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Gravel on the Side of the Road-True Stories From A Broad Who Has Been There
A woman who worries about carrying a .38 special in her purse, nearly drowns in a desert canyon, flies into the war in Bosnia, dances with the FBI, tells Geraldo he shouldn’t put guests in hotel rooms with rats and spends time with murderers, has more than a few stories to tell.
Gravel on the Side of the Road-True Stories From a Broad Who Has Been There is a daring and revealing adventure itself.
Beloved novelist Kris Radish returns to her non-fiction beginnings with her first, but not last, book of autobiographical essays. Her writing career has spanned four decades and has included award winning newspaper work, magazine features, a national syndicated column, eleven books and enough stories and adventures to fill up many more.
Radish’s talent for telling it like it is, sharing the wit and wisdom of a life lived mostly on her own terms and her keen sense of humor are highlighted in these stories- some of them old- some of them new, but all of them a glimpse into worlds many never dare to enter. This author always lives in a world where nothing is sacred but the sweet emotions of the heart.
Kris is definitely a broad who has been there.
Gravel on the Side of the Road-True Stories From a Broad Who Has Been There is a daring and revealing adventure itself.
Beloved novelist Kris Radish returns to her non-fiction beginnings with her first, but not last, book of autobiographical essays. Her writing career has spanned four decades and has included award winning newspaper work, magazine features, a national syndicated column, eleven books and enough stories and adventures to fill up many more.
Radish’s talent for telling it like it is, sharing the wit and wisdom of a life lived mostly on her own terms and her keen sense of humor are highlighted in these stories- some of them old- some of them new, but all of them a glimpse into worlds many never dare to enter. This author always lives in a world where nothing is sacred but the sweet emotions of the heart.
Kris is definitely a broad who has been there.
- GenresMemoir
240 pages, Paperback
First published July 22, 2014
19 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
About the author
Kris Radish
25 books286 followersKris started writing the moment she could hold a pencil. She grew up in Wisconsin, graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a journalism degree and hit the ground running. Her father called her "the tornado". She worked as a newspaper reporter, bureau chief, nationally syndicated columnist, magazine writer, university lecturer, bartender, waitress, worm harvester, window washer....to name a few. Her first two books were non-fiction and then Radish became a full-time novelist. The Elegant Gathering of White Snows, Dancing Naked at the Edge of Dawn, The Sunday List of Dreams, Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling Funeral and Searching for Paradise in Parker, P.A., The Shortest Distance Between Two Women, Hearts on a String, Tuesday Night Miracles, A Grand Day to Get Lost and The Year of Necessary Lies have won her acclaim and a great following. Her eleventh novel, A Dangerous Woman From Nowhere is being released in 2017. She is also the author of three works of non-fiction, Gravel on the side of the Road-Stories From A Broad Who Has Been There, Run, Bambi Run-The Beautiful Ex-Cop and Convicted Murderer Who Escaped to Freedom and Won America's Heart and The Birth Order Effect: How to Better Understand Yourself and Others. She is working on a book poetry, two new novels, a book of non-fiction and a few bottles of wine.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 3, 2014
Did I enjoy this book: This is a tough question for this book. I flew through the short stories in just over a day. (It would have been less than a day if I didn’t have other plans.) Did I enjoy it? No, mostly because the majority of the stories made me want to cry, scream, hide. That’s not to say there weren’t a few stories that gave me a smile, a chuckle, some hope, because there were. Did it have an impact on me? Absolutely!
I still have a deep scar on my knee from almost thirty years ago when gravel was stuck in my knee. Gravel from the side of the road where I wrecked my bike. That scar will be with me forever. These stories have left a scar on my heart, a scar that will be with me forever. This book is gritty. It’s real. Ms. Radish does not hold back, not even a little bit. These stories have impacted my life. I don’t think I will ever stop thinking about them. They made me remember a few stories of my own.
I know I didn’t live through anything close to what Ms. Radish has lived through. And I thank my lucky stars for that. Have I witnessed or been close to some of the situations that she shares with her readers? Yes, I have. I related to quite a few. I could never tell my stories as eloquently or as real as she has done, but I felt it.
My heart is breaking. My mind is reeling.
Would I recommend it: Yes, but be prepared to shed a few tears and have a scar left on your heart when you are finished. These stories will stay with you.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/08/su...
I still have a deep scar on my knee from almost thirty years ago when gravel was stuck in my knee. Gravel from the side of the road where I wrecked my bike. That scar will be with me forever. These stories have left a scar on my heart, a scar that will be with me forever. This book is gritty. It’s real. Ms. Radish does not hold back, not even a little bit. These stories have impacted my life. I don’t think I will ever stop thinking about them. They made me remember a few stories of my own.
I know I didn’t live through anything close to what Ms. Radish has lived through. And I thank my lucky stars for that. Have I witnessed or been close to some of the situations that she shares with her readers? Yes, I have. I related to quite a few. I could never tell my stories as eloquently or as real as she has done, but I felt it.
My heart is breaking. My mind is reeling.
Would I recommend it: Yes, but be prepared to shed a few tears and have a scar left on your heart when you are finished. These stories will stay with you.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
http://everyfreechance.com/2014/08/su...
August 9, 2014
Though it becomes quite apparent from the opening pages of this read that the author's pool of experience is vastly deeper than that of the majority of her readers. The disarming frankness and lyrically descriptive writing style she employs, draws the reader into each story like a moth to a very intense flame.
That is not to say that the stories here are an amalgam of action-packed, edge of your seat, white knuckle thrill rides.
No, we'll happily leave those to your great-uncle Mort, with the questionable war wound; who you only see on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What Kris presents readers with are those moments from life that cause one to think, feel, and reflect. Moments that may not have been experienced by the same people in the same way or even at the same time, but strike a universal cord of understanding nonetheless.
The stories found in this collection were compiled from various aspects of the author's life and are arranged in a random hodgepodge of sorts; that keeps one eager for what the next page might hold.
This is a wonderful peek at a brilliant life, an artistically rendered work in progress painted in the hues of joy, pain, epiphany, and love.
That is not to say that the stories here are an amalgam of action-packed, edge of your seat, white knuckle thrill rides.
No, we'll happily leave those to your great-uncle Mort, with the questionable war wound; who you only see on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
What Kris presents readers with are those moments from life that cause one to think, feel, and reflect. Moments that may not have been experienced by the same people in the same way or even at the same time, but strike a universal cord of understanding nonetheless.
The stories found in this collection were compiled from various aspects of the author's life and are arranged in a random hodgepodge of sorts; that keeps one eager for what the next page might hold.
This is a wonderful peek at a brilliant life, an artistically rendered work in progress painted in the hues of joy, pain, epiphany, and love.
April 6, 2024
I cried so many times reading this. Kris Radish has lived a long and full life, and she does a great job reminding us to live our fullest lives.
July 24, 2014
I enjoy non-fiction personal short stories and after several weeks of reading Young Adult Fiction, I was excited to see something a little more my speed in the Book Sparks Summer Reading Challenge line-up.
I'd never heard of Kris Radish, but after reading her collection, Gravel on the Side of the Road, I'm left feeling impressed with the life that she has been leading. It seems like Radish has done it all. She has worked as a war journalist, she survived a harrowing plane crash landing and an equally harrowing white water rafting journey, she has reported from murder scenes...she has a wealth of experiences make her intriguing.
However, the best stories in this collection come from quieter moments, like when she writes about helping her daughter shop for a prom dress or helping her children cope with their father, her ex-husband, imminent death. It's in these moments, that Radish's experiences become more universal. I became less amazed at all that she has experienced, as I could begin to see her experiences in my own and in people that I know. This is the magic in Radish's writing.
An interesting aspect of this collection is something that Radish addresses in her forward, the quality of her writing. The collection is not arranged chronologically by event or order in which she wrote it and the writing spans her entire career. From a craft perspective, I found this very interesting, as it is easy to see the growth in Radish's writing, in particular, I can see her "writers voice" emerging. It makes for an occasionally uneven read and had I not read the forward, I probably wouldn't have been so forgiving with this review. Some of the stories have a style that's fussy and overdone, which I felt must have been earlier pieces. The strongest pieces are the ones where Radish has a direct tone and cuts to the core of the story. When she was direct with her writing, she was often her most venerable, not hiding behind the flowery prose. I really connected with these stories.
This is a strong collection from an apt writer. Radish's stories are engaging and run the gamut of emotions. I felt exhausted just reading about all that she has accomplished in her life and if anything, I was left feeling motivated to raise the bar in my own life.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
I'd never heard of Kris Radish, but after reading her collection, Gravel on the Side of the Road, I'm left feeling impressed with the life that she has been leading. It seems like Radish has done it all. She has worked as a war journalist, she survived a harrowing plane crash landing and an equally harrowing white water rafting journey, she has reported from murder scenes...she has a wealth of experiences make her intriguing.
However, the best stories in this collection come from quieter moments, like when she writes about helping her daughter shop for a prom dress or helping her children cope with their father, her ex-husband, imminent death. It's in these moments, that Radish's experiences become more universal. I became less amazed at all that she has experienced, as I could begin to see her experiences in my own and in people that I know. This is the magic in Radish's writing.
An interesting aspect of this collection is something that Radish addresses in her forward, the quality of her writing. The collection is not arranged chronologically by event or order in which she wrote it and the writing spans her entire career. From a craft perspective, I found this very interesting, as it is easy to see the growth in Radish's writing, in particular, I can see her "writers voice" emerging. It makes for an occasionally uneven read and had I not read the forward, I probably wouldn't have been so forgiving with this review. Some of the stories have a style that's fussy and overdone, which I felt must have been earlier pieces. The strongest pieces are the ones where Radish has a direct tone and cuts to the core of the story. When she was direct with her writing, she was often her most venerable, not hiding behind the flowery prose. I really connected with these stories.
This is a strong collection from an apt writer. Radish's stories are engaging and run the gamut of emotions. I felt exhausted just reading about all that she has accomplished in her life and if anything, I was left feeling motivated to raise the bar in my own life.
Like my review? Check out my blog!
October 6, 2014
While certainly not what I would consider a "light" read, Gravel On the Side Of the Road by Kris Radish is so captivating that I found myself lost in the pages and often incapable of putting down this collection of stories. I finished reading them all in just a couple of days, but felt as though during that time I'd been transported to many different locales and enmeshed in many different situations.
Radish takes readers on a rather disjointed journey through some of her life experiences, including war-torn areas of the Middle East where she is faced with the terror of young soldiers confronting their mortality and mothers trying to protect their children and care for the wounded. Some of the most tender moments come when Radish connects these experiences to her own life, outside of her job as a war correspondent, and her writing allows for these stories to become very relatable to others, as well.
The selections are presented in no particular order and Radish explains in the foreword that these are stories she's cobbled together in an effort to make sense of them, to make sense of her life and contemplate a future memoir; she pulls no punches, she writes openly and is unapologetic for her feelings and I think this is the aspect of her writing of which I was most appreciative. These are her experiences, as she has recounted them at various times, and she is opening herself up to her audience; I found her honesty and straightforward approach appealing, so I was not bothered by the lack of order, though some may find it off-putting.
I have always enjoyed stories from behind the lines and, as a former hospital chaplain in a Level 1 Trauma Center, there were several of these stories that reminded me of my own encounters; regardless of your personal experience, there is certain to be a story from this collection that will resonate with you in an unexpected way. This collection is definitely worth the relatively short amount of time it took me to read through it; Radish's work offers the feeling that the reader has been included in a special group, and you'll be glad you joined in.
Radish takes readers on a rather disjointed journey through some of her life experiences, including war-torn areas of the Middle East where she is faced with the terror of young soldiers confronting their mortality and mothers trying to protect their children and care for the wounded. Some of the most tender moments come when Radish connects these experiences to her own life, outside of her job as a war correspondent, and her writing allows for these stories to become very relatable to others, as well.
The selections are presented in no particular order and Radish explains in the foreword that these are stories she's cobbled together in an effort to make sense of them, to make sense of her life and contemplate a future memoir; she pulls no punches, she writes openly and is unapologetic for her feelings and I think this is the aspect of her writing of which I was most appreciative. These are her experiences, as she has recounted them at various times, and she is opening herself up to her audience; I found her honesty and straightforward approach appealing, so I was not bothered by the lack of order, though some may find it off-putting.
I have always enjoyed stories from behind the lines and, as a former hospital chaplain in a Level 1 Trauma Center, there were several of these stories that reminded me of my own encounters; regardless of your personal experience, there is certain to be a story from this collection that will resonate with you in an unexpected way. This collection is definitely worth the relatively short amount of time it took me to read through it; Radish's work offers the feeling that the reader has been included in a special group, and you'll be glad you joined in.
August 13, 2014
3.5 star read
I normally don't read a lot of nonfiction unless it pertains to topics I'm interested in (namely comparative religion, Islam, Muslims, tea, perfumery, aromatherapy, etc.), so when the opportunity came up to read Gravel on the Side of the Road - True Stories from a Broad Who Has Been There by Kris Radish I wasn't quite sure what to expect. To say that I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book is a major understatement.
Gravel On the Side of the Road is a collection of essays that spotlight different experiences in Kris Radish's life. Each essay stands alone and all are quickly read. Some essays made me smile – "Jesus Drives a Thunderbird," "The Turquoise Ring," and "The One Thing I Wanted." Some made me laugh – "Wong's Silver Spur, Dead Deer, and the Dance-Floor Stabbing." Others made me want to cry – "Even Now," "The Mothers in Bosnia," "I've Picked Out My Husband's New Wife," and "I Will Always Be Their Mother." All are presented without frills and unapologetically for a life lived without compromise. Each essay provides a fascinating glimpse into the amazingly wondrous experiences Ms. Radish has had over the years. I can't say that there were any essays that I didn't enjoy as they all provided me a little insight into Kris Radish, where she's been and why. Having said that, as a true book diva I think the essay that tops my favorite list is "Eudora Welty" where Ms. Radish has a fangirl moment with Ms. Welty and then proceeds to overcome it and be the professional journalist she dreamed of being (not to mention the wonderful writing advice she received from Ms. Welty). Whether you're a fan of nonfiction or not, Gravel on the Side of the Road is a wonderfully written collection of essays by an amazing woman and author. I highly recommend you add this to your TBR list . . . actually don't just add it to your TBR list, grab a copy and read it.
(NOTE: I guess I should give you a little warning that although the first essay is quite funny the last one may require that you grab some tissues.)
I normally don't read a lot of nonfiction unless it pertains to topics I'm interested in (namely comparative religion, Islam, Muslims, tea, perfumery, aromatherapy, etc.), so when the opportunity came up to read Gravel on the Side of the Road - True Stories from a Broad Who Has Been There by Kris Radish I wasn't quite sure what to expect. To say that I was pleasantly surprised while reading this book is a major understatement.
Gravel On the Side of the Road is a collection of essays that spotlight different experiences in Kris Radish's life. Each essay stands alone and all are quickly read. Some essays made me smile – "Jesus Drives a Thunderbird," "The Turquoise Ring," and "The One Thing I Wanted." Some made me laugh – "Wong's Silver Spur, Dead Deer, and the Dance-Floor Stabbing." Others made me want to cry – "Even Now," "The Mothers in Bosnia," "I've Picked Out My Husband's New Wife," and "I Will Always Be Their Mother." All are presented without frills and unapologetically for a life lived without compromise. Each essay provides a fascinating glimpse into the amazingly wondrous experiences Ms. Radish has had over the years. I can't say that there were any essays that I didn't enjoy as they all provided me a little insight into Kris Radish, where she's been and why. Having said that, as a true book diva I think the essay that tops my favorite list is "Eudora Welty" where Ms. Radish has a fangirl moment with Ms. Welty and then proceeds to overcome it and be the professional journalist she dreamed of being (not to mention the wonderful writing advice she received from Ms. Welty). Whether you're a fan of nonfiction or not, Gravel on the Side of the Road is a wonderfully written collection of essays by an amazing woman and author. I highly recommend you add this to your TBR list . . . actually don't just add it to your TBR list, grab a copy and read it.
(NOTE: I guess I should give you a little warning that although the first essay is quite funny the last one may require that you grab some tissues.)
August 11, 2014
Before reading this book, I hadn't read anything by Kris Radish and I am not really sure that I had heard about any of her books but she has a wide variety of fiction books in her collection. This book is a collection of non-fiction stories from her own life, which marks a return to her roots as a journalist. The stories cover a wide variety of topics. She has had a lot of different experiences that definitely make for some interesting stories.
The collection was very interesting. I don't read a lot of short stories but when I do get around to reading them, I really like them. Some of the stories are very touching. She tells this one amazingly touching story about a young girl struggling with a terminal disease that was just so raw and real that it really pulled me deeply into the story that she was telling.
The interesting thing about this book is that the stories were not really told in chronological order. It made it a little bit hard to follow as some of the short stories are really short and sometimes feels like a sort of "slice of life" story. The order also makes it feel a little bit uneven in some portions as the writing style changes and matures within different stories. Overall, this was an interesting collection.
The collection was very interesting. I don't read a lot of short stories but when I do get around to reading them, I really like them. Some of the stories are very touching. She tells this one amazingly touching story about a young girl struggling with a terminal disease that was just so raw and real that it really pulled me deeply into the story that she was telling.
The interesting thing about this book is that the stories were not really told in chronological order. It made it a little bit hard to follow as some of the short stories are really short and sometimes feels like a sort of "slice of life" story. The order also makes it feel a little bit uneven in some portions as the writing style changes and matures within different stories. Overall, this was an interesting collection.
September 17, 2014
Uniquely entertaining and fun autobiography!
This book is a twist on an autobiography and so with this in mind I wasn't sure what to expect. This book is non-fiction and the chapters are all glimpses into the life and journeys of the author. As with any stories of this type from an authors perspective, the stories at times seem slightly stretched. This is not to say these things didn't happen in her real life, just that memory is so uncertain, and ironically, sometimes it even makes for a better story.
As I moved along through the chapters in Raddish’s life, I found myself looking forward to the next, and surprisingly I fell in love with this author. Raddish has had what some may call an uneventful life and I found many of her stories quite interesting and thought-provoking. Some I found unbelievably, some refreshing, while others I found to be emotional and moving. Overall, I found this book entertaining and would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and fun read.
This book is a twist on an autobiography and so with this in mind I wasn't sure what to expect. This book is non-fiction and the chapters are all glimpses into the life and journeys of the author. As with any stories of this type from an authors perspective, the stories at times seem slightly stretched. This is not to say these things didn't happen in her real life, just that memory is so uncertain, and ironically, sometimes it even makes for a better story.
As I moved along through the chapters in Raddish’s life, I found myself looking forward to the next, and surprisingly I fell in love with this author. Raddish has had what some may call an uneventful life and I found many of her stories quite interesting and thought-provoking. Some I found unbelievably, some refreshing, while others I found to be emotional and moving. Overall, I found this book entertaining and would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and fun read.
August 8, 2014
sitename] http://www.karmaforlifechick.com http://www.karmaforlifechick.com/book...I received a copy of Gravel on the Side of the Road by Kris Radish in exchange for an honest review.
This book is filled with true stories experienced by Kris Radish who has had so many different jobs! The stories bring out a range of emotions from joy, to disbelief and sorrow. Some of the stories were eye opening like the ones about war and the sadness of war. This book is a memoir that reads more like fiction and there is many a story that will appeal to everyone.This review was originally posted on
This book is filled with true stories experienced by Kris Radish who has had so many different jobs! The stories bring out a range of emotions from joy, to disbelief and sorrow. Some of the stories were eye opening like the ones about war and the sadness of war. This book is a memoir that reads more like fiction and there is many a story that will appeal to everyone.This review was originally posted on
September 19, 2014
A non fiction collection of short stories from Kris Radish's life as a mother, journalist and adventurer. Her job as a journalist has taken her all over the place and these stories are from those travels, her childhood and her personal life.
Kris Radish has an interesting life and the stories of her life were very interesting. I loved the juxtaposition of her being a mom and the personal stories to the professional ones where she is interacting with mothers who are in prison for various reasons. The content of her stories were entertaining.
The lack of chronology is probably the biggest thing that made me not fall in love with this book. I didn't love that her stories jumped all over the place; I didn't see a flow or reason as to their order and I wanted to find it so bad. As a random collection of short stories, it was fine, but it wasn't completely for me.
Kris Radish has an interesting life and the stories of her life were very interesting. I loved the juxtaposition of her being a mom and the personal stories to the professional ones where she is interacting with mothers who are in prison for various reasons. The content of her stories were entertaining.
The lack of chronology is probably the biggest thing that made me not fall in love with this book. I didn't love that her stories jumped all over the place; I didn't see a flow or reason as to their order and I wanted to find it so bad. As a random collection of short stories, it was fine, but it wasn't completely for me.
August 11, 2014
Having read all of Radish's works of fiction, I was delighted to find a collection of real life stories. As I read this book, I kept thinking "when I'm done, I'm going to write Kris Radish a love letter." Her zest for life, her willingness to embrace a situation and "get 'er done" (all the while admitting to her fears) is admirable. The fact that her life experiences differ from many of her readers only adds to her appeal.
When regaling people with some of my more unusual experiences, I've had both my daughter and a dear friend say to me, "you've had a difficult life." I was shocked - my immediate response was "No, I haven't! I've had a wonderful life." My hunch is that Radish feels the same way. I may still write that love letter.
When regaling people with some of my more unusual experiences, I've had both my daughter and a dear friend say to me, "you've had a difficult life." I was shocked - my immediate response was "No, I haven't! I've had a wonderful life." My hunch is that Radish feels the same way. I may still write that love letter.
July 19, 2015
Radish gets right down to the nitty gritty, everyday life of real people and events with the stories she tells in her audiography. She goes through tough trials and gets involved in difficult situations and circumstances some of it her life work. It is a pleasure and honor to be there with her in some vivid, dramatic events; as she is open to have let her readers enter. Always honest, always adventurous and daring as she draws meaning, hope and courage in all that she encounters.
February 11, 2018
I am a huge fan of Kris Radish. I rarely read short stories - they're short and I want more. That said, I couldn't pass on personal stories by Ms. Radish. I knew (assumed) from her books her life was something unbelievable and these stories give us some insight into that life. I'm glad I read these, but I am waiting, somewhat impatiently for her next novel.
September 17, 2014
Kris Radish has a way she writes that leaves the reader feeling connected to her. She writes from the heart and she writes truth. She has done some amazing things and shares them in this humorous and fun novel. There is something about Radish's wit and perspective that captures my heart and keeps me turning pages!!! 5 stars
October 3, 2014
I loved this series of short stories. One was about her assignments as a journalist. Another was about shopping for a prom dress with her daughter! Yet another was about her interviews of people who are dying! I cried all the way through the one about a young girl who died! She has a way of getting to your heart!
August 14, 2014
3.5 rating
This is an insightful collection of stories that reflect on friends and family situations during the ups and downs of the author's life.
I found a couple interesting and amusing tidbits.
This is an insightful collection of stories that reflect on friends and family situations during the ups and downs of the author's life.
I found a couple interesting and amusing tidbits.
February 20, 2015
Wow! Some very powerful vignettes from the life of a Wisconsin girl. Loved every one of them. Stupid mistakes, dangerous situations, heartbreak, warm memories, and the message is just live and love and be.
Read
April 6, 2016Interesting! But, all of Kris Radish's novels are better ! Her latest, "The Year of Necessary Lies" is an outstanding read.
Read
December 14, 2016Kris has never let me down....she reaches all emotions with this collection of personal stories
April 18, 2022
Thank you so much to the author, SparksPress, and NetGalley for the complimentary ARC!
This review contains my honest and unbiased thoughts and opinions. 🌸
This book was a little different for me but I needed something different. I read it years ago but right during a big move so I didn't remember much and felt it deserved to be revisited.
Kris Radish has experienced more than most of us could ever dream of and I enjoyed reading about her experiences. She has survived a plane crash landing, worked as a war journalist, even reported from murder scenes! And among the exciting, dangerous experiences are also the quieter moments in life that are a little more relatable; shopping with her daughter for a prom dress and coping with her ex-husband's death. Kris transport the reader to the experience, we visit many places and see things through her.
I enjoyed reading about Kris's life and experiences and glad I decided to reread this book, I might not remember it from my first time reading it but I definitely remember it now and have recommended it to friends.
This review contains my honest and unbiased thoughts and opinions. 🌸
This book was a little different for me but I needed something different. I read it years ago but right during a big move so I didn't remember much and felt it deserved to be revisited.
Kris Radish has experienced more than most of us could ever dream of and I enjoyed reading about her experiences. She has survived a plane crash landing, worked as a war journalist, even reported from murder scenes! And among the exciting, dangerous experiences are also the quieter moments in life that are a little more relatable; shopping with her daughter for a prom dress and coping with her ex-husband's death. Kris transport the reader to the experience, we visit many places and see things through her.
I enjoyed reading about Kris's life and experiences and glad I decided to reread this book, I might not remember it from my first time reading it but I definitely remember it now and have recommended it to friends.
September 1, 2024
Finally got around to reading this (originally for book club)
As a WI native myself, I thought I’d enjoy some of the stories from a relatable standpoint. I enjoyed some but it’s a different era of WI upbringing more like my parents age that I don’t resonate with.
Some of the stories provided reflection moments and smiles but a lot of them were intense.
I think I would’ve liked it more if the stories had a better flow either chronologically or by parts of herself- journalist covering the war, mom things, early life, etc.
As a WI native myself, I thought I’d enjoy some of the stories from a relatable standpoint. I enjoyed some but it’s a different era of WI upbringing more like my parents age that I don’t resonate with.
Some of the stories provided reflection moments and smiles but a lot of them were intense.
I think I would’ve liked it more if the stories had a better flow either chronologically or by parts of herself- journalist covering the war, mom things, early life, etc.
November 23, 2022
4.5. I came across this on my library's shelves & picked it up, even though I hadn't read anything by Radish before. I really enjoyed it. I liked some of the essays more than others, but through all of them I felt connected to a real person who was baring their heart & soul. Will definitely look for more by this author.
January 16, 2020
If you've read any of Kris Radish's novels, this collection of real-life stories will let you see what has made her the writer she is. Some will make you laugh, some will make you cry; all are her life experiences as a reporter, wife, mother, writer, kid, daughter . . .
February 12, 2022
I am not a fan of short stories but I am a fan of Kris Radish. Every story left me wanting more (which is why I. Am not usually a fan of short stories), but the writing and her descriptions make you feel like you are right there with her. I enjoyed the book and highly recommend her other fiction.
November 2, 2020
Such a great writer and personality. Her experiences are amazing and told with humor and compassion
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews