Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig

I randomly read something about Lou Gehrig recently, and even though I already knew the basics about him, it sparked my interest.  I found Luckiest Man by Jonathan Eig (a biography of Lou Gehrig) at the library.  It tells about his rough beginning, his dedicated mother, his involvement in baseball, his time with the Yankees, his relationship with Babe Ruth, and his sudden downfall and subsequent diagnosis with ALS.

This was a wonderful, beautiful book.  It gave me so much respect for Lou Gehrig as a baseball player and as a person.  He was an incredible man who seemed to make the most of his life and appreciate every day he had--even before the terrible diagnosis.  Jonathan Eig is a great writer--biographies can be incredibly boring, but this one was entertaining, enlightening, and heart-wrenching.  I'm so glad I read this book.  I loved the last line in the book--"ALS is a disease of weakness, but Lou Gehrig's disease is associated with strength--the strength of a stricken man who said he felt lucky."

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Another Day as Emily

I saw Another Day as Emily by Eileen Spinelli on the shelf of new children's books at the library, and it looked like a good one.  It is about a girl named Suzy whose summer does turn out like she wants it to when she gets ignored and her 4-year-old brother is suddenly labeled a local hero after calling 911 when the neighbor collapses.  Then her birthday gets ruined and she doesn't get a part in the neighborhood play.  Luckily she has Tween Time at the library, where she learns about Emily Dickinson.  Suzy decides that Emily had the right idea about being a recluse, so Suzy begins dressing in white dresses, staying in her room, and corresponding via only letters.

This was a fun read.  It was written in verse, which I always enjoy in books.  I thought the story was cute, and I liked Suzy and the other distinct characters (Gilbert, Alison, Mrs. Harden).  It was a really quick read which not much depth beyond the regular storyline, but I liked it.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)