This was a fascinating account of the history of bookstores in the US from Benjamin Franklin to prominent shops throughout the decades. Fueled by the This was a fascinating account of the history of bookstores in the US from Benjamin Franklin to prominent shops throughout the decades. Fueled by the passion of book lovers from the owners to the customers, The Bookshop is an ode to the love of books and those who dedicate their lives to the sharing and curating of the written word....more
I admittedly had never heard of this podcast before coming across this book, but nevertheless, it was bitchin'.I admittedly had never heard of this podcast before coming across this book, but nevertheless, it was bitchin'....more
Perhaps it's my fault for not reading the description more closely, but I was expecting a historical account of "healing women," diviners, and all othPerhaps it's my fault for not reading the description more closely, but I was expecting a historical account of "healing women," diviners, and all others who fall under the description of cunning folk, aka people who would have been accused of witchcraft and that's not really the focus of this book at all. The cover and title are misleading I guess. The actual content was okay, if rather dry, but was more of a collection of anecdotal stories of people seeking help to find lost objects, point out thieves, and other superstitious "magic."
I'm getting really tired of publishers falsely marketing books to hit hot or trending topics when the actual content of the book is only tangentially related....more
I'm fascinated by nonfiction graphic novels because it's such a cool medium for teaching kids things like history. This was a perfect subject for tweeI'm fascinated by nonfiction graphic novels because it's such a cool medium for teaching kids things like history. This was a perfect subject for tweens and was certainly chock full of facts. Cute, sweet, and a quick read....more
An interesting look at various folktales and mythologies from around the world to illustrate the stages of life we all face in regards to coming to a An interesting look at various folktales and mythologies from around the world to illustrate the stages of life we all face in regards to coming to a crossroads or facing a "dark night of the soul" that leaves us changed. Blackwood uses these archetypal stories of heroines facing the dark forest/underworld etc with a bit of astrology to explain these life stages and give insight into how to get through them without losing ourselves. A little bit psychology, a little bit woo, but a fresh perspective nonetheless for dealing with life's various and inevitable challenges....more
Matrix was such a great historical read that I was excited to read Groff's follow up. Set during Jamestown era America, you would never know what timeMatrix was such a great historical read that I was excited to read Groff's follow up. Set during Jamestown era America, you would never know what time period it is based on the meandering story that never goes anywhere. There was no sense of place or time and no plot driving the story onward. Repetitive, boring, and aimless....more
To be honest I didn't recall the news story about the group of Mormon women and children massacred in Mexico in 2019 so this story was all news to me To be honest I didn't recall the news story about the group of Mormon women and children massacred in Mexico in 2019 so this story was all news to me and The Colony is a fascinating and thorough account of the shocking incident.
I also had no idea that there were Mormon colonies in Mexico, so the book gives just enough background of their history for context and a little bit about the Mormon faith as well so that the stage is set for why these murders were committed.
All in all a solid read for true crime readers and people who enjoy investigative journalism.
Thank you to Liveright publisher (an imprint of W.W. Norton & Company) for an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review....more
Babel is well written and a really smart historical fantasy, but it's a slow (and by slow I mean glacial) burn.Babel is well written and a really smart historical fantasy, but it's a slow (and by slow I mean glacial) burn....more
Loading...
