👶👶👶👶👶: Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds, by John Fugelsang

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the divisive atmosphere in our nation, tired of the endless stream of confusing rhetoric, or even if you're convinced that the current events in the United States are straight out of the bible, then you MUST READ THIS BOOK NOW! Everyone across the political spectrum - from both sides of the aisle - would benefit from this book.

@johnfugelsang has crafted an in-depth - albeit sometimes slightly irreverent - exploration of the true motives behind the actions of today’s administration. Are these actions aligned with true Christian principles? You’ll have to dive in to this book to fully understand. It’s penned by a comedian whose unique perspective comes from being the son of a former Catholic nun and a Franciscan brother, so you’ll certainly gain a whole new perspective by reading it!

I WHOLEHEARTEDLY RECOMMEND this book to both believers and non-believers alike! It’s a fantastic resource to help you navigate the tumultuous times we’re facing.

Read 6/1/26

👶👶👶👶👶: The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again, by Mary Claire Haver

I have to kick off this post with a huge shoutout to the amazing @drmaryclaire, the powerhouse leading the menopausal revolution🎉🎉🎉!!! I can't express enough how grateful I am to this incredible doctor (who’s a local gem in TX, by the way‼️) for paving the way for women like me to access the healthcare we truly deserve - without any stigma attached. What a privilege to enter into the “zone of chaos” loaded with vital information laid out in this book!

My mom’s generation navigated this hormonal transition without any guidance and women like her ended up facing a full hysterectomy in their early 40s (which is absolutely wild🤯). Had it not been for trailblazers like Dr. Haver and the researchers that came before her, I could have easily ended up in the same situation.

This book is packed with in-depth research and actionable steps you can take right now to reclaim your hormonal health. I've already implemented several of her recommendations and am truly noticing a difference!

A massive thank you to Dr. Haver and her fantastic team for creating this guide. You’re making a positive impact on so many lives! And a special thanks to partners @harmonyrodaleconvergent , @randomhouse , and @netgalley for providing this #gifted review e-copy.

Read 6/20/26

👶👶👶👶👶: The Calamity Club

Well color me happy, Kathryn Stockett has done it again! That’s right, the one and only @kathrynstockettauthor, famous for her beloved novel The Help from 2009, is back with yet another incredible underdog story! I just love how this author captures the essence of girl power and had me cheering out loud for these amazing gals right from the start!

This new novel shines a light on the harsh options available to girls and women in the 1930s, often forcing many of them to make high-risk decisions with their limited options.This book was so heartfelt, and each character was incredibly memorable. I honestly believe characterization is Kathryn Stockett's superpower; every time I pick up one of her books, I feel like I’ve made new best friends. She has a knack for crafting protagonists who may be downtrodden and flawed but are undeniably good at heart - it makes it impossible not to root for them!

And y'all know I'm a sucker for a good southern fiction novel - and this one had all the elements that I look for in this genre: rich dialogue between eccentric characters, a slow atmospheric unfolding of family secrets, thought-provoking racial and religious dynamics, and an exploration of social change. Of course, a young spunky southern girl always enhances the narrative, and 11-year-old Meg definitely fit the bill!

What a joy to be #gifted this early review copy from @spiegelandgrau & @netgalley ! Thank you so much! This was my NUMBER ONE MOST ANTICIPATED READ of the year, and boy was it worth the wait! Kathryn Stockett, you're a QUEEN!

Read 5/5/26

👶👶👶👶👶: Mad Mabel, by Sally Hepworth

WOWZA!!! It's been ages since I've managed to read a book in one day! So, if that doesn't speak volumes (pun intended) about how excellent this book is, I'm not sure what will! This book had me hooked from the very first page:

"𝐼𝑡'𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑦, 𝑖𝑓 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟, 𝑠𝑢𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑓 𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑑𝑒𝑟. 𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑠𝑒 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑝𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑙𝑑𝑒𝑟𝑙𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑔𝑖𝑟𝑙𝑠...

...𝐼'𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑘 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙."

C'mon! How could anyone put a book down after an intro like that?! And that was just a snippet of the prologue... This novel was EXTRAORDINARY!!! I am such a sucker for stories about old curmudgeons, and this was no exception. To boot, Mabel had such spunk; I found myself rooting for her right from the start! I ran the gamut of emotions throughout the story. @sallyhepworth you really outdid yourself!

There’s so much to unpack about this book, but can we take a moment to appreciate that this kind-hearted author included a beloved fellow late bookstagrammer as a character?! I was so touched to see Linda Raiti @lilyraiti in the story—it was such a magnificent tribute.

Speaking of character development - it is simply sublime. I felt as though I knew each individual intimately in such a short span. I adored the relationship between Mabel and Daphne, and oh, sweet Persephone. The description of Cess as a fascinating contradiction stopped me cold - that could've been me. Fun fact: my nickname in grade school? Maybelline!!! I could go on and on about this book.

Absolutely ALL. THE. STARS!!! Run to the bookstore NOW!!!

Many thanks to #partners @stmartinspress and @netgalley for this #gifted early review copy! Loved every minute!

Read 4/21/26

👶👶👶👶👶: Life: A Love Story, Elizabeth Berg

What an absolutely beautiful novel. Elizabeth Berg has a remarkable talent for capturing the beauty in life’s simpler moments. Reading her work feels like a warm embrace, inviting you to settle into the soothing comfort of her prose. If you've never read a book by Elizabeth Berg, I highly recommend you grab this one - I guarantee you'll be hooked.

In this particular story, we meet Flo, a vibrant 92-year-old woman grappling with a terminal diagnosis. Her joie de vivre is contagious, and this particular character trait is the lens through which the reader experiences gratitude for the smallest of wonders.

This novel had me grinning from ear to ear, experiencing moments of frustration, and even shedding a tear or two. If you’re on the hunt for a book that gives you all the feels, this is definitely the one!

Many thanks to #partner @randomhouse and @randomhousebooks for sharing this early review copy. It was just the sweetest story.

Read 3/22/26

👶👶👶👶👶: 100 Train Journeys of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides

I AM SO EXCITED Y'ALL!!! I am so fortunate to have received this magnificent book from TLC Book Tours - I am so incredibly grateful. Thank you so much to everyone that made it happen including National Geographic, Penguin Random House , and Disney Books .

I’m a total train junkie, and I won't lie – I’ve taken some playful ribbing for my passion for trains! In this fast-paced world, there’s something captivating about the nostalgia of trains that I just can’t shake. Whenever I get the chance, whether it’s at an amusement park, a local town, or during a vacation, you can bet I'll hop on board for a train ride. There’s a unique sense of peace and nostalgia that washes over me as soon as I step onto a train – it's really the whole experience that draws me in.

This book is simply GORGEOUS! 😍😍😍 The photos are nothing short of STUNNING, just as one would expect from National Geographic. The sections are organized by geographic areas including Europe, Africa & the Middle East, North America, South America, Asia, and Oceania. Each segment dives deep into these train excursions, and let me tell you, even if you’re not already a train fan, this will definitely change your perspective! I was absolutely thrilled to see Linha do Ouro in Portugal featured – what a gem!

This book is the PERFECT gift for any train lovers in your life, or it would make a fantastic addition to your coffee table collection!

Read 10/7/25

👶👶👶👶👶: How the Hell Did I Not Know That?: My Midlife Year from Couch to Curiosity, by Lucie Frost

I didn't realize how desperately I needed a book that brought a little humor into my life, and this one was just the ticket!

Lucie Frost has penned a delightful memoir detailing her first year of retirement, which all kicked off with a hilariously drunken resignation text to her boss. It's a riotous tale of her self-created journey, which she charmingly named Project Couch to Curiosity.

The book delves into an ever-growing list of intriguing answers to the wonders that piqued her interest. This quirky trivia began during a leisurely couch potato phase immediately after she retired, and the random facts are both amusing and surprisingly captivating! For instance, she looked into what the best instrument is to learn later in life and discovered that the organ is one of the toughest instruments to master. Turns out I played it when I was young, so now I'm feeling kinda genius😂!!

I just love the cheeky attitude and comical personality of this former lawyer turned comedienne! So if you’re in the mood for a good chuckle and wouldn’t mind picking up some amusing trivia as you read, this book is just what you need!

Many thanks to partners, Kaye Publicity and Trinity University Press for this humorous gifted review copy! 

Read 8/26/25

👶👶👶👶👶: Here One Moment, by Liane Moriarty

Okay Liane Moriarty, I see you now! This novel, a finalist in the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards, really resonated with me. Poignant and powerful, I was absolutely GLUED to the pages from the moment Cherry, an older, seemingly ordinary woman, stood up in the airplane. From that moment on, it was unputdownable!

This novel truly invites readers to reflect on their own lives - even the small choices that often feel inconsequential. It was definitely an amazing pick for our Book Club!

It certainly begs the question: ❓️If you had known the path your life would take, would you have changed anything along the way❓️

ALL the stars from me!!!

Read 7/2/25

👶👶👶👶👶: John & Paul: A Love Story in Songs, by Ian Leslie

ＷＯＷＯＷＯＷ!!!!!! Gather round Beatles fans! This is the winning ticket! What an impeccably researched, authentically conveyed, and exquisitely executed book! This book delves into the complicated and intense relationship between John Lennon and Paul McCartney, two of the most creative singer/songwriter duos of our time. The author had the brilliant idea of sharing their history through the songs they wrote and recorded; what a magnificent journey it is. I had no idea of much of this history, and each song not only brings back a flood of memories but a deeper understanding of these ingenious artists. All at once, uplifting and heartbreaking, this book is one that will absolutely stand the test of time.

Many, many thanks to partner Celadon Books for this beautifully rendered, gifted biography. I will treasure it for years to come!

Read 4/9/25

👶👶👶👶👶: Propaganda Girls: The Secret War of the Women in the OSS, by Lisa Rogak

I love that more and more stories are coming out about the integral role women played in the outcome of WWII. This particular book, by celebrated author Lisa Rogak, pays tribute to four brave and forward-thinking women, all of whom contributed immeasurably to the war campaign. As members of the OSS, Betty MacDonald, Zuzka Lauwers, Jane Smith-Hutton, and Marlene Dietrich developed secret black propaganda aiming to break Axis soldier's morale by discrediting the Reich.

Ms. Rogak does a tremendous job in describing these gallant women's backgrounds and efforts in striking detail. As opposed to some nonfiction accounts, this one held my attention from the first page. In a time when women and minorities' voices are being silenced and erased, this novel brings to light the incredible contributions that ALL people can bring to the table.

Many thanks to partner, @stmartinspress for this 5-star gifted novel! I enjoyed learning about so much of this unknown history!

Read 4/1/25

👶👶👶👶👶: The Lost Passenger, by Frances Quinn

ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT Frances Quinn!!! It's been a minute since I've read a 5-star novel, but this book earned every one of those stars! What a unique perspective of the sinking of the Titanic Ms. Quinn has presented. The most fascinating part of it all is that I honestly would not even bill this novel as just another "Titanic story." There was SO MUCH more to this novel.

I ran the gamut of emotion as I read this exquisite tale of Elinor Coombes, the daughter of the self-made "Cotton King," who worked for every penny of the wealth he was not born into. We learn that her father's wealth is enough for her new aristocratic husband's elitist family, but not Elinor's less-than-acceptable upbringing and mannerisms. She finds herself in a loveless marriage, in a life where every part of who she is seems to be dictated by her heartless mother-in-law, right down to the infant son she bore that they manage to tear away from her care.

Enter a gift from her father for first-class tickets on the maiden voyage of the Titanic... she is elated to escape the clutch of her in-laws and get some well-deserved time alone with her son. Though you well know the fate of the giant ship, you'll just have to read the novel to find out what happens to Elinor in the aftermath of this tragedy. It's a doozy that kept me on the edge of my seat until the end! I will share that Elinor is full of grit and determination, and each character along the way is so well fleshed out!

And to think I won this novel in a Goodreads giveaway! I hadn't won one in quite a while, so it was really fun to be chosen as a winner! Many thanks to Goodreads and Random House for this remarkable novel! And thank you, NetGalley, for also allowing me to read the gifted e-copy late into the night!

Read 3/29/25        

👶👶👶👶👶: The Sun's Shadow, by Sejal Badani

Sejal Badani has done it again! She has managed to rip my heart out, tear it into shreds, and then reconstruct it in a way that leaves me with more empathy than I had before. I am telling you now, if you've never read a book by this phenomenal writer, now is the time.

I can not tell you how much I despise reading books about a cheating spouse - it makes me so angry that I can't even appreciate the novel I'm reading. And yet, Ms. Badani has written a book that had me glued to the pages, needing to know how the story would unfold and how the characters would survive their circumstances. It's fascinating how Ms. Badani humanizes even the most despicable characters.

The addition of a child's cancer diagnosis was so gut-wrenching and unexpected, and yet it offered perspective that so many of the characters desperately needed.

Ultimately, this was a story about forgiveness and redemption. It was a story about self-discovery and owning the truths that sometimes hurt to admit. It was beautiful and tragic, desperate and heartfelt. I always appreciate this author's ability to explore the secrets that hold people back and often ruin lives. It is a beautiful story that I've come to expect from Sejal Badani, as she has quickly worked her way up on my list of well-respected authors.

I cried and rejoiced as I read this novel and came away with a sense of wholeness that truly is her signature culmination.

Many thanks to Lake Union and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 1/28/25

👶👶👶👶👶: Oath and Honor: A Memoir and a Warning, by Liz Cheney

Paulo Coelho once said, "The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion."

Nowhere is this more evident than by the integrity and bravery exhibited by Liz Cheney. As a lifetime member of the Republican party and mother of 5, she had nothing to gain and absolutely everything to lose by her courageous actions after the January 6th insurrection, and yet, she persevered.

No matter which side of the aisle you are on, this is an absolute MUST READ. Ms. Cheney goes into depth regarding the events that occurred before, during, and immediately after the insurrection. All. Of. The. Irrefutable. Nonpartisan. Facts. She even narrates her own book and does a tremendous job!

Here is just a taste of the powerful messages relayed in this book:

"I knew from my time overseas, a free society that abandons the truth - that abandons the rule of law - cannot remain free."

"The assumption that our institutions will protect themselves is purely wishful thinking by people who prefer to look the other way."

"Margaret Thatcher said this: 'Let it never be

said that the dedication of those who love freedom is less than the determination of those who would destroy it.'""A person with that kind of power - to intimidate and threaten and motivate others to carry out violent acts - does not just slowly fade into the background."

"As a nation, we can endure damaging policies for a four-year term. But we can not survive a president willing to terminate our Constitution."

"Our oaths are not given to any specific president. They are given to preserve the constitutional structure that has governed our republic for over 230 years. The oath does not bend or yield to popular sentiment

mob rule, or political threats."

This was an absolutely a worthy and important read.

Read 4/25/24

👶👶👶👶👶: A Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy, by Tia Levings

There are some books I read that I just want to skywrite the importance of. Tia Levings has bared her soul in this unputdownable memoir filled with heart, grit, and jaw-dropping courage. Being part of the homeschool community, but not having made the choice for religious reasons, I have been caught off guard a few times by brow-raising comments from homeschool moms. Some have admitted they can only vote for whomever the husband decides, that they have to get approval for homeschool curriculum from their husbands even though they are the primary teacher, and that they did not want to have a gaggle of children, but it wasn't their choice. I have been told that the husband is the only one who is able lead the family to heaven, that they must tolerate their husband's cruelty because divorce is not an option, and that the bible says they should be submissive to their spouse under any and all circumstances. Many of these comments have left me scratching my head, but it wasn't until I read this eye-opening book that I realized that many of these women have no choice in these matters. Not only have they been raised in this belief system, but these realities are also a closely guarded secret that many never reveal. This book shines light on the fact that many ultra-conservative Christian women are in an abusive situation that they cannot escape and includes some horrific details that absolutely broke my heart. It angers me to no end when people hide behind their religion, but to use religion in such a perverse way that excuses domestic violence is evil on another level. I have been a Christian all my life, but I refuse to accept that Christ would ever sanction abuse in any form, especially within the family unit.

This book sheds light on religious extremism and how it can infiltrate family life, communities, and even politics. Tia Levings I am in awe of you for speaking out🙏🏼.

Many thanks to partners, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this gifted review copy.

Read 8/13/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The Briar Club, by Kate Quinn

I've learned, through the years, that you just can't go wrong with a Kate Quinn novel. She has quickly become an auto-buy author for me, and I relish her work. Honestly, I've tried many a cozy mystery, and it is rare that I read one that I absolutely love, but this one was certainly an exception. Throw in some historical fiction, and I'm hooked from page one.

Set in DC during the Second Red Scare, it was fascinating to learn about the fear that enveloped people during that time. I fell in love with nearly every character, as they were all incredibly well-fleshed-out. I so love the concept of making the house itself a viable character; it added just the right touch of humor and charm to the story.

It was so witty of Ms. Quinn to include a nod to The Rose Code by including a relative of a character in that novel. I also appreciated that not only was the culprit of the crime a mystery for the reader, but so was the identity of the victim! The reader is therefore strung along in the hopes of discovering these two curious mysteries🤔. It was also fun to discover the back stories of all of the characters along the way, and each one was more intriguing than the next. And I can't forget to rave about the recipes included with a humorous twist (iykyk😂).

Bravo, Ms. Quinn! What a privilege to be given a gifted review copy prior to pub day, from partners , William Morrow Books and Netgalley! Thanks so much!

Read 7/9/24

👶👶👶👶👶: You're Not Done Yet: Parenting Young Adults in an Age of Uncertainty, by B. Janet Hibbs & Anthony Rostain

Yeah, so this book will be living rent-free inside my head for a good, long time. What a wonderful surprise to receive this book from partner St. Martin's Press . How did you know I needed this treasure trove of useful information so desperately???!!!

What a wealth of knowledge for those of us wading through the waters of adult parenting. No one ever told me this would be harder than parenting my little people!!! The separation and letting go is enough to kill me😭😭😭! How will my babies never live in my household again😮‍💨?! But I digress...

This is a small but mighty reference book filled with anecdotes, case studies, and step-by-step guides about letting go and giving your children wings to fly, while still offering the nurturing support they so desperately need. I love how the authors address the very real changes that Covid introduced, along with a no-nonsense approach to parenting adult kids and learning to guide them without alienating them. There's no judgment, no harsh criticism, just a sure-fire way to develop a strong bond with your newly formed adult.

So, if like me, you're looking for a beacon in the perilous waters of parenting your 20-something, RUN to the bookstore and grab yourself a copy! You won't regret it!

Read 5/20/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The New Menopause: Navigating Your Path Through Hormonal Change with Purpose, Power, and Facts, by Maty Claire Haver, MD

l

I have been a big fan of Dr. Mary Claire since my dear book club friend began following the Galveston Diet program. I appreciated the common sense approach to her proposed lifestyle changes and her focus on the reduction of inflammation, so I followed suit. Fast forward two years, and yes, ladies and gents, my body has had a mind of its own lately. Looks like perimenopause is on the horizon, and I certainly 

do not want to be caught unawares. So, when I was given the opportunity to read this wise woman's upcoming release, I was all over it! Plus, she's an ObGyn here in the Houston area, so that makes it all the more accessible!

This book is CHOCK-FULL of important information to navigate the inevitable changes in our bodies as we age. Dr. Haver is clear and concise, with patience and womanly intuition that makes all the difference in a female doctor.

I love how the book is split into 2 parts: Part One is The Story of Menopausal Medicine, explaining its history (or lack thereof) and the current trend to normalize this shift and make it comfortable for us women folk. Part Two goes into the specific symptoms that come along with this shift in hormones and the best strategies to deal with each concern. Each section is detailed and gives readers a precise plan of action to navigate some of the discomforts of this huge transition.

Dr. Haver is a visionary in the field of obstetrics and gynecology, and she is forging a new path for women of a certain age to be able to have more control and direction in their choices as it relates to their own body's shift. Her commitment to putting the power in our hands is refreshing, and I highly recommend this book to women, their friends, and family members.

As the good doctor says, "𝑴𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒑𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆; 𝒔𝒖𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕."

WE'VE GOT THIS, THANKS TO DR. MARY CLAIRE HAVER!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for this gifted review copy.

Read 5/1/24

👶👶👶👶👶: The Outlaw Noble Salt, by Amy Harmon

You'd best hop on the fastest train and grab yourself a copy of this magnificently-rendered novel.

Only Amy Harmon can make her readers swoon over a character such as Butch Cassidy! She imagined his character in such a redeemable way that I was actually crying over a man I never thought was remotely worthy of empathy. She has perfectly melded the historical story of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid with the golden Amy Harmon touch. And let me tell you, there ain't nothing like Amy Harmon's storytelling!

She is remarkably adept at researching historical figures, then making them so real, so palpable, it's as if you've lived right alongside them. There have been very few books of Amy's that have not made me cry and feel depth of emotion that knocks me off my feet. And no one can tackle historical fiction like this amazing author!

I'm such a sucker for Wild West stories, and learning more about the infamous Butch Cassidy was just the icing on the cake. Now make him a redemptive outlaw that speaks in hokku, and is going "soft" for a sweet famous singer, and I'm all in!

I am ever so grateful to Amy Harmon and Lake Union Authors for this gifted review copy. What a joy to add this gem to my Amy Harmon collection!

Read 4/9/24

👶👶👶👶👶: How to Stand Up to a Dictator, by Maria Ressa

"𝑾𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒍𝒂𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚, 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔, 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒌𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒏𝒆𝒘𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒃𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒔, 𝒃𝒚 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒈𝒏."

Wow. This book.

"𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒉 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒎𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒖𝒊𝒏 𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒃𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒕𝒚. 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒆𝒄𝒉 𝒊𝒔 𝒂 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒈𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒌 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒐𝒃𝒋𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆."

If your democracy is important to you, if you think you know everything there is to know about our current political state, and if you can remain open-minded enough to take in this important information, pick up this book NOW. This is a cautionary tale from someone who has lived through the worst, first-hand. There is just so much to learn from this nobel peace prize-winning journalist, Maria Ressa.

"𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒔𝒐𝒄𝒊𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒆𝒅 𝒂 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍-𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑽𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒔 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑵𝒐𝒓𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝑵𝒆𝒘 𝒁𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒂𝒏𝒅, 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔, 𝒑𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒖𝒔 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎, 𝒐𝒓, 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅, 𝒇𝒂𝒔𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒎. 𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒆, 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒔 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒐𝒃 𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒆."

Read 12/27/23

👶👶👶👶👶: The Women, by Kristin Hannah

I am absolutely speechless. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑾𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏 by Kristin Hannah takes readers on a journey alongside the women of the Vietnam War. This novel was absolutely stunning, completely devastating, and incredibly overwhelming, in the most awe-inspiring way. It broke me, and awoke me, and left me raw with emotion.

Readers follow sweet Frankie (Frances), an all-American girl from a wealthy California suburb. Hoping to follow in her brother's footsteps and hoping to make her family proud, she enlists in the Vietnam War as a nurse, only to discover the gruesome reality that is Vietnam. The world that she returns to is just as unforgiving, and Frankie is left bereft, held afloat only by the other brave women who were at her side during the war.

This story will leave you astounded, but with a renewed sense of gratitude for the unsung heroes who fought wars for our country, especially the women who were never recognized or respected as an integral part of these wars. These individuals upheld the beliefs that our freedom is of utmost importance and fought with valor and bravery for each and every one of us.

Many thanks to partners, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for sharing this gifted review copy with me.

Read 2/6/24