August is upon us! I’m getting back into my reading groove and am working through the books I packed to bring with me when we moved. Here’s what I’ve been reading.
My Life in France by Julia Child and Alex Prud’homme
If you enjoyed the movie Julie and Julia, be sure to read My Life in France. This was written by Julia Child and her nephew and recaps her life in France and Europe. I read it in her voice and enjoyed it immensely. She does get a bit preachy at times (when it came to politics, she was always right and her father was always wrong). Overall, a worthwhile and engaging read.
Tower: An Epic History of the Tower of London by Nigel Jones
Tower explores the history of the Tower of London. It’s mainly written chronologically from the Tower’s founding after the Conquest to more modern times. It also gives you a quick overview of English history in the same span. I learned lots of interesting facts (like Isaac Newton worked there), and I liked it. Another solid recommendation.
Masquerade: The Life and Times of Deborah Sampson, Continental Soldier by Alfred F. Young
This book examines the life of Deborah Sampson, a woman who served in the Continental Army under the name of Robert Shurtliff. The author analyzes the memoir authorized by Deborah written by a budding editor. He delves into the different anecdotes and stories to determine what actually happened during Deborah’s life and service. Overall, it was written well, but I had trouble really getting into it. But it tells a really interesting and unknown story.
Cecily Neville: Mother of Kings by Amy Licence
As the title suggests, Cecily Neville was the mother of Edward IV and Richard III. She lived during a fascinating time of English history and had a front row seat to the most explosive parts of the Wars of the Roses. Cecily also suffered many tragedies (her husband and all of her sons died before her). This is an interesting and pretty quick read about an important woman in medieval England.
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