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The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness
Erik Larson | 2004 | Crime, History & Politics, Reference
4
7.0 (16 Ratings)
Book Rating
Not so much murder, magic, and madness
I'm a true crime junkie, aka murderino, so of course, I looked forward to reading this book. The title and description sounded great and I previously read another book, Isaac's Storm, about the 1900 Galveston hurricane, by Eric Larson, which was fascinating as he did a ton of research and brought that book to life. Though it's been 8 years since I've read Isaac's storm, I remember the stories he told as he narrative made you feel you were there. I expected the same with this book, but alas, that was not the case. Instead, I got pages upon pages of details about rivets and the meetings between city councilmen and architects and city permits needed to build everything. OMG, seriously? Why? There are a few stories in the book that are interesting such as the creation of the first Ferris wheel, some of the exhibits and entertainers and drama of the World's Fair. There is a little information about H.H. Holmes, his murder castle, and crimes but not as much detail as any true crime buff has already read someplace else. And what there is about Holmes is a dry recitation of facts, nothing intriguing at all. I was extremely disappointed in his coverage of the events in this book. The title made it sound exciting but it was mostly just drudgery.
  
A Game of Thrones
A Game of Thrones
George R.R. Martin | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
9
8.8 (87 Ratings)
Book Rating
Direwolves (2 more)
Strong women
Dragons
Lannisters (1 more)
Good people die
What other readers have said about this fantasy book when it comes to how great it is is true. A Game of Thrones is an epic tale of good versus evil, men choosing between honor or peace, and women between family or duty. This story sets on different paths, feeding pieces of the plot to you, and slowly comes together in expected and unexpected ways. From each one information is learned on what is coming and what is occurring. You learn of life, death, betrayal, and war. Clues are riddled out at possible outcomes. Truths and lies are spoken.

Why are men missing from the Wall? Was Jon Arryn truly murdered? What is happening in the North? Will the last of House Targaryen come for their birthright? Who will live? Who will die?
  
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)
Can You Ever Forgive Me? (2018)
2018 | Drama
Slightly curious true-life tale of literary forger Lee Israel (McCarthy) and her accomplice Jack Hock (Grant). Somewhat unevenly pitched between cheerily amoral caper comedy and downbeat, naturalistic drama exploring big ideas about creativity and authenticity, but the story is well told and fairly involving.

I'm not entirely sure how the two stars have both managed to swing Oscar nominations, for this particular movie at least - it's not as if either of them is actually bad, but they're both essentially delivering variations on their standard performance (McCarthy: abrasive, acid-tongued loudmouth; Grant: pantomime dame). It's hard to shake the impression that McCarthy has managed to get herself Oscar nominated mainly for putting on a wig, but there is a long if somewhat ignoble tradition of the academy rewarding actresses for being brave enough to de-glam themselves on screen. So it goes.
  
Asia's New Wings
Asia's New Wings
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a lovely book. It shows how her parents dealt with their little girls death. It shows the process of how each person who loved Asia began healing.

It also helps other parents who had to deal with loss. What a way to celebrate a child's life in the best way. It talks about the foundation they created in her name.

It references Asia saying's though out the book. It surely amazing that what Asia said to her parents or mother came true as Asia had known she be leaving this world.

I really enjoyed it. It sure has the history of that day. It tells the story of September 11, 2001. It is told in a way a parent loses someone special. The children are more loss to any parents and this book is meant to help them deal with it.