Becoming

Title: Becoming

Author: Michelle Obama

Genre:   autobiography                  

Summary:  Michelle Obama tells her story from growing up on the South Side of Chicago, through college, various careers, meeting Barak Obama, and her experience as First Lady. 

Rating: Very good

Why I Like It:  Very interesting to see things from her point of view.  Not dry at all.  She is very introspective and interested in the world around her and in other people.  Very little politics. 

Reviewer: Kathy 

Craig & Fred

Title: Craig & Fred
Author: Craig Grossi
Genre: autobiography
Summary: (Goodreads) The uplifting and unforgettable true story of a US Marine, the stray dog he met on an Afghan battlefield, and how they saved each other and now travel America together, "spreading the message of stubborn positivity."

In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for Marine RECON—the most elite fighters in the Corps—in a remote part of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he spotted a young dog "with a big goofy head and little legs" who didn’t seem vicious or run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. After eating a piece of beef jerky Craig offered—against military regulations—the dog began to follow him. "Looks like you made a friend," another Marine yelled. Grossi heard, "Looks like a 'Fred.'" The name stuck, and a beautiful, life-changing friendship was forged.

Fred not only stole Craig’s heart; he won over the RECON fighters, who helped Craig smuggle the dog into heavily fortified Camp Leatherneck in a duffel bag—risking jail and Fred’s life. With the help of a crew of DHL workers, a sympathetic vet, and a military dog handler, Fred eventually made it to Craig’s family in Virginia.

Months later, when Craig returned to the U.S., it was Fred’s turn to save the wounded Marine from Post-Traumatic Stress. Today, Craig and Fred are touching lives nationwide, from a swampy campground in a Louisiana State Park to the streets of Portland, Oregon, and everywhere in between.

A poignant and inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and optimism, with a timeless message at its heart—"it is not what happens to us that matters, but how we respond to it"—Craig & Fred is a shining example of the power of love to transform our hearts and our lives.

Rating: Excellent!

Why I Like It: Audio, read by the author who did a fantastic job! Well written, interesting and easy to follow. Many good lessons in it!

Other: Avery recommended this book on Goodreads. Thank you Avery!

Reviewer: Patsy