Harlem Rhapsody
by Victoria Christopher Murray
Fabulous Novel! Great Read! (10/3/2024)
Hands down, this is one of the best books I have reviewed in the many years I have been a member of Book Browse! Not only is the story, plot line, and characters mesmerizing, but the historical education of the Harlem Renaissance was spellbounding. There is so much we don't know until reading such a well-documented novel as this. I am motivated to read more and cannot wait until Victoria Christopher Murray's next book! P.S. I am thrilled she collaborates with one of my favorite historical fiction authors - Marie Benedict.
The Last Russian Doll
by Kristen Loesch
Great Book and Education of the1917 Russian Revolution (10/22/2022)
This is one of those books, once you finish, you want to reread it now you know how the characters develop and change. A very interesting story interweaving 3 generations. Raisa/Rosie, follows a story written by her great-grandmother to research and react to her own genealogy through fairy tales, porcelain dolls, love, death, and war. You won't want to put it down.
The Paris Bookseller
by Kerri Maher
Great Novel of a Great Bookstore Community in Paris (11/1/2021)
A wonderful book about the original Shakespeare and Company bookstore. Kerri Maher, the author, introduces us to the amazing writers of the 1920s, their quirky personalities, and intellect, as they frequented Sylvia Beach's shop - particularly James Joyce. The reader feels like he/she is part of the Shakespeare and Company community as the author takes us into the camaraderie, relationships (both friendly and intimate), turmoil, and angst of living in that particular era in Paris. She contrasts the literary censorship and puritanical issues in the US against the artsy and liberal gay attitudes in Paris throughout the story.
Highly recommend!
The Personal Librarian
by Marie Benedict, Victoria Christopher Murray
Interesting Behind the Scenes of the Rich and Their Art (1/30/2021)
This was an interesting read on many levels. The novel depicts the story of Belle "Dacosta" Greene, the talented librarian of J P Morgan's vast art and manuscripts collection and her entrance into high society under a false persona given to her by her mother.
The authors intertwine issues of race, professional drive, and competition of the rich in acquiring valued, expensive pieces of antiquities into their personal collections. Belle is an intelligent, strong woman who navigates this world and the relationships it brings though her personal story is kept a mystery. An excellent read and education into the world J P Morgan and Belle.
The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation
by Anna Malaika Tubbs
Story of three amazing women (11/10/2020)
The story behind these three powerful women, activists, mothers was interesting but could have been better written.
The writing improved as it went along but in the beginning, was a bit scattered as the author went off on historical tangents rather than sticking to the women's lives. Where were the editors?
Once she focused and delved into the violence, tragedies, and sadness these women endured, I learned so much. Through their personal struggles, they were the power and influence behind three icons of the Civil Rights Movement. Thank you Alberta, Louise, and Berdis.
The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel
by Jeanne Mackin
Fashion Rivalry at its Best (4/7/2019)
Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli were so much alike - strong, creative, forward thinking, politically active, business women. Since opposites attract, their relationship on the high-end streets of Paris was tumultuous. The competition wasn't only as the top fashion designers of their time, but also included their relationships with the Parisian elite as well as their personal love lives yet they have one common bond with the American - Lily Sutter. An absorbing read as you watch the war between them rage on while at the same time a world war is brewing. How are they both involved? You need to read this book for the answer.
Three Many Cooks: One Mom, Two Daughters: Their Shared Stories of Food, Faith & Family
by Pam Anderson, Maggy Keet & Sharon Damelio
Interesting Concept - Uninteresting Stories (1/28/2015)
I think the concept of little personal stories of cookbook author Pam Anderson and her daughters was an interesting concept - short vignettes followed by a recipe tied to the story.
My question from the beginning is - why do we need to know about this family? I must admit I gave up on the book about half way through because I really didn't care that Pam had problems with her breast pump or the differences between the two daughters or . . .
I am a fan of Pam's books and own two of them but I don't see many people outside the family and close friends that would be interested.
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