The elegant woman, La Belle Assemblée journal owner, John Bell, Sr. espouses has not just an elegance of fashion, but of mind and manners. Sound familThe elegant woman, La Belle Assemblée journal owner, John Bell, Sr. espouses has not just an elegance of fashion, but of mind and manners. Sound familiar from a certain evening grouping at Netherfield Park? Dr. Ros Ballaster, Oxford Professor and expert on Jane Austen, marries the topic of period fashion with Austen’s works and thus creating an elegant and artistic literary piece in her own right.
Beginning with an introduction from the author and then flowing into a treating of Austen’s earliest works- her Juvenilia- to glean references to not just her earliest writing style, but also earliest sense of fashion- the Jane Austen’s Fashion Bible progresses forward through both novels and fashions together until finishing at the unfinished point of Sanditon and the place fashion has reached in this high Regency period.
Using fashion plates and offering detailed description, Ballaster provides fashion to suit occasion, like the Court Dress, like the riding habit to suit place, like a warm pelisse to suit season, and a day dress to suit time of day. She mingled the fashion descriptions with excerpts from Austen’s letters and works.
Personally, I’m a fan of the ‘undress’ description of a lady not a home to visitors in her simple, comfortable, working attire, but I think I could be persuaded (ha, this is a pun since its paired with the excerpt in Persuasion for the party to Lyme) to appreciate the seaside promenade gown with its yellow satin leopard spotted hat, zephyr lace cloak and straw-colored yellow crape robe gown and yellow Morocco slippers.
The fashion descriptions were detailed enough for the reader imagination to picture the weight, sound, and feel of the fabrics on the person as well as see in one’s mind eye the scene in which such apparel would be worn thanks to the author’s curated excerpts from Austen works and letters.
Thus, Jane Austen’s Fashion Bible is a lush resource for those looking to understand and describe a Regency lady’s attire from sunup to beyond sundown and for any occasion or an Austen-loving reader who has a hankering for fashion descriptions not unlike Jane herself.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Macmillan to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink on 11.28.25....more
Whimsical and folk-artish along with a deep delve into the emotional side of life, Kate Evans takes the readers of Patchwork into a unique experience,Whimsical and folk-artish along with a deep delve into the emotional side of life, Kate Evans takes the readers of Patchwork into a unique experience, a graphic biography with the subject none other than the witty Jane Austen.
In celebration of 250 years of Jane Austen, Patchwork marries historical textiles and quilting with the Austen family. Beginning with Jane’s birth, Patchwork progresses through Jane’s life from Christening gowns to burial shrouds and everything in between all while pulling aside the curtain on the life Jane led in the midst of her Austen family. The artwork and prose explored a ‘how did Jane feel?’ at each given milestone.
Her younger years are shrouded in shadow, but the author didn’t allow this to balk her efforts. There are scenes of Jane as a baby, getting christened, being farmed out to a nearby family for her first years, playing with Cassie, Frank, and Charles her nearest siblings, leaving for boarding school, living at home in a bustling family household, and eventually coming out as a young lady dressed prettily in her muslin gown.
There is a stunning social commentary at the center explaining the darker side of the textile industry and what it took for the cloth goods to make its way from source to completed work (cost to the often slave laborer in the field, the child worker in the factor, etc).
Just as the early half of Jane’s life was delivered with details of interest or amusement so, too, is the latter half right up until her death. Occasionally, Patchwork would be so lively and offbeat that I was distracted, but, on the whole, it was a cohesive, engaging piece.
The artwork has a caricature appearance with strong facial expressions portrayed. The attention to historical detail in the characters and settings was clear. There are a variety of colored pencil/pen drawings and water colors utilized.
The famous quilt fashioned by the Austen ladies at Chawton Cottage was a welcome feature.
In summary, Patchwork, a fabulous giftable edition, was a sensational and one-of-a-kind tribute that those who enjoy a little something different by way of a biography, particularly that of Jane Austen, will appreciate best.
I rec'd a finished print copy from Verso to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post on my Instagram page, @sophiarose1816 11.24.25....more
In the days before news could be had instantly and readily, when newspaper was king and radio not far behind, “getting the scoop” and “getting the monIn the days before news could be had instantly and readily, when newspaper was king and radio not far behind, “getting the scoop” and “getting the money shot” as ‘the first’ or ‘the only’ made or broke a fledgling reporter or photo-journalist. Keith Warren Lloyd approached his book, The War Correspondents with an eye for firmly setting the reader in the historical moment before telling the story of the intrepid folks who became the ace war correspondents of World War II.
Lloyd laid the groundwork for how the official war correspondents came to be and made it clear that their work was vital to the war effort from the new war propaganda department of the fledging OSS under ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan, to Ed Murrow and his CBS radio team innovating radio news in time to cover the rise of the Nazi party, the Anschluss of Austria, the end of national France to Vichy France, Dunkirk, and the London Blitz. All helping to get Americans off the fence and choosing a side in the war.
Then, during the war itself, greats like ‘The Roving Reporter’ Ernie Pyle, Martha Gelhorn, Ernest Hemingway, Walter Cronkite, cartoonist Bill Maudlin, photo-journalists’ Robert Capa and Margaret Boarke-White were in the action from North Africa to the surrender keeping up morale and keeping America and the Allies informed from the heated, horrific war zones in air, land, and sea.
Though this tells the story of multiple WarCos, as they were called, I felt that Lloyd shown the spotlight, especially, on home-grown and well-beloved by all Americans, Ernie Pyle who could have sat on his laurels after covering the European theater, but went back into the action and died in the Pacific.
Starting with introducing the backgrounds of each central figure and how they became involved in writing and photographing the war, Lloyd also included direct quotes by these personalities and about them from others then and later, but also painting in the war events and people these folks were reporting on. The War Correspondents was personable and drew a connection with the reader as a result. The War Correspondents is a niche bit of history and biography that does a spectacular job bringing the past to life.
I rec'd a print copy from Lyons Press to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at my Instagram page- @sophiarose1816 as part of my Veteran's Day salute on 11.10.25....more
I grew up in the Carter-Reagan Era and hearing now and then about Camp David when the news mentioned the president meeting with a world leader or the I grew up in the Carter-Reagan Era and hearing now and then about Camp David when the news mentioned the president meeting with a world leader or the president’s family taking a vacation there. Oddly, I’ve never been that curious about it until recently when Presidential Seclusion came to my notice. All of a sudden, I was excited for a ‘behind the scenes’ look at Camp David and learn about its rich part in US History and Politics.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy TBA....more
Growing up in America as a military brat with a decided love for US History, is it any wonder I’ve had something of a hero complex toward the brave meGrowing up in America as a military brat with a decided love for US History, is it any wonder I’ve had something of a hero complex toward the brave men who lead and fought in the American Revolution? While learned scholar and legal mind, Douglas Branson doesn’t precisely demolish this tendency in me, his premise that many of Washington’s Major Generals were decidedly flawed and the Brigadiers carried the day in many instances.
Washington’s Lieutenants provides the facts on several Major and Brigadier Generals teased from a plethora of sources quoting their promoters and detractors in turn to prove his premise. I knew we had our Benedict Arnold and that Washington was fighting a battle on two fronts between leadership skirmishes with the Continental Congress and some of his staff as well as the battle with the British, but good golly this was an eye-opener to me. Branson showed evidence that a few were involved in a cabal to bring down Washington, one was such a womanizer that he was kicked off the team, another was withholding goods and nearly starved the army at Valley Forge, another was war profiteering on the weapons and supplies because his businesses were the suppliers, one was a coward who demanded command and then turned tail and ran leaving his officers and men to take the drubbing and then there was one who might have even planned to sell out the team to the British. Whew boy! In contrast, Branson chose a few Brigadiers who not only got the job done, but suffered and died in the effort. He was fair-minded and put up a flawed Brigadier to show it wasn’t all one-sided either way.
All in all, I appreciated digging deeper into the Washington command staff and learning more about these particular generals- how they led and their lives. Well-documented, well laid out, and well worth the read!
My full review will post on 9.11.25 at my Instagram page @sophiarose1816...more
A Colonial era tale of the most famous Puritan Pastor and his wife is one that reads like a novel in many ways, but Marriage to a Difficult Man pulls A Colonial era tale of the most famous Puritan Pastor and his wife is one that reads like a novel in many ways, but Marriage to a Difficult Man pulls in the accounts of others, of their own diaries, and other sources to give a fascinating look into the life of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards.
While not flawless, they are nonetheless and amazing couple individually, but especially, together. Beginning with setting up the historical period and world in which this pair inhabited, Elisabeth Dodds goes on to portray an opposites attract love and ministerial partnership that held strong until their deaths.
Jonathan Edwards is portrayed as a genius scholar, socially-awkward man, weak of health, but for all his priority being on God through his writings and sermons, he is a caring husband and family man. Sarah is a woman far precious than rubies as the Proverbs 31 Excellent Wife is portrayed. She had her flaws, but her strengths as minister's wife, mother, housekeeper, and hospitable lady of outward beauty and poise with a mature spirituality that was what attracted Jonathan Edwards before she was even full grown.
The author focused on their lives rather than their beliefs and was an overview rather than a deep dive into details though this wasn't devoid of details, either. I had read others that focused elsewhere with this couple so I was glad to add Marriage to a Difficult Man to flesh out Jonathan and Sarah even more.
It was obvious the author pulled in many sources to fully reveal this wonderful couple, their family, and the day they lived in. The style was easy-reading and interesting which drew me in and gave me a satisfying read that I can recommend to those who want to learn more about the Edwards....more
The life of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards has all the makings of a good novel. And, that's just what Edna Gerstner wrote- an exciting biofic about one ofThe life of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards has all the makings of a good novel. And, that's just what Edna Gerstner wrote- an exciting biofic about one of history's most famous Puritan and Colonial Era couples.
The novel is told from the perspective of their son, Jonathan, Jr. Its a frame-style story in that it begins with an adult Jonathan, Jr, having experienced a terrible personal loss. He is grieving and his grief takes him back in his memories of growing up on the Colonial frontier in Stockbridge, MA, where his parents are now missionaries to the Houssatonnuck tribe and also a couple bands of Iroquois tribes of Oneida and Mohawk.
After being the pastor of the largest church in New England, Jonathan Edwards' was relieved of his pulpit due to family conflict and his stance about the Half-Way Covenant. He and his wife could have grown angry and embittered especially as they ran up against the same problem where they ended up, but instead, they were happy in the circumstances God placed them. Edwards, Sarah, and eight of their children moved to the frontier and happily took up this new ministry in Stockbridge.
In Stockbridge, Edwards had his most prolific writing period, but also the family faced the most excitement, changes, and turmoil. Young Jonathan grew up not just along side the Houssatonnuck and Mohawk his father was ministering to, but he spoke the languages and lived with them so that he was accepted as part of the tribes and could bridge the gap between the races.
I've read a couple biographies about Jonathan and Sarah Edwards so I knew the storyline and some of the details, but Edna Gerstner's writing style and implementation of journal entries from both parents and family members really filled in the story particularly from the children's perspective, especially Jonathan.
The novel covers the eight year time period the family lives in Stockbridge, but also sets the foundation with mentions of what came before and an epilogue of what came after. There is a meandering story style describing the tribal situation, the residents both British and native, and how historical time period events played a role in this part of the Edwards' family life. There are descriptions of a home on the colonial frontier and ministry, but also details on the individual members of the family including the couple of family slaves that came with them and some of the guests especially men who came acourting. The parenting efforts of Jonathan and Sarah and how the lives of the children turned out seemed to be the focus. Though, that said, I enjoyed a few brief scenes showing the loving partnership Jonathan and Sarah shared and their sharing in the ministry.
Historical detail and explanations accompanied the activities, but there were also several moments that were direct quotes so that the person's thoughts on each part of the story gave it the feeling of reality rather than fictional novel. God's guidance and direction are at the heart of all this family did and it showed up especially when they faced many tragedies.
I enjoyed this poignant, heartwarming look into the Colonial family life of Jonathan and Sarah Edwards and their family....more
As a lover of the Laura Ingalls Wilder story both the real and her fabulous Little House books based on her real life, I couldn't pass up this lovely As a lover of the Laura Ingalls Wilder story both the real and her fabulous Little House books based on her real life, I couldn't pass up this lovely hardback, glossy-paged print full of bits of this and that from her life and accompanied by an abbreviated biography and explanations.
Apparently, Laura Ingalls Wilder was a friend to future historians because she didn't throw any of her paper memories away and even wanted them preserved when she died. And, so, there are old tin types and photos for the previous generations before her, her own generation, and some from Almanzo's family. There are old postcards, letters, drawings, poems, certificates, and more tucked in and filling each page of this "Album". I thought William Anderson did a fabulous job narrating her life and, specifically, about the part of her life portrayed in the scrapbook pieces. The book is clear so details can be noted and each scrap item is explained down to every person in the photos.
All around a lovely extra for the Laura Ingalls Wilder fan....more
No matter how many times I’ve read a biography of Jane Austen, I am still all a quiver when I am presented with a new one. Each author approaches JaneNo matter how many times I’ve read a biography of Jane Austen, I am still all a quiver when I am presented with a new one. Each author approaches Jane’s life with their own unique and talented wordsmithing after researching their sources and this is true of Janet Lewis Saidi’s gorgeous and giftable, pocket-sized take on Jane Austen’s life, writing, and continuing legend.
Pocket Portrait’s Jane Austen is loaded with a hundred pint-sized biographical vignettes dancing swiftly on the topics, samples from her writing that correlate to the vignette topics, and further literary connections to explore- this is where some little know gems of facts were tucked in. Not only is Austen’s life and novels discussed in a neatly organized chronological order, but the pop culture connections that are part of Austen’s lasting legacy. A handy table of contents anchors the front and an equally helpful index closes things out.
Pocket Portrait’s Jane Austen is not trying to be the end-all be-all biography, but does a fabulous job of exploring Jane’s life at home, among friends, as a novelist, and from the perspective of the world she lived in at the time to how she impacts today’s new crowd of fans encountering her works sometimes through other media at first- movie and TV adaptions, podcasts, variations, retellings, and genre-twists. It was thorough and scholarly without deep-diving leaving readers to use this book as a jumping off point to further explorations.
I would be remiss if I didn’t point out the hard copy version I read is utterly giftable and full of features that make it the worthiest of shelf-able editions. A bio of bite-size vignettes to be sampled like luscious literary bon-bons.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley and a print copy via Adams Media to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 10.1.25....more
Jonathan Edwards is the most famous Puritan preacher and his church was ground zero for a great revival, but I was intrigued by the lady beside him, SJonathan Edwards is the most famous Puritan preacher and his church was ground zero for a great revival, but I was intrigued by the lady beside him, Sarah Edwards. I was directed toward this biography by Sharon James that managed to marry a light summation with some fabulous in-depth details including Sarah's own words on occasion.
Sarah Edwards: Delighting in God begins with an introduction, a brief timeline, a handy close-set map of Western Mass, CT, and eastern NY and NJ where all the activities in her life took place. Each chapter had a couple studyguide questions at the end to generate reflection and discussion (if this were for a group read).
Sharon James gives a brief family history showing Sarah Pierpont Edwards came from a respected, moderately wealthy family of preachers growing up in Newhaven, CT. She sets the grander historical context that this era was the Colonial period prior to the Revolution so those living here were still considered British, that the French and English were at war here and abroad, that indian attacks were not uncommon and the western parts of these colonies was considered frontier.
From an earlier age- the book says around five years old, people noticed Sarah was already deeply religious and and bright. She was educated and commonly said to be beautiful. By the age of twelve when Jonathan Edwards, a young man of seventeen, saw her for the first time, he was impressed with her religious fervor and seriousness about God. She had a saving experience at sixteen and was engaged to Edwards at seventeen.
They were married and he co-pastored with his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard at the Northampton church. There is good description of their life as a newly married pair and their work of ministry. Then about family life as the children came. Then how the revival started among the youth at the Northampton church. Sarah's role in all this.
But, because of extended family and community dissension, the Edwards were forced from their church. They went through a time of poverty and uncertainty for several months, but never grew bitter or despondent. Sarah economized- though coming from wealth, she had to figure it out- and Jonathan kept up his writing and studies. Two of their eight daughters married and Jonathan got a church in the Massachusetts' frontier town of Stockbridge where he ministered to Mahican tribe, Mohawk tribe members, and English settlers. The frontier life was fraught with danger, but they stuck it out. They both died fairly young due to illnesses. Jonathan accepted the presidency at Princeton, but died soon after of smallpox. Sarah passed not long after with dysentery while traveling.
But, they left a legacy of a revival, a family of children and descendants who were successful in religious and public careers.
I found the writing style was easy to follow and I liked the blend of quoted sections with author narrative. There is a good bibliography and indexing in the back, too. Sarah came alive as a person to me and that was what I appreciated most. Definitely worth the read....more
Was he a charming rogue? Was he a steady fellow with big dreams? Jane Austen’s Favourite Brother, Henry explores just who the fascinating Henry AustenWas he a charming rogue? Was he a steady fellow with big dreams? Jane Austen’s Favourite Brother, Henry explores just who the fascinating Henry Austen was apart from his famous literary sister. Retired bishop, Dr. Christopher Herbert did due diligence in researching the Austen family background, the historical setting of the times, and poured through ever so many letters and lists to bring a shadowy figure into vivid life.
Christopher Herbert organized his book somewhat chronologically beginning with the background of the Reverend George Austen and Cassandra Austen nee Leigh then the political, religious, and social climate in which they lived before revealing Henry’s early years reared in the Steventon Rectory before heading off to Oxford.
There are details of Oxford university life in general and then specifics related to Henry. This pattern holds true for each continuing aspect of Henry Austen’s life through the Militia, Banking, and then a later life curacy. While in his militia career and banking, Henry’s first marriage and social life along with his time as his sister’s literary agent occurred. He was at the height of his game living a sparkling London society life with many brands in the fire so to speak. Those looking for glimpses of Jane Austen will spot them generously sprinkled through Henry’s bio.
His personality was described by family as more generous- that of a charming dreamer, but some of the facts hint at a man with some mysterious contradictions in his actions leaning toward shaded schemes. Then, a series of misfortunes left him leading a simple country gentry life and a second marriage before his death. It was in this latter period where the author’s background and knowledge shone through and gave perspective to the facts particularly related to the life as a curate and what kind of minister Henry had been after knocking about the secular world through the middle years of his life.
Christopher Herbert wrote well and infused personal surmises where facts were few, but these were shrewd and conservative though not afraid to speculate giving a nuanced characterization with more depth. Christopher Herbert’s biographical style fleshed out Henry Austen for me and demonstrated why Henry Austen was a favourite.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 9.24.25....more
Slapstick comedy, jewel heists, espionage, and talented acting characterized the rollicking Pink Panther film franchise. Blake Edwards and Peter SelleSlapstick comedy, jewel heists, espionage, and talented acting characterized the rollicking Pink Panther film franchise. Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers made the movies memorable over a few decades from the 60s-80s and they remain entertaining classics. When I spotted this look behind the scenes to the films and stories of the principal people involved, I had to give Robert Sellers (no relation) latest book a go.
As a kid, I enjoyed the Pink Panther cartoon and Henry Mancini’s musical score more than the live action movies, but a revisit to them as a teen enjoying the fun of VHS movie rentals caught me when I was better able to appreciate Peter Sellers’ screwball antics and the sheer entertainment value of the original film and its successors. I recognized the big name acting talent filling the roles and the genius of Blake Edwards and Peter Sellers movie making.
I’d heard rumors at the time that Peter Sellers was not an easy actor to work with and there were big clashes between him and Blake Edwards over the films and this was confirmed here. Their explosive encounters were pretty epic and it was amazing the films even got made. It was hard on everyone involved, especially the other actors and the crew, but all admitted that both Edwards and Sellers were great talents and for all the problems, they made good movies.
I think I’ve personally watched only the first four in the series and I learned something I was unaware of. After Peter Sellers’ death, the company went on to make two more Pink Panther movies with other actors. Unfortunately, this attempt didn’t take and the Pink Panther movies fizzled out until a couple decades later when a remake was attempted and had decent success with Steve Martin in the Clouseau role.
I appreciated that Robert Sellers is a pro writer already in the area of films and film industry for years so he had been able to catch up with the actors and crew in the films before they passed away, getting their perspectives on working with Edwards and Sellers and on making these movies. These were big moneymakers even beyond the movies to the extras like toys, collectibles, even cereal. It made the people involved rich and also showed what the movies were like on the inside, but film industry at the time.
There were slow points in the book and matters that were more interesting than others, but I liked the organization and style of the writing.
So, The Real Pink Panther made me nostalgic for watching the movies again, but also gave me a less rose-colored view of the people involved in making the films. A balanced view and easy read experience satisfying curiosity and film-fandom interest.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on 5.7.25....more
Is it a memoir about a rare bookseller? Is it a collection of mini biographies into 18th century women writers? Is it a literary critique? Is it a howIs it a memoir about a rare bookseller? Is it a collection of mini biographies into 18th century women writers? Is it a literary critique? Is it a how to in rare book collecting? Rebecca Romney, rare book dealer, collector and Pawn Stars TV show regular does all the above with Jane Austen’s Bookshelf.
The book opens with what set Ms. Romney on her journey to explore the authors and books Jane Austen enjoyed and ponder just why Jane Austen became a literary superstar and these other prominent women writers of their day are obscure reading in our time. Like many other Jane Austen fans, the author thirsted for more of the same after devouring Austen’s six novels, works, letters, and biographies. She noted Austen wasn’t shy about mentioning her own book favorites in letters and her own novels and this gave Ms. Romney the place to start.
While this was a book in which I appreciated all the subjects the author explored, it was also a book that came with busy internal distractions because the book was doing a lot all at once. I did better when I took the book in small size bites and absorbed it slowly. The author’s writing was very approachable, revealing as much about herself as she does the writers from the past. Written for armchair lay reader to serious scholar, all can appreciate what she says. I enjoyed her analysis the books she read, her comparisons and contrasts of those books to Austen’s works, paging through the Bibliography and Notes as well as exploring the rare book world, but, above all, learning about some literary talents maybe heretofore unknown.
Did Jane Austen’s Bookshelf ultimately answer the author’s original question and show the author finishing her quest to discover these Austen contemporary authors and why they were all but forgotten? Yes, it did. Rebecca Romney also left me with a strong desire to make a similar journey, trying out writings from these talented women authors and added to that, a delight in collecting books that take my fancy- rare or not.
I rec'd a print ARC from Simon and Schuster to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 4.10.25....more
My long love affair with Jane Austen’s works led to my curiosity about the author who wrote such fabulous works including what I could find about her My long love affair with Jane Austen’s works led to my curiosity about the author who wrote such fabulous works including what I could find about her family. In my earlier reading, I learned of Austen’s aunt, Philadelphia and her exciting cousin Eliza, but I am always eager to read more about Jane Austen’s Remarkable Aunt, Philadelphia Hancock.
Jan Merriman wrote with a tone of admiration and excitement, revealing to readers a woman, who even for her time, was out of the ordinary in where her life took her after inauspicious beginnings. First, there was a bit of interesting background of where Philadelphia fit into the broader Austen family ancestry and then how her life progressed after the sad deaths of her parents and separation from her younger brother and sister. Philadelphia, destined for a more obscure life in London training with millinery, was the one who took opportunity when it came and rose far above the life of a shop girl.
I was most anticipating the section of the book that dealt with her time in India when she was closely acquainted with Warren Hastings, rumored later to be the real father of her daughter, Eliza. I appreciated the detail the author shares of life in Colonial India at the time and what it would have been like for an English woman in Phila’s position as wife to a busy man, isolated and far from home land.
Jane Austen’s Remarkable Aunt, Philadelphia Hancock, like other Austen-related biographies, relies a great deal on speculation and educated guesswork, but also family letters, particularly Eliza’s, and news accounts related to the period happenings and her acquaintance. She makes a connection to Jane Austen’s novels and how Jane’s writings were influenced by her aunt and cousin in stories such as Catherine or the Bower. There is a good deal of handy footnoting and bibliographic inclusion afterwards that show the prodigious amount of research.
All in all, an insightful and engaging biography full of the heart and color of a fascinating woman’s life with a connection to her famous novelist niece, Jane Austen.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for honest review.
My full review will post at The Quill Ink 1.9.25....more
Keeping it real with the chef who exposed the high end restaurant industry to the light of day and introduced us to the world’s ‘salt of the earth cooKeeping it real with the chef who exposed the high end restaurant industry to the light of day and introduced us to the world’s ‘salt of the earth cooking’. Having watched Anthony Bourdain’s cable shows now and then, loving his style and enjoying how he made even the most exotic foods seem like an experience not to be missed, I was eager to pick up Juliana Sharaf’s latest book that fans, foodies, and those who want a fascinating biography will be interested to pick up.
Anthony Bourdain Unloaded is a little bit of everything. Bourdain quotes, Bourdain thoughts on life and food in that order, and Bourdain’s life and career told slice of life-style. The small, slim giftable volume is formatted to be a new adventure with the flip of the page. Readers will find colorful, glossy pictures paired with long quotes or anecdotes to match. Short quotes with the author’s biography segments giving a fuller picture of the man behind those best-selling books and award-winning shows.
I enjoyed meeting something of the person of Anthony Bourdain while appreciating career and colorful way of pulling together words. I think this will have broader appeal than just fans or foodies to those who want to read about life’s adventurers and exotic places.
I rec'd a finished hardback copy from Media Lab books to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at Books of My Heart on Mar. 9, 2025....more
A nostalgic look back to a time in Monterey's history spotlighting the growth of fishing, the Wharf, and the Sardine Industry. As a descendant of one A nostalgic look back to a time in Monterey's history spotlighting the growth of fishing, the Wharf, and the Sardine Industry. As a descendant of one of the Sicilian families who came to Monterey to fish and also work in the canneries, I was particularly interested in the historical account and pictures Randall Reinstedt put together in this quick-read book.
Beginning with a summary of Monterey's long history as a settlement first to indigenous peoples, then the Spaniards, Old California, and more modern history of the arrival of the Europeans and a growing fishing industry where in its heyday Sardine was king. The pictures come with good explanations and follow a chronological order. There are explanations of innovations to the industry from the fishing boats, to the canneries, and to the Wharf, big events like fires and festivals, and finishing where Steinbeck came on the scene as the canneries and wharf life were fading away to write of those times and help bring in a new industry to the area- tourism.
I had a good time reading the book. I saw much that was familiar and also appreciated learning bits I didn't know. An easy read guide that would appeal to those visiting the area and wanting more knowledge or those who have a connection to it all....more
My first venture into the Who Was series of biographies aimed at the Middle Grade crowd went well. I adore Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House tMy first venture into the Who Was series of biographies aimed at the Middle Grade crowd went well. I adore Laura Ingalls Wilder and her Little House tales so I was happy to pick up this carefully crafted biography that hit the historical facts, but in such a way to help the reader imagine the person and their life in brief.
For those who have only read the Little House books or watched the show, parts of Laura's bio will be startling because yes, she did leave out moments in her childhood or changed things for various reasons. This is adheres to the facts and brings up the sad as well as happy times with the focus reading group being decidedly young.
I enjoyed this one and appreciated the sharing of the bibliography so I can look for even more source material on a favorite author. Definitely recommended to Middle Grade and even among the more advanced chapter readers or the young at heart....more
If I ever get to do a Laura Ingalls Wilder- Little House pilgrimage, I've got a resource to help with the early planning efforts right on my shelf in If I ever get to do a Laura Ingalls Wilder- Little House pilgrimage, I've got a resource to help with the early planning efforts right on my shelf in a gorgeous, glossy paperback updated edition.
William Anderson has compiled all the principle locations both those in the Little House books and those not that correspond to Laura, Almanzo, and Rose's life. His info includes a nice explanation how the site relates to their story, then how the site came to become a landmark, and then the really helpful travel details of eateries, stay places, other area attractions, and more. And, I loved Leslie Kelly's photography work that took pictures of exterior and interior shots of all the sites, museums, and locations mentioned in William Anderson's descriptions.
Interesting and informative with a good balance of both so this makes a good book to add to any Little House and Laura Ingalls Wilder fan's shelf.
After the review extra: Shout out that my own very small local connection is mentioned as a destination in the form of one of the Detroit Library Branches is the Laura Ingalls Wilder Library where there are artistic depictions of her and she donated manuscripts and signed books that the main branch has for visitors to see. Oh, and I recently discovered that Laura and Manly actually came to Detroit in their later years for a Book Fair and while Laura met fans and gave a speech, Manly visited our area attractions....more
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