We’re back with another month of Recent Reads. This has been probably my longest running series on my blog, and I hope y’all enjoy it.
Anne Boleyn: The Final 24 Hours – Marcella Mayfair
As the title indicates, this book tracks the final hours of Anne Boleyn’s life. It provides a good level of detail surrounding the events leading up to her execution. Most of the details may not be new to Anne fanatics, but it was an interesting focus on May 18th and 19th, 1536.
The Secret Token: Myth, Obsession, and the Search for the Lost Colony of Roanoke – Andrew Lawler
Y’all, be warned. The Secret Token will suck you in. Andrew Lawler explores the actual history of the Lost Colony and then takes a stab at what actually happened. He researches both the likely and the less likely theories as to what happened. He even touches on the contentious Dare Stones. I would highly recommend this book. But be careful not to fall down the different Roanoke rabbit holes (or do and wind up like me).
Liberty’s Daughters: The Revolutionary Experience of American Women, 1750-1800 – Mary Beth Norton
Liberty’s Daughters tracks how the American Revolution changed the lives of women over the course of two generations. Like many works, it divides American women into categories by region and race. Overall, it was a comprehensive look at women of the era.
When the Braves Ruled the Diamond: Fourteen Flags over Atlanta – Dan Schlossberg
I bought this book back in 2016 and vowed to read it after the Braves won their next World Series. I only had to wait 5 years, and I’m glad I did. It recounts the glorious 14 division title run from 1991 to 2005 (with 5 NLCS pennants, 5 World Series appearances, and one ring). And I was basking in the glow of another World Series ring as I read it. I will say that it had a few obvious errors (like forgetting that Dale Murphy won TWO MVP awards as a Brave).
Cleopatra: A Life – Stacy Schiff
This was another great read that I recommend. It’s a deep dive into the life of Cleopatra, Egypt’s final queen and explores the role of Rome in her reign and death. The writing is really compelling, and the narrative makes you feel like you’re experiencing Ptolemaic Alexandria with every sense.
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