Take a photo of a barcode or cover
mindtravelagent's reviews
426 reviews
Minding the Manor: The Memoir of a 1930s English Kitchen Maid by Mollie Moran
4.0
I adored this book and its author. In fact, I wish she was a friend/relation because I would love to hear more of her stories.
The book fell into my hands this week at the library and complements another book I'm reading on the 30s in England, a time of major transition from the old hierarchal order to the new, what would become known as, a more distributed networked order. Moran expertly and entertainingly captures that pivotal point in history.
Equally intriguing is her detailing of the devastating loss still felt due to the first World War both thanks to catastrophic body counts as well as the walking wounded like her father, serving in the trenches, who came home with destroyed lungs thanks to German mustard gas attacks.
When WWII begins, you feel that weariness of, "here we go again."
Throughout the book, her humor, can do attitude and indomitable spirit shines through. She highlights the strength of the womenfolk in her family as well, which I loved.
Couldn't put it down and enjoyed every page of it. Bonus was her descriptions of the dishes made as well as recipes she provides - inspired me to start cooking up a storm!
The book fell into my hands this week at the library and complements another book I'm reading on the 30s in England, a time of major transition from the old hierarchal order to the new, what would become known as, a more distributed networked order. Moran expertly and entertainingly captures that pivotal point in history.
Equally intriguing is her detailing of the devastating loss still felt due to the first World War both thanks to catastrophic body counts as well as the walking wounded like her father, serving in the trenches, who came home with destroyed lungs thanks to German mustard gas attacks.
When WWII begins, you feel that weariness of, "here we go again."
Throughout the book, her humor, can do attitude and indomitable spirit shines through. She highlights the strength of the womenfolk in her family as well, which I loved.
Couldn't put it down and enjoyed every page of it. Bonus was her descriptions of the dishes made as well as recipes she provides - inspired me to start cooking up a storm!
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
4.0
I'm somewhat amused by the fact that folks either totally love this book or totally loathe it, which to me is a sign of a good book as it strikes many nerves.
Personally, liked the writing style and it moved me. I didn't feel it was gimmicky at all.
When I was growing up, we were still very close to the war and the incredible wounds it left. The stories of the atrocities and suffering were burned into our minds and psyches - which is a good thing, so we hopefully don't do the same thing again.
However, many today of a certain age and younger have no clue and it's apparent in how much intolerance and jingoistic thinking we seem to be awash in these days.
My daughter read this book and studied WWII this last semester and it affected her deeply and has furthered her questioning of the world around her, which pleases me. I wish more young people were encouraged to do the same.
Personally, liked the writing style and it moved me. I didn't feel it was gimmicky at all.
When I was growing up, we were still very close to the war and the incredible wounds it left. The stories of the atrocities and suffering were burned into our minds and psyches - which is a good thing, so we hopefully don't do the same thing again.
However, many today of a certain age and younger have no clue and it's apparent in how much intolerance and jingoistic thinking we seem to be awash in these days.
My daughter read this book and studied WWII this last semester and it affected her deeply and has furthered her questioning of the world around her, which pleases me. I wish more young people were encouraged to do the same.
Mozart in the Jungle: Sex, Drugs, and Classical Music by Blair Tindall
3.0
The book felt a bit uneven but I enjoyed it for the most part. I really liked the background on the classical music world. I've been exposed to said world via a relative who works within it, and it's eccentricities have puzzled me for years - the hierarchy, the personalities, the funding, etc. - however, thanks to "Mozart," it all makes sense. Anyone seeking classical music as a sole career might want to take a gander at this book and contemplate not ditching their dream, rather, broadening their horizon/options.
In a Dark Wood: What Dante Taught Me about Grief, Healing, and the Mysteries of Love by Joseph Luzzi
3.0