The Great Gimmelmans

 

“The Great Gimmelmans” by Lee Matthew Goldberg

Published by Level Best Books

 

The story itself is good – I definitely enjoyed it.  It starts out with a little Schitt’s Creek vibe but then turns into a more intense version of We’re The Millers as the family drives around in their RV committing crimes after the stock market crash caused them to lose all their money.  It’s told in the point of view of the middle child – a 12-year-old boy who grows up a lot faster than any tween should have to.  There were many times I had to remind myself that he was just a young boy.  It takes place in the 80s so as a Gen Xer who went through her teens and early 20s during that time, I initially found some of the 80s references fun.  But truly, in the long run they were just too excessive and became a distraction from the story itself.  I think the book would probably have been a 4-star read (and shorter) had there been less unnecessary 80s references and song lyrics, putting more focus on the characters and storyline.  Again, I did like it….I just got annoyed by the 80s overkill.  As long as you don’t think that will bother you, I would recommend it.

 

Thank you to Lee Matthew Goldberg for the complimentary copy of this book.  As always, the opinions expressed within this review are completely my own.

 

Finished 10/6/24 – 3/5 stars

 

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“The Woman in Me” by Britney Spears
Published by Simon & Schuster Audio
 
Although I like some of her songs, I wouldn’t call myself a fan but was very curious to hear what Britney had to say.  Obviously, the book is just one sided, but I believe the majority of what she is saying and believe she is entitled to every feeling she has.  I honestly think if she had been properly diagnosed and treated for post-partum once her 2^nd son was born, her life would have been completely different.  Instead, her family took advantage of her, didn’t get her to medical/mental assistance she needed, and mis-treated her in various ways.  Unfortunately, in too many cases the abused go back to the abusers and she’ll get wrapped up in her family’s unhealthy ways again.  I hope not though.  No one deserves to be controlled in the ways she was.    
 
Side note – I’m very glad Michelle Williams narrated it.  Britney read the intro and I could not have listened to 6 hours of her non-singing voice.
 
Finished 10/4/24 – 3/5 stars
 
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