The Tudors by G.J. Meyer

Starred Review. Arguably the most famous rulers in world history, Tudor monarchs Henry VIII and his daughter Elizabeth I were, according to journalist and author Meyer (A World Undone), cold and ruthless egotis[ts] whose self-created myths have prevailed over reality in our historical memory of them. Henry VII, the first Tudor, was a competent ruler who filled the royal treasury with gold, avoided war, and shrewdly consolidated his power by stripping away the nobility's autonomy. By contrast, Henry VIII's determination to enforce his religious change on his people led to a reign of terror, and his squandering of his riches contributed to the monarchy's later collapse under Charles I. His children fared little better, from the fervently evangelical boy-king Edward VI to the fanatically Catholic Mary, England's first woman ruler, who burned 300 of her subjects for heresy. Elizabeth is portrayed as selfish to the point of childishness, aspiring only to preserve her life and her rule. History buffs will savor Meyer's cheeky, nuanced, and authoritative perspective on an entire dynasty, and his study brims with enriching background discussions, ranging from class structure and the medieval Catholic Church to the Tudor connection to Spanish royalty. 4-color inserts, 1 map. (Mar.)
~Publisher's Weekly

Although this book is intended for those new to the Tudors I wouldn't discount it if you've already been enmeshed in their lives.  Included in the book are all of the Tudors, starting from Henry VII all the way to Elizabeth I.  Not only does Meyer talk about each reign but he includes a variety of additional information in the "Background" section at the "end" of each chapter. These backgrounds are, in fact, small chapters by themselves that provide readers with the information needed to understand more about what they just read.  This was a great book but very dense, it took me quite some time to read it. 

I originally went into this book thinking it was going to be a novel, as did my husband who bought it for me.  I'm am extremely glad that it was nonfiction though.  It gave me more information about another obsession I have and rekindled a long dormant fire.  Meyer's tone was academic yet inviting and I rarely got bored, although the beginning was a bit slow but that was probably because I was expecting something else. 

Would I recommend this?  Yes, definitely.  It may be a bit much if you don't like British history - or history in general - but if you like romance, scandal, history, war, life, death, and tyrannical kings and queens then this book is for you.  It's not an overnight read but it is definitely worth the reading.

Being Adopted: The Life-Long Search for Self by David M. Brodzinsky, M. Schechter, and R. Henig

Like Passages, this  groundbreaking book uses the poignant, powerful voices of  adoptees and adoptive parents to explore the  experience of adoption and its lifelong effects. A major  work, filled with astute analysis and moving  truths.  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/92304.Being_Adopted


I was so surprised when I found this at my local library but immediately decided to check it out.  This is a great and informative piece of non-fiction that anyone who is involved in adoption should read.  This book addresses each phase of life step-by-step and shows not only how biological children react but also the reactions of adopted children.  If you are interested in learning what your child may go through between birth and death (assuming they die of old age) then this book is for you.  


My daughter is adopted and so this was extremely important for me to read.  Although the book barely addresses transracial adoption I was given a lot of very good insights into what she will probably experience.  I feel a bit more prepared as she enters school and the questions and personal dilemmas she may face crop up.  The only thing I would have liked would be more information on how kids adopted by parents outside their race face life and what additional identity issues they may go through.


This really was quite interesting and I would highly recommend it to pretty much anyone.

1001 Ways To Be Romantic by Gregory Godek

Amazon.com Review

Gregory J.P. Godek--dubbed America's Romance Coach--offers "1001 creative, sexy, loving tips and ideas" in the fifth anniversary edition of 1001 Ways to Be Romantic. Packed with advice, from "Little Things That Mean a Lot" to "The Mindset of a Romantic" and "Making Beautiful Music Together," Godek's straightforward approach is perfect for those new to romance or those needing a refresher course in the art of love. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"Greg Godek should be nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for teaching 1001 Ways to Be Romantic." -- Boston Magazine

"Greg is helping millions of us to better understand our most important value-- love." -- Mark Victor Hansen, co-author Chicken Soup for the Soul

"Worth memorizing." -- Boston Herald

I would honestly have to agree with all of these reviews.  I couldn't decide which one to include so because they are all so pertinent to this book.  If you are romantic, want to be romantic, have a spouse who needs to be romantic then this is the book for you.  It's written as a list and gives ideas on ways to show your spouse that you are thinking of them.  Some ideas are simple like #161 "Learn your partner's 'hot buttons' - and vow to never hit them" or #587 "Songs that celebrate love and marriage.  Make a tape (or play list) for your anniversary, a birthday or just to celebrate your love next Tuesday"  Next is a list of songs you could use.  They are also elaborate or expensive like #886 "The most romantic restaurant in Vienna: Steirereck"  He also includes websites and tourist numbers to several countries in the margin on this page.  He also includes themes, for example #503 "The Gift:  Costume Jewelry.  The Note:  'The diamond is fake - but the love is real.'  The Song:  'Diamond Girl,' by Seals & Crofts. 


Godek offers a variety of other books to help inspire the romantic in you including 10,000 ways to say 'I Love You' and Romantic Mischief: The Playful Side of Love.  An awesome and fun book.  We own several that he has written and I've read through each of them a minimum of once...most of them at least twice.  I'm on the third reading of this book.  A must-have if you want to keep the spark alive in your relationship.

Obsession, Passion, Hobby...Does it really matter what we call it?

Lastnight in a Nyquil stupor I realized the secret to blogging.  You must blog about something that you really care about.  Some people blog about their family (yep, I am one of those) and others blog about scrapbooking, hunting, movies, finances, church, and a plethora of other topics.  When I think about my personal obsession two things come to mind: Elizabeth I & books.  I figure I can incorporate the first while addressing the other so here it is.  If you know me, and even if you don't you will soon enough, you'll realize that I love books.  During a recent move I believe we had more boxes of books than another single other item.  I was proud of myself when I let go of a small box of books but couldn't bring myself to let go of more. 

I wasn't always connected with books.  In fact I didn't discover the allure of words until I was in 7th grade where I was placed in a remedial reading class.  I'm sure there were a lot of things we did but what I reemmber most was choosing a book from the tall bookshelf and reading it.  I would then report back to the teacher what I had read.  I don't remember her name but I do remember that since that time I have never been able to put a book down.  My husband commented once to friends that in the time that he has known me (10 years) he has never seen me without a book.  I'm constantly reading.  I don't limit myself to one genre, instead I find it much more exciting and fulfilling to one day pick up a science fiction book and then when I'm done pick up historical fiction or cultural non-fiction.  I find that my personal viewpoints and interests are adjusted, expanded, deepened and explored through whatever I might be reading at the time.  If a book doesn't interest me I put it down and try to read it later.  If after several failed attempts at reading I will give it to someone who will appreciate it more.

It will surprise some of you to know that I do not intend my first book blog to be about my favorite author, Brandon Sanderson, but someone I recently discovered through the recommendation of a good friend.  Each week I plan to write about a book, author, article, or whatever strikes my fancy...as long as it's something I read.  So this little thing, this hobby...or obsession as others would put it...this passion of mine is here for you to read.  Perhaps there are fellow bibliomaniacs or bibliophiles out there who can point me in the direction of more good books to read.  If you are a budding bookworm just breaking through your own cocoon have no fear, you are in very good company. 

I would love your comments, book/author recommendations, histories, etc.  I'm excited to have you join me on this varied and wonderful journey.