I have, of course heard of her. And I’ve always found her fascinating. Though I am very into Greek and EgyptiThis is only my second book on Nefertiti.
I have, of course heard of her. And I’ve always found her fascinating. Though I am very into Greek and Egyptian history it’s queen Cleopatra, then I mostly read about as it relates to Egyptian queens.
But Nefertiti has always fascinated me. Her mystery, her incredible beauty, her being so far ahead of her time in all her accomplishments. I don’t think there’s anybody who is interested in history, who cannot be fascinated by this woman.
This book was written extremely well, and told me a lot of information that I did not know. I did know there was mystery about her death, and how she disappeared from history, but I didn’t know any of the theories nor any of the details. I have to say, I found the whole read, utterly fascinating.
Unfortunately, I am not an Egyptologist though sometimes I wish I was! I hope somebody who does have those qualifications can solve this for now eternal mystery of what really happened to her.
I’ve always been interested in history and other countries. When I was a child, I would play with dolls as little girls tend to do but I was always drawn to the ones where the doll had influence from other countries like Greece or Cambodia or what was than Holland. I bought some of those dolls as well.
None of them could hold a candle to the beauty of Nefertiti. But it’s not just beauty that makes her so fascinating. She challenged so many stereotypes of women, she saw her way through so many obstacles, and conquered so many challenges from people who, perhaps, would not have thought that a woman in Egypt could achieve power such as this
The book is not that long , but it’s excellent, extremely well written and now , I want to read even more about her. The only other book I’ve read about Nefertiti was a fictional historical book of her life which I adored, but this was packed full of so much information, and it’s not written dryly at all. You know how sometimes those books that are educational are dry ? Not here at all.
I also cannot stop looking at the book cover. It’s just so ethereal. I am pleased to add this book to my read list and would highly recommend it to anyone who has even a little bit of interest, if not more in the topic at hand....more
It was good, and I learned some historical dates that I didn’t know about before. But I wish it had a little more meat to the bones in the sense that It was good, and I learned some historical dates that I didn’t know about before. But I wish it had a little more meat to the bones in the sense that I would’ve like to read about some of these historical dates and events in depth.
Still, it’s excellent as a sort of historical reference. It is especially helpful to people like this reader, myself, someone who has always struggled with dates. ...more
Some of the most beautiful and intoxicating short story writing that I’ve ever read.
The secret lives of church ladies is a collection of short storiesSome of the most beautiful and intoxicating short story writing that I’ve ever read.
The secret lives of church ladies is a collection of short stories, all about black women, black families with the themes of love and loss and religion and determination and loneliness .
All of the stories are blooming with beauty. With vivid, and at times searing prose, The raw beauty makes itself known from the beginning.
I couldn’t believe the — the TENDERNESS, the aching tenderness of the writing and of these stories.
I am not going to say what my favorite and least favorite are, because I don’t want to influence anyone.
I will say there was only one stories that I skipped and that’s not because it wasn’t good but just because of my mood at the time. I will also say that it’s very hard to choose a favorite.
But what I will say, is one story towards the end, not the last story, but close to the last story, made me gasp when I realized something having to do with earlier in the collection. That’s all I’m going to say.
It was an absolute pleasure to read this.
Gorgeous writing, haunting, characterizations, stories that have etched themselves in my memory, and that I will not forget now, nor in the future....more
It would be virtually impossible for me to give this book anything under a four or five.
At the same time, it is an incredibly painful story to read, aIt would be virtually impossible for me to give this book anything under a four or five.
At the same time, it is an incredibly painful story to read, as the subject matter is human trafficking.
It takes place in Cambodia. There are two storylines going on, from the beginning, which, as you might suspect, come together, somewhere in the middle, to form a beautifully written, yet harrowing tale of human trafficking, strength, resilience and survival.
There is talk about the Khmer Rouge.
I admit, I don’t know as much as I’d like about this savage and evil group . Many years ago, however, I read a book about what they did, and it was a lyrically beautiful book but like this one quite harrowing. If any of you reading this are interested in reading this book, it’s called “In the shadow of the Banyan.” It was excellent just like this book.
Anyway, I should warn you about some trigger warnings. The girl sold into sexual slavery is eight years old. It is a brothel with many other young girls. There is physical and verbal abuse but no actual sex. if there had been, I don’t think I’d have been able to continue on.
Our protagonist is a gentle and sensitive and uniquely special girl, who sees life in colors, a subject I can relate to because I myself, am a very visual reader. There is also an author, who inadvertently get swept up into the saga of the girls in the red dresses.
This was a very good novella that starts off, searing and brutal, though, like I said, even though it may seem like you will, you will not witness any rape in the book.
The book reminded me of a colorful, tropical bird. It was so visual, and had such a beautiful melody to it. It’s a short book, more than a short story, but less than a full book. I would call it a novella.
I would definitely recommend it if you can handle the subject matter....more
This one did not do it for me. It is a retelling of the Salem witch trials, a topic that has always interested me and which I’ve read many books aboutThis one did not do it for me. It is a retelling of the Salem witch trials, a topic that has always interested me and which I’ve read many books about.
I should also mention this was a DNF at around 60%. The problem for me is not the writing which was quite good, but that the book just wasn’t a good fit for me.
First off, it’s not just about the Salem witch trials. It’s also about. America’s wars with Native Americans. Now for the record that is also a topic I have a strong interest in and I’ve read many books on this too .
However I’ve never read a book simultaneously about both at the same time.
My feeling is that there was just too much going on for me. The chapters alternated, and in one chapter you might be reading about someone being accused of being a witch, and then the next chapter you’ll be reading about natives and dead bodies of Americans and natives.
This really didn’t interest me because you’re constantly pulled out of whatever you’re reading about to read about something else if that makes any sense. I also felt it was way too fast paced and this is the kind of book where if it had taken place in Arizona for instance, I would have calked a Western. It’s that kind of novel.
This is not a slow and atmospheric buildup. It drops you right into the middle of everything from the beginning and there’s so many characters, and so many people, and so much alternating between the two plots and some gore and people being arrested on the Salem side and people being murdered on the Native American side that it was too much for me almost immediately.
The kind of book that I enjoy reading in regards to the topic of Salem would be something like the crucible. But my favorite book about any kind of witch trials is the classic historical fiction The Witch of blackbird pond, which is among my 10 favorite books ever and which, no other book about the subject, no other book that I’ve ever read on the subject can possibly top it as it comes to atmosphere.
I didn’t feel like I knew any of the characters in this. It was just going so quickly, and there were so many people in it and I didn’t and I couldn’t really get into it with enthusiasm. ...more
This was some book. As you may have guessed from the title, it’s a reimagining of the story of Jezebel.
I went into this, really not knowing much.Wow.
This was some book. As you may have guessed from the title, it’s a reimagining of the story of Jezebel.
I went into this, really not knowing much. I was familiar with some aspects of the original story, but I had forgotten a lot of it.
Much of it came back to me as I was reading but there are still things that I didn’t know and though this is a reimagining, the names are still authentic.
This is one where there’s so much to say. First of all, is this not one of the most stunning book covers you’ve ever seen? I mean I could just stare at it for hours, that’s how beautiful it is.
I loved the visual element, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to look at the sea again without thinking about glimmering blue glass.
Jezebel herself was reimagined here as a fiery and somewhat haughty Lady.
She’s born, thinking herself a goddess through many of her childhood years until her father is forced to tell her A brutal truth.
That truth is that her name will not be remembered or be written about because she is a woman and can never be king.
Of course, Jezebel does not accept this. She is fiery and strong-willed, and determined to go down in history as a great queen.
Now here’s where things get tricky. I didn’t like Jezebel all that much through most of the book. I felt frustration trying to connect to her. I realize that she was not written necessarily to be likable, but it was really tough for me not to recoil at some of her decisions.
There are going to be spoilers here.
SPOILERS:
Elijah Was so evil.. Now I know this was a reimagining and I readily admit I don’t know the true story in-depth as I said, I know a few snippets, but I learned them when I was very young so I just was stunned at how much he changed In this book so quickly.
I am going to be referring to him as E. throughout the review because his name is so hard to spell
If there was one thing I would say about the book, it’s that I really wanted to know more in depth how E. could go from a kind and tenderhearted scribe to an absolutely evil monster lunatic who murders priestesses.
I was very frustrated continually by his character. I mean, I realize that he claimed to be anointed by his God, but he was also saying this God did not like cruelty, and some of the things E. Did were beyond cruel, and into the sadistic.
The ending left me a little confused as I felt like it was rushed with two of Jezebel son’s dying one after the other very quickly.
This book is also unbelievably sad, and it’s a book where you’re not gonna feel satisfied at the end by anything as it seems that all the good hearted people are dead, and all the evil people get away with things.
I mean, I know that many books have sad endings, but damn, this was really really, really sad! I didn’t feel satisfied by anything when I finished the book.
So it’s a tough book to rate. For those who enjoy historical fiction and re-imaginings I have no doubt you’ll enjoy this book. I did despite the fact that I had a few minor complaints as I wrote above, I am glad I read it.
I think it’s also a good book to read if you are a history buff. Even if it’s a reimagining, you will learn a lot about different countries and how they were, and different rulers, and what made somebody a good king versus what didn’t, as well as the fickleness of the people who were ruled over.
This is yet another time where I wish good reads had 10 stars because five stars is just not doing it for me
If this was a one to 10 scale, I’d give it a 7.5. I think it’s an interesting book but if I could change anything, I’d like to have gotten into the heads of a few of the characters more and know them a little better and know their motivations.
That includes Jezebel‘s husband and her children. And of course, E.
The best things about the book, are how quickly you get engrossed in it, and how visually stunning everything from the cover to the words are. This is one book of historical fiction that I think a lot of people will enjoy....more
Not right for me at that time, (was not in the best mood) but the characters, the arc of the story line and where iAn exquisite and captivating novel.
Not right for me at that time, (was not in the best mood) but the characters, the arc of the story line and where it took its audience was just incredible. . Highly recommended....more
Retellings. It seems like I’ve been reading a lot of those lately.
This is the story of Oedipus and Jocasta retold.
There is really a lot like in this Retellings. It seems like I’ve been reading a lot of those lately.
This is the story of Oedipus and Jocasta retold.
There is really a lot like in this book.
If I could use one word to describe the whole book from the cover to the writing, it would be “haunting. “
I mean look at that cover. That delicate and haunting cover kind of calls to you!
I’m not saying the whole reason I chose this book was that cover but that was a big part of it.
That, and the fact that I love mythology.
I am too tired to really do an in-depth plot review as I am writing this review at almost 3 AM. I’m a chronic insomniac, but still my reviews tend to be written a little earlier than this.
Of course, many of you know the story as did I so I had no expectations about the elements of tragedy and the ending.
The story was reimagined beautifully by the author, and the writing was close to flawless.
The characterizations were so in depth it was a little bit astonishing. This is definitely an author that I want to read more of.
In spite of the fact that there was so much to love about this book, it was a tough read for several reasons.
Gosh, I didn’t know how much reading about the plague and the hysteria would bother me. Maybe it just hits too close to home and Covid was too recent, but it messed with my head a little bit.
It’s interesting in that the last few days, Covid has been quite the topic of conversation with myself and both friends and family members.
We’ve talked about how even though Covid isolation is technically over , a gray cloud still remains.
So many people that know are not the same people they were before Covid, including myself. I would describe it as an aura of sadness that sometimes hangs over things.
People seem angrier and lonelier, and it seems more difficult for people to connect.
Reading about the rampant hysteria of the towns people, and how fast they turned on their queen was tough, but it didn’t surprise me.
It’s like that in politics, too. It’s interesting to me that throughout eternity so many things, most things, change, but one thing that doesn’t ever seem to change is the fickleness of humanity.
Some who rate this book low have complained that it’s not the same without certain critical elements, which is all I can say without spoilers.
I would respectfully disagree. I was touched by this book and I would give it a 3.5 out of five stars and a seven out of 10 stars.
If I had one criticism, that was a little bit of a constant source of frustration to me it was the lack of dialogue sometimes between characters.
What do I mean by that? Well, when Jocasta is first married to the King of Thebes, it’s sort of glossed over. I realize that he wasn’t meant to be a long-term main character, but I was frustrated by the lack of dialogue.
SPOILERS
I don’t think they interacted, or said one word to each other one time in the whole book. That kind of shocked me. I happen to like a lot of dialogue in my books and it was a little bewildering to me quite honestly. That’s not to say I didn’t like the book. But this definitely got in the way.
In the beginning to middle of the book, time flew by very quickly. After Jocasta Has her baby, years go by, many years in a few pages. And we’re told not shown. That was difficult for me, and took away from my enjoyment of the book.
I would have liked to see more dialogue even between Jocasta and Oedipus.
So that was difficult. I thought the characterizations were terrific as I said earlier, but I wanted more dialogue and to get into the heads of the main characters a bit more, and I wanted more free-flowing conversations.
On the whole, though, this was a beautifully written book that definitely wet my appetite to read more from this very accomplished and talented author.
It’s a wonderful addition to my 2024 books. It’s been a great reading year far and The hauntingly beautiful Children of Jocosta has only added to this great reading year....more
Before I even start on my review, behold this cover! This gorgeous, magnificent, beautiful cover.
This was a really heartbreaking read. But it was an eBefore I even start on my review, behold this cover! This gorgeous, magnificent, beautiful cover.
This was a really heartbreaking read. But it was an extraordinary book that I would give 4.5 stars to.
That being said, there is a lot of brutality in it. It follows the life of a slave, by the name of Phebe Dolores. We follow her from childhood into adulthood.
With historical fiction, things can go either way as far as atmosphere goes. With the yellow wife, the beauty of the writing shines forth like – well – like gold. And yellow.
There is not a lot of sunlight in Phoebe’s Life though.
She and her mom are both slaves together and both are treated terribly by the wife of the House master, the Missus (although I’d prefer to call her Madame wicked pathetic, stupid ignorant, bitchy, horrible and evil.)
Phoebe is looking forward to the day that she goes away to school and gets her freedom as her mother tells her she will.
However, when tragedy strikes , Phoebe is cast into a world, she doesn’t understand. She is alone, alienated, and frightened.
Phoebe does what she needs to do to stay alive in a cruel world where it seems the fates are against her. As I said, this is a brutal book. There is heartbreak and tragedy and a lot of violence. As another reviewer said it’s not for the faint of heart.
I also think that few books have shown the inhumanity and barbaric practice of slavery better than this book. It was a stunning read that I devoured in one sitting. It’s one of the best historical fiction books I’ve read in a long time.
And now I will say that there are going to be spoilers so if you’re interested in this book and don’t want to know what happens, do not read on.
SPOILERS:
The problem is even though this is fiction it was reality for so many. It’s a really tough book to get through, but the thing is, it is so well written, and the characters are so vivid that at least for me, you just can’t stop reading.
And this is not a book that wraps up neatly. Of all the ending it could have had, it could’ve been a lot worse. Phoebe is one of the most complicated characters I’ve read about in years,
I’ll admit there were times, through my reading when I did not understand her and felt a little disconnected, but by the end of the book I loved her. It’s a simple as that.
The husband is a fascinating character. He’s an abusive fuck, but for some reason he does not cast her out.
I felt that Phoebe trusted by far the wrong people such as the dressmaker, whose name escapes me right now.
I felt a little lonely when the book ended.
That’s how you know you’re reading really high quality literature. I wanted more from Phebe and from the book in general.
At its heart, the yellow wife is a book about survival. It has as its protagonist, a strong and fiery female who doesn’t bow down to power, but instead spits on it.
Phebe is an unsung hero of sorts in this book, that, despite all its darkness and tragedy, was such a pleasure to read, and so wonderfully written that I almost feel like thanking the author for writing it.
You know it’s funny. It’s funny how differently various people react to books.
I seem to be much more a fan of Hemingway’s short stories than his full You know it’s funny. It’s funny how differently various people react to books.
I seem to be much more a fan of Hemingway’s short stories than his full length books.
I really don’t know why that is. I admit, I had not read much by him but these last couple of years though, I have been trying to read various great writers, and so I have read close to half a dozen of his short stories, as well as a couple of his full length novels.
The old Man and the Sea really had a tough time holding my attention. I gave it a four less because of personal enjoyment, and more because I recognize how great the book is.
I did not like The sun also rises at all, but I gave it a three for much the same reason, because I recognize that Hemingway was a superb writer, but maybe his novels are not for me.
But I can’t say that about the short stories.
With the exception of one, I have enjoyed every short story I’ve read from him so far and this one was no different.
And yet, if I’d read this as a child, I think my reaction would have been to pucker, my lips, and forget about it as soon as possible. Even though it’s a short story, it’s really heavy as the subject and the plot is about a man, a very cynical man, facing death and his regrets and ruminations and cynical observations.
I had a really hard time as a kid thinking about death. I refused to even talk about it to family and friends . That’s not to say I didn’t read about it ,
My two favorite books of all time. Interestingly, enough, are all about loss and death. I read both as a child, not as an adult.
These books are A tree grows in Brooklyn and I Cleopatra. Both are considered classics, and both are very dark in their own individual Ways and there is lots of loss and death in them.
Even though I couldn’t talk about death, I did not seem to have a problem reading about it. But I think this story would have been too much for my younger self. It is easy to dislike the narrator and the way he views life and the people around him.
His whole aura is that of a world weary cynic, he doesn’t strike me as a particularly happy man, and he probably wasn’t very happy even before he realized that death was coming for him.
I have to say that the two things that were done incredibly flawlessly here was the introduction of death as a character first of all.
Now this is not a horror story, but at times you wouldn’t know it. You definitely know when death makes its arrival as a character, and as the story goes on, you may, in fact get goosebumps at what this character does.
The second thing was the ending which I really can’t give away so I won’t say anything about it, but it was extremely intense and so well done.
I can’t say that I felt happy reading this, but it stuck.
I’m still thinking about it even though I read it yesterday. You know there are some books that evaporate from one’s mind five minutes after one reads them.
One can say a lot about this story, but you can’t say that it fades very quickly.
I plan on continuing to read Hemingway’s seemingly endless and vast amount of short stories....more
I have to be honest. Although this book is superbly written, it was a DNF for me.
I did not imagine that it would be. First off, this book is about misI have to be honest. Although this book is superbly written, it was a DNF for me.
I did not imagine that it would be. First off, this book is about missing jewels.
Our main character is Kate and she is a Gemologist who gets an assignment to track down the missing Cheapside jewels.
I should say that the reason it’s considered historical fiction is because it alternates between the past and the present as there are multiple storylines going on from the first page.
While I have always sometimes rated books that I DNF, lately I’ve begun to do it more because I’m always worried that somebody will see a review with no stars, and think the book was awful and that was certainly not the case. I could actually see this being a five star read for many people. Many times one doesn’t connect with a book but that’s because it’s not their genre or for another reason. It doesn’t mean that the book is bad.
With this book , the way the gems are described, are amazing. I am a very visual reader, and I read in colors, and I had no problem whatsoever in that regard as the fiery, jewels, and their magnificence was described incredibly well, and kind of put me into a trance where I wanted to go to the nearest jewelry store and take a look around
I imagined it to be much different. When I first saw this book, I pictured kind of an adventure story, an archaeologist on a dig to find buried jewels, and I didn’t expect some of what I got which while not bad , are just not things I love.
I’m really not into multiple storylines and if there are going to be multiple storylines, I really prefer no more than two.
I forget where I stopped reading but there were three or four different plots, and a lot of people introduced very quickly and that’s just not the kind of book I am into.
The other problem for me was this appeared to be also a romance, and I could predict exactly who the romance was going to be between. I’m not that much of a romance reader, although interestingly enough , lately, I seem to be picking books and almost every one of them has some kind of romantic thing going on.
Sometimes I like it and sometimes I don’t but I really wasn’t in the mood for that.
So this wasn’t for me, but I could really see other people liking this, and I even really liked some aspects of it as I mentioned....more
I am just going to say what I feel. And my first thought, sitting down to write this review was :
How on earth am I going to review a book like this?!I am just going to say what I feel. And my first thought, sitting down to write this review was :
How on earth am I going to review a book like this?!
Strange Eden is a five star book.
Everybody should read it . If you have it on your to read list, bump it up.
it is a magnificent, sweeping saga that I literally could not stop reading until I finished.
This is historical fiction that takes place in the 1700s in the Caribbean in a house on a windswept beach in the Bahamas.
I just stumbled upon this book. Within about five seconds of reading what it was about, I knew that I would be reading it soon. I actually stopped reading another book to read this one. I read it over the course of a 48 hour time period.
Eliza is ahead of her time. She is what we would call today, a feminist.
As one might expect, feminism in the 1700s in the Bahamas in a house on a windswept Beach is not received with joy.
Eliza comes to be there after accepting a marriage proposal from Charles, a man whom she really doesn’t know at all.
Eliza has always dreamed of adventure in her life. She never really wanted to be married at all, but she dreams of seeing other, more exotic places and she desperately wants and yearns for freedom and she thinks this marriage will get her that.
The island does not receive her with welcoming arms. She is a stranger in a strange land, a woman in a man’s world and is horrified by some of the things that she sees .
One of them is the international slave trade, and I have to say upfront, that there was a lot of that in this book.
Naturally, Eliza is horrified at this and she wants to change things.
There is also a menacing, Governor’s mansion and a menacing governor, and then there is Cleo , one of the slaves and Celia, another slave, and the angelic Jean, who I can’t say much about.
Oh -- I must not forget the pirates! And there is also a Gothic feel and some super natural events.
But always there is Charles, her husband, and the two of them might be living on different planets for how much they understand each other.
Of course, in the year 2024 they could divorce but as you know things were quite different back then.
Eliza find solace and freedom in the ocean. The house Charles takes her to live in, is located on the beach with the swirl of the glittering waters inches from her at all times.
Eliza has no fear of the water. it is her friend.
I have to take a moment and say that this is one of the most lush, visually magnificent, gorgeously written books I’ve ever had the pleasure to read.
The island, and it’s tropical winds, the beach, and it’s ethereal glow in so many different shades of shimmering blues is described in an almost otherworldly way.
If you. are a visual reader and you like that kind of writing you really need to read this.
The essence of the Caribbean is present through the whole book. I have never been to the Bahamas, but I’ve been to other Caribbean islands, and this book left in my soul a longing to go back. It Left me thinking about the clear, gentle waters of palm tree, covered islands, and coconuts and Mystic beauty and tropical winds.
You can even inhale the smells and scents. You are put right there. . I’m telling you I was starry eyed reading this.
But there’s violence, and there’s things that could be triggering like slavery and emotional abuse and physical abuse.
And now I will continue on with my review, but I have to put in place spoilers so if you do have an interest in reading this book, I would stop here. For those that have read it or who don’t mind spoilers.
SPOILERS:
Yes, there is a romance in this book. No I generally don’t read much in the way of romance. Yes, I fucking loved the romance in this book.
It is very unlike me to get deeply emotionally invested in a romantic coupling in a book. I read much more romance in my teen years and 20s than I did in my childhood and adulthood. Don’t get me wrong. I have read many a smutty Jackie Collins novel in my time and love them but the point is my tastes have changed, and I don’t read as much romance anymore . But I loved the romance here.
But that is only one part of this book, one aspect, and I was just riveted by everything. I would say not only is this a five star book but one of the best books I’ve read this year and it has been an incredible year of books too.
Still with me?
Well, if anyone knows when part two is coming out feel free to comment in the comment section! Do authors read their own reviews on Goodreads? If so, please, I am yearning for part two. I hope it’s out soon. That was a heck of a way to end the book.
One last thing before I end this review. This year has been interesting for reading because there’s been a few times that some of my favorite books of 2024 have reminded me of some of my favorite books ever. I’m talking about books on my top 20 or 30 of all time.
This one really really reminds me of a book that I read in my youth called Fiona. I read it so many times that it became a joke in my family that I was always reading Fiona. That book also features a main character, who is a stranger in a strange land, and it takes place in the West Indies. It also deals heavily with the issue of slavery, and there was also a tragic romance In that book I guess I like these kind of books!
Five gorgeous turquoise, fragrant, tropical stars for a wonderful story....more
Sometimes when one has stayed in the cobwebs of dysfunction for so, so long, ruminating on escaping, day-dreaming of making a new life and contemplatiSometimes when one has stayed in the cobwebs of dysfunction for so, so long, ruminating on escaping, day-dreaming of making a new life and contemplating escape, they might find.....
Sometimes when one is alone and unseen, with only the flickering shadows of some burning sliver of discontent, a vision of how life will be when they get out, they realize.....
Sometimes when one is alone with the stale stench of regret, aimlessly watching the days wander by,
Sometimes when one longs for the future they might find.....
That they are far, far more comfortable with the present, the known, the familiar, a staid yet familiar kind of lonely pondering far from the great unknown monster of possible unfamiliar heartache.
They may find the paradise they have longed for, may start to feel like an icy nightmare, hemming them in, they may feel much more relaxed, much more serene in the stagnancy of the familiar versus the aching and cold yawning hole of the unknown, an unknown that can swallow one up, leaving no traces of who they once were....more
This book was a delightful romp through Green Meadows, bursting with wildflowers and fresh air, and oh, how I loved it.
Plain expectation’s wildly exceThis book was a delightful romp through Green Meadows, bursting with wildflowers and fresh air, and oh, how I loved it.
Plain expectation’s wildly exceeded my expectations. I had no idea what a shining gemstone of a story I was getting, read it in one sitting.
I should also stress I chose this after reading several very dark and disturbing books. I was in the mood for something light, and this book is a lot of things, but romance plays a role and that’s not usually the kind of book that I’m into.
I am here to tell you that anyone could get into this book, and I think it’s much more geared toward fans of books, like “Jane Eyre”, and “Pride and prejudice” and even “Cinderella” than anything else.
So Georgia has lived in the shadow of her sister, all her life. Georgia is not conventionally beautiful. She hides herself away, as dreamers tend to do sometimes, replenishing herself with books. She is an avid reader, and she loves to write.
But girls are being courted, and their hands asked for in marriage.
Georgia considers herself a plain Jane in part because that’s the way her sister and her mother have always treated her. But she also happens to be the sister of the prettiest girl in the countryside. It’s not easy for her and she has resigned herself that men will not be breaking down the door for her.
Then Mr. Garrett comes to town.
There is more than a spark of many different, classics in this book.
Others have mentioned “Pride and prejudice” and I thought that too, but “Jane Eyre” was the first one that came to my mind for me, which I read as a kid, and absolutely adored. This book is way lighter than Jane Eyre though.
There’s also something of the Cinderella story. But this is a clean book as there is no sex drugs, or even any rock ‘n’ roll!
It’s sparkling clean. So please do not go into this expecting a bodice ripper because it’s as far as that as one can get.
What makes this delightful is Georgia herself. I had an immediate connection with her. Just like I did with Jane Eyre when I was a kid. I wanted to be friend and and know her.
Of course, aspects of it are predictable, but I cannot even begin to tell you what a breath of fresh air the story is.
I felt like I’ve gone back in time because I read a lot more of these types of stories when I was younger. Maybe I should be reading more of them.
There’s a lot more that goes on, but I don’t want to reveal anything and I’m not even going to use spoilers to do that.
I will tell you if you choose this book you will not be fond of the sister. This is also an ugly duckling, beautiful swan, kind of story. Only Georgia is not ugly no matter how certain people choose to perceive her and there are plenty of other people who know that too.
To sum up… This book was utterly adorable. It’s so readable, even from the first page, and it was such a calming book and a fun book and glorious to read, After all the dark pages I’ve been taking in lately!
The last book I read before this was a five star read but it’s also one of the darkest stories I’ve read ever so to go from that to this was delicious.
What a beautiful period piece this was, light and airy and brimming over with fun and joy and love.
I would encourage anybody reading my review to pick up a copy of plain expectations. I am having an amazing reading year so far and this book is definitely at the top of the list....more
I went into this thinking it was a book from my past. Unfortunetly, I had the wrong book.
This IS the story of Helen but it's told in poetry, which reaI went into this thinking it was a book from my past. Unfortunetly, I had the wrong book.
This IS the story of Helen but it's told in poetry, which really isn't my thing and that was why I knew immediately I had the wrong book.
I remember a book from decades ago about Helen and have been on a quest to find it.
While the prose is undeniably beautiful in this, and the words fluid and lovely, reading about her life through poetic verse is simply not for me....more
I have not finished this book yet. That’s why I haven’t rated it.
This is more of a book that I’m reading on and off and probably won’t finish for at lI have not finished this book yet. That’s why I haven’t rated it.
This is more of a book that I’m reading on and off and probably won’t finish for at least a year. I’ve done this in the past, especially with history style books.
I’ve always been a bit of a history buff and I especially love history about New England or historical fiction. That takes place in New England.
Maybe that’s because I’m from New England. This is writings on the mayflower, a particularly fascinating subject. However, this is not a book to read quickly.
For those who have not been to Plymouth Massachusetts, in particular, I highly recommend going. I especially recommend if you hold a fascination with the Pilgrims and their journey, Plymouth is a gorgeous community, bursting with New England charm. I can’t even imagine what it must’ve been like Wayback when.
Massachusetts in general is like a gigantic history book and for the people who live there I imagine it must be like living inside a history book. I mean everywhere you turn there is history. Massachusetts also has, beautiful, adorable little books stores dotted all across its lands.
It’s no wonder Massachusetts is known to be the State with the best educational system in America. Anyway, I will write an in-depth review when I finish this which will likely not be for a long time....more
There was a time when I felt a little guilty about abandoning a book before I was finished with it.
Books are such beautiful night flowers that would iThere was a time when I felt a little guilty about abandoning a book before I was finished with it.
Books are such beautiful night flowers that would it not make sense to read and finish every book? To complete every work of literature, even if somethings not clicking for you?
Heck no.
DNFing A book these days comes very naturally to me. There are too many books and not enough time. So why waste time on ones that you don’t like at all?
Such was the case for me with “ A passage to India. “
Everybody has their own reasons for choosing a book. I chose this one because the subject matter interested me, and because I thought the writing would be vivid and descriptive and make India bloom to life in front of my very eyes.
I kind of knew I was off to a bad start within the first couple of pages when things were described as fading and decrepit. Those are my words by the way, I can’t remember the exact words in the book but you get the picture.
I have always had an interest in other cultures, and when I was a kid, I read a lot of history on India and Native American culture and there’s a couple of books that rank among my favorites on this very subject..
This was not one of them. I knew it was going to be about colonization. I knew it was going to involve an accusation against one of the characters, but what I didn’t know and I’m sorry to say this, is how utterly bored I would be.
To be clear, I am definitely not, not recommending this book. But it was much too dense for me in the sense that, although I read long and dense books all the time , I need them to excite me and mesmerize me.
For example, my two favorite books in the world are huge. One of them is a” A tree grows in Brooklyn”, and the other one is a story about Cleopatra, which runs to almost 800 pages .
But you see, when you’re really loving on a book, you don’t feel the length. You’re actually disappointed when the book ends.
There was a paragraph in the book that sums up why I didn’t continue to read it. Because I would’ve been pretending.
In this book, one of the characters ponders, the fact that people are all actors, acting through the days, pretending to be much happier than they really are.
These people it is explained , miss a lot of great days, pretending to be happy over mundane things.
I guess the reason I gave up on this is because I didn’t want to pretend to be happy reading it....more
I came to know about the story, because I am reading a book that feaI very rarely give a book a one star.
I especially avoid doing that with classics.
I came to know about the story, because I am reading a book that features very short story, Classics by various writers.
Never in 1 million years did I think that a reportedly sweet little story about love would garner from me a one star review .
So why did I choose to do this? It has nothing to do with the quality of the writing .
I wanna make that clear, nor does it have to do with how short it is.
No. The reason this short story supposedly about young love, gets a one star review is because what it is supposed to be about it is not about.
What it is about is… Moles.
You see, the two girls who are very close, although very different, have one thing in common. They like to chase and murder moles.
As somebody who hates animal cruelty in Books, I was stunned at this story, because more prominently featured than any love story, are moles.
The girls go on and on about whether to kill this mole. Is it worth it? They wonder. They’re such pesky little things and they get into everything.
So they catch it and kill it with a little bit of torture first.
So yes, this is a clear and present warning that if you detest animal cruelty in Books, you should stay far far away from this one.
But it’s not just the one Mole. In an effort to prove – Well – something, not sure what, One of the girls ponders over killing a second mole and bringing it to her love interest.
I was bewildered, and disgusted. I have absolutely no idea of the symbolism of the moles. nor do I care. I just know one thing this story was no way for me....more
What a magnificent read about ancient Greek history! Review coming soon but highly HIGHLY recommended.
So anybody who follows my reviews probably knowsWhat a magnificent read about ancient Greek history! Review coming soon but highly HIGHLY recommended.
So anybody who follows my reviews probably knows that I’ve never bumped into a book about ancient Greece, I didn’t want to get to know better.
To put it bluntly that means I am a student of Greek mythology, a mythology geek, and I really really like books about ancient Greece.
And yes, oh yes, I’ve dreamed about living in ancient Greece, and attending the Greek theater, and meeting Zeus and Artemis and Aphrodite and Apollo and Athena. All of them.
I want to mix and mingle in Greece in a gorgeous Blue and white villa with the sea as my backyard bathing myself in Rose and Jasmine.
This book is like one long poem, a sort of love letter to ancient Greece. I inhaled it quickly, finishing it and lamenting that there wasn’t any more.
But the great thing about this book is mythology is only one chapter, which I didn’t know when I started it.
It’s all about Greek philosophy and Greek, mathematics, and Greek electronics, and Greek actors. It’s about everything Ancient Greece.
It’s also about how ancient Greece is still with us today and how it’s influenced so much in America.
But those aren’t the only reasons I loved this book.
It was the writer! They use so many metaphors, and so many similes and so much bright, colorful imaginative prose that I was delighted.
The reason I was delighted is because I do that in my own writing, and some people love it, and some people curse me out for it but that’s where my mind goes and I can’t help myself.
So yes, this book is as golden as Apollo’s sun , as delicate as Artemis’s Moon, as intense as the Goddess Hera, and as fertile in lushness and texture as the Goddess Demeter.
So yes, Greece comes alive. It does under the tender care of this writer. It’s a beautiful book, a delicious ode to the beauty of ancient Greece and I can’t recommend it highly enough. I’ve had a lot of stress in my life these last couple of months, and this book had me laughing and smiling and feeling rather awestruck .
Bren fall in love with the sea.
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