12/30/2020

Review: Front Row at the Trump Show

Front Row at the Trump Show Front Row at the Trump Show by Jonathan Karl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family

Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family Finding Freedom: Harry and Meghan and the Making of a Modern Royal Family by Omid Scobie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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Review: Becoming

Becoming Becoming by Michelle Obama
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and learning more about our former First Lady from her own perspective. I found her book to be articulate, honest, thoughtful, and reflective. It was interesting to read about living in the White House from her perspective, but I think I enjoyed reading more about her early life the best. This is definitely worth the read.

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Review: She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement

She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement by Jodi Kantor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I, like most everyone else, followed the breaking news about Harvey Weinstein when it broke and was horrified to learn about the extent of his misdeeds. This book chronicles the reporting done by Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey that lead to that breaking news, as well as other stories about powerful men who were accused of similar crimes. It was an incredibly interesting narrative. I was struck with the level of complicity that allowed Weinstein to do what he did, which is what I think bothers me the most about this. How could so many people, who knew what he was doing was wrong, turn a blind eye and allow it to happen? And, even worse, allow it to keep happening by protecting Weinstein and taking away these women's right to tell their stories. The bravery of the women who finally came forward to expose this cannot be overlooked. Although I haven't seen much change in the way of legislation, I am hoping that as more of these stories are told, that we will see changes that protect the victims of these horrific crimes.

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Review: A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has everything I adore - vampires, witches, mystery, romance, history, and magic. While some are billing it as an "adult Twilight," I would disagree with this assessment. Yes, there are vampires and romance, but it's nothing like the Twilight books. I love the characters, especially Diana. It's so nice to have a strong, intelligent, independent, and feisty female at the center of a well-written novel. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and held it to the very last page. Do yourself a favor and read this one!

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Review: A Darker Shade of Magic

A Darker Shade of Magic A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had the privilege to see V.E. Schwab speak recently at the DC Book Festival. I had never heard of her before but was so intrigued by her author talk that I bought several of her books at the festival. This is the first of her books that I have read and I have become a fan!

This book was so good. The characters are dynamic and a little rough around the edges. Lila is by far my favorite character. I appreciate her wit, her sense of adventure, and her will to survive. The worlds that Schwab created are breathtaking and alive. The story was a page turner and I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to see what happens in the sequel!

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Review: Know My Name

Know My Name Know My Name by Chanel Miller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is incredibly powerful. I listened to the audiobook, which was read by the author, Chanel Miller, which make the book's impact even greater. Chanel is an intelligent and articulate writer and she tells her story in such a beautiful and honest way. I wish that books like this could be mandatory reading for everyone. Then maybe society would understand why it is so hard for women to come forward, how pervasive sexual assault is, and how the justice system often works against victims of sexual assault.

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