As an avid fan of British history, particularly the Plantagenet, Tudor, Lancaster, et al families... I had to give this new book a chance. David WildmAs an avid fan of British history, particularly the Plantagenet, Tudor, Lancaster, et al families... I had to give this new book a chance. David Wildman covers the 5 to 6 kings and queens from the 14th to 17th centuries, providing history of the drama, the key political moves, the genealogical impacts of having or not having a male child, and so much more. It's a non-fiction book, so reading all in one setting is not advised, but it offers a solid summary of everything you need to know. If this doesn't fascinate you about the family, nothing will!...more
The Golden Girls: A Cultural History is a 2023 release written by author Bernadette Giacomazzo. I found the book on NetGalley, and being a fan of the The Golden Girls: A Cultural History is a 2023 release written by author Bernadette Giacomazzo. I found the book on NetGalley, and being a fan of the series whose watched every episode multiple times I wanted to see what this one could offer. Reliving memories through someone else's eyes is always entertaining and nostalgic, and this was no exception. I enjoyed her take on each of the Golden Girls' top 10 episodes. Seeing how far ahead of the time it was, this show was and remains a major powerhouse when it comes to dealing with social issues and friendships. Viewers can learn so much, and the author highlights these touching moments in a wonderful way. If you've never seen the show, this book will make you want to. If you have seen it, it will surprise you with a few behind the scenes info and commentary on what was really happening in the world at the time. As a kid, I probably misunderstood half the references, and even now, sometimes I think... how is this still possible, meaning... they are talking about social issues from 40 years ago that are STILL problems. Ah society can be cruel, but this book and show really make a difference in turning things around (toward the better....more
After reading the first book in this collection, 'Write it Right: Tips for Authors,' last year, I ordered the second to refresh my memory on some writAfter reading the first book in this collection, 'Write it Right: Tips for Authors,' last year, I ordered the second to refresh my memory on some writing rules, but the book delivers so much more. A quick reference guide when needed, this provides helpful facts and thoughts on the best way to handle certain writing situations. When you get your tips from someone, know they are the real deal, and that's this author, no pun intended. Mary and the contributors here are wonderful experts on a variety of topics. Good book to have handy when needed... and definitely gives you a sense of why you'd like to read her fiction work too....more
When Joan Rivers suddenly passed away, my significant other was definitely upset. We'd met her at a charity event in NYC once, and she embodied tellinWhen Joan Rivers suddenly passed away, my significant other was definitely upset. We'd met her at a charity event in NYC once, and she embodied telling the truth in a fair and straightforward way, even if sometimes it was mostly to get a laugh. Never spiteful, she truly just wanted to entertain and be honest. Loved her show and the relationship with her daughter. The book brought up so many great and scary moments, and you never really know what's happening behind the scenes. Glad to read this and reconnect with an idol....more
Picked this book up after touring the Abbey seven years ago. Casually read it on the flight home. After the Queen died this year, I went back to see mPicked this book up after touring the Abbey seven years ago. Casually read it on the flight home. After the Queen died this year, I went back to see more about the history of all the places were royalty have been buried. A great way to catch up and find a sense of history in modern times....more
I grew up on Long Island, so I had to read all about its history. Much of it I knew. The parts I really wanted to learn more about weren't captured. II grew up on Long Island, so I had to read all about its history. Much of it I knew. The parts I really wanted to learn more about weren't captured. It focused too much on modern times, then again, that's likely all that we had documented beyond what was already included in this newspaper collection. It was very well put together and had some wonderful, memorable moments....more
A good, albeit dry, history of England. Helps set some facts straight if you are more oriented toward just the royal throne components... and the warsA good, albeit dry, history of England. Helps set some facts straight if you are more oriented toward just the royal throne components... and the wars between York and Lancaster, etc. This is just the basics and helps acclimate you to the general sense of how everything came together. I enjoyed it, but it's meant to be read over a longer time period. I shouldn't have read it in a week!...more
I've always been fascinated by the birth of America during the Industrial Revolution. So often, people think today is filled with squalor and horrid cI've always been fascinated by the birth of America during the Industrial Revolution. So often, people think today is filled with squalor and horrid conditions for some... but truthfully, it's light years ahead of the past. What people lived like in cities was insane, and while this book focuses mostly on the wealthy and famous, you see glimpses of both sides. Definitely a good way to whet one's appetite on how many of the leaders from a century ago came from interesting roots....more
One of my favorite shows... rewatched at least three full times in the course of my life. Seeing some of the drama behind the scenes helps viewers undOne of my favorite shows... rewatched at least three full times in the course of my life. Seeing some of the drama behind the scenes helps viewers understand the ups and downs of a show. A bit jaded but mostly light and fluffy in areas where I wanted it to go further - but still a very good way to learn about the show....more
A Christmas present from a friend... loved the show and the movies, and reliving it thru the book was great. I forgot so much from the first season! DA Christmas present from a friend... loved the show and the movies, and reliving it thru the book was great. I forgot so much from the first season! Don't read until you've watched a few seasons tho!...more
Will make you jealous of all the wealthy's estates... but who wants to clean all that? Seriously... loved visiting so many of these homes and relearniWill make you jealous of all the wealthy's estates... but who wants to clean all that? Seriously... loved visiting so many of these homes and relearning about the style. Things come back into style frequently, and incorporating a bit of history into your modern home can really make a bold statement. Tons of amazing pictures that are great but can't do justice for seeing the real thing. Make a trip to these estates and realize how far we've come too....more
This book has been fantastic all year long as I decided what decor and paint to use in all the rooms of my new house. Loved seeing color palettes and This book has been fantastic all year long as I decided what decor and paint to use in all the rooms of my new house. Loved seeing color palettes and themes. Some items were definitely not in my taste, but this is a review about the quality of the book, not the actual decor! That said, it really helps you think about what color combos you like and don't like, plus it helps generate ideas for what style and depth you have on your own vs. seeing other's thoughts....more
Given to me by my aunt and uncle when I was a teenager, The Teutonic Knights by Henry Sienkiewicz was a gift to expand my library collection. I loved Given to me by my aunt and uncle when I was a teenager, The Teutonic Knights by Henry Sienkiewicz was a gift to expand my library collection. I loved books and had an affinity for English history, so they thought I'd love learning about all different aspects of the world from many years ago. I skimmed through it that Christmas season and occasionally read some sections as I grew older. This year, I made a concerted effort to read as much as I could, all while building my new library in my new house in CT. Set on three or four shelves dedicated to history books, it's been a great addition to my non-fiction reading. I hadn't know it was translated, and it felt very comfortable. Lots to learn and remember, and it's definitely meant for someone who loves this part of history....more
After purchasing a new home this year, I've spent many hours on Pinterest and Instagram looking at photos of homes to help me design what my new placeAfter purchasing a new home this year, I've spent many hours on Pinterest and Instagram looking at photos of homes to help me design what my new place will look like. As a an avid reader, I often check the new releases and stumbled across this book on NetGalley. Create Your Dream Home on a Budget by the Jetts sounded perfect. With 15 total rooms, I had to plan ahead, conserve dollars for the right items, and focus on things in the proper order. This book not only provides tons of step by step advice for DIY projects but it also recommends questions to ask suppliers, the order of accomplishing things, and the pitfalls to watch out for. Add to that tons of visually stunning and remarkable photos, it's easy to find ideas and options to consider for my own home. I like how it broke down the budget you should spend when considering brand new construction too. Great for beginners... and even experienced DIYers who need refreshers in some areas will learn and enjoy the book. A great way to start your day - read one or two chapters and find inspiration!...more
Sally Cronin is a talented author whose short stories, novellas, and collections of poetry have brought me tons of entertainment and emotions. EarlierSally Cronin is a talented author whose short stories, novellas, and collections of poetry have brought me tons of entertainment and emotions. Earlier this year, she released parts of her non-fiction account, Sam, a Shaggy Dog Story on her blog. I read a few clips and then purchased the book, as it was definitely another one I needed to explore. It reached the top of my TBR queue this week, and on a train ride to visit family, it became my focus... keeping me smiling and touched the entire time.
The POV is Sam, a newborn collie who is understanding how to compete with his sibling for his mother's attention. Soon, he's adopted by a family, and our wonderful author, Sally, is his new foster mom. Not only do we learn about Sam's journey in this heartfelt tale, but we experience pieces of Sally's life with her husband and their various moves from Ireland to Spain and other places. If you love pets, and you can't help but dive into stories that explore their relationships with their human families, you will love this tale.
Sam's voice is fun and authentic. Sally's beautiful and caring personality shines through in this book, even when she's upset with Sam for doing things he shouldn't be doing. From his friendships with cats to evil vet visits, we glimpse parts of Sam's life... not always the best ones either. He's been sick and missing, snipped and educated, but through it all, he's amazing life brought me all the wonderful sentiments that come through bonding with your pet family.
I always treasure the way Sally infuses life in a character... and with this one, who traditionally doesn't speak, it's all the more brilliant. Sam actually has learned to speak a few words like hello and food. If you have an hour and want to view a slice of Sally's life, this is a great intro to her world. Her writing is reachable in every manner, and I always know I will walk away with a touch of sadness and humility, recognizing the pure kindness and generosity in an exemplary woman. Kudos for another hit!...more
For years, I've loved learning about this complex and ruthless family. A pre-cursor to Henry VIII, the king most people have heard of (6 wives, beheadFor years, I've loved learning about this complex and ruthless family. A pre-cursor to Henry VIII, the king most people have heard of (6 wives, beheadings and divorces!), his ancestors formed a lot of modern England's laws and religious wars. I read about them in Shakespeare's plays... watched moves in high school that attempted to explain who they were, and then I began reading Philippa Gregory's books to explore the historical fiction side and determine what interesting facts I could learn about them. I became so fascinated that I asked for books about them a decade ago. I received this one as a gift. I leafed through it a bunch back then, but I never read it cover to cover. Now I have...
It's hard to review a non-fiction book. You can't talk through your feelings about the people. It's about the writing style, the organization of the details, what's covered and not covered. All in all, this is a great companion book when you're reading historical fiction and can't recall every single relationship. What I liked about this one is how it broke down the history into manageable chunks, focusing on the period in history, then the specific kings and queens who ruled them. It didn't cover all the Plantagenets, only the more well-known ones, and it stopped too early for me, as descendants turned into Tudors, Lancasters, Yorks, etc... but it's so much to cover, I get it.
It offered a lot. I liked the pictures, family trees, and maps to show what land England covered at the time of each king or queen's rule. I didn't realize how powerful Eleanor of Aquitaine was, nor did I know where in France England had territories. What finally clicked in my head this time was that 'France' didn't necessarily exist at that time. Feudal states with duchies and provinces ran themselves, and collectively they might've been known as France, but they could be controlled by English kings (who were German or French, etc. because of all the intermarriages). I would've liked more bulleted sections, short facts rather than lengthy paragraphs at times, just to aide in memory and sorting out the details, but it was still a remarkable read....more
When Kim Knight shared the news of her latest book, it was sad but potentially uplifting -- a memorial to a mother who'd recently passed away. My hearWhen Kim Knight shared the news of her latest book, it was sad but potentially uplifting -- a memorial to a mother who'd recently passed away. My heart hurt for Kim, and I could only send her tons of comfort and support. I immediately downloaded the book and added it to my reading queue this week... after Mother's Day, as that would've been to hard to read the same weekend.
Kim shares with her readers the pain upon learning of her mother's illness, the impacts of COVID-19 on being unable to physically connect, and how cancer ultimately transitioned their family to a place where Kim felt like an orphan. But she had hope in the form a visit from her mother hours and days after the lovely and kind woman's death.
This book doesn't do anything other than relay what Kim felt and saw... perhaps teaches us a little bit about different religious beliefs and how to have an open mind. I was fascinated by the ancestor altar and how an inexplicably open window contributed to a moving, emotional experience.
If you are in need of comfort or just want to understand how someone else processes loss, this is a wonderful way to connect with a person who's had a difficult time. And who knows a few words to help relieve another.
Kim's writing, as always, is very reachable. She builds a bond with you from the beginning and lets you interpret all in your own way. Much love to Kim Knight....more
A little over a month ago, I hadn't heard of this book. A colleague recommended it to me and kindly gifted me a copy. What a generous offer! I have toA little over a month ago, I hadn't heard of this book. A colleague recommended it to me and kindly gifted me a copy. What a generous offer! I have to say, A Most Beautiful Thing by Arshay Cooper is easily one of my top three books for 2021. With a huge focus on diversity and inclusion both in my professional life and generally in society today, it's timely and motivating. At the same time, it's not pretending to be something for the sake of change and morality. The book, published several years ago, is simply a Black man's recollection of what it was like in high school when he became one of the first Black rowers in a Chicago school.
I admit, I was initially worried. I tend not to enjoy books or movies or anything that focuses on the plight of someone who's been marginalized, or far worse, because of race, color, sex, ethnicity, etc. I definitely will read or watch them so I don't ever forget what humanity is unfortunately capable of (in a bad way), but I often fail to comprehend how it could happen. I believe in treating everyone equally and often can't fathom how or why someone could intentionally or unintentionally harm another human being. All I ever do is think about the repercussions of my actions and how to include everyone equally. I find it difficult to read those stories, so they don't make it to the top of my list. That said, it is FAR more difficult to live that life, and if someone who's been biased against can push through it, so can I when it comes to reading an account. Man up, I tell myself.
BUT... this book is dozens of times stronger than that. Arshay Cooper just tells the story of about 18 months on the team--what went well, what didn't go well, and how it turned out. To begin with, my eyes were opened to some of the things I hadn't realized in the past, particularly how many gangs were on the streets of Chicago and how easily people were shot or killed for being in the wrong place. I mean... seriously... how does anyone think it's acceptable to shoot a kid for wearing the wrong color on the wrong street that day. WTH? Without emphasizing things like this, Arshay simply explains what happened when he walked to school, or how he couldn't use certain streets, or how it took an hour to get into school each morning because security guards had to check everyone for weapons. Imagine that's your life every day. And your father is unknown. Your mother is a drug addict. Your three siblings need you. And you still have a happy and optimistic attitude each day?
This book shares the negatives aspects of life. It doesn't shy away from drama, but it also had a bit of suspense even though it's non-fiction. I kept waiting for something horrible to happen Arshay or his family. Someone to be shot or knifed... for him to be savagely beaten up. But the account is, while not uplifting, an opportunity to watch how someone goes beyond the horrors around him to find a way to be successful.
So... if you're looking for a story that's probably almost entirely all true and non-exaggerated, and you want to understand a different life without massive graphic details, you should give this one a chance. The language can sometimes be harsh, e.g. n-word, curses, sexual content... but just enough to provide realistic moments... not enough to cross any lines. Mature, older teens probably okay. I learned about rowing. I learned about gang life. I learned about love. I learned about forgiveness. I learned to take a chance and read something out of my norm....more
Early in my career, I taught students in elementary and middle school... useful books about our planet existed, but nothing was as detailed and beautiEarly in my career, I taught students in elementary and middle school... useful books about our planet existed, but nothing was as detailed and beautiful as this one. Using letters, words, links, images, and imagination, Roda Shope delivers great quality that is sure to make learning exactly how it should be. Her knowledge and quick explanations are easy to remember and offer a fun way to take care of creatures who do so much for us. Bravo!...more
Bees can be scary! I'm not gonna run right out and put on a bee suit, but I might be a little more calm about them after reading this book. Geared towBees can be scary! I'm not gonna run right out and put on a bee suit, but I might be a little more calm about them after reading this book. Geared toward beginners and those considering a new hobby, the illustrations and text are perfect and easy to understand. By showing us all the basics (and more), we can decide how to get closer to a fascinating life that might have been a bit of a mystery to us. Bees do so much for us, and this book will help showcase why we need to do more for them, but it will also make us smarter and give us lots of gorgeous photos to look thru. Great edition!...more
