The Book of Joan by Melissa Rivers

Synopsis: Celebrity Mother/Daughter Testimony.

Writing Style: Easy-on-the-eyes. Light-on-the-spirit. Traditional.

Pacing: Fast.

Personal Highlights: This memoir is so much more than a good laugh. I did not expect to be so thoroughly entertained and touched in one. 

Mother/daughter life clips that tickled me; the resume padding. “The woman loving to lie.” The shaking my head “good news, good gifts, good head” counsel. The passive-aggressive gifts. And, oh man, that photo of Joan with her BFFs in Vegas. These short pauses were as funny as fun to read. ‘Here’s Johnny’ and ‘The Gift of the Grab’ were two favorite chapters. I’m saying storytelling on steroids. Not to give away any real spoilers, I honestly was quite surprised by this mother-daughter bond. The fiercely opinionated diva turned my own opinions upside down and Melissa did a fine job ensuring this point wasn't missed. The pages turned so nicely I was tempted to skim the ‘Ivy speech’. Like what else could be said that hadn’t? Welp, glad I didn’t.

Oh my goodness that speech encapsulates the overall sentiment of this deeply heartfelt memoir. Not only does it show Joan’s love for her daughter, but that message was hard earned real currency. What a lovely mood enhancer. Highly recommended. Read Soft copy 2015 copyright edition.