Diana: Her True Story by Andrew Morton

Synopsis: Biography of the Princess of Wales early life and marriage to Prince Charles.
Writing Style: British Journalism.
Pacing: Moderately fast.

Personal Highlights: Loved the British journalism...and writing. Definitely enjoyed the beguiling, affecting and chaste tone of a story. Indeed, it came across very Cinderellish. I had to keep reminding myself of Diana’s age, and general innocence when she began courting Prince Charles. Despite her familiarity with royal culture, the responsibility expected of the princess was as remarkable as her undeniable generous spirit. I mean, I loved Diana (from afar) from the start, but as I read, I got to know her. In addition to being awed by a woman who radiated such a light by just looking at her, I was touched by how she ‘hands on’ affected individuals experiencing grave distresses. Mother Teresa’s remark, which paraphrasing, ‘those who give the most relief to others, have experienced the most pain’ touched me too. I, as well, respected Princess Diana's grandmother’s early warning. The grandmother didn’t think marrying into the royal family would suit Diana. There was so much revelation, and inspiration, and admiration to draw from this regal story. Highly recommended.

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Synopsis: Fantasy novel of a young orphan who learns he is a wizard and sent to sorcery school to learn to use his wizard gift...’responsibly’.
Writing Style: Imaginative satire.
Pacing: Fast.

Personal Highlights: The imaginative writing, and especially the magical story was easy to read. I really liked how the story started, because I needed to be baptized in the fantasy a toe at a time. Once I was in however, I was in. I honestly cried laughing (at first) at Uncle Dursley and that cat reading the map. It was a treat to be whisked from the muggles world, to the sorcerers’ world, which really wasn’t much different in premise. Man-made subtleties...and animus... was replaced by magic wands, brooms called names like the Nimbus Two Thousand, wildlife that served as mail carriers, photos that made public appearances and food, among all else in the sorcery world filled with ‘spellbinding’ names made for an extra entertaining and appealing read. I mean, will the Gryffindors win the House Championship? What was Snapes up to, and exactly how does one pilfer something not identified? Following the story to learn the answers to the many riddles made reading Harry Potter an all-around delightful escape for anyone looking to take a break from thinking. Great Storytelling!

Note: Read the hardcopy, text copyright 1997 edition.

In My Shoes by Tamara Mellon

Synopsis: Memoir of a fashion entrepreneur co-founding the Jimmy Choo brand.
Writing Style: First person frank.
Pacing: Moderate-Fast.

Personal Highlights: Enjoyable writing and easy reading; the sincerity being so frank that the account read candid to a fault. First off, being a shoe junkie...making frequent trips to South Street (Philadelphia, Pa.) buying designer shoes I was told only me and three or four other people in the world owned, had me falling right in step with ‘the cobbler’ making one-off shoes for his elite clientele. From the outset Mellon’s innovative ‘couture’ fashion ideas and desire to grow the Jimmy Choo brand, figured at odds with Jimmy (the cobbler) Choo’s interest to work in a more exclusive manner with his craft and clientele; what set the tone for events to come.

Most striking were the impressions I tweezed from the business transactions distinguishing the 'mindset' divide between creative products and financial products; what made the overall account, and ending in particular, as engaging. While it was hard reading about Mellon’s many troubles, the energy behind her creative ideas was most inspiring. I especially rooted for that ending...a sentiment that was with me at the start of the story. And gosh!!! How the title so suits and is tailored perfectly for this memoir. Aspiring entrepreneurs really will benefit from reading ‘In My Shoes.’