Barbra Streisand has written a memoir, “My Name is Barbra,” which offers a fascinating dive into the life of one of the most iconic entertainers of our time. The memoir is well-structured and organised. Readers are on a journey from her childhood to her current status as a legend in the entertainment industry. This memoir engages readers and offers an intimate look into Streisand’s multifaceted career and personal life.
From her modest start as a nightclub singer and stage actress, Streisand takes us through her early years in show business. She shares her struggle with stage fright in a way that’s both relatable and inspiring, humanising a superstar often seen as larger than life. We are invited to learn about her fame. Which began before the age of 26 when she was the lead actress in “My Fair Lady,” adds an interesting layer to her story. Her descriptions of overcoming stage fright provide insight into the vulnerabilities she faced and conquered, making her achievements even more impressive.
Barbra Streisand Personal Life
Streisand doesn’t hold back on the personal aspects of her life. She writes candidly about her romantic relationships, marriage, and deep love for her son. These personal stories give readers a deeper understanding of the woman behind the fame, making her journey even more relatable and enjoyable. The sincerity with which she discusses her personal life makes the memoir more than just a recounting of professional achievements; it becomes a holistic portrayal of a woman balancing career and family.
The memoir also explores Streisand’s acting career in great detail, notably film by film. She perceives herself as having two distinct careers: one as an actress and another as a singer, though she prefers to call herself an actress. This self-assessment is intriguing, especially given her immense success in both fields. Streisand’s transition into directing is another highlight, showcasing her versatility and relentless pursuit of artistic expression. She had to fight overt and hidden misogyny, even as late as 1991, to ensure her vision for the movie “The Prince of Tides” was realised.
Insecurities
Throughout the book, Streisand’s insecurities are laid bare. Her honesty about her struggles with self-doubt and perfectionism adds depth to her narrative. These revelations paint a portrait of a woman who, despite her incredible success, is constantly striving to improve and perfect her craft. Her vulnerability makes her more relatable and provides valuable lessons about resilience and perseverance.
However, one cannot overlook the impression that Streisand is indeed demanding and a perfectionist. While contributing to her success, these traits also reveal the intense pressure she places on herself and those around her. The memoir weaves this aspect of her personality, giving a well-rounded view of her character. This helps readers understand her better. Her perfectionism and high standards are both her greatest strengths and sources of personal and professional conflict.
While “My Name is Barbra” is undeniably lengthy, it remains an easy read thanks to Streisand’s engaging storytelling. Her writing style is personable and inviting, making the reader feel like they are conversing with an old friend. The book’s length might be daunting for some. It’s worth the time investment for those interested in a comprehensive look at Streisand’s remarkable life and career.
Barbra Streisand’s Memoir Conclusion
IBarbra Streisand’s memoir “My Name is Barbra” is a detailed and fascinating memoir that captures the essence of Barbra Streisand. Her story is one of resilience, talent, and an unyielding quest for excellence. Despite its length, the book is accessible and enjoyable, offering a delightful journey into the world of Barbra Streisand. If you decide to read this memoir, prepare for a long but rewarding journey into the life of a true entertainment legend. This book is a must-read for fans and anyone interested in the intricate workings of show business.
Trust Me tells the story of Ellen, who is sitting on the train, her mind swirling with emotions. She had just left her fertility doctor’s office, feeling defeated and hopeless after yet another unsuccessful attempt to conceive. The news of her ex-husband’s impending fatherhood only added salt to her wounds, reopening the ache in her heart that had never fully healed since their divorce. As the train rattled along the tracks, Ellen buried herself in her thoughts, oblivious to the world around her.
Then Kathryn, a young woman with a baby named Mia in her arms, took the seat beside her. Ellen barely noticed her until she spoke up, asking if she could hold Mia for a few minutes while she took a phone call. Caught off guard, Ellen hesitated momentarily before reluctantly agreeing to hold Mia. As the train pulled into a station, Kathryn hastily exited, mouthing a quick “Sorry” before disappearing onto the platform.
Trust Me on a Train
Left alone with the sleeping baby, Ellen felt a wave of confusion. What was she supposed to do now? Should she chase after Kathryn? Call for help? Before she could decide, the train lurched forward, carrying her further away from the mysterious stranger and more profoundly into uncertainty.
As Ellen cradled Mia in her arms, she couldn’t shake the unease that settled in her stomach. Something wasn’t right about this situation. What would drive a young mother to hand her baby to a stranger on a train? What was going on in Kathryn’s mind? Was she in danger? Did she need help? It wasn’t until she rummaged through the baby’s bag in search of answers that she stumbled upon a chilling note: “Don’t Trust Anyone, even the Police.”
Left holding the baby
With her heart pounding in her chest, Ellen realised that she had unwittingly been thrust into a dangerous game of unknown stakes. But instead of succumbing to fear, a newfound determination took hold of her. She would have to rely on her instincts to navigate the treacherous waters ahead if she couldn’t trust anyone.
Deciding to take Mia under her wing for the time being, Ellen reached out to a close friend for help. Ellen hatched a plan to keep Mia safe for at least the night. She delved deeper into the mystery surrounding Kathryn’s sudden appearance and disappearance in Ellen’s life.
Over the next six days, Ellen’s world was turned upside down as she was embroiled in a whirlwind of danger and deceit. From being kidnapped by unknown assailants, murder, and having to fight tooth and nail for her survival, Ellen’s journey was anything but ordinary.
Running against time
Ellen races against the clock to unravel the truth behind Mia’s birth. She questioned everything she thought she knew with each twist and turn, including her judgment.
Despite the seemingly unrealistic nature of the events unfolding around her, Ellen pressed on. Driven by a fierce determination to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the surface. Though her poor decision-making skills landed her in hot water, she refused to back down, determined to see justice served.
In the end, Ellen’s perseverance paid off as she finally pieced together the puzzle that had consumed her for days. But even as the dust settled and the truth came to light, one question continued to haunt her: why had Kathryn entrusted her precious daughter to a stranger on a train?
As she reflected on the events that had brought her to this moment, Ellen couldn’t help but wonder if some mysteries were better left unsolved. And yet, despite the unanswered questions in her mind, one thing was for sure: she would never forget the journey that had led her to Mia, the baby who had changed her life in ways she could never have imagined.
In conclusion, Trust Me
There are several twists and turns. I feel a little story padding, but there is action and enough intrigue to keep you going. The story moves along quickly, and something happens in each chapter. But it’s sort of like a Sunday afternoon movie. Watch it, miss a few bits, and pick up the story. You are not that interested in rewinding and discovering what you missed. It’s a soft thriller, and I would suggest an interesting holiday read.
However, there is one overarching question. Why would a woman get on a train, hand over her baby to a stranger, and disappear? It’s not plausible. Why didn’t she go directly to the Police or Social Services? If you can dispel belief for a while, get this book, enjoy it, and have a good read.
This month’s review will be slightly different. It’s about the new TV show on Sky, NOWTV, and many other streaming services – True Detectives and Night Country.
This is the fourth series in the anthology True Detective crime drama series created by Nic Pizzolatto, which started in 2015. The producers had the ingenious idea of having different leading cast members each season. The first season, for example, starred Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey. Then there was Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Mahershala Ali, and Carmen Ejogo. To name a few, a veritable who’s-who of Hollywood A-listers. The fourth series didn’t disappoint, with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis (world champion woman’s boxer).
The genre of True Detectives is a dark thriller/horror. It follows the leading investigators of each season tasked with undertaking a murder investigation. There are additional twists and turns to keep the audience guessing and on the edge of their seats. There is a little angst in each series, especially in the relationships of the leading characters. The fourth season takes place in Alaska, almost entirely during the long days of no daylight in the Alaskan Winter. The filmmakers chose to film the show in Iceland).
True Detectives, there’s more!
As with many stories, there is a secondary mystery, and True Detectives are no different; this time, the unsolved murder is of an indigenous activist called Annie K that took place a few years before the death of the six men. Both women believe the official verdict of this death was inadequate and the explanation of the events unsatisfactory, which brings the women together to work.
The opening gambit of the fourth season involves the discovery of six men who were found frozen, huddled together and naked outside a house, with no apparent cause of death. Elizabeth Danvers (Jodie Foster) is the police chief of “Ennis,” the small town where the story takes place. With help and sometimes obstruction from a local trooper, Evangeline Navarro (Kalie Reis), they find a way to work together to solve the mystery.
Additionally
The local mining company is also poisoning the town’s water supply, which, in turn, employs half the town. The local Inupiat community strives for their own identity in a city run by whites and opposes the mining company. Naturally, there are some romantic complications and friendships that are torn. There is a long going on here!
The show’s central theme is the beliefs of the indigenous people of Alaska and their relationship with the land. This show is worth your time, and I highly recommend you grab a bag of popcorn, turn off the phone, and enjoy it.
There are very few podcasts that I listen to that make me mad, furious and sad at the same time. However, this month’s review has just done that. Firstly this podcast and then book called ‘The Great Post Office Scandal’ and is about the Scandal of Horizon. The Post Office computer system and their Sub-postmasters.
In the late 1990s, the Post Office* worked on developing a new computer system with a Japanese company they called ‘Horizon’. By 2013, they introduced this computer system to 11,500 local post offices to help postmasters and mistresses with their jobs, as they were undertaking circa six million transactions daily.
You are Not alone – Post Office Scandal
Unfortunately, this is when the trouble started.
Postmasters, who were highly respected members of their community, experienced several mysterious discrepancies and losses in their takings since using Horizon. They reported these discrepancies to the Post Office and received a standard reply which left them confused and baffled:
Postmasters were informed that the Horizon system was perfect.
Only they, as individuals, had issues with the computer system.
Any discrepancies discovered would have to be covered by the sub-postmasters personally.
Some discrepancies amounted to thousands of pounds. Many covered this shortfall with their savings, hoping that an investigation would take place and the Post office would reimburse them for the losses. Others refused to cover the shortfall and were prosecuted by the Post office for theft, fraud and false accounting. By 2015, 918 prosecutions relied heavily on IT and evidence from Horizon.
Plead Guilty
The Post Office Scandal victims also had professionals against them. Their solicitors persuaded some sub-postmasters to plead guilty, as the evidence was overwhelming of guilt despite pleas of innocence. Those who pled guilty found that the Post Office acted with a vengeance. They came after their assets and then bankrupted them. Some went to prison, ended up divorced because of the stress and even suicide.
In 2014 forensic accounts described the Horizon Computer system as ‘Not Fit For Purpose’. While the post office held fast about the robust nature of their computer system. However, a successful class action against the Post Office by 555 individuals. Who had found each other after years of feeling isolated, destroyed professionally and mentally exhausted.
In 2019, discovered that Horizon indeed had issues, and the program, not the individual postmasters, was responsible for the discrepancies and shortfalls. Some of the convictions overturned, but the damage has already occurred, and lives have been destroyed. The Post Office Chief Executive, Nick Read (2021), announced that the Horizon system will be replaced by a cloud-based IT system. They have overturned 83 convictions, and more are expected.
Why I recommend the Post Office Scandal
I highly recommend you listen to this podcast, which is available on BBC Sounds. It shows how difficult it is for an individual to show innocence when up against a large organisation. It is a true example of how gaslighting really works and the damage it causes on a grand scale. It’s a must-listen as it tells the story in human terms. We hear from the individual affected and who they are now trying to rebuild their lives. The effect this battle has had on them, emotionally, physically and financially. Undoubtedly this destroyed lives and it’s so sad to see becuae of a computer. All because one organisation didn’t want to admit that a computer program could be wrong!
* (I am using the name Post Office, as this is a name we are all familiar with. Legally, there have been several new names and company formations and subsidiaries).
Let me apologise right away, I said I would not review any more biographies of the royal family. However, I am sure you agree I needed to review this book with Prince Harry’s book ‘Spare’ available in bookshops.
I’m among the many readers who purchased a copy of this book on its release day, eager to dive into its pages to find some interesting revelations about life as a royal. Currently, I’m a quarter way through its contents, and I must confess, the prospects of finishing it remain uncertain. On two separate occasions, I’ve attempted to read the just before bedtime. However, within five minutes, I’ve drifted off to sleep.
One of the book’s aspects that truly irks me is the fact that I’ve already encountered chapter 31 when I’m only a quarter of the way through. I appreciate shorter chapters, but it’s crucial to remember that a book’s chapter should signify a transition in the story or the recounting of a significant life event, rather than serving as a mere pause or filler to extend the book’s length.
Most people reading the book are intelligent and can understand a sentence. We don’t need to be told one fact and then have it backed up in three different ways to emphasise the point.
Language and Tone
The language, and tone of voice, is incredibly disjointed. The sentences no longer flow, and the alternative word makes you sit up and question its use. You can see when there is an authentic voice writing and when someone has sat in front of a thesaurus wanting to make them sound more intellectual.
This book has sparked a flurry of articles, capturing the collective imagination of readers and sparking extensive discussions. Countless hours of television and radio airtime have been devoted to dissecting its contents, with each commentator offering their unique perspective, resulting in a kaleidoscope of interpretations. What’s essential to bear in mind when diving into any biography is the age-old adage that there are three sides to every story: the perspective of the author, the viewpoints of the other individuals entwined in the narrative, and the unadulterated truth of what transpired. Within these pages, it’s imperative to keep in focus that what we’re exploring is essentially the author’s personal lens through which they perceive the unfolding events.
I am getting more frustrated with the narrative and the constant repetition of points. Would I recommend this book? I have to say, don’t go and spend £24.99. Wait until it’s in the second-hand bookshops.
In conclusion – Spare by Prince Harry
I will admit that I have been led by the media, which in this book is the villain and everything is their fault. More importantly, I have lived through some of these events from afar. I have taken a view of what has happened and am comfortable understanding the events. I’m afraid I have to disagree with some of the authors’ interpretations. I accept that I am viewing these events from afar. Still, the inconsistencies are too many, and the narrative is so very sad.
Most of us may have heard of Katie Hopkins from her formidable presence on TV shows such as The Apprentice and the now-infamous radio show on LBC. Katie has made a name for herself as one of the most outspoken personalities on British TV and radio. She is fiery, outspoken and can be disrespectful. But who is Katie Hopkins? I hadn’t given it much thought until she popped up on my Instagram feed. She was doing an amusing skit about a topical review on her channel’ Katies Arms’. I knew she was flaky, had a temper, and was opinionated and bossy.
Her book Rude provides an entertaining account of her opinions and how witty and humorous she is. She doesn’t apologise for her opinions or justify her views; they are her opinions and are direct and honest. But what she does is tell you more about her life and the woman behind the views.
I vaguely remember that she had epilepsy and later a brain operation to repair the epilepsy. I didn’t know how dangerous and severe it was. She would have an attack at night and wake up with one or both arms dislocated and in excruciating pain, needing hospitalisation. She isn’t a woe is me, and it’s more a matter of fact. This is what I had and how I dealt with it.
She discusses her life as a working mother and how much she loves her kids. They are an essential part of her life, but they are part of her life. They are not all she is.
She has an opinion, voices it whenever she can, and has a passion for her truth. She discusses the objections to her views and how people try to stop her from voicing them, which is odd when you think about it. Because they are expressing their opinions about her, I don’t think many people see the irony. What can go wrong?
Famously, she shared her opinion that all fat people are lazy and deliberately gained three stones and lost it to prove her point. I was waiting to get across as I have just started as the Slimming World Consultant in Faringdon. However, I couldn’t dislike all of what she said. It was her opinion, and although I disagree with some of it, she will never understand the complexities of being overweight.
In Conclusion of Rude by Katie Hopkins
This book will bring a smile, some laughs, and possibly some heated discussions. It takes an unapologetic stance on modern society, speaking out frankly about the challenges of having one’s own opinions in today’s climate. It truly speaks up to those who have been silenced by our cancel culture. This book won’t be for everyone, but try it with an open mind and let me know what you think.
