ARC Review: A Teenage Girl in Auschwitz: Basha Freilich and the Will to Live

A Teenage Girl in Auschwitz: Basha Freilich and the Will to Live by Douglas Wellman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

In January 1943, young Basha Anush, just fourteen years old, and her family endured the harrowing experience of being forcibly taken from their Pruzhany, Poland home by Nazi soldiers, then transported to the notorious Auschwitz concentration camp. Tragically, within a matter of days, five members of her family succumbed to the horrors of the camp, leaving Basha to face two-and-a-half years of unimaginable abuse, a grueling death march into Germany, and months of wandering alongside other displaced girls as the Third Reich crumbled. Remarkably, throughout this ordeal, she held fast to a last-minute promise she made to herself: to survive and share her story with the world.

This memoir is an unflinching account of one young girl's indomitable spirit amid humanity's darkest hours. Basha Anush's storytelling is a testament to the human capacity for hope and strength in the direst of circumstances. This book is a profoundly moving and thought-provoking narrative that reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of a promise kept.

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Review: Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Frank W. Abagnale

Catch Me If You Can: The True Story of a Real Fake by Frank W. Abagnale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Frank W. Abagnale, known by various aliases such as Frank Williams, Robert Conrad, Frank Adams, and Robert Monjo, earned a reputation as one of history's boldest con men, forgers, impostors, and escape artists. Despite his short-lived yet infamous career, Abagnale accomplished remarkable feats. He assumed the identity of a pilot, co-piloting a Pan Am jet, posed as a supervising hospital resident, practiced law without a license, impersonated a college sociology professor, and successfully cashed forged checks totaling over $2.5 million, all before the age of 21.

Dubbed "The Skywayman" by law enforcement in 26 foreign countries and all 50 US states, Abagnale led a lavish life while constantly evading capture. However, his luck eventually ran out, and he was apprehended by the authorities. Today, Abagnale is recognized as America's foremost expert on financial fraud. Despite his criminal past, he is a charismatic rogue whose extraordinary and often amusing international escapades.

I thought this book had a good concept and I liked the author's writing style. The story plotline as a whole kept me entertained and interested while the characters were catchy.

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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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Review: The Romance Writer's Handbook by Rebecca Vinyard

The Romance Writer's Handbook by Rebecca Vinyard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"The Romance Writer's Handbook" by author Rebecca Vinyard offers aspiring romance writers friendly guidance and folksy wisdom to help them break into the popular genre of romance fiction. With over 2,000 new titles released each year, romance novels dominate the mass-market book industry. Unlike other genres, romance welcomes new writers, with editors actively seeking the next big names in the field.

In 49 concise chapters, this book serves as a quick course in writing romantic fiction for today's market. It provides practical advice to improve storytelling skills, covering topics such as creating compelling heroes and heroines, crafting engaging scenes and plots, and addressing various writing challenges, including point-of-view decisions and steamy love scenes.

It not only focuses on the creative aspects but also provides valuable information on the business side of writing, including goal setting, finding an agent, manuscript formatting, writing query letters, and more. It also emphasizes the importance of receiving and giving critiques, offers insights into writing a captivating synopsis, and provides guidance on building an author's website.

The book includes short interviews with bestselling romance authors such as Lorraine Heath, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Connie Flynn, Katherine Sutcliffe, Judy Christenberry, and Suzanne Brockmann, offering valuable perspectives from seasoned professionals. Additionally, it provides market information on mainstream publishers active in the romance genre and includes a helpful list of small presses and e-publishers.

This book serves as a valuable resource, offering practical advice, industry insights, and inspiration for aspiring romance writers who aim to write satisfying and marketable stories.

I appreciated that the book didn't focus too heavily on the publishing and agent aspects typically found in writing guides. It provided a solid and informative read, covering a wide range of topics. The interviews with different romance writers were particularly enjoyable, adding an extra layer of insight and inspiration. Overall, it is a book worth revisiting for its wealth of information and engaging content.

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Review: The Constraints of Desire: The Anthropology of Sex and Gender in Ancient Greece by John J. Winkler

The Constraints of Desire: The Anthropology of Sex and Gender in Ancient Greece by John J. Winkler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For many years, there has been a heated scholarly debate regarding the role of women in classical Athens. The question of whether women held significant informal power or were treated as little more than slaves has been a focal point of discussion. However, Winkler takes a fresh approach to this topic by utilizing feminist anthropology methods and expanding the scope to examine the cultural construction of sex and gender in ancient Greece. By doing so, he sheds light on the potential for female autonomy that existed within Greek society, offering a new perspective on the position of women in classical Athens.

This book has proven to be a valuable resource for my college thesis, as it covers a wide range of topics and texts in the field of Classics. Winkler delves into foundational works such as the Odyssey, Sappho's poetry, and Daphnis and Chloe, offering insightful analysis. What sets this book apart is its inclusion of lesser-known technical texts like medical writings, dream interpretation manuals, and ancient scholia (literary commentaries). By exploring these diverse sources, Winkler effectively exposes the inherent bias in Classical Studies, which has often obscured our understanding of the ancient world.

Through his research, Winkler convincingly argues that despite the scarcity of direct evidence about the lives and perspectives of ancient women, they were likely aware of the sexist society they lived in and possessed the ability to navigate it skillfully. This challenges the prevailing notion that women in ancient Greece were passive and powerless. By shedding light on their potential agency and resilience, Winkler provides a fresh and compelling perspective on the experiences of women in the classical period.

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Review: The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz by Sara Leibovits - ARC

The Girl Who Survived Auschwitz by Sara Leibovits
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Harper 360 via NetGalley.

In the midst of the chaos and horror of Auschwitz, 16-year-old Jewish girl Sara Leibovits and her family face a devastating fate. Separated from her loved ones, Sara experiences unimaginable pain and hardships during her time in the Death Camp. Despite the atrocities, she holds onto her family's values of courage, faith, and kindness. This poignant true story also intertwines with the narrative of Sara's daughter, Eti, seventy years later, who gives voice to the second generation and completes the narrative of Holocaust survivors. The story highlights the enduring strength and resilience of those affected by one of history's darkest chapters.

Leibovits skillfully captures the profound sadness of this historical period, and I was deeply moved by Sara's incredible strength and resilience as depicted in the book. Despite the immense challenges she faced, Sara's determination and courage shone through, inspiring admiration and awe.

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Review: Born Survivors: Three Young Mothers and Their Extraordinary Story of Courage, Defiance, and Hope by Wendy Holden

Born Survivors: Three Young Mothers and Their Extraordinary Story of Courage, Defiance, and Hope by Wendy Holden
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eastern Europe, 1944: Three women believe they are pregnant, but are torn from their husbands before they can be certain. Rachel is sent to Auschwitz, unaware that her husband has been shot. Priska and her husband travel there together, but are immediately separated. Also at Auschwitz, Anka hopes in vain to be reunited with her husband. With the rest of their families gassed, these young wives are determined to hold on to all they have left—their lives, and those of their unborn babies. Having concealed their condition from infamous Nazi doctor Josef Mengele, they are forced to work and almost starved to death, living in daily fear of their pregnancies being detected by the SS.

In April 1945, as the Allies close in, Priska gives birth. She and her baby, along with Anka, Rachel, and the remaining inmates, are sent to Mauthausen concentration camp on a hellish seventeen-day train journey. Rachel gives birth on the train, and Anka at the camp gates. All believe they will die, but then a miracle occurs. The gas chamber runs out of Zyklon-B, and as the Allied troops near, the SS flee. Against all odds, the three mothers and their newborns survive their treacherous journey to freedom.

This was an interesting story of three woman's perspectives of what they went through while being pregnant in a concentration camp. I liked having the change of perspective, but I did find it hard to keep all of the characters and individual stories straight.

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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

Book Review: The Psychology of Twilight

3 stars

Genres: Non-fiction, reference

Editors: E. David Klonsky and Alexis Black

Contributors: David A. Frederick, Erica Berg, Susan Carnell, Melissa Burkley, Amanda M. Vicary, Jennifer L. Rosner, Mikhail Lyubansky, Robin S. Rosenberg, Jeremy Clyman, Catherine Glenn, Lisa Dinella, Gary Lewandowski, Tamara Greenberg, Peter Stromberg, and Pamela Rutledge

Format: ebook

272 pages

Published: by Smart Pop

Published on October 4th 2011

ISBN: 1936661292

ISBN13: 9781936661299

Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

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Note: I received this book via Netgalley.

Synopsis from Goodreads:

You’ve read the books. You’ve seen the films. Now get inside the heads of your favorite Twilight characters (just like Edward can!) in The Psychology of Twilight.

Explore the minds and motives of Bella, Edward, Jacob, and more with a deeper look at the series that’s captured the hearts—and psyches—of millions. Find out:

* How Edward and Jacob match up in an evolutionary psychology smackdown for Bella’s—and our—affection
* Whether Bella’s motorcycle-riding and cliff diving in New Moon are suicidal—or her salvation
* Why vampires and werewolves aren’t so different after all (at least psychologically)
* The emotional appeal of love stories like Bella and Edward’s
* Why being a part of Twilight fandom is good for your psychological health

Snuggle up on the closest chaise, and get ready to revisit the Twilight Saga—with some professional help.

My Review:

If you want to know what the hype is about Twilight then this is the good place to start.  This book is jammed packed with a collection of chapters written by different specialists in different fields.  They are able to effectively explain the relationship feelings of the characters, Bella’s perspective of life and death, and the swoon worthy Edward Cullen. 

Overall, the book was extremely interesting with the contributors’ difference perspective.  It is a entertaining light read.

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

The Little Book of Self-Editing for Writers by Bridget McKenna

4 stars

Genres: reference

Kindle Edition

Published by Ravenscourt Press

ASIN: B008HZC80A

Where to Buy: Amazon

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Note: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis from Amazon:

How to Edit Yourself and Why You Should

This is not a book about why you don’t need an editor. This is a book about first editing your own work to the best of your ability, so that when you hand your manuscript over to an editor, it is as free of placeholder writing, as devoid of verbal crutches, as lean and clean as you know how to make it.

Good editing by the writer—before an outside editor ever sees your work—can make the difference between an okay book and a good one, or between a good book and a great one.

My Review:

This book was extremely interesting and helpful.  It was an inspiring read for upcoming/potential writers. 

About the Author:

Bridget McKenna was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has lived in a fair number of places since, including southern, central, and northern California, west Texas, northern Illinois, Seattle, and London.

In addition to writing, Bridget practices hypnotherapy, reads avidly (science fiction, fantasy, mystery, classics, and many flavors of nonfiction) and is hopelessly addicted to BBC historical dramas. She lives in Seattle, and writes for the computer games industry.

Author’s website: http://www.bridgetmckenna.com

Arc Review - Because I Said So! : The Truth Behind the Myths, Tales, and Warnings Every Generation Passes Down to Its Kids by Ken Jennings

4 stars

Genres: non fiction

Format: ebook

256 pages

Published by Scribner, A Simon & Schuster eBook

Expected publication: December 4th 2012

Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

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Note: I received this book via Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Don’t cross your eyes or they’ll stay like that! Feed a cold, starve a fever!

Don’t touch your Halloween candy until we get it checked out!

Never run with scissors

Don’t look in the microwave while it’s running!

This will go down on your permanent record

Is any of it true? If so, how true? Ken Jennings wants to find out if mother and father always know best. Yes, all those years you were told not to sit too close to the television (you’ll hurt your eyes!) or swallow your gum (it stays in your stomach for seven years!) or crack your knuckles (arthritis!) are called into question by our country’s leading trivia guru. Jennings separates myth from fact to debunk a wide variety of parental edicts: no swimming after meals, sit up straight, don’t talk to strangers, and so on.

Armed with medical case histories, scientific findings, and even the occasional experiment on himself (or his kids), Jennings exposes countless examples of parental wisdom run amok. Whether you’re a parent who wants to know what you can stop worrying about or a kid (of any age) looking to say, “I told you so,” this is the anti–helicopter parenting book you’ve been waiting for.

My Review:

Jennings finds an entertaining way to prove the truths or falsities of common every day home myths.  The book seems to be well researched with a pleasurable and diverting way off expressing the facts.  He does not take a side and is extremely informative about his approach.  Overall, it was a good read.

About the Author:

Kenneth Wayne Jennings III (born May 23, 1974) holds the record for the longest winning streak on the U.S. syndicated game show Jeopardy! Jennings won 74 games before he was defeated by challenger Nancy Zerg on his 75th appearance. His total earnings on Jeopardy! are US$3,022,700 ($2,520,700 in winnings, a $2,000 consolation prize on his 75th appearance, and $500,000 in the Jeopardy! Ultimate Tournament of Champions). Jennings held the record for most winnings on any game show ever played until the end of the Ultimate Tournament of Champions (first aired on May 25, 2005), when he was displaced by Brad Rutter, who defeated Jennings in that tournament.

After winning, he began working on a book, Brainiac: Adventures in the Curious, Competitive, Compulsive World of Trivia Buffs, which explored American trivia history and culture. Ken also appeared as a member of the mob sitting in podium #13 from the new game show 1 vs. 100 in 2006, and in 2007 Jennings was the champion of the first season of the US version of Grand Slam.

The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook by Sherrilyn Kenyon

5 stars

Genres: reference, writing, research

Format: Hardcover

486 pages

Published by Writer's Digest Books

Published May 21st 2005

ISBN: 1582972958

ISBN13: 9781582972954

Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

View on Goodreads

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Character Names

Back in print and better than ever, "The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook" has been updated and expanded to help you find character names and their meanings quickly and easily

This one-of-a-kind resource was specifically designed with the writer in mind. Inside you'll find:

25,000+ first names and surnames, and their meanings, listed by origin
Names and surnames from more than 45 countries
A reverse lookup of names by meaning
An alphabetical index of names
An explanation of naming practices and historical context for each origin
A list of the top ten most popular names in the United States every year from 1880-2003
Instruction on how to create believable names that fit your characters and your story

This exciting new edition also includes advice from a number of best-selling authors, including Elizabeth George, Alexander McCall Smith, Homer Hickam, Marian Keyes, "Big Fish" author Daniel Wallace, and others. You'll get the inside scoop on their naming methods, plus the stories behind the names of their most famous characters.

So throw out your old telephone books and baby-naming guides - "The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook" meets all your naming needs.

My Review:

This book is extremely comprehensive and excellent for seasoned and aspiring writers.  The listing by ‘cultures’ is extremely helpful for reference by what writers are actually writing about.  It tells you where the names came from and their meanings making choosing a name all that much more fun and appealing.

AND you could also use it for potential baby names!

About the Author:

Sherrilyn Kenyon lives a life of extraordinary danger... as does any woman with three sons, a husband, a menagerie of pets and a collection of swords that all of the above have a fixation on. But when not running interference (or dashing off to the emergency room), she's found chained to her computer where she likes to play with all her imaginary friends. With more than ten million copies of her books in print in 26 countries, she certainly has many friends to play with.

Writing as Kinley MacGregor and Sherrilyn Kenyon, she is the author of several series, including The Dark-Hunters, Brotherhood of the Sword, Lords of Avalon, Nevermore, BAD (Bureau of American Defense), Sex Camp Diaries, The MacAllisters and Sea Wolves.

Her books have appeared in the top five of the New York Times, Publisher's Weekly, and USA Today lists.

Author’s website: http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com

No Turning Back: The Life and Death of Animal Species by Richard Ellis

4 stars
Genres: non-fiction, science
Format: ebook

438 pages

Published by Open Road

Published in September 18th 2012        

ISBN: 1453271155
ISBN13: 9781453271155
Where to Buy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble
View on Goodreads

Note: I received this copy from Open Road via Netgalley

Synopsis:

A noted naturalist's fascinating inquiry into the life and death of animal species Just about every species that has ever lived on earth is extinct. The trilobites, which dominated the ocean floors for 300 million years, are gone. The last of the dinosaurs was wiped out by a Mount Everest-sized meteorite that slammed into the earth 65 million years ago. The great flying reptiles are gone, and so are the marine reptiles, some of them larger than a humpback whale. Before humans crossed the Bering land bridge some 15,000 years ago, North America was populated by mastodons, mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and cave bears. They too are MIA. Passenger pigeons once flew over North America in flocks that numbered in the billions; the last one died in 1914.

In this book you will meet creatures that were driven to extinction even more recently, as well as some that were brought back from the brink. You will even encounter animals not known to exist until recently -- an antidote to extinction.

My Review:

Ellis looks at the various factors that have contributed and still are to the extinction or the species being threatened.  The majority of this book deals with extinction that has occurred in the past and what might transpire (or inevitably will at the rate we are going) in the future.  Ellis is able to masterfully bring science to the everyday individual.  While some parts are still dry Ellis mixes in a variety of interesting anecdotes and facts from modern things. 

One of the key points people should take from this book is just how much of an impact humans have had on bringing forth the extinction of species and moving the process along.

About the Author:

Richard Ellis is one of America's leading marine conservationists, and is generally recognized as the foremost painter of marine natural history subjects in the world. His paintings of whales have appeared in Audubon, National Wildlife, Australian Geographic, the Encyclopedia Britannica, and numerous other national and interna­tional publications.

Video featuring the author:

http://video.openroadmedia.com/7fyeK/meet-richard-ellis/

Uncle John's Fully Loaded 25th Anniversary Bathroom Reader by Bathroom Readers' Institute

4 stars

Format: ebook

608 pages

Publication by Portable Press

Synopsis:

The Bathroom Reader turns 25! Uncle John is celebrating this historic milestone with his biggest all-new edition ever—more than 600 pages of absorbing material!

“Fully Loaded” is putting it mildly. This behemoth of a book is overflowing with incredible stories, surprising facts, weird news, little-known origins, forgotten history, fun wordplay, and everything else that millions of loyal fans have come to expect from the world’s best-selling bathroom reading series. As always, it’s divided by length: quickies for the reader on the go, medium-sized articles for those with a few minutes to spare, and extra-long pieces for those truly leg-numbing experiences. Here are just a few of the hundreds of topics loaded into this edition of America’s favorite “on the go” source of fascinating information:

- Real Life Superheroes

- Big Fat Nothing: the Story of Zero

- The Strange Fate of Eben Myers, the “Radium Man”

- When Authors Attack (Each Other)

- How to Talk Like a Bowler

- First Date . . . Last Date

- The Worst Business Decision Ever

My Review:

This was the first time that I have read a Bathroom Reader book and I have to say I found it quite enjoyable.  There was a plethora of fun and interesting facts that kept me entertained.  This would be perfect for a family party or a random road trip to keep everyone entertained along the way. 

Fast paced and an easy read.  The book is also well-organized and broken up into sections with fun tidbits in between. 

About the Author:

The Bathroom Reader's Institute UJBR boasts more than 12 million books in print and a membership base topping 40,000 loyal readers . . .

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13594962-uncle-john-s-fully-loaded-25th-anniversary-bathroom-reader

Shakespeare on Toast by Ben Crystal

4 stars

Format: ebook

263 pagesPublished by Totem Books

more details...ISBN: 1848310161 (ISBN13: 9781848310162)

Note: I received this book from Icon Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

If you are apprehensive about reading a work by Shakespeare fear no more as this work takes the reader through five acts of Shakespearian enlightenment.  As Crystal says 95% of the words in Shakespeare are common throughout today’s language and that means just 5% of all the words in his plays have to be deciphered in their contextual tones.  The book is full of interesting little tidbits and facts that draw the reader in making the whole experience more enjoyable and unfrightening. 

My Review:

Diving headlong into the challenging world of Shakespeare and making it read like a children’s book that is the skill possessed by Ben Crystal in his explanations of what Shakespeare really is.  Crystal in a conversational manner is able to beat in the fact that Shakespeare was writing for the everyday people not as many think the elitists of the time and shedding the horrid perspective Shakespeare usually entails putting everything into context is what really matters.  I loved how easy it was to understand where the author was coming from and what he was trying to convey.  The book demonstrated all of the ease to Shakespeare that every high school student is dreading in English.

About the Author:

Crystal was born in Ascot, England, and grew up in Wokingham, and Holyhead, North Wales. He studied English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University between 1995 and 1998, before training as an actor between 1998 and 1999. After leaving drama school he studied methods from the theatre companies Complicite and Frantic Assembly, particularly under Annabel Arden and Monika Pagneux.

In 1999 he began to write Shakespeare's Words: A Glossary and Language Companion (Penguin 2002), with his father, David Crystal, and has been acting and writing for the last ten years, most notably in 2003 playing a guest lead in the BBC1 drama series Holby City, for which he became fluent in British Sign Language, and for the 2006 summer season at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4492628-shakespeare-on-toast