donna

Excellent narrative of the formation of the various colonies and the consequences of each action taken by country or colonist or Native American on the environment and on one another.

I really enjoyed this book, more than I anticipated. Maybe it's because I worked for 2 decades at Big Law.

I really liked the ending, but I could never get into the book itself. I didn't connect with the protagonist.

It wasn't as good as I thought it would be, as I put out on library hold with anticipation of a delicious read after hearing the author on a podcast. Perhaps part of my disappointment was in overly high expectations and not enough background in Greek mythology. Don't let this discourage you, though. I did enjoy it, and especially the alternative view of Medusa's legend the book gives us – it's hard not to like Medusa after this, despite what you learned long ago.

I loved Wyatt, and the daughter, but had to skim when it came to all the Egyptian details ... I don't need to know what all those hieroglyphs mean, or all the stories from ancient Egypt.

It held my interest, and I liked the fairy tale quality of it and main characters. I wanted to live in Oxfordshire with them, and be friends with Harry. I never quite understood why folks were attracted to Hazel or some of her decisions but overall recommend.

Excellent. There were times I had to put the book aside because I couldn't bear what I saw coming. But I was always glad to pick it back up.

Well-written non-fiction on Catherine de ‘Medici, a Queen consort and Queen Mother/Regent; her daughter Elisabeth de Valois, Queen Consort to Philip II of Spain, and Mary, Queen of Scotts, sovereign Queen, who grew up with Elisabeth as a “sister” to her after being engaged to Catherine's son, and Catherine as her mother figure. It explores the relationship of the three women, the differences they face do to their positions as sovereign queen, queen consort, or queen mother, and the small world of European royalty/marriage politics as well as the war of religion that influenced so much of what happened. Why is it we have to tear each other apart over religion? Always, the thing that should bring peace, love and understand instead breeds the opposite, as everyone thinks their way is the only way and any other way is wrong/heresy. So a person can tell themselves they are only doing what God wants, even “saving” the other person by killing “heretics.” It seems to never end.

This is a hard one. One one hand, it's beautifully written. On the other hand, I had trouble engaging with the story, and found myself skimming portions. I also had some issues with the ending – it didn't seem consistent with her not letting anything stop her to reach her destination that began the story.

Since I have a 1/13th share of an apartment in the Marais, about 4 blocks from the author's little corner, I enjoyed what he had learned of the history of the area.

I loved how all the strands tied together but I didn't love the jumping around. Cool concept and great writing but All the Light is still my favorite by far.

It was well-written and a completely unique take on Joan of Arc.

Beautiful.

I cried. And then I cried some more. She does it to me every time.

Great collection of essays. Beautifully written, and I learned about some interesting people I'd not known about previously.

Much of what I have experienced as a woman and a working mother is discussed in this book, along with some history. It's depressing, but also good to feel seen.

Such a sweet story.

I skimmed it but it was thought provoking and made me stop and think more about “wellness” classes, crystals, supplements, etc.

I love the heartwarming stories of Elizabeth Berg. She made Arthur and his brother, Frank, come alive. I'm a big city more than a small-town girl myself, but nonetheless she had me feeling all the feels for this town and its residents.

For someone who doesn't even like or thing about food that much, this book was a wonder. It's about so much richness. It's about what really matters in life. It's glorious. Highly recommend

I don't know where to start. I resisted this book, but when it was due to be returned to the library I reluctantly picked it up and began to read. Like The Handmaid's Tale, it tells a story that is all too close to what we are experiencing in real life in terms of fear of the “other” and clever twisting of words and justifying evil by asserting it as necessary for our safety and looking the other way as it happens to others, keeping our heads down and hoping by doing the right things all will be OK with us. This book is scary, moving, emotional, and necessary. I cried multiple times towards the end. I will long hold it in my heart. I recommend you take the time to read it, too. And then all off us should not only be aware of these stories but also act and speak out and ensure that we stop fearing those who are not like us and instead look for the common humanity we all share.

I marked some passages in the first 30 pages, really liking the writing. But I never felt involved with the characters, and was rather annoyed with them all.

I cried, a lot.

Loved it!

I skipped over the fairy tale excerpts that introduced the chapters, but I enjoyed the story of this woman's unusual background and relationship with her parents and husband.