My rating: 4" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://www.goodreads.com/revi... of 5 stars
"Iron Medicine" by Richard B. Brady is enriching historical fiction. A beautiful writing style sets each scene with vibrant detail, and is at times poetic. Each sentence is a pleasure to read. <br /><br />"Sunset's reds and oranges pierced clouds rolling over a silhouetted ridgeline above foothills of grass swaying golden in the wind."<br /><br />Intricate plot lines weave together a varied cast of characters, from Native Americans, to enslaved people, to fur traders.<br /><br />It is th early 1800s and a Native tribe is preparing for winter. Warriors, revered elders, infants; all are under a forbidding shadow. when an intruder kills a beaver, his punishment is a quick death and scalping. Gunshots ring out, revealing a new weapon, and a new enemy. Suddenly, the tribe has not just winter to contend with, but also a greater harm: hunters and adventurers.<br /><br />When two worlds collide, can there be peace? The Native People and strangers; Spanish, French, English, and American, clash. They must either pursue a pact or enact battle. <br /><br />The problems do not end there. Slavery of Africans savagely claims innocent lives. There is no justice for the turmoil the Natives and Africans face.<br /><br />The settings tell the story just as much as the short dialogue. <br /><br />"The clouds hovered and the winds died away when the first snowflakes drifted down so innocently, but a withering cold accompanied their beauty, forcing captives and captors alike to huddle together, sharing communal warmth beneath multiple blankets and robes."<br /><br />Although stunningly written, this story lacks the action I felt it needed to push the characters further. Most speech is inner dialogue or author narration, which was necessary since there was a language barrier between the different groups. I think that the multi linguist woman could have been used more to add conversation to the story, to really get the character's motives and personalities out into the open.<br /><br />I recommend this book as a delightful reading experience for fans of Native American history and alternate tales of western explorers.<br />
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"Chateau Laux" by David Loux is a tale of generations, of growing past obstacles, of fractured religion, and of family ties that willl not be unwound.
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It is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, in the early 1700s. Lawrence Kramer is a successful young beer brewer who inherited the business from his grandfather.
Catharine is eighteen years old, marriage age. She is too sensible to marry someone who lacks courage. Th idea of slipping into old age, never marrying, entices her.
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When a sudden near tragedy occurs, Lawrence and Catherine become bonded together,, and they finally admit their fate to be with each other in matrimony.
Battles between colonists and Native People are juxtaposed with alliances from each side.
The writing is in the third person, allowing equal insight in to each character. The style is forthright with appropriate tinges of old fashioned flair. Scenes are described vividly, arousing all the senses combined to create mental imagery.
"A wall of aromas met them, greasy meat and yeasty beer, the bite of wood ash and tobacco smoke, and then there was the guttural murmur of muted conversations."
At times the descriptions border on poetry.
"The next couple of days were the kind of quiet where even the shadows seemed to slip around on tiptoes."
The history in this novel rings true and it is evident that the author has completed rigorous research. I recommend this book for fans of early American frontier history and its connection to France.
My rating: 4" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://www.goodreads.com/revi... of 5 stars
"Ascend" (Children of Lilith, #1) by L.M. Goose is a mythological and supernatural page turner!<br />Arya and Xavier are two normal kids being raised by a single mother in a friendly mountain town. Their whole world changes when, on their 16th birthday, they discover a family secret that changes their lives, and their identities. <br /><br />The characters are all fascinating, reimagined from Biblical era stories and mythos. The scenes are diverse and deeply described, with a new world beyond normal. The author created a new universe with strangely relatable characters and a popping pace to the plot. <br /><br />I recommend this to readers who like magic with mystery and myth.
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My rating: 5" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://www.goodreads.com/revi... of 5 stars
"No One Knew: My Emotional Journey of Being Married to a Sociopath & How I Learned to Heal" by Renee Olivier is a memoir of domestic abuse. The author begins discussing what a sociopath is, and ends with affirmations and resources for help.<br /><br />The memoir shows in gritty detail how the author suffered in the abusive relationship. Incidents are recounted throughout the book, illustrating the many ways her abuser hurt her.<br /><br />The gaslighting was mentally anguishing. Red flags of abuse showed themselves, little by little and more and more as the relationship grew. But because the author had become meek and brainwashed, it was difficult for her to discern what was proper treatment, what was forgivable, and what was not. A once strong woman became weakened by the continua domestic abuse and violence.<br /><br />It was even worse for the author when her children were involved. She wanted to protect them from the dreadful lifestyle she had succumbed to, but they still witnessed abusive behavior, and became forever changed because of it.<br /><br />Th author's fear of setting off he husband's anger and his hot/cold emotional states made living in the household feel precarious. She never knew what would set him off into violence, or shut him down into hateful silence.<br /><br />She gave her entire being to the idea of living a fairy tale life, but her work did not pay off. From the outside, it looked like everything was fine. She had a husband, kids, and a nice home. Everything she imagined a woman could want. Yet she lived a solitary life trapped within the confines of a distrustful husband's demands.<br /><br />Being made to feel crazy was one of the worst things her husband did to her. Finally, she doubted herself. She started to believe the lies.<br /><br />"Was there a method to his kindness? Was he going to throw his grandiose view of himself back in my face every time he did something deceitful or that he knew I would disapprove of?" <br /><br />When he broke a mirror, he expected a thank you for fixing it. When he lashed out, he bade forgiveness for making him angry. He would buy presents to make up for abuse, then make her feel guilty for having nice things due to his generosity. It was an endless cycle of abuse, silent treatment, gift-giving, and guilt. Nothing she tried was ever good enough or acceptable to him.<br /><br />From seeming to have it all, to it all being stripped away from her, the author persevered. She survived a tumultuous divorce. She sought therapy. She started to change emotionally and realized that she was worth of love, not hate. Finally, she came to a point of strength when she realized it didn't matter what he thought anymore. She could lead her own life. <br /><br />Readers, will grow to understand the dynamics of living in an abusive relationship. This is especially poignant to read as a survivor, and would be important for other survivors to read to know that escape is possible. It would also be helpful for friends and family of domestic abuse and violence survivors to read this and get a sense of what life is like in that situation. <br />
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My rating: 5" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://www.goodreads.com/revi... of 5 stars
"A Useful Woman: The Early Life of Jane Addams" by Gioia Diliberto is a smooth yet thorough biography of Jane Addams. Famous for her creation of a groundbreaking form of social work in which people who were poor were not given handouts, but training and opportunities, Jane Addams was at the forefront of public and political change towards the end of the Victorian era in America.<br /><br />From her loving home life that became plagued by death and illness, to her illustrious studies that both exhausted and fed her, to her entitled lifestyle of trips to Europe, and finally her reaching what she believed to be the purpose in her life, this biography shows it all. It discusses the lesbian relationships she may or may not have had, and enforces the inner strength of Addams character in a variety of social situations. <br /><br />Not only does this book detail Jane Addams's life, but it also illustrates the time and place of her experiences. Set against this backdrop of women's suffrage, class differences, racism, elitism, epidemics, mental illnesses, and political shenanigans, this biography is a historical revelation. <br /><br />I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the women's movement, socialism, American history, and the Victorian era. Really, it is an excellent exciting read for just about anybody. I was happy that it was full of lucious detail instead of merely dry facts.
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My rating: 4" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://www.goodreads.com/revi... of 5 stars
"Green Your Routine" by Omar Abad provides sound information in a fun informal format. Written in a down-to earth fashion, the sensibilities are more palatable with the friendly tone.<br /><br />The author believes that small life changes can make a large ecological impact, especially if applied by a community of like-minded people. <br /><br />The book begins with disheartening descriptions of what really happens to recycled water bottles. This myth-busting chapter flows easily into chapter two.<br /><br />Chapter two encourages using reusable water bottles and other related daily-use objects. Statistics are provided, detailing the differences these small changes can make.<br /><br />Chapter three challenges the reader to re-think common every-day choices and habits. From electricity consumption, cable boxes, light bulbs, to canned goods, food waste, and red meat, this section shows clear-cut alternatives and ideas for improving an ecologically friendly lifestyle. <br /><br />Chapter four focuses on transportation and travel. Even with travel limited in these strange times, there are still worthy suggestions in this part of the book. <br /><br />In chapter five, consumers are shown ways to keep up with current trends in fashion and technology while being more eco-friendly.<br /><br />Chapter six is titled, "Zero Investment Eco-Conscious Journey." In it, the author provides insight into additional ways that being Earth-friendly supports a richer lifestyle. Delving deeply into the financial benefits of being ecologically conscious, the author offers researched facts in an easily readable way.<br /><br />The final chapter describes how it is the individual's, not the government's, duty to keep an eco-friendly world view and translate that into real changes. <br /><br />This book is an excellent resource for people and groups who are dedicated to becoming serious about personal ecological changes.
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My rating: 4" class="redactor-linkify-object">https://www.goodreads.com/revi... of 5 stars
"Not for the Faint of Heart: Lessons in Courage, Power, and Persistence" by Wendy R. Sherman, provides a behind the scenes look at politics as a woman. <br /><br />Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman takes us on a trip through her life, from her childhood with forward-thinking parents battling segregation, to becoming a young wife with new professional opportunities, then a fresh divorcee encountering important life lessons on her professional track, through heartache and joy, new love and motherhood, all the while seeking a work/life balance that would allow her to do her best as a human being to improve the world. <br /><br />Sherman is best known for her key role in securing peace in the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. This book delves into then true stories and real people involved in this momentous event. Uncertain alliances became cemented through personal connection and persistence. <br /><br />Throughout the stories of politics and deals, Sherman's messages of persistence and personhood are clear. While women must often hide their emotions lest they appear weak in a male-dominated environment, Sherman allowed herself to feel and express. Crying and showing were not routine, but not ignored, either. She allowed herself to be sad, frustrated, and angry, and this built bridges of humanness. <br /><br />"Ideas are the life-blood of any good resolution process, and it's in everyone's best interest to let them flow, even if many of them won't survive to the end. Even the strangest ideas may evolve into something workable, or spur thought in another mind and lead to a workable plan." This outlook of Sherman's proved itself over and over again during brainstorming sessions and peace-keeping missions.<br /><br />She agreed to manage Barbara Milkuski's new campaign for the U.S. Senate. Sherman had three needs that needed to be agreed upon before she would accept the offer. They involved time with her family. Family time was too important to completely give up. "...she could never call me at the time I usually put my daughter to bed, barring a genuine crisis, and I wouldn't miss bedtime for campaign events unless there was important business being conducted beyond handshakes and a speech...I had a two-year-old whom I wanted to see grow up and a marriage I wanted to keep."<br /><br />This theme of balancing work and family life is raised pointedly throughout the book, not only for herself personally, but for other people as well. Sherman relates that women in particular often bear the guilt and pain of being a parent who works outside the home. After a failed marriage, she cherished her second marriage even more, as she kept to her new rules about self-care. <br /><br />After a time during which she was overcompensating at home, she felt exhausted. "A wise therapist once told me that no one dies of a little guilt." Since then, whenever she found herself overcompensating, she tried to remember that line. <br /><br />This book was full of political information. I do wish there was more about her personal life, as politics are not so intriguing to me. <br /><br />I had the divine pleasure of hearing this great ambassador speak at the 2018 Boston Book Festival. After her powerful panel discussion, I was overjoyed to speak with her, and meet her daughter and lively grandchildren. I had a total fan girl moment, and not only acquired a photo with this outstanding diplomat, but also scored a hug, with genuine emotion. I was in tears. It was a powerful moment I will always remember. Sherman's humanness in person made the words in her book feel more personal to me. No matter what challenges lay ahead of me as a woman, I will persist, with a strong heart, in my own way. Just as Wendy Sherman does.
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"The Girls With No Names" by Serena Burdick is page turning, heartbreaking, and full of surprises.<br /><br />It's New York City in the 1910s, and loving sisters Luella and Effie share a joyful secret that eventually leads to their greatest pain. When Luella disappears, Effie sets out to find her, and winds up at the House of Mercy. This is like a prison run by nuns. The girls who live there are horrifically used and abused. <br /><br />Effie makes some friends who might not actually be friends. She doesn't know who to trust anymore, when she can't even trust the truth. She must choose to dare, or choose to die. The latter seems more probable.<br /><br />This book shows different points of view very clearly in various chapters, and this is done in an easy to follow way. Breathtaking, awe-striking, heart thumping reading the whole way through. I highly recommend this book to lovers of good fiction.<br /><br />The fact that this book is based on the real historical House of Mercy makes it even more chilling.
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