Rory Scholl

***WHY NOT?***
I was a bit hesitant when reading the blurb. It could be funny but shenanigans with real life consequences are most of the time only fun for the people having them, not for the people who try to get them out of it.

On the other hand this could be just a comedians tendency to exaggerate a story for effect. Which I actually don't mind.

I've read reviews that loved this book (audiobook) but I also read one that had issues with the drinking aspect. And they mentioned something that is a hard pass for me. Some things I really don't reading, this book happens to have it.

So this a case of it's not you, it's me.… (more)

Every family has a black sheep....the one who is judged, misunderstood and the cause of many eyerolls, face palms and eyebrow raises. In my family, it's me. I married young when I was stupid and got divorced....cue much wailing and gnashing of teeth from my extended Catholic family. Then, after a long stint of single parenting (eyebrow raises and much face palming from said Catholic family) was followed by my remarriage....to a Protestant. Not just a Protestant...but a decedent of That Troublemaker also known as Martin Luther (more wailing and gnashing of teeth by the papists...and several ancestors rolling in Irish and German graves, of course). When I saw that this story was about a Black Sheep and his feisty grandmother, I knew I would love it. And I wasn't wrong!

Rory Scholl beautifully weaves the story of his grandmother, her cats and her awesomely stand-out personality, plus his dreams of being a comedian despite his parents constant lectures on responsibility, dead end careers and their disappointment in him. But, he knows he can share his triumphs and challenges with his grandmother. She always supports him and listens. Every week he goes to see her. They play bingo and socialize....and he even sneaks in a bit of liquor for her...which of course lands him in hot water with his family again.

A joyous story about strong personalities and free spirits. I loved it! And guess what? Rory is a successful comedian and happy in his life. Pffffft to nay-sayers. And, I'm still married to my lovely Protestant spouse (happily living 1200 miles away from my family) while my ancestors still roll around in their sepulchres.

*Wink* Sometimes it's ok to be the black sheep. :)

I listened to the audio version of this story. It's an easy, quick listen at under an hour. Rory Scholl narrates his own story. All in all, a fun, delightful listen about family shenanigans and learning to march to the beat of your own drum.

Black Sheep is part of the Audible/Amazon Originals This Can't Be Happening Collection. The collection gathers four stories about people dealing with the worst moments of their lives and coming out on top. This is the third story in the collection I've listened to. Most of the time Amazon Originals are hit or miss for me, but this collection is definitely a hit. I have enjoyed each story so far. One left! On to the next!… (more)