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Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) created a post

Dec 15, 2021  
The special guest author today on my blog is Florence Byham Weinberg with a fascinating interview. Learn more about her historical fiction novel BEFORE THE ALAMO: A TEJANA'S STORY, and enter the giveaway to win signed copies of that book and her other historical fiction novel APACE LANCE, FRANCISCAN CROSS.

https://alltheupsandowns.blogspot.com/2021/12/book-blog-tour-and-giveaway-before.html

**BOOK SYNOPSIS FOR BEFORE THE ALAMO**
Emilia Altamirano, half Otomí Indian, half pure Spanish, is born in 1814, the year after the Battle of the Medina River, where her father fought as an officer in the Mexican Royalist Army. She grows up in Bexar de San Antonio unacknowledged by her father, raised by her Otomí Indian mother, and “adopted” as an unofficial ward by José Antonio Navarro, hero of the Texas fight for independence from Mexico. She learns to read, write, and acts as a page for the Ayuntamiento (City Council). She learns nursing during a cholera epidemic and later tends the wounded on both sides during and after the Battle of the Alamo. She survives, but as a Tejana, Spanish-speaking, and a loyal citizen of Mexico, she faces an uncertain future.
     
When We Were Innocent
When We Were Innocent
Kate Hewitt | 2022 | History & Politics
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is a difficult book to review and whilst I can't say I 'enjoyed' it because you can't say that reading about this subject matter is 'enjoyable', I was absolutely captivated and totally invested in the story of Libby and her father.

I am not going to provide a synopsis of this book as the description does this already but what I will say is that this is a totally engrossing story told from dual timelines - the present and the past during World War II.

It is clear that the author has done her research carefully; she weaves historical fact amongst this fictional story very successfully. It is heart-breaking and, at times, a very difficult read but not because of the way it was written more it was what was happening in the story and the dilemmas that Libby and her father faced.

If you enjoy historical fiction from this era, I would certainly recommend this but be prepared to shed a few tears!

Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for enabling me to read and share my thoughts of When We Were Innocent.
  
The Mind of the Islamic State
The Mind of the Islamic State
Robert Manne | 2017 | Essays, History & Politics
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Grim but essential reading, rather complex
For those who want to have a clearer understanding of the situation and the various factions in the Middle East, this is a good guide to making differentiations. While it is extremely dark and depressing, it is important to make distinctions between the insurgent groups - the most significant part you can take away from this book is that every group believes in something different and therefore are fighting more so with each other rather than 'the West'. Understanding the historical context is essential to grasping the current issue.
  
Forrest Gump (1994)
Forrest Gump (1994)
1994 | Comedy, Drama, Romance
One of Hanks' Best
I don't know anyone who doesn't love this film. It's a modern day classic - funny, sad and ridiculously heartwarming. Forrest is one of the most loveable protagonists and is played brilliantly by Tom Hanks, but yet it also provides some of the best supporting characters in Bubba and Lieutenant Dan. I love that it ties in with historical events and It's one of the few films I could watch over and over again and not get bored of. They don't make films like this anymore.
  
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Sam (74 KP) rated A Tudor Turk in Books

Mar 27, 2019  
A Tudor Turk
A Tudor Turk
Rehan Khan | 2019
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I fell in love with Will and Awa throughout the book and really felt a bond with the characters. I found it fascinating to read about the different historical events and I really think this is an interesting way to spread knowledge of history! I’d rather learn about history when it is mixed in with fiction than sit down with a textbook!

The novel is constantly exciting, and it kept me gripped right up until the end.

I really can’t wait to see how the story progresses in the second book!
  
Kaya and Lone Dog: A Friendship Story
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
This is lovely story about a little girl named Kaya. She finds a lone dog near her village. There are something that happen and tell you have they become friends.

It also tell you a little about Naive American back in 1764. It quite a quick read but there some historical history about that time. There unique friendship that bonds. Things Kaya need to learn along with Lone dog need to learn. There something Kaya learns while taking care of Lone Dog. To find out more about them pick up the book.
  
RA
Run Afoul (Wiki Coffin Mysteries #3)
4
4.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wiki Coffin gets caught up in a murder just before the Exploration Expedition docks in Brazil in 1838. And once in the harbor, the expedition runs into his father, literally. This book got so bogged down in the history and historical detail that it forgot all about the mystery, which was actually pretty easy to solve. It's the third in a series, and disappointing after the first two.

Read my full review at <a href="http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2013/05/book-review-run-afoul-by-joan-druett.html">Carstairs Considers</a>.