This past Spring my book club read a book that was written by an Austinite and we had the huge privilege of having him come to our book club for a little question and answer time.
It was a great night for two reasons. #1 the obvious was that we had the author of our book right there in my living room. I mean if you think about it, that's stinking cool. 🙂 We were able to ask all the questions we all wondered and even able to ask his wife about parts that included her in the book. #2 reason that it was super cool is a completely selfish reason. I was able to channel my inner Ricki/Katie/Oprah talk show host skills. In my dream world I would have my own talk show and this was my first practice. You see, I warned you. Super selfish.
Anyhow …
Heroes and Monsters is an unforgettable memoir of passion and redemption, a ragged look into a world at once wildly twisted and profoundly beautiful, an exposé of both the hero and the monster within all of us.
In this stunningly honest, thoroughly unconventional, and ultimately hopeful book, Josh James Riebock explores issues that form us into the people we are–issues of family, love, intimacy, dreams, grief, purpose, and the unexpected stops along the journey. With artful prose and vivid storytelling, he shows that pain and beauty are so inextricably linked that to lose the former costs us the latter.
If you're grappling with life's inconsistencies and trials, if you're searching for an encounter with something real, if you're craving a story that's just a wee bit odd . . .
Heroes and Monsters is a fresh and exhilarating perspective on the uneven nature of life and the equally uneven people who inhabit it.
I'm also super lucky that I get to give away a copy of this book to one of you readers! You can read it and then gift it – no one will ever know! It's a memoir and y'all know that's my favorite type of book to read.
Enter below to win this great book! Tell your friends!
I’m currently reading “Bossypants” by Tina Fey. Absolutely hilarious!
First time to your blog by way of Josh Riebock’s post on his FB page. I will definitely be visiting regularly. Aside, one of my daughters attends school not to far from Austin. She’s currently a freshman at Baylor, majoring in Forensic Anthropology with a minor in Forensic Science. [Wishing Chicagoland wasn’t so far away!] Now to go subscribe to your lovely blog…
Ah Emilee I’ve heard that is awesome and so super funny! I need to get on that soon! Seems like a great vacation read!
How sad is it that I haven’t read a memoir in forever? Unless you count wiki searches as a memoir. Ha! However, one I’ve read several times and always love is Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom.
Such an amazing story and life.
How fun! I love giveaways.
Yes Sarah great memoir! Memoirs are actually my FAVORITE type of book to read!
Thanks Amy! Go Bears!! 🙂
Josh spoke when I was at Hume Lake a couple of years ago. He was great! I have been wanting to read this book since it came out but have not had a chance to get it. 🙂
I loved Josh James Riebock’s first book, “My Generation.” It is amazing that his writing career could take off so quickly! Yet, I’m not surprised because as Publisher’s Weekly says, he’s vulnerable, and able to put his thoughts and feelings into powerful sentences that evoke personal conviction and a sense of empowerment. I have no doubt Heroes and Monsters is the same. Can’t WAIT to read it.
I’ve been working on Bossypants as well – so far it’s hilarious, which is clearly surprising to no one. But another one of my sort-of recent likes is Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies. Gritty, but good.
Haven’t read any memoirs yet, but i’m planning to. My most recent book was a Tom Clancy book. I forgot which xD
I dont think Ive read any memoirs but super interested in reading heroes and monsters!!
One of my favorite memoirs of all time is The Color of Water by James McBride. I love the dual story in it, how he tells his mother’s story along with his own.
I have had the privilege of hearing Josh speak on several occasions. I have always wanted to read his book too! I love memoirs as well. There is just something about someone’s life that touches mine. Recently, I’ve read several World War II books, specifically The Nazi Officer’s Wife, which is a really good one (I’ve read it twice!).
absolutely amazing!