George Washington's Secret Six by Brian Kilmead and Don Yaeger - Review

Book details

Paperback: 320 pages

Publisher: Sentinel; Reprint edition (October 18, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0143130609

ISBN-13: 978-0143130604

Book description

When George Washington beat a hasty retreat from New York City in August 1776, many thought the American Revolution might soon be over. Instead, Washington rallied—thanks in large part to a little-known, top-secret group called the Culper Spy Ring. He realized that he couldn’t defeat the British with military might, so he recruited a sophisticated and deeply secretive intelligence network to infiltrate New York.

Drawing on extensive research, Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger have offered fascinating portraits of these spies: a reserved Quaker merchant, a tavern keeper, a brash young longshoreman, a curmudgeonly Long Island bachelor, a coffeehouse owner, and a mysterious woman. Long unrecognized, the secret six are finally receiving their due among the pantheon of American heroes.

Meet the authors: Brian Kilmeade and Don Yaeger

Brian Kilmeade cohosts Fox News Channel’s morning show Fox & Friends and hosts the nationally syndicated radio show The Brian Kilmeade Show. The author of two previous books about sports, he lives on Long Island.

Don Yaeger has written twenty-three books, including seven New York Times bestsellers. He lives in Tallahassee, Florida.

My thoughts

I really enjoyed this book and thought the author did a good job.  It did not read like a normal history book it read like a novel.  The author's attention to detail added to the story for me.  He also gave some good theories on #355 that made sense.  I will be looking for more books by these authors. 

Before and After by Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 22, 2019)

ISBN-13: 978-0593130148

Book description

The incredible, poignant true stories of victims of a notorious adoption scandal--some of whom learned the truth from Lisa Wingate's bestselling novel Before We Were Yours and were reunited with birth family members as a result of its wide reach

From the 1920s to 1950, Georgia Tann ran a black-market baby business at the Tennessee Children's Home Society in Memphis. She offered up more than 5,000 orphans tailored to the wish lists of eager parents--hiding the fact that many weren't orphans at all, but stolen sons and daughters of poor families, desperate single mothers, and women told in maternity wards that their babies had died.

The publication of Lisa Wingate's novel Before We Were Yours brought new awareness of Tann's lucrative career in child trafficking. Adoptees who knew little about their pasts gained insight into the startling facts behind their family histories. Encouraged by their contact with Wingate and award-winning journalist Judy Christie, who documented the stories of fifteen adoptees in this book, many determined Tann survivors set out to trace their roots and find their birth families.

Before and After includes moving and sometimes shocking accounts of the ways in which adoptees were separated from their first families. Often raised as only children, many have joyfully reunited with siblings in the final decades of their lives. In Before and After, Wingate and Christie tell of first meetings that are all the sweeter and more intense for time missed and of families from very different social backgrounds reaching out to embrace better-late-than-never brothers, sisters, and cousins. In a poignant culmination of art meeting life, long-silent victims of the tragically corrupt system return to Memphis with Wingate and Christie to reclaim their stories at a Tennessee Children's Home Society reunion . . . with extraordinary results.

Meet the authors - Judy Christie and Lisa Wingate

Judy Christie is an award-winning journalist and the author of eighteen books of both fiction and nonfiction. A former editor at daily newspapers in Tennessee, Louisiana, Florida, and Indiana, she holds a master’s degree in literature from Louisiana State University in Shreveport. She and her husband live in rural Colorado.

Lisa Wingate is a former journalist, an inspirational speaker, and the author of numerous novels, including the New York Times bestseller Before We Were Yours and the national bestseller Tending Roses. She is a two-time ACFW Carol Award winner, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, and a Southern Book Prize winner. She lives with her husband in North Texas.

My thoughts

I just finished Before and After during my lunch today. I loved this book I think even more than Before We Were Yours. I just can't seem to say enough about this book or to really put into words how it made me feel but I will try.  It was so personal and I really felt for each person's story you shared. I can't imagine going through what those children and some of the parents went through. I highly recommend you read Before We Were Yours and then reading this book. There is something about this book and these stories that just stay with you even when ou are not reading it. You will not be able to put either book down.

The Romanov Sister by Helen Rappaport - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 512 pages

Publisher: St. Martin's Press; First edition (June 3, 2014)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 9781250020208

ISBN-13: 978-1250020208

Book description

They were the Princess Dianas of their day—perhaps the most photographed and talked about young royals of the early twentieth century. The four captivating Russian Grand Duchesses—Olga, Tatiana, Maria and Anastasia Romanov—were much admired for their happy dispositions, their looks, the clothes they wore and their privileged lifestyle.

Over the years, the story of the four Romanov sisters and their tragic end in a basement at Ekaterinburg in 1918 has clouded our view of them, leading to a mass of sentimental and idealized hagiography. With this treasure trove of diaries and letters from the grand duchesses to their friends and family, we learn that they were intelligent, sensitive and perceptive witnesses to the dark turmoil within their immediate family and the ominous approach of the Russian Revolution, the nightmare that would sweep their world away, and them along with it.

The Romanov Sisters sets out to capture the joy as well as the insecurities and poignancy of those young lives against the backdrop of the dying days of late Imperial Russia, World War I and the Russian Revolution. Rappaort aims to present a new and challenging take on the story, drawing extensively on previously unseen or unpublished letters, diaries and archival sources, as well as private collections. It is a book that will surprise people, even aficionados.

Meet the author - Helen Rappaport

Helen F. Rappaport (née Ware; born 1947), is a British historian, author, and former actress. As a historian, she specialises in the Victorian era and revolutionary Russia.
Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

My thoughts

I loved this book. I actually listened to the audio version and am so happy I did as I am not sure I could have pronounced the names in this book. I had not read anything about this family nor did I really know anything about them. They talked a lot about hemophilia which is of particular interest to me as my nephew has this horrible disease.  It was interesting to hear about their lives and how the girls helped with the War and enjoyed being able to help.  Their mother had a lot of health issues which kept her from being able to do as much as she wanted with the children but did not hinder their love for each other.  I also liked how it show how much their father loved them even though they were not boys.  He did not care that when the were born he did not have a male heir to the throne, he was just happy to have a healthy child. The closeness that this family shared is not something you always see in Royal families so that was refreshing to see. I highly recommend this book. 

The Secret Token by Andrew Lawler - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 448 pages

Publisher: Doubleday; 1st Edition edition (June 5, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0385542011

ISBN-13: 978-0385542012

Book description

A sweeping account of America's oldest unsolved mystery, the people racing to unearth its answer, and the sobering truths--about race, gender, and immigration--exposed by the Lost Colony of Roanoke

In 1587, 115 men, women, and children arrived at Roanoke Island on the coast of North Carolina. Chartered by Queen Elizabeth I, their colony was to establish England's first foothold in the New World. But when the colony's leader, John White, returned to Roanoke from a resupply mission, his settlers were nowhere to be found. They left behind only a single clue--a "secret token" carved into a tree. Neither White nor any other European laid eyes on the colonists again.

What happened to the Lost Colony of Roanoke? For four hundred years, that question has consumed historians and amateur sleuths, leading only to dead ends and hoaxes. But after a chance encounter with a British archaeologist, journalist Andrew Lawler discovered that solid answers to the mystery were within reach. He set out to unravel the enigma of the lost settlers, accompanying competing researchers, each hoping to be the first to solve its riddle. In the course of his journey, Lawler encounters a host of characters obsessed with the colonists and their fate, and he determines why the Lost Colony continues to haunt our national consciousness.

Thrilling and absorbing, The Secret Token offers a new understanding not just of the first English settlement in the New World but of how its disappearance continues to define--and divide--America.

Meet the author - Andrew Lawler

Andrew Lawler is author of two books, The Secret Token: Myth, Obsession, and the Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke, a national bestseller, and the widely acclaimed Why Did the Chicken Cross the World?: The Epic Saga of the Bird that Powers Civilization. As a long-time journalist, he has written more than a thousand newspaper and magazine articles, and his byline has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, National Geographic, Smithsonian, and many others. He is a contributing writer for Science and a contributing editor for Archaeology. Andrew’s work has appeared several times in The Best of Science and Nature Writing. For more, see www.andrewlawler.com

My thoughts

I thought this book was interesting and I learned a few things reading it. Like the author mentions when you start thinking about the mystery behind Roanoke Island it just sucks you in and does not let you go. I have watched many shows on this and keep hoping that by some miracle we will find out what happened to this lost colonists.  I like how the author explored all the options and did his research in trying to find the truth. I am not sure we will ever find out what happened but it is nice to think we have.  I was also shocked about how some groups use Virginia Dare as a model for their own agenda. I don't want to say what I mean by this as I want you to read the book for your own thoughts. For me I hope that the Native Americans did take them in and they became a part of their family rather that to think they all just perished. A very informative book. 

The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin - Review

Book details

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Harper Perennial; 3rd edition (October 11, 2005)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0060520760

ISBN-13: 978-0060520762

Book description

“David Laskin deploys historical fact of the finest grain to tell the story of a monstrous blizzard that caught the settlers of the Great Plains utterly by surprise. Using the storm as a lens, Laskin captures the brutal, heartbreaking folly of this chapter in America’s history, and along the way delves into the freakish physics of extreme cold. This is a book best read with a fire roaring in the hearth and a blanket and box of tissues near at hand.” — Erik Larson, author of The Devil in the White City

Thousands of impoverished Northern European immigrants were promised that the prairie offered "land, freedom, and hope." The disastrous blizzard of 1888 revealed that their free homestead was not a paradise but a hard, unforgiving place governed by natural forces they neither understood nor controlled, and America’s heartland would never be the same.

This P.S. edition features an extra 16 pages of insights into the book, including author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

Meet the author - David Laskin

David Laskin was born in New York in 1953 and educated at Harvard College and New College, Oxford. For the past twenty-five years, Laskin has written books and articles on a wide range of subjects including history, weather, travel, gardens and the natural world. His most recent book, The Children’s Blizzard, won the Washington State Book Award and the Midwest Booksellers’ Choice Award for Nonfiction. Laskin’s other titles include Braving the Elements: The Stormy History of American Weather, Partisans: Marriage, Politics and Betrayal Among the New York Intellectuals, A Common Life: Four Generations of American Literary Friendship and Influence, and Artists in their Gardens (co-authored with Valerie Easton). A frequent contributor to The New York Times Travel Section, Laskin also writes for the Washington Post, the Seattle Times, and Seattle Metropolitan. He and his wife Kate O’Neill, the parents of three grown daughters, live in Seattle with their two sweet old dogs.

My thoughts

Overall I really liked this book but there were a few parts that drug a little for me. Those parts were when meteorology and the process of putting out the cold weather flags. For me on small chapter on this would have been enough. With that being said the rest of the book was so enjoyable for me that it outweighed the other. I don't really like saying the book was enjoyable as it was about many people's pain and suffering so it was not "enjoyable" in that it was a fun book but "enjoyable" in that it was very informative to me. I grew up in Nebraska and Kansas and have been to many parts of Nebraska and South Dakota that were mentioned in this book. My ancestors were Norwegians that settled in the Dakota Territory where this book took place. I am sure I had family that went through this horrible time period and would like to know their story and how they fared. I liked that the author used first hand accounts to tell many of the stories. I can't imagine being that teacher who had to make the decision on whether or not to send the children home and then finding out the kids did not survive. The way this blizzard happened after a very nice day is so typical of the Midwest weather. I highly recommend this book. 

Mayflower by Nathaniel Philbrick - Review

Book details

Paperback: 463 pages

Publisher: Penguin Books (April 24, 2007)

ISBN-13: 978-0143111979

Book description

How did America begin? That simple question launches the acclaimed author of In the Hurricane's Eyeand Valiant Ambition on an extraordinary journey to understand the truth behind our most sacred national myth: the voyage of the Mayflower and the settlement of Plymouth Colony. As Philbrick reveals in this electrifying history of the Pilgrims, the story of Plymouth Colony was a fifty-five year epic that began in peril and ended in war. New England erupted into a bloody conflict that nearly wiped out the English colonists and natives alike. These events shaped the existing communites and the country that would grow from them.

Meet the author - Nathaniel Philbrick

Nathaniel Philbrick is the author of In the Heart of the Sea, winner of the National Book Award; Mayflower, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize; Bunker Hill, winner of the New England Book Award; Sea of Glory; The Last Stand; Why Read Moby Dick?; Away Off Shore; and most recently, Valiant Ambition. He lives in Nantucket.

My thoughts

I thought this book was interesting. For being a non-fiction book I thought it read very well, almost like a novel in some parts. It was full of historical details that were new to me. I also learned some things that I did not like. For example when the English stole from the Native Americans or when they started to dig up the burial grounds. But even through all of that I still enjoyed this book and will be reading more by this author. 

The Acid Watcher Diet by Jonathan Aviv MD FACS - Review

Book details

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Harmony; 1 edition (January 24, 2017)

ISBN-13: 978-1101905586

Book description

Dr. Aviv guides readers through healthy dietary choices with targeted recipes, helping them balance their bodies and minds for optimal health and break acid-generating habits for good.

Do you suffer from abdominal bloating; a chronic, nagging cough or sore throat; postnasal drip; a feeling of a lump in the back of your throat; allergies; or shortness of breath?
If so, odds are that you are experiencing acid reflux without recognizing its silent symptoms, which can lead to serious long-term health problems, including esophageal cancer.

In The Acid Watcher Diet, Dr. Jonathan Aviv, a leading authority on the diagnosis and treatment of acid reflux disease, helps readers identify those often misunderstood symptoms while providing a proven solution for reducing whole-body acid damage quickly and easily.

His 28-day program is part of a two-phase eating plan, with a healthy balance of both macronutrients (proteins, carbs, and fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), that works to immediately neutralize acid and relieve the inflammation at the root of acid reflux.

Meet the author - Jonathan Aviv MD FACS

DR. JONATHAN E. AVIV, MD, FACS is a world-renowned physician, surgeon, educator, inventor, speaker, and author. He is the clinical director of the Voice and Swallowing Center of ENT and Allergy Associates, the largest ear, nose, and throat private practice group in the United States. He is also clinical professor of otolaryngology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

My thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. I have suffered from extreme acid reflux for years now. My was found by a chronic cough and I do have some damage already as I have a burn in my throat. So when I saw this book I thought it would be good for me. I plan on starting the diet here in a week. This book was very informative and I know I will be going back to it time and again. The recipes in the book are actually foods I would eat so I am actually looking forward to starting this. I highly recommend this book if you suffer from any type of acid issues. 

Monticello: The Official Guide to Thomas Jefferson's World - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 144 pages

Publisher: National Geographic (March 1, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1426215061

ISBN-13: 978-1426215063

Book description

For the first time, Monticello has an official guidebook that reflects the unique statesman and inventor Thomas Jefferson, his home, and his world. Showcasing the recent restoration of the home and plantation, it features information about the slaves of Mulberry Row, as well as the state-of-the-art visitor and education center. Each of the guide's 144 pages is designed to showcase the topics in its five chapters: Thomas Jefferson, Before Your Visit, The House, The Plantation, and the Neighborhood. Photographs, art and cutaways, and maps accompany featured stories both iconic and little-known from Monticello's curators.

Meet the author

The THOMAS JEFFERSON FOUNDATION was incorporated in 1923 to “preserve Monticello as a memorial to Thomas Jefferson and his ideas.” As the owner and operator of the estate, the company has been dedicated to its dual mission of preservation and education for more than 90 years. It has painstakingly worked to restore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, seek out original furnishings, reacquire plantation lands, and expand educational programs.

My thoughts

I really enjoyed this book. For someone who is unable to go visit Monticello at this time but would love to it is a way to see inside the famous home of Thomas Jefferson. I liked how there was not only pictures but facts included. This book was also rich with history of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson and the lands. The pictures were well taken and were very crisp. I am glad that checked this book out as it was worth the time I took to read it. 

The Art of Southern Charm by Patricia Altschul - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Diversion Books (April 18, 2017)

ISBN-13: 978-1682308356

Book description

Fan-favorite Bravolebrity Patricia Altschul from the primetime show, Southern Charm, finally brings fans of the show her opus on etiquette and living a glamorous champagne Southern lifestyle (on a beer budget). From how to throw the best party, to how to dress for an event, to how to handle a drunken bore at the dinner table, to how to deliver the perfectly-phrased insult (like her now iconic "shameless strumpet"), THE ART OF SOUTHERN CHARM will delight fashionistas and millennials alike as Patricia--and Michael the Butler--offer advice and tips on emulating the grand dame of Charleston

Meet the author - Patricia Altschul

Patricia Altschul has been featured in publications including Vogue, Town & Country, Architectural Digest, People; and she is the surprise break-out star of the Bravo hit reality series, Southern Charm. Wise, cultivated, elegant, and funny, Patricia is a consummate hostess and a lifestyle icon whose unique combination of class and sass has endeared her to fans of all ages.

Patricia has earned her status as a preeminent tastemaker. She received her Master’s Degree from George Washington University, where she lectured on Art History. She was a highly-successful art advisor who also amassed her own art collection and has served on the board of the New York Historical Society and other institutions. In addition to being an academic and a philanthropist, she has done a life-long tour-of-duty at the top of the social ladder in Washington, D.C., Oyster Bay, and on Manhattan’s storied Fifth Avenue, where she observed--and ultimately dictated--the modern-day rules of civility. Patricia, who really puts the “social” in social networking, has a glorious brain, the best legs, a killer sense of humor, and expertly curates every aspect of her life.

My thoughts

If you are a fan of Southern Charm and Patricia then you will love this book. As I was reading this book I could hear Patricia talking to me through the book just like she would be talking to Shep, Thomas or Kathryn. This was a very quick read for me as I just could not put it down. Patricia gives you some good tips on how to have your own Southern Charm and she even shares with you some of her favorite recipes. Glad I picked this book up. 

The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (June 6, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0718095588

ISBN-13: 978-0718095581

Book description

A simple way to connect your neighborhood, your community and build friendships.

Are you consumed with a busy life but unsure how to slow down? Do you desire connection within your community and think, “Absolutely, but I don’t have time for that” or “I can’t create that”? What if there was another way through it all, a way to find those moments of peace and to create a time for honest, comfortable connection? What if meeting neighbors and connecting with friends was as simple as showing up and being available?

Desperate for a way to slow down and connect, Kristin Schell put an ordinary picnic table in her front yard, painted it turquoise, and began inviting friends and neighbors to join her. Life changed in her community and it can change in yours, too. Alongside personal and heartwarming stories, Kristin gives you:

Stress-free ideas for kick-starting your own Turquoise Table
Simple recipes to take outside and share with others
Stories from people using Turquoise Tables in their neighborhoods
Encouragement to overcome barriers that keep you from connecting
New ways to view hospitality

Today, Turquoise Tables are inviting individuals to connect with each other in nearly all fifty states and seven countries. Ordinary people like you wanting to make a difference right where they live.

Community and friendship are waiting just outside your front door.

Meet the author - Kristin Schell

Kristin Schell is an established speaker and blogger on the subjects of food, faith, and hospitality. Passionate about community, she has served at every level, from grassroots-level work in church and local nonprofits as well our nation’s capital. As founder of the Turquoise Table and Front Yard People movement, Kristin travels the country speaking at conferences and events with an encouraging word on how to open our lives and homes to others. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Tony, and their four children.

For more information on the Turquoise Table please join Kristin at www.theturquoisetable.com 

 

My thoughts

I thought this was a well written book. The pictures in the book were very well done, they were sharp and clear. I liked how the stories held my interest and I found myself looking forward to the next tidbit I would read. Her ideas and recipes were nice and I look forward to trying them out. I think this would be a good addition to your home library. 

Lagom by Niki Brantmark - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 288 pages

Publisher: Harper Design (October 3, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0062748793

ISBN-13: 978-0062748799

Book description

In a fast-paced world, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could slow down and enjoy a life with less pressure, less stress, and more time for the things you love?

Sweden is ranked in the top three of the world’s happiest places to live, and lagom, which means “not too much and not too little—just right,” is the Swedish philosophy for enjoying balance in every aspect of life—from work and leisure to family and food, and everything in between. Experienced bakers know by touch when the dough they are kneading is lagom—not too moist and not too dry. At the office, professionals who work hard—but not to the detriment of other parts of their lives—are following the lagom ideal. Lagom is moderation, balance, and equality.

By using the Swedish lifestyle as an example, Niki Brantmark offers insightful suggestions and bite-sized actions to help you make subtle changes to your life, so you too can make time for the things that matter most and find greater happiness.

Meet the author - Niki Brantmark

Niki Brantmark is the founder and curator of the award winning daily interior design blog My Scandinavian Home, which was inspired by her move to Sweden from London over ten years ago. Myscandinavianhome.com is extremely popular, having received over 18 million hits and averaging around 550,000 page views per month from readers all over the world. Modern Pastoral is her first book. Niki lives with her family in Malmö, Sweden.

My thoughts

This was a very good book. I got a copy from the library but I may have to purchase my own copy later. There were many good things I found I would like to incorporate in my life. I made notes while reading so I would not forget things. One thing I liked was work for 52 minutes rest for 17 or get away from your desk every hour. I may not be able to be away from my desk for 17 minutes at a time but I am going to try to make it a point to at least get up and take a two minute break. I do already get away from my desk for lunch but I am going to try and "get away" by taking my lunch in a quieter area than I do just to recharge. I highly recommend this book for those looking for a way to make your life a little more simplistic. 

The Journey of Crazy Horse by Joseph M. Marshall III - Review

Book details

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Penguin Books; Reprint edition (September 27, 2005)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0143036211

ISBN-13: 978-0143036210

Book description

A captivating biography of the man who became a legend at the Battle of the Little Bighorn

As a brilliant leader of a desperate cause and one of the most perennially fascinating figures of the American West, Crazy Horse crushed Custer's 7th Cavalry and brought the United States Army to its knees. Now, with the help of celebrated historian Joseph Marshall, we finally have the opportunity to know Crazy Horse as his fellow Lakota Indians knew him.

Drawing on extensive research and a rich oral tradition that it rarely shared outside Native American circles, Marshall - himself a descendent of the Lakota community that raised Crazy Horse - creates a vibrant portrait of the man, his times, and his legacy. From the powerful vision that spurred him into battle to the woman he loved but lost to duty and circumstance, this is a compelling celebration of a culture, an enduring way of life, and the unforgettable hero who remains a legend among legends.

Meet the author - Joseph Marshall III

Joseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, including Hundred in the Hand, The Lakota Way, and The Journey of Crazy Horse, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts primitive Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. Marshall's work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard in the Turner Network Television and Dreamworks epic television miniseries Into the West.

My thoughts

I enjoyed this book and learned more about Crazy Horse as I read. Of course the more I read the the more I angry I got. Growing up around Native American Reservations I have a respect for them. I know they were treated badly but I did not realize exactly what they did to him and his family. I liked that this was told from their point of view which I feel should have been done a long time ago. I enjoyed the story at the end as well as who the author got his information from. There is a lot of information packed in this book but not so much that it is overwhelming. The way the author wrote it makes you want to continue reading to learn more about Crazy Horse and his people. I recommend this book to anyone who is wanting to learn a little more about our history from the way it happened and not the way the history books want you to think it all happened. 

Unorganized Crime by Synova Cantrell - Review

I received this book free from the author. All opinions are my own

Book details

Paperback: 214 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 6, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1539389324

ISBN-13: 978-1539389323

Book description

Why would anyone want to be a gangster? “I wanted the respect, the women, and the money” – Sidney Heard. Raised in a mob-controlled suburb of Chicago, Sidney Heard grew up wanting to be a gangster. He was on probation by the age of thirteen, and continued building his criminal resume over the next half a century. He was a professional arsonist for nearly twenty years; escaped from jail twice; ran a gold scandal grossing over a quarter of a million dollars, and that’s just to name a few of his illegal escapades. To top it off, he played a role in one of the most important Supreme Court Decisions of all time (Gideon vs. Wainwright). Sidney’s underworld connections ran from the Chicago-based Italians, to the Mexican Mafia. He even worked undercover for the Federal Government at one point in his life. However, all of Sidney’s so-called glory would come with a price. While working undercover for the F.B.I. D.E.A., Sidney became hooked on drugs. He soon found himself staring at 125 years of jail time , a massive criminal record, and pushing his fiftieth birthday. Can a career criminal change? “One of the few books written that gives the reader an insight into the criminal mind” – Retired FBI Agent Egelston

Meet the author - Synova Lantreli

Synova Cantrell is a true crime writer/blogger, fiction writer, and children’s book author. As a freelance journalist, her works could be seen online at ehow.com, livestrong.com/lifestyle, hubpages.com, and amykitchenerfdn.org and in five regional publications. Deeply concerned with illiteracy in America’s youth, Synova took her children’s book The Sleepy Little Sun and spoke in schools state-wide about the importance of reading. As a motivational speaker, Synova has encouraged fellow writers at local conferences, presided over a local writers’ guild, and spoke at writing workshops. For more information of her many projects or to follow her true crime blog, log on to www.synovaink.com

My thoughts

I thought this was a very interesting book. This book held my attention from the first page and did not stop until the end. You can tell by reading it that the author really did her research. I liked her writing style as well as I thought the book flowed nicely. It shows in the little details. Sidney wanted so bad to be in the mob that he committed a number of crimes trying to prove he could do it. He was a very smart man and it showed in the crimes he committed and how some of them played out. All he really wanted was to be a gangster and he spent his life with that goal in mind. I think no matter what he put his mind to he could have done he just chose the criminal path. I am glad I got the chance to read this book and learn about Sidney Heard. 

Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops by Jen Campbell - Revoew

Book details

Paperback: 208 pages

Publisher: The Overlook Press; 1 edition (July 26, 2016)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1468308939

ISBN-13: 978-1468308938

Book description

This irresistible collection is proof positive that booksellers everywhere are heroes

A simple Twitter question posed by John Cleese―“What is your biggest pet peeve?”―inspired Jen Campbell to start a blog collecting all the ridiculous conversations overheard in her bookstore.

“Did Beatrix Potter ever write a book about dinosaurs?”

“Did Charles Dickens ever write anything fun?”

“I’ve forgotten my glasses, can you read me the first chapter?”

“Excuse me . . . is this book edible?”

Filled with fun and quirky illustrations by the award-winning Brothers McLeod and featuring contributions from booksellers across the United States and Canada, as well as the author’s native UK, Weird Things Customers Say in Bookstores is a celebration of bookstores, large and small, and of the brilliant booksellers who toil in those literary fields, as well as the myriad of colorful characters that walk through the doors everyday.

60 b&w illustrations

Meet the author - Jen Campbell

Jen Campbell is the author of the Sunday Times bestselling 'Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops' series, the first of which was published in 2012. Its sequel, 'More Weird Things Customers Say in Bookshops', was released in 2013. 'Weird Things...' is available in ten languages, and was a finalist in the Goodreads Choice Awards

Her new non-fiction book 'The Bookshop Book' is the official book of the Books Are My Bag campaign.

Jen is also an award-winning poet and short story writer. Her poetry pamphlet 'The Hungry Ghost Festival' is published by The Rialto, and she is currently writing a short story collection.

Jen grew up in a small village by the sea in the north-east of England. After studying English Literature at Edinburgh University, she moved to north London to sell books and write stories. She works part-time at an antiquarian bookshop and runs a Booktube channel at www.youtube.com/jenvcampbell.

She is represented by Charlie Campbell at Kingsford Campbell.

My thoughts

This was a funny book that made me laugh out loud, which by the way I do not normally do. I was able to read this book in one day it was so good and easy to read. I just can't imagine all the dumb things or weird things that people say to booksellers - oh but wait yes I can. Some of my favorites were I loved the "Diary of Anne Frank" did she write a sequel? Where is your true fiction section? This "Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter" book is the more historically accurate fiction book I have read. There were many more like Are ebooks paperback or hardback? Are books edible? This book was well worth the time I took to read and made my day. 

Mary Ingalls The College Years by Marie Tschopp - Review

Book details

Paperback: 70 pages

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform; 1 edition (June 21, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1545241899

ISBN-13: 978-1545241899

Book description

At the young age of fourteen, Mary Ingalls suffered an illness, causing her to lose her eyesight. Despite this trauma, Mary—the famous older sister of author Laura Ingalls Wilder, who is best known for her children’s book series—led a remarkable life.

Mary Ingalls—the College Years explores the young adult life of the oldest Ingalls sister, following her years spent at the Iowa College for the Blind. Readers learn of the subjects Mary studied, Mary’s academic performance, her success after graduation, and the sacrifices the Ingalls family made for their eldest daughter’s education. Additionally, readers are introduced to the history, development, and controversy surrounding one of America’s earliest schools for the blind.

In this book—decorated with never-before-published archived photos—celebrated storyteller, historical performer, and author Marie Tschopp paints a historically accurate picture of Mary Ingalls’s life as a student. Fans of Ingalls Wilder’s beloved novels will enjoy this captivating biography that explores the real life of Mary Ingalls.

Meet the author - Marie Tschopp

Marie Tschopp is a professional storyteller, performer, and celebrated author. For more than twenty-five years, Tschopp has performed as Laura Ingalls Wilder throughout the Midwest. As a member of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Legacy and Research Association, Tschopp became inspired to research the life of Mary Ingalls, Laura’s older sister, to further educate her audience of Ingalls enthusiasts.

Marie is a lifelong midwesterner and is married with two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and one rambunctious granddog.

My thoughts

With me being a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder I am always looking for more books about her and her family. This book tells the story of the Iowa School for the Blind that Laura's sister Mary went to to get an education after she went blind. It also tells the story of Mary and what she did after school. It is not a very long book and can be read in one sitting. I thought it was interesting even though I would have liked for it to be a bit longer as I wanted even more information about her. A nice addition to my collection of Laura Ingalls books. 

A Prairie Girl's Faith by Stephen W. Hines - Review

I received this book free from the publisher

Book details

Hardcover: 224 pages

Publisher: WaterBrook (February 6, 2018)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0735289786

ISBN-13: 978-0735289789

Book description

The beloved author of the Little House books was not only one of America's great pioneer storytellers but a woman of vibrant faith.

A Prairie Girl's Faith provides the first extended, in depth discussion of the Christian faith of one of America's most beloved pioneer women--Laura Ingalls Wilder. Although the faith of the Ingalls' family pervades books in the Little House series, the more specific details of Laura's faith have never been fully explored. It took extraordinary pluck for anyone to survive the harshness of frontier life--from the heartbreak of sudden crop losses to murderous storms to unrelenting loneliness. This book reveals how in surviving, the brave Laura drew not just on her character, but found encouragement, strength, and hope in her relationship with God.

Meet the author - Stephen W. Hines

STEPHEN HINES is a recognized authority on Laura Ingalls Wilder and has authored several best-selling volumes on her life, including Little House in the Ozarks. He grew up in the midwest in an area where Wilder once lived. Hines was the founding Director of Communications for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services and has held several editorial positions in magazine, newspaper, and book publishing. The author is a contributor to awww.littlehouseontheprairie.com. He lives with his wife, Gwen, in Nashville, Tennessee.

My thoughts

I am a superfan of Laura Ingalls Wilder so I was happy that there is yet another book out about her. I have also read two other books by this author and have enjoyed them. This book was well written and easy to read. The author did his job when researching for this book. He gave us yet another view of one of our favorite authors. I also liked that we got to see even more of Laura by hearing of her relationships with her friends and her daughter. The addition of the recipes at the end was an added bonus.

Scandikitchen The Essence of Hygge by Bronte Aurell - Review

Book details

Paperback: 160 pages

Publisher: Ryland Peters & Small; Reprint edition (February 14, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1849758743

ISBN-13: 978-1849758741

Book description

Discover the essence of hygge as revealed by Brontë Aurell, Danish owner of London’s ScandiKitchen in this honest and thoughtful guide, which also features some of her favorite recipes from her books, The Scandi Kitchen and Fika & Hygge, to help you enjoy a "hyggelig" time.

Hygge is in the zeitgeist, but what is it, how do we bring hygge in our lives and why are we so captivated with this Danish word? According to Brontë it is really not complicated and doesn’t involve spending vast amounts of money on candles or blankets… in its purest form it is simply about appreciating life.

Explained in 12 entertaining chapters interspersed with recipes, you will learn first about the origins of the word hygge (old Norse) and then how to embrace it with essays on: Hygge and the Basics, Hygge and Happiness, Hygge and Sharing, Hygge and Baking, Hygge and Darkness, Hygge and Light, Hygge and Time, Hygge and Stress, Hygge and Soul, Hygge and Nature, Hygge and Stuff, and Hygge and Your Home.

Hygge is a completely psychological and emotional state of being. Whether it’s going for a long walk or baking and sharing a cake with friends, when you carve a pocket of time in your day, hygge can often be found. Remembering to appreciate and experience the moment will help you find your very own hygge.

Meet the author - Bronte Aurell

I'm Bronte Aurell and I co-own and run ScandiKitchen Cafe in London, England.

Our cafe was set up in 2007 - because we (my partner Jonas and I) missed food from our homes in Scandinavia. We wanted to create a place where ex-pats could find the foods they missed from home and where everybody else felt welcome to pop by and enjoy some nice open sandwiches, cakes and coffee.

We love our little cafe, webshop and warehouse and we're super proud to be publishing our first book, ScandiKitchen, in September 2015. We wanted to write a book with really simple Scandinavian dishes - the way we cook them at home. No fancy stuff - just honest food - good food, with love, from Scandinavia.

In 2016, we published Fika & Hygge - a collection of all our favourite Scandinavian bakes and treats. Perfect for baking your way through a dark, cold winter.

Do pop by and say 'hej' if you are ever in London.

www.scandikitchen.co.uk

My thoughts

This was a very quick read for me. I picked it up at the library at 4:00 and by 9:00 I was done reading it. I enjoyed the way the author talked about Hygge and her experiences with it. She also compares Danish, Norwegian, and the Swedish and the way they all practice Hygge. There were many great recipes included in this book - a few in which I plan on making for myself. At the beginning of each recipe she tells a story behind the recipe. I like this added personal touch. There are also quotes at the beginning of the chapters which I enjoyed. One of my favorites is a Julia Child quote - A party without a cake is just a meeting. This is a book that you should add to your collection. 

Goats of Anarchy by Leanne Lauricella - Review

Book details

Hardcover: 138 pages

Publisher: Rock Point (March 15, 2017)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1631062859

ISBN-13: 978-1631062858

Book description

Get ready to party—the goats are back in town! Based on the popular Instagram account, Goats of
Anarchy takes you on a tour of Leanne’s goat rescue farm, a place where special-needs goats can heal, grow, and butt heads to their hearts’ content.

Join Pocket, Ella, Chibs, Lyla, Prospect and Polly--the goat who took the Internet by storm with her adorable duck costume--as they rumble, snuggle, pig out, dress up, and even teach you a few goat yoga moves to loosen your haunches. Whether they’re learning to walk or just romping around the farm, these horned and hooved heartbreakers will have you grinning ear to ear as they chew the scenery—literally!

Meet the author - Leanne Lauricella

When she left New York City for the wilds of New Jersey in 2011, Leanne Lauricella knew nothing about animal sanctuaries. She started her Instagram account, @goatsofanarchy, shortly after getting her first two goats, Jax and Opie. Today, Leanne’s Instagram has over 280,000 followers, and is the winner of the 2016 People’s Voice Webby Award for Animal-Based Social Media Account.

My thoughts

I thought this was a very cute book. It was not only a picture book but a feel good story about each of these rescued goats. The author is a lifesaver for this poor little goats that all have had some sort of injury or illness that she has rescued them from. Some of their stories are heart wrenching. Then you have pictures of adorable goats. This was a good way to pass an afternoon. I have now become an Instagram follower so I don't miss any pictures of these cute little animals. 

Letters to Juliet by Lisa and Ceil Friedman - Review

Book details

Paperback: 176 pages

Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (May 1, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1584799129

ISBN-13: 978-1584799122

About the book

The enduring legend of Shakespeare’s pair of star-crossed lovers draws millions of visitors to Verona, Italy, each year. But that is just part of the story. Every day, letters, frequently addressed simply, “Juliet, Verona,” arrive in the city. They come by the truckload, in almost every language imaginable, written by romantics seeking Juliet’s counsel. Most of the missives talk of love, of course —love found and love lost, love sought and love remembered. And, amazingly, not one letter goes unanswered.

Letters to Juliet tells the story of these letters and the volunteers who have been writing responses for more than seven decades —volunteers who first acted privately, and who are now sanctioned by the city of Verona as part of the Juliet Club . Featuring more than seventy-five heartfelt letters, this poetic book retraces the history behind Shakespeare’s tale and tours the monuments that have fueled the world's enchantment with Juliet and her Romeo.

Meet the authors - Lise and Ceil Friedman

Lise Friedman, a former dancer with Merce Cunningham, was the editor of the quarterly Dance Ink and is the author of First Lessons in Ballet, Break a Leg!: The Kid's Guide to Acting and Stagecraft, and STC's Alvin Ailey Dance Moves!: A New Way to Exercise. She lives in New York City.

Ceil Friedman is a freelance art historian and translator who writes extensively about contemporary art. She lives in Verrona, where she has collaborated for several years with the Verona City Museums and other institutions in Italy.

My thoughts

I liked this book for the most part. The idea that so many people around the world write letters to Juliet is something I would not have thought about. Some people write asking for help and some write to tell her how much they admire her. It was interesting to hear how there is a group of people that answer all the letters that people write. I liked seeing the pictures of Verona, Italy. The stories of where the idea of Romeo and Juliet came from before Shakespeare wrote his play was also kind of interesting. Parts of that part of the book was a little dry in spots for me but in the same light I did not realize that Romeo and Juliet was possibly based on real people and/or other stories that were written long ago. For me this read fast as I was able to read it in one day and I am glad I took the time to read it. 

The Mayo Clinic Guide to Stress-Free Living by Amit Sood, M.D., M.Sc.

Book details

Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Da Capo Lifelong Books; 1 edition (December 24, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0738217123

ISBN-13: 978-0738217123

About the book

Have you ever driven several miles without noticing anything on the road, or read a page in a book without registering any of it? Do the day's worries and disappointments crowd your mind as you're trying to fall asleep at night? Do you feel stressed much of the time and aren't sure how to find peace? In this book, Amit Sood, M.D., M.Sc., a Mayo Clinic specialist in stress and resiliency, reveals how the mind's instinctive restlessness and shortsightedness generate stress and anxiety and presents strategies for living a more peaceful life. The book is based on the highly popular stress management program offered at Mayo Clinic that Dr. Sood developed after two decades of work with tens of thousands of people.

Drawing on groundbreaking brain research, Dr. Sood helps you understand the brain's two modes and how an imbalance between them produces unwanted stress. From this basis, you learn skills that will help you:

Develop deep and sustained attention
Practice gratitude, compassion and acceptance
Live a meaningful life
Cultivate nurturing relationships
Achieve your highest potential

All of these concepts are weaved into a practical and fun journey that has been tested in numerous scientific studies, with consistently positive results. Take the first step to discover greater peace and joy for you and your loved ones.

My thoughts:

I thought this was a good book. It gave me some good tips on how to deal with certain things in my life. The plan is to use these tips in my daily life.  One of the things I liked about this book was how the author got his points across by including stories of real people who have the same problems you do. He even shares things he deals with in his own life. I suggest keeping this book on hand in case you need to go back for some reminders. Myself, I plan on reading this book a second time. I wish I lived closer to the Mayo clinic as I think his workshop would be beneficial. I look forward to reading the Mayo's guide to happiness as well.