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Kristina (502 KP) rated Be the Girl in Books

Dec 7, 2020  
Be the Girl
Be the Girl
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Contains spoilers, click to show
The meaning behind this story is an important one, it's just unfortunate that it didn't hit very hard until the last 100 pages or less. I continued to read because I knew something big was coming, something shocking and interesting, and I was right: the whole time, I assumed Aria had attempted suicide and was trying to forget her past, so it was definitely a surprise to discover she was escaping from a mistake she made that actually led to a former student committing suicide. The first 85% of the story I wasn't bored, necessarily, just waiting expectantly for "more". But, boy, that last percentage really packed a punch. It goes to show how bullying can go wrong, how there are literally life and death consequences to such actions. It also highlights some of the differences in those with autism, which is nice, because I feel like that topic is shied away from by many. I love K. A. Tucker and I hate to say that, while the moral of the story was an important one, 'Be the Girl' wasn't one of my favorites.
  
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Merissa (13149 KP) rated The Poison Keeper in Books

Jun 11, 2021 (Updated Jul 18, 2023)  
The Poison Keeper
The Poison Keeper
Deborah Swift | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
THE POISON KEEPER is the first book about Giulia Tofana, a real historical figure, known for her poison Aqua Tofana which could both heal and harm. In this book, we grow with her from a young woman - chomping at the reins and not liking the constrictions placed upon her by her mother, to a strong woman with an agenda and life of her own with extremely difficult circumstances.

I cannot tell you the amount of research that must have gone into this book! There is just so much. Incredible details of clothing, hair, jobs, places, you name it. Also, you find out about the pomanders used, plus other 'recipes'. All of which help to draw you into an intriguing story. There are hints of a possible romance between Giulia and Fabio but only hints.

Make no mistake, Giulia Tofana is a killer. She provides the means, knowing full well what she's doing, even if she doesn't actually do the deed herself. However, after reading her story, you will understand just why she did it. She is a figure from history I have always been interested in, and this story helped to bring her alive.

The first in a series, I now have The Silkworm Keeper on my To-Be-Read list, and I can highly recommend this book.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 11, 2021