Review: American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee

American Rose: A Nation Laid Bare: The Life and Times of Gypsy Rose Lee by Karen Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thought I knew the story of Gypsy Rose Lee, at least the highlights. Turns out I knew nothing! Karen Abbott has a way of giving life to her subjects that goes beyond your normal history book. It almost reads like fiction, but you know Ms. Abbott did her homework. Not many people may still remember the name Gypsy Rose Lee, but Ms. Abbott reminds us of why she shouldn't be forgotten.

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Review: Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul

Sin in the Second City: Madams, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I grew up near Chicago and was aware it did not have a pristine history. Come on, Al Capone! This was a whole new side of Chicago for me. The descriptions are as rich as many of the characters. I felt like I was being let in on salacious gossip yet most of this was happening openly at the time. And while the author chose some very strong women to feature, don't think they were innocent bystanders. They could be the worst! Probably my favorite Karen Abbott book.

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Review: The 14th Colony

The 14th Colony by Steve Berry
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I won an advance reader's edition of this book in one of the Goodreads giveaways. I was quite excited because I have enjoyed all of Steve Berry's books and was eagerly anticipating the release of this one. It didn't disappoint.

I won't give away any spoilers here. It is the eve of the inauguration of the new President. Stephanie Nelle and Cotton Malone are on one last mission for President Daniels. In an interesting change, Stephanie is really the central character. This mission provides the perfect vehicle to finally tell us her story. That was my favorite part of this book. If Stephanie isn't your favorite, don't despair. The regular crew have plenty to do as well.

With the US gearing up for its next Presidential election, the book's discussion of Presidential transition and succession are quite timely if not a bit scary. The historical tie-ins leave plenty of room for thought.

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Review: Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War

Liar, Temptress, Soldier, Spy: Four Women Undercover in the Civil War by Karen Abbott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a big fan of Karen Abbott's work. It is not a huge surprise that I enjoyed this book. What is surprising is that I enjoyed it even though it is set during the Civil War, not an era I choose to read about very often. Ms. Abbott makes chose four compelling women and made their stories come alive. This is not a stodgy history book.

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Review: Things Fall Apart

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was assigned to read this book as a freshman in college for a political science class. I didn't realize at the time how much it would impact my life. It would be assigned to me again in graduate school while I was studying international development. I wanted to help people, but this book reminded me to tread carefully. And now that I work in foreign assistance, I carry the lessons of this book with me and hope that the work I do makes a positive difference. And every time I read the news of some aid project gone awry or another outbreak of fighting in any part of the world, I remember Things Fall Apart.

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