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cosmicbookworm's reviews
248 reviews
Master Slave Husband Wife: An Epic Journey from Slavery to Freedom by Ilyon Woo
The book highlights the Craft's determination to escape slavery and find freedom. With a clever plan and immense courage, they embarked on a treacherous journey to the North, facing constant danger of discovery.
The remarkable journey of Ellen and William Craft stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and the immense challenges they overcame in their pursuit of freedom. Their ingenious escape plan and courageous journey to the North shed light on the perils faced by enslaved individuals seeking liberation. Moreover, their story raises important questions about the complexities of racism and the varying responses they received based on their physical appearances.
adventurous
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Master Slave, Husband Wife is a well-researched work of narrative nonfiction that tells the story of Ellen and William Craft, two enslaved persons who escaped together to the North and then to England, returning again to the States after the Civil War.
The book highlights the Craft's determination to escape slavery and find freedom. With a clever plan and immense courage, they embarked on a treacherous journey to the North, facing constant danger of discovery.
Ellen Craft, who was the daughter of her first owner and able to pass as white, disguised herself as a young, ill white man, while William portrayed her enslaved servant. This disguise allowed them to travel undetected despite the constant threat of exposure.
Once the Crafts reached Boston and Philadelphia, they became a part of the abolitionist speaking circuit. During this part of the book, we learn about others in the abolitionist movement. Having escaped in 1848, Ellen and William were still unsafe once they reached the northern states. The Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1850. With the Fugitive Slave Act, all Americans, including those in the Northern states, were responsible for catching and returning escaped slaves to their enslavers in the South. We see that racism was still prevalent even among abolitionists.
The remarkable journey of Ellen and William Craft stands as a testament to their unwavering determination and the immense challenges they overcame in their pursuit of freedom. Their ingenious escape plan and courageous journey to the North shed light on the perils faced by enslaved individuals seeking liberation. Moreover, their story raises important questions about the complexities of racism and the varying responses they received based on their physical appearances.
This is an important work that tells an important story. Stories like those in this book must become part of our national narrative.
Great Basin Indians: An Encyclopedic History by Michael Hittman
5.0
I am looking forward to having the paperback version of this book as it will be on my shelf as an essential resource in the study of Native American History.
With a lifetime of experience in Native American Anthropology, Michael Hittman presents us with a summary of Great Basin Indians and then provides information in encyclopedia style.
As I delved into the advance reading copy (ARC), I must admit that I could not fully retain all the information I desired. References provided give a wealth of bunny trails to go down, and getting through the massive amount of information will not be a short-lived project. It is a book that warrants a re-read.
I plan to revisit this book at a more leisurely pace, taking the time to absorb its content gradually. Once I have thoroughly engaged with its contents, it will become an invaluable reference book that I can turn to time and again.
Having this book on my shelf will not only enhance my understanding of Native American History but also serve as a gateway to countless intriguing avenues of research.
With a lifetime of experience in Native American Anthropology, Michael Hittman presents us with a summary of Great Basin Indians and then provides information in encyclopedia style.
As I delved into the advance reading copy (ARC), I must admit that I could not fully retain all the information I desired. References provided give a wealth of bunny trails to go down, and getting through the massive amount of information will not be a short-lived project. It is a book that warrants a re-read.
I plan to revisit this book at a more leisurely pace, taking the time to absorb its content gradually. Once I have thoroughly engaged with its contents, it will become an invaluable reference book that I can turn to time and again.
Having this book on my shelf will not only enhance my understanding of Native American History but also serve as a gateway to countless intriguing avenues of research.
Hey, Kiddo: How I Lost My Mother, Found My Father, and Dealt with Family Addiction by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Hey, Kiddo is a moving memoir about a boy named Jarrett, the son of teenage parents who were unable to be the parents he needed them to be. Raised by his grandparents, who had their own struggles, Jarrett grew up to be a talented graphic artist and author. This was the first graphic novel I have read. I have the ebook version, but will be purchasing the hardback. I'm finding there is a learning curve for graphic novels, so I listened to the audio on Everand. The audiobook is excellent. The author narrates for himself and does a wonderful job.
This is an essential story for middle school and high school students because it brings this message: When you're a kid and a teen, you're not in control of your circumstances. But the beautiful thing about growing up is that you get to create your own reality and your own family. That family might be a group of tight-knit friends, that family might be a spouse and children of your own. But ultimately, your childhood realities do not have to perpetuate themselves into adulthood, not if you don't let them. It for sure takes work."
Unfortunately, this is a book that has faced censorship in Iowa. For clarification, because of incomplete reporting, those who are promoting book bans likely assume that this is an LGBTQ+ story. It is not. Jarrett is a heterosexual young man who now has a family of his own. I bring this up only for clarification. It is important that there are LGBTQ+ books available for our students as well.
This is an essential story for middle school and high school students because it brings this message: When you're a kid and a teen, you're not in control of your circumstances. But the beautiful thing about growing up is that you get to create your own reality and your own family. That family might be a group of tight-knit friends, that family might be a spouse and children of your own. But ultimately, your childhood realities do not have to perpetuate themselves into adulthood, not if you don't let them. It for sure takes work."
Unfortunately, this is a book that has faced censorship in Iowa. For clarification, because of incomplete reporting, those who are promoting book bans likely assume that this is an LGBTQ+ story. It is not. Jarrett is a heterosexual young man who now has a family of his own. I bring this up only for clarification. It is important that there are LGBTQ+ books available for our students as well.
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
3.0
I read this book as part of an Instagram discussion group, stepping out of my usual reading preferences. Thrillers are not typically my go-to genre. I found the storyline to be overly predictable. The outcome remained unsurprising even when it seemed to deviate from the expected path.
The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
“The Sum of Us,” by Heather McGhee, is a thought-provoking book that explores the destructive impact of racism on American society. McGhee examines how racism has not only harmed marginalized communities but has also inflicted deep wounds on the collective well-being of the entire country.
McGhee looks at our economic policies, healthcare, infrastructure, and education and reveals how racist beliefs and policies have produced and perpetuated a zero-sum mindset. This zero-sum thinking convinces many that gains for one group equate to losses for another, ultimately undermining social progress and shared prosperity. “The Sum of Us” serves to debunk this narrow-minded approach.
Drawing on detailed research (see the impressive notes section and interview list!), personal narratives, and economic analysis, McGhee demonstrates how this zero-sum paradigm has hindered progress and presents a compelling case for dismantling this harmful belief system. She advocates for a more inclusive, equitable approach that recognizes that when one population (such as an immigrant or minority group) flourishes, society benefits.
Through rich storytelling and compelling arguments, “The Sum of Us” challenges readers to confront the damaging effects of racism and to imagine a future where racial solidarity leads to a stronger, more prosperous society for all of us.
This book hit my TBR list this month as I started to prepare for https://unitingthroughhistory.org/pro...
online December 27 event. The History Book Club meets at 7 PM CT on the last Wednesday of each month via Zoom. I participated for the first time in November of this year. If you are interested in participating sign up for the Uniting Through History email, on their website, so you will be notified about the Zoom call on the 27th. If you haven't read the book, you can get through it in about 9 hours via Audible or Spotify to prepare for the discussion. Rachelle Chase is an excellent discussion host.
5.0
McGhee looks at our economic policies, healthcare, infrastructure, and education and reveals how racist beliefs and policies have produced and perpetuated a zero-sum mindset. This zero-sum thinking convinces many that gains for one group equate to losses for another, ultimately undermining social progress and shared prosperity. “The Sum of Us” serves to debunk this narrow-minded approach.
Drawing on detailed research (see the impressive notes section and interview list!), personal narratives, and economic analysis, McGhee demonstrates how this zero-sum paradigm has hindered progress and presents a compelling case for dismantling this harmful belief system. She advocates for a more inclusive, equitable approach that recognizes that when one population (such as an immigrant or minority group) flourishes, society benefits.
Through rich storytelling and compelling arguments, “The Sum of Us” challenges readers to confront the damaging effects of racism and to imagine a future where racial solidarity leads to a stronger, more prosperous society for all of us.
This book hit my TBR list this month as I started to prepare for https://unitingthroughhistory.org/pro...
online December 27 event. The History Book Club meets at 7 PM CT on the last Wednesday of each month via Zoom. I participated for the first time in November of this year. If you are interested in participating sign up for the Uniting Through History email, on their website, so you will be notified about the Zoom call on the 27th. If you haven't read the book, you can get through it in about 9 hours via Audible or Spotify to prepare for the discussion. Rachelle Chase is an excellent discussion host.
Home: poems to heal your heartbreak by Whitney Hanson, Whitney Hanson
4.0
I am not an experienced poetry reader, but for the last year or so, I have found myself in a poetry book club with some dear friends. Home is this month's selection. I enjoyed Home. You don't have to be a deep thinker to appreciate it. It is relatable and cathartic, yet sometimes takes me back further in life than I prefer to go.
Miss Adventures: Abroad from Bangkok to Bali by Ashley Percival
3.5
An enjoyable read with an endearing protagonist that left me rooting for her success.
Miss Adventures is a travel novel written in the first person by Polly Davis. She grew up entitled and unprepared for the real world in Toronto. After a failed work experience, she falls into the trap of a predator boss when she becomes an accountant's assistant. "Because I didn't feel like I was enough unless a man said I was enough."
Attempting to reset her life, Polly flees her workplace and travels to Southeast Asia on an extended travel tour. There are some fun travel descriptions scattered throughout the story. Although the travel part of the story is enjoyable, it is not the novel's main focus. The story focuses more on partying and flirting, which takes up a significant portion of the novel.
On the positive side, Polly becomes more mature throughout the story, and the book contains valuable travel wisdom. "One of the best parts of traveling is learning about other people. Take some time to talk to others to learn about their cultures. You'll find out so many wonderful t
Miss Adventures is a travel novel written in the first person by Polly Davis. She grew up entitled and unprepared for the real world in Toronto. After a failed work experience, she falls into the trap of a predator boss when she becomes an accountant's assistant. "Because I didn't feel like I was enough unless a man said I was enough."
Attempting to reset her life, Polly flees her workplace and travels to Southeast Asia on an extended travel tour. There are some fun travel descriptions scattered throughout the story. Although the travel part of the story is enjoyable, it is not the novel's main focus. The story focuses more on partying and flirting, which takes up a significant portion of the novel.
On the positive side, Polly becomes more mature throughout the story, and the book contains valuable travel wisdom. "One of the best parts of traveling is learning about other people. Take some time to talk to others to learn about their cultures. You'll find out so many wonderful t
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
2.0
So far, I've liked everything written by Jesse Q Sutanto, but this one didn't appeal to me. It did talk about being afraid to take emotional risks, which is something I understand, but apart from that, I couldn't relate to it. The story was unrealistic and unbelievable. Maybe if it was turned into a sitcom, the satire would work better and be funnier. The way it was written, I couldn't find the humor in it; all I saw was foolishness.
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder by David Grann
"The Wager" immerses readers in the maritime life of the War of Jenkin's Ear, a 1700s conflict between Britain and Spain. David Grann, known for his detailed storytelling, unveils a captivating world previously unknown to me, sparking interest in a historical era I hadn't explored.
My curiosity about this book was piqued by its connection to my late cousin Phil, who led his book club through it on his deathbed. Phil, a retired Episcopal Priest with a passion for fairness and justice, undoubtedly facilitated insightful discussions. This personal connection heightened my desire to delve into the narrative.
At its core, the story unfolds as a tale of challenge and adventure, with Grann skillfully extracting rich information from logbooks. Contrary to the assumption of widespread illiteracy in history, these ship crews revealed articulate voices through their writings. Grann, in his characteristic style, meticulously pieces together the available material, crafting a compelling narrative.
The Wager symbolized Britain's pursuit of dominance over Spain, aiming for control of sea routes and empire expansion. The covert mission to capture Spanish gold and silver added intrigue, capturing the crew's attention.
Grann prompts readers to reflect on how memory and narratives shape perception, asserting, "The only impartial witness is the sun."
As a fan of Grann's work, I acknowledge that "The Wager" didn't resonate with me as strongly as "Killers of the Flower Moon," perhaps due to the distant setting. The conflict between Britain and Spain didn't hit as close to home. "Killers of the Flower Moon" happened just a few states away from me and during the life of my father and grandparents. The adventures of "The Wager" happened a world away and a time long ago.
Nevertheless, the book underscores the imperialistic mindset of nations seeking global dominance, shedding light on the detrimental impact on indigenous lives. While not a geographical neighbor, the narrative aligns with my commitment to "Read Until I Understand," emphasizing the importance of awareness in the face of historical injustices.
4.0
My curiosity about this book was piqued by its connection to my late cousin Phil, who led his book club through it on his deathbed. Phil, a retired Episcopal Priest with a passion for fairness and justice, undoubtedly facilitated insightful discussions. This personal connection heightened my desire to delve into the narrative.
At its core, the story unfolds as a tale of challenge and adventure, with Grann skillfully extracting rich information from logbooks. Contrary to the assumption of widespread illiteracy in history, these ship crews revealed articulate voices through their writings. Grann, in his characteristic style, meticulously pieces together the available material, crafting a compelling narrative.
The Wager symbolized Britain's pursuit of dominance over Spain, aiming for control of sea routes and empire expansion. The covert mission to capture Spanish gold and silver added intrigue, capturing the crew's attention.
Grann prompts readers to reflect on how memory and narratives shape perception, asserting, "The only impartial witness is the sun."
As a fan of Grann's work, I acknowledge that "The Wager" didn't resonate with me as strongly as "Killers of the Flower Moon," perhaps due to the distant setting. The conflict between Britain and Spain didn't hit as close to home. "Killers of the Flower Moon" happened just a few states away from me and during the life of my father and grandparents. The adventures of "The Wager" happened a world away and a time long ago.
Nevertheless, the book underscores the imperialistic mindset of nations seeking global dominance, shedding light on the detrimental impact on indigenous lives. While not a geographical neighbor, the narrative aligns with my commitment to "Read Until I Understand," emphasizing the importance of awareness in the face of historical injustices.
Outside the Lines: How Embracing Queerness Will Transform Your Faith by Mihee Kim-Kort
3.0
In "Outside the Lines," Mihee Kim-Kort, a Presbyterian minister who identifies as queer, explores how adopting a queer mindset can transform one's faith. Despite positive reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, along with a recommendation from a friend and a forward by Rachel Held Evans, my expectations for the book were not met.
While I appreciated the author's personal story and found some topics interesting, certain aspects didn't align with my language preferences. For example, the chapter titled "Blessed Are the Promiscuous" uses language that might be considered alarming, though the application is different from what one might expect. Kim-Kort's use of the term "queer" also extends beyond my own interpretation of the word. The book seemed somewhat repetitive at times and, in some instances, meandered off course.
I believe the marketing of the book could be reconsidered to avoid potentially alarming Christians who might be deterred by the expected content. The central theme of embracing differences resonates with me, and I agree with the importance of fostering acceptance of others.