiastic about a LOT of things. Pine trees and mushrooms and the desert. Mountains and motorcycles, travel and photography. Friendship and writing and books and surviving the love of your life’s terminal diagnosis.
I read constantly, think about reading obsessively, and have strong opinions about what makes a great memoir. I write about books here, and I’m working on one of my own.
I was born in Paterson, NJ, call Seattle home, and spend winters in the desert of Southern California, where the light is different and the ocotillos are doing something extraordinary. I try to get out and see as much of the world as time and money will allow.
If you’d like to say hi, you can reach me at vgriff@vgriff.com.
vgriff 