Book Reviews 2017: Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M.: Audrey Hepburn, Breakfast at Tiffany's, and the Dawn of the Modern Woman by Sam Wasson

Who doesn't love Audrey Hepburn? A friend gave me this book because Audrey is my favorite actress of all time and I adore the movie Breakfast at Tiffany's. I've read Truman Capote's book, so I knew his Holly Golightly and the Holly Golightly of the movie were NOT the same. I also knew about all the other differences between the book and the movie. I did find some of the history about the creation of the book and the making of the movie fascinating. It was interesting to see who else they wanted to star in the movie.

Also (I don't think this is really a "spoiler" so I don't think I need to warn you), I was a little sad to hear that Audrey didn't really care for George Peppard (he wasn't a popular person on set with really anyone). It was interesting to hear how the movie could have been so different. The author talked about scenes that were cut or re-written. I wish the alternate ending was somewhere on film (the author said no one knows for sure if the film survived from the cutting room floor). Although in my opinion, I like the actual ending of the movie better. No, I won't tell you what the alternate ending was going to be, you have to read the book. :) 

I didn't realize that Audrey had as many miscarriages as she did. He doesn't go too much into detail about Audrey's personal life (sadly), but he does provide tidbits here and there. He did write a little bit about her slightly troubled marriage to Mel Ferrer.

At the end the author talks about why he wrote the book. Why do people love this movie? It got me wondering why I love it- my answer is because of Audrey. I don't think the movie would have worked with anyone else. Is it the best love story out there? No, not at all. But no matter what, I will always find time to watch it when I'm wanting to have an Audrey marathon.

Oh, at the end of the book after all of the author's notes and references, he talks about his personal conversation with actress Patricia Neal- well worth the read. She seems like she was a hoot! :)

I finished this book on September 15, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!

Book Reviews 2017: Miracle in my Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Miracle in my Living Room: The Story of a Little Mann by Evelyn Mann

This is one of those books that you don't just read, you feel it. I started following Samuel's Facebook page back in February, which is how I first discovered this book, and I'm so glad I ordered a copy. 

I love how Evelyn takes us through everything that happened from the beginning of her pregnancy with Samuel through until after he was born. You can feel the emotions through her words and I'll admit that I cried more than once- her words are that powerful.

I admire Evelyn and her husband Ralph so much for their faith and determination not to give up on their son, even though they were being told otherwise by medical professionals. Their love for each other and Samuel is so strong and you can see that while reading this book. I am so glad that they share Samuel's story with all of us.

I don't say this too often but I would put this on a "must read" list. I honestly think it would touch the heart of anyone. I also highly recommend following Samuel's Facebook page as well (click here). I have to say, Samuel has a smile that will turn any bad day around. I will be having the worst day but his smile can make that bad day go away. I always look forward to new photos and videos of the little Mann. :)

Photos property of Evelyn Mann and have been used with written permission

Book summary:

I finished this book on September 3, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!!

Book Reviews 2017: Finding Gobi

**All reviews on Randomness With Rachel are done on a five-star rating system. The reviews are solely my opinion and no one else's. Randomness With Rachel does not receive any incentives or compensations for reviews.**

Finding Gobi by Dion Leonard

I have been following Dion and Gobi's story online since the beginning, so I knew how the story would turn out but I still felt all the emotions while reading Dion's very detailed adventures of finding Gobi, losing Gobi, then finding her again. 

I enjoyed getting to know Dion a little better. I enjoyed hearing his stories of when he was younger. He had to overcome a lot throughout his life. I also loved hearing more about his relationship with his wife. I'm glad she is willing to share Dion with another female. :) Gobi found a great family for her fur-ever home!

Even if you aren't a dog lover, I think you would appreciate this story of determination and love (from both Gobi and Dion). 

I highly recommend keeping up with Dion and Gobi- you can follow their Facebook page here. 

Book summary:

I finished this book on August 20, so it goes towards my 40 by 40 challenge.

XOXO!