Review: Courtesans: Money, Sex and Fame in the Nineteenth Century by Katie Hickman

Courtesans: Money, Sex and Fame in the Nineteenth Century by Katie Hickman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In the nineteenth century, a remarkable group of women transcended their impoverished backgrounds to attain extraordinary power, independence, and wealth. These women, known as courtesans, defied societal norms and wielded significant influence, shaping their own lives and the lives of others.

With exceptional talents, extensive education, and remarkable literacy, courtesans held positions of authority in society. Although they were not accepted in the royal court, they established their own distinct world known as the demimonde. Within this realm, they governed their own hierarchies, adhered to unique etiquette and protocol, and enjoyed tremendous influence.

Courtesans excelled in various fields, including fashion, language, music, political intrigue, and, notably, their captivating erotic abilities. Simply being seen in public with a renowned courtesan was a highly coveted achievement, symbolizing social status and admiration.

I found this book to be a valuable resource for my college senior thesis. It provided me with informative content presented in an accessible and straightforward manner.

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ARC Review: Cradles of the Reich y Jennifer Coburn

Cradles of the Reich by Jennifer Coburn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley.

Set in Heim Hochland, a Nazi breeding home in Bavaria, this novel explores the intertwined fates of three women during World War II. Gundi, a pregnant university student and secret member of the resistance; Hilde, an enthusiastic supporter of the Nazi cause, thrilled to bear an official's child; and Irma, a nurse seeking to rebuild her life after a personal tragedy. As members of the Lebensborn Society, these women face tremendous risks and sacrifices. Inspired by real historical events, the story delves into the clandestine operations of these maternity homes, where babies deemed "racially fit" were taken from their mothers to be raised in the new Germany. Amidst the darkness, the novel highlights the power of connections and the resilience of women, showcasing their capacity for heroism in the most challenging of times.

This is a must-read for fans of Kate Quinn and little-known World War II stories.  The different perspectives of the women at the Lebensborn Society was fascinating to read about.  The stark contrast between Gundi and Hilde was a great balance.  While the ending, in my opinion, left a bit to be desired, the majority of the book was well-written and engaging.

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Giveaway and Book Review: Assassination: The Royal Family's 1000 Year Curse by David Maislish

4 stars

Genres: History

Format: Paperback

498 pages

Published by Indepenpress

Published on September 1st 2012

ISBN: 1780031483

ISBN13: 9781780031484

Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

View on Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Never told before, Assassination is the revelation of a 1000-year curse that has shaken the monarchy from Canute to Elizabeth II.

After years of painstaking research, David Maislish uncovers the murder or attempted murder of every single King and Queen.

Here is English history without the things that sent us to sleep in school; instead brought to life with a series of royal murders and near murders.

Read how a quarter, perhaps as many as half, of our Kings and Queens were killed - even one in the twentieth century.

It is all in Assassination - the Royal Family's 1000-year cure.

My Review:

Every one is trying to kill the British?  This story successfully puts all of those attempts (and successes) into striking perspective.  The book’s structure is informative without being boring with a brief history of each reign for context.  The assassinations are the central theme of the story and the author is able to present each fate in an entertaining and thrilling manner.  

I would highly recommend this book to people that are interested in this tidbits of history while being intrigued by the suspenseful story.

Note: I received this book via Netgalley.

About the Author

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17 Women Who Shook the World by Preethi Burkholder

2 stars
Genres: Non-fiction
Format: Paperback
224 pages
Published by Schiffer Publishing
Published on October 1st 2012
ISBN: 0764341413
ISBN13: 9780764341410
Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
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Note: I received this book from Schiffer Publishing via Netgalley.

Synopsis from Amazon:

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to achieve success effortlessly while others just don t? In this motivational and historical book, discover how you, too, can master the inner abilities to become successful. Becoming informed about the thinking and behavioral patterns of 17 of modern history s most amazing women will drive you, too, to take action to attract success into your life. Learn a dynamic and attainable program for changing your inner model of achievement with a formula that supports your happiness. Read about accomplished women such as Shirley Chisholm, Esther Morris, Wilman Rudolph, Aung San Suu Kyi, Valentina Tereshkova, Harriet Tubman, Madam C.J. Walker, Meryl Streep, and Victoria Woodhull. Like the 17 women showcased here, build your own Global Positioning System (GPS) for success.
 
My Review:
The different biographies of the seventeen women were interesting at times.  The book as a whole would have been better with just the history of the people and without the motivational parts.  They seemed to be drawn out and preachy. 

About the Author

ARC Review: The Joy of Sexus: Lust, Love, and Longing in the Ancient World by Vicki Leon

4 stars
Genres: History, Non-Fiction
Format: ebook
320 pages
Published by Walker & Company
Expected publication: January 29th 2013
ISBN: 080271997X
ISBN13: 9780802719973
Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
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Note: I received this book via Netgalley.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

In this book of astonishing true tales of love and sex in long-ago Greece, Rome, and other cultures around the Mediterranean, she opens the doors to shadowy rooms and parts the curtains of decorum.

My Review:

An interestingly taboo topic.  This book was very informative and attention-grabbing to read.  This book makes history fun and enjoyable to read (and not just because of the topic), the narratives and descriptions were well done and the research was obviously extensive.  Overall, it was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it and not just to history majors!

About the Author:

Author of numerous books for young and old, Vicki León delights in unearthing unusual facts, fresh anecdotes, and uncommon statistics to create her books on the natural world and the flip side of history. Her book have won rave reviews from a long list of media that includes People magazine. Publishers Weekly, the Los Angeles Times, Voice of America, and numerous NPR stations.

Her bestselling titles for 10 and up include A Raft of Sea Otters (125,000 in print), The Secrets of Tidepools (58,000 in print), and three titles in the Outrageous Women series (45,000 in print).

Author’s website: http://vickileon.com/Home.html