
The Other Trail of Tears: The Removal of the Ohio Indians
Book
The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was the culmination of the United States' policy to force native...

Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology
Book
The outspoken actress, talk show host, and reality television star offers up a no-holds-barred...
Scientology

A Sinner in Mecca: A Gay Muslim's Hajj of Defiance
Book
This is the Islam you've never been allowed to see. Daringly reported from its frontlines and...
Out of the Ordinary: A Life of Gender and Spiritual Transitions
Michael Dillon, Cameron Partridge, Jacob Lau and Susan Stryker
Book
Now available for the first time-more than 50 years after it was written-is the memoir of Michael...

Merissa (13169 KP) rated Plague Arcanist (Frith Chronicles #4) in Books
Jun 15, 2020
I'm not giving out any spoilers when I say Volke is infected with the plague. Not only does this happen at the end of book three but the very title sort of gives it away! đ Volke feels he has no choice but to go it alone as he is terrified of infecting one of his friends. Only trouble is, Adelgis isn't prepared to let him, even with the risks to himself, and Fain is immune and won't let him either. So Volke is stuck with both of them and I honestly believe he wouldn't have made it to the end of the book without them.
I was a bit sad that we didn't find out what the others have been up to whilst Volke has his adventures but I am sure we will find out in due course. What I loved was finding out about Everett and Lynus. I loved these parts and thought they were brilliantly done. There are new characters to enjoy too who really help to set the scenes.
I can't say I was surprised at the ending as I felt there were hints throughout the book. It wasn't a disappointment though as the writing, as always, was superb and really made you feel part of what was going on. Can I just add - that cloak! The description of the new versus the old brought tears to my eyes!!!
All in all, this is an amazing addition to the series that I have thoroughly enjoyed. I really can't wait for the next one - World Serpent Arcanist. Bring it on.
* 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!

Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Judy (2019) in Movies
Oct 2, 2019
The ever malleable Renee Zellweger embodies Judy Garland throughout this film. Ms. Garlandâs physical affectations are translated to the screen so much that we are transported , convinced that she is Judy. Yet, there are a couple of moments where the mask slips and we see Ms. Zellweger instead .
The film begins with Judy working, doing a show at an event and being paid very much less than she has in the past. She is uninsurable, unreliable and absolutely inconsistent. Her lifelong habits have taken most of who she was and she keeps getting up every time to keep fighting.
She also has custody of her two kids, Lorna and Joe Luft. She does not have a place to call home to provide a stable environment for the children. Their father Sid Luft is challenging custody and Judy has provided enough fodder to have custody of her children revert to their father. Her intent is to be a good mother, as opposed to the parent she had growing up.
Flashbacks are cut in throughout the movie, showing her on the set of the Wizard of Oz with Louis B. Mayer, at a movie set where they film a choreographed birthday party for Judy.
We are shown how terribly manipulative and cruel the studio system was towards the actresses back then. The pills, starvation, demands, and gaslighting had created the person that was Judy.
The movie is about the tragedy that was Judy Garlandâs life. However, there are many points of light in her life and we are shown that in the movie. Judy is definitely a film blanketed with the shadows of sadness from her life.
The transition of Zellweger to Judy who explained had a distracting flaw that I struggled with. Ms. Zellweger has a pleasant voice, but she is not Ms. Garland whoâs lovely voice with rich timbre is beautifully unique.
Very dramatic film, such a transformative performance by Renee Zellweger.

Everything Is Combustible: Television, CBGB's and Five Decades of Rock and Roll: The Memoirs of an Alchemical Guitarist
Book
Legendary Rock and Roll guitarist. Founding member of Television. Masterful storyteller. ...
Music

Long Road to Hard Truth: The 100 Year Mission to Create the National Museum of African American History and Culture
Book
In Long Road to Hard Truth: The 100 Year Mission to Create the National Museum of African American...
History social sciences