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This book was very interesting to read. As a memoir, it was great to be able to see into the author and her family's life. I had to read this book for one of my college courses and it has been very eye-opening to see what these people had to go through, not through the history books, the laws, or even the movies that have come out about the Chinese Americans. This very honest representation of their lives was well written and full of information. There were many things that I had learned differently or, in some cases, didn't even learn in my classes until now. It was all just swept under the rug by the writers of history
This book is set up with short vignettes that break up six other stories of, mainly, the men in Maxine Hong Kingston's family. It shows the struggle of Chinese-Americans in their immigration and their becoming American citizens when they first got here. The story touches a lot on the racism that they encountered as well. When there were stereotypes, Kingston was able to spin them to give them a sort of double-consciousness. There was the negative stereotyped version, then there was also the positive version.
This was a very interesting, and eye-opening book. If you want to learn more about the Chinese American history, pick this book up.
This book is set up with short vignettes that break up six other stories of, mainly, the men in Maxine Hong Kingston's family. It shows the struggle of Chinese-Americans in their immigration and their becoming American citizens when they first got here. The story touches a lot on the racism that they encountered as well. When there were stereotypes, Kingston was able to spin them to give them a sort of double-consciousness. There was the negative stereotyped version, then there was also the positive version.
This was a very interesting, and eye-opening book. If you want to learn more about the Chinese American history, pick this book up.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the World's Longest Treasure Hunt in Books
Nov 14, 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
My family and I have never missed an episode of the History Channel's series "The Curse of Oak Island". For 5 seasons, we have cheered along with and rooted for Rick, Marty, Craig, Dan, Dave, and the rest of the team of treasure hunters. We have favorite "characters" and discuss the show well after the episode has ended. We are looking forward to November 13, 2018, the season premiere date of season 6.
Each episode contains history, theories, and current attempts on the island. "The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the WorldÕs Longest Treasure Hunt" by Randall Sullivan drilled deeper than the show has. Yes, pun intended. The show frequently repeats information but I found the book to be more direct and contains detailed information that spans the history of treasure hunting on Oak Island. It is an in-depth, well researched study that is able to answer questions and explain the details of what is mentioned in the show's narrative. It also answers questions you did not know you had. It is a wonderful companion for those who have watched the show or for those who want to start watching the upcoming season without watching the prior ones.
My family and I have never missed an episode of the History Channel's series "The Curse of Oak Island". For 5 seasons, we have cheered along with and rooted for Rick, Marty, Craig, Dan, Dave, and the rest of the team of treasure hunters. We have favorite "characters" and discuss the show well after the episode has ended. We are looking forward to November 13, 2018, the season premiere date of season 6.
Each episode contains history, theories, and current attempts on the island. "The Curse of Oak Island: The Story of the WorldÕs Longest Treasure Hunt" by Randall Sullivan drilled deeper than the show has. Yes, pun intended. The show frequently repeats information but I found the book to be more direct and contains detailed information that spans the history of treasure hunting on Oak Island. It is an in-depth, well researched study that is able to answer questions and explain the details of what is mentioned in the show's narrative. It also answers questions you did not know you had. It is a wonderful companion for those who have watched the show or for those who want to start watching the upcoming season without watching the prior ones.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated No One’s Home in Books
Aug 10, 2020
145 of 200
Kindle
No ones home
By D M Pulley
Margot and Myron Spielman move to a new town, looking for a fresh start and an escape from the long shadow of their past. But soon after they buy Rawlingswood, a foreclosed mansion rumored to be haunted, they realize they’re in for more of the same…or worse.
After a renovation fraught with injuries and setbacks, the Spielmans move in to the century-old house, and their problems quickly escalate. The home’s beautiful facade begins to crumble around them when their teenage son uncovers disturbing details of Rawlingswood’s history—a history of murder, betrayal, and financial ruin. The Spielmans’ own shameful secrets and lies become harder to hide as someone or something inside the house watches their every move.
As tensions build between the family members, the home’s dark history threatens to repeat itself. Margot and Myron must confront their own ghosts and Rawlingswood’s buried past before the house becomes their undoing.
Such a good book!! Full of mystery and suggestions of paranormal activity all written around historical events, places and people. I read mainly at night and in the dark so I got a few chills reading this. Such a well balanced and well executed book! You got drawn into all these characters lives!
Kindle
No ones home
By D M Pulley
Margot and Myron Spielman move to a new town, looking for a fresh start and an escape from the long shadow of their past. But soon after they buy Rawlingswood, a foreclosed mansion rumored to be haunted, they realize they’re in for more of the same…or worse.
After a renovation fraught with injuries and setbacks, the Spielmans move in to the century-old house, and their problems quickly escalate. The home’s beautiful facade begins to crumble around them when their teenage son uncovers disturbing details of Rawlingswood’s history—a history of murder, betrayal, and financial ruin. The Spielmans’ own shameful secrets and lies become harder to hide as someone or something inside the house watches their every move.
As tensions build between the family members, the home’s dark history threatens to repeat itself. Margot and Myron must confront their own ghosts and Rawlingswood’s buried past before the house becomes their undoing.
Such a good book!! Full of mystery and suggestions of paranormal activity all written around historical events, places and people. I read mainly at night and in the dark so I got a few chills reading this. Such a well balanced and well executed book! You got drawn into all these characters lives!
I’m late to Isabel Allende, and so this is only the third book I’ve read of hers (A Long Petal of the Sea and The Soul of a Woman are the others).
Violeta tells the story of a woman’s life over 100 years. It starts during the Spanish flu and it’s terrible repercussions, and goes on through both tumultuous political times and Violeta’s own turbulent past - her life and her country’s history pretty much mirroring one another.
I felt consumed by this story and I’d come up for air, wondering why on Earth I hadn’t heard of Allende before A Long Petal?!
This, I believe, is the history of Chile and there are a fair few autobiographical bits of Allende’s own life thrown in for good measure. What a life the fictional Violeta and her family experience - and what a force Violeta is. She needs to be as well.
I can’t believe that 100 years could be fit into such a relatively short book without it feeling rushed.
It really is a wonderful read.
Violeta tells the story of a woman’s life over 100 years. It starts during the Spanish flu and it’s terrible repercussions, and goes on through both tumultuous political times and Violeta’s own turbulent past - her life and her country’s history pretty much mirroring one another.
I felt consumed by this story and I’d come up for air, wondering why on Earth I hadn’t heard of Allende before A Long Petal?!
This, I believe, is the history of Chile and there are a fair few autobiographical bits of Allende’s own life thrown in for good measure. What a life the fictional Violeta and her family experience - and what a force Violeta is. She needs to be as well.
I can’t believe that 100 years could be fit into such a relatively short book without it feeling rushed.
It really is a wonderful read.
Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Hedy's Journey: The True Story of a Hungarian Girl Fleeing the Holocaust in Books
Jun 16, 2018
Hedy's Journey by Michelle Bisson is a horrific, true story about a Hungarian Jewish girl named Hedy who had to travel through Germany during the Holocaust in search of safety. She takes a portion of the journey to America alone, as she is required to separate from her parents.
She and her family suffered through trials and tribulations on the unpredictable journey. Plans often changed, and she had no choice but to be brave. Follow along in the story to learn there destination and future.
The author, Michelle Bisson, is Hedy's daughter. She tells the story of Hedy's (Hungarian Jewish) journey to safety, from the Nazis to the US. The story is sort of passing of the baton. Someone has to continue to tell their stories, history in its worst manifestation, and I appreciated the effort of this daughter. The story is told with extreme delicacy and the designs convey this emotion. I truly appreciate that she has taken the story about her mother's experience and offered it to others so that they can retain this piece of history that is so essential to children's education. In addition, I appreciated the author mentioning that it wasn't just Jews who were persecuted.
The book also contains lots of photographs of Hedy and her family as well as a timeline of events. This book is one I believe should be integral to children's curriculums and should be in every library.
She and her family suffered through trials and tribulations on the unpredictable journey. Plans often changed, and she had no choice but to be brave. Follow along in the story to learn there destination and future.
The author, Michelle Bisson, is Hedy's daughter. She tells the story of Hedy's (Hungarian Jewish) journey to safety, from the Nazis to the US. The story is sort of passing of the baton. Someone has to continue to tell their stories, history in its worst manifestation, and I appreciated the effort of this daughter. The story is told with extreme delicacy and the designs convey this emotion. I truly appreciate that she has taken the story about her mother's experience and offered it to others so that they can retain this piece of history that is so essential to children's education. In addition, I appreciated the author mentioning that it wasn't just Jews who were persecuted.
The book also contains lots of photographs of Hedy and her family as well as a timeline of events. This book is one I believe should be integral to children's curriculums and should be in every library.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The King of Bones and Ashes (Witches of New Orleans #1) in Books
Mar 13, 2020
From the bestselling author of the Witching Savannah series comes the first book in a fascinating trilogy following the quest of a young witch to uncover her family’s terrifying secret history…
Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who’ve relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. While some see an inevitable end of their era, others are courting madness—willing to sacrifice former allies, friends, and family to retain the power they covet. While the other witches watch their reality unravel, young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too—caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine.
Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Discovering the cause of the vanishings, though, could be the only way to escape her mother’s reach while determining the future of all witches.
A decent book and a brilliant take on different magical communities in New Orleans. I really enjoyed the 1st book in the Savannah series so thought I'd try this one to. I enjoyed the book although sometimes I found myself a little lost in so much information,but overall I quite enjoyed it! Would recommend especially to those witch loving readers.
Magic is seeping out of the world, leaving the witches who’ve relied on it for countless centuries increasingly hopeless. While some see an inevitable end of their era, others are courting madness—willing to sacrifice former allies, friends, and family to retain the power they covet. While the other witches watch their reality unravel, young Alice Marin is using magic’s waning days to delve into the mystery of numerous disappearances in the occult circles of New Orleans. Alice disappeared once, too—caged in an asylum by blood relatives. Recently freed, she fears her family may be more involved with the growing crisis than she ever dared imagine.
Yet the more she seeks the truth about her family’s troubled history, the more she realizes her already-fragile psyche may be at risk. Discovering the cause of the vanishings, though, could be the only way to escape her mother’s reach while determining the future of all witches.
A decent book and a brilliant take on different magical communities in New Orleans. I really enjoyed the 1st book in the Savannah series so thought I'd try this one to. I enjoyed the book although sometimes I found myself a little lost in so much information,but overall I quite enjoyed it! Would recommend especially to those witch loving readers.
Tonya (52 KP) rated The Librarians - Season 4 in TV
Dec 23, 2017
Funny, likeable Characters (2 more)
Adventures
Wit
Quirky, humerous, but a bit ridiculous this season
First of all, my family loves watching the librarians. But this season is off to a less than captivating start. Four episodes in and each one has tried to tell us a bit more about the past of one of the main characters and in my opinion it has fallen flat. While the character info has been interesting, using it as the foundation for the episode has led to a ridiculously week storyline. I much preferred seasons past based on history or mythology where the character info was the bonus. Jenkins as usual saves the day and I will keep watching.
Chris Hooker (419 KP) rated The Girl Who Came Home in Books
Jan 12, 2018
[The Girl Who Came Home] by [Hazel Gaynor] will appeal to fans of the movie Titanic. Fortunately this story has more depth and more believable characters.
[Gaynor] tells the story of Maggie, and Irish girl, who is leaving her home to travel to America with her aunt after the death of her mother. Maggie does not want to leave unlike those she is traveling with since she is in love.
This novel does a good job mixing history with fiction and making it believable. It is also told as a memory to Maggie's granddaughter, Grace, who has made her own sacrifices for family. It is an enjoyable read with a slight twist at the end.
[Gaynor] tells the story of Maggie, and Irish girl, who is leaving her home to travel to America with her aunt after the death of her mother. Maggie does not want to leave unlike those she is traveling with since she is in love.
This novel does a good job mixing history with fiction and making it believable. It is also told as a memory to Maggie's granddaughter, Grace, who has made her own sacrifices for family. It is an enjoyable read with a slight twist at the end.
Alison Pink (7 KP) rated The Lantern in Books
Jan 15, 2018
If you can stick out this book for the first 10 or so chapters you will be rewarded with much more than you ever expected! If I had to sum up Deborah Lawrenson's book up in a few words I choose sweeping, dramatic, unexpected, & descriptive to the point of being lyrical.
This book intwines the epic history of the crumbling hamlet called Les Genevriers and the Lincel family with the present inhabitants, Dom and Eve. The characters are well developed and very simply human at the same time. The writing is engrossing and leaves you guessing until the conluding chapters offer you a simple, reasonable explanation that still manages to be tinted with a bit of intrigue and mystery.
This book intwines the epic history of the crumbling hamlet called Les Genevriers and the Lincel family with the present inhabitants, Dom and Eve. The characters are well developed and very simply human at the same time. The writing is engrossing and leaves you guessing until the conluding chapters offer you a simple, reasonable explanation that still manages to be tinted with a bit of intrigue and mystery.
Cumberland (1142 KP) rated I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 in Books
Oct 28, 2018
Great Middle Grade Read
This book follows the story of a young boy and his family when hurricane Katrina hit. The writing style is simple and easy to read; while keeping the story interesting. This makes it perfect for younger readers.
I also really liked that the author did her research. The book depicted events as accurately as possible. She also include a section at the end that was facts about the hurricane. Many of these facts were things I never knew, so it was nice to learn something new from an unexpected place.
This book would be a great way to teach kids about natural disasters, and introduced them to the history of hurricane Katrina.
I also really liked that the author did her research. The book depicted events as accurately as possible. She also include a section at the end that was facts about the hurricane. Many of these facts were things I never knew, so it was nice to learn something new from an unexpected place.
This book would be a great way to teach kids about natural disasters, and introduced them to the history of hurricane Katrina.