Picked up the book on a whim. Was not prepared for an in-depth look at what was known (not much) and not known about Mary Boleyn. It seemed like toughPicked up the book on a whim. Was not prepared for an in-depth look at what was known (not much) and not known about Mary Boleyn. It seemed like tough going at first, but the author drew me in with her careful analysis. Weir has done extensive research. Weir avoids filling in the blank spots with speculation that has no basis in fact, and reflects today's thinking, not that of the time of Mary. Weir carefully looks at various stories about the elusive Mary, and checks them against the evidence and the likelihood of their accuracy given the time period-- and Weir does know her Tudor times. I appreciated the careful research, the unwillingness to over reach in making conclusions about events. Will you come away with a deeply personal picture of Mary Boleyn? No, because the evidence is not there to draw that, but you will come away with a picture that is most likely accurate as far as the evidence can take it. And misconceptions about Mary Boleyn have been convincingly dissected. ...more
I picked this up at the library when the title caught my eye. I knew the Washington family held slaves, but did not know the story of Ona Judge. The aI picked this up at the library when the title caught my eye. I knew the Washington family held slaves, but did not know the story of Ona Judge. The author makes great effort to avoid a plodding recitation of facts. To be sure, research was done, but there are times when the author can only piece together fragments to point out what was most likely, or what the person might be feeling. There is some repetition. My thought is that the research on Ona Judge and her family had to be slim pickings, and more like piecing together a story rather than having an over abundance of primary sources. I think it is a worthwhile read because it tells a little known story in an engaging way, and it is a story some of us certainly did not know. So definitely worth a look. ...more
Esperanza Rising is an apt title because it is, by turns, a sad, happy, but ultimately inspiring story of a young girl coming of age. A family tragedyEsperanza Rising is an apt title because it is, by turns, a sad, happy, but ultimately inspiring story of a young girl coming of age. A family tragedy challenges Esperanza to rise up, coming to terms with a life beyond anything she could have imagined. Set in the 1930's, it is also a story that shows some of the history of Mexican-Americans, immigrants, the work involved in harvesting crops, labor struggles and class divisions, but most of all the strong ties of family. Based on the author's family, this novel is aimed at upper elementary and middle grade readers. It is a beautiful story for adults too....more
This book is not simply a retelling of the incident. Rather the author looks at the way politics, cultural beliefs, and cultural blindness to those deThis book is not simply a retelling of the incident. Rather the author looks at the way politics, cultural beliefs, and cultural blindness to those deemed "other" shape a narrative. The author looks at the various accounts of the incident over time, what gets left in and what is left out. What becomes accepted as a "known" over time is not on as firm a ground as believed. Colwell-Chanthaphonh give the Apache account good coverage, something that has been missing, and when it is acknowledged is often done so with the idea that it is of less importance or accuracy than those of the dominating culture. If you are looking for a straightforward account of the massacre, this may not be your choice. I would argue that the book will prompt the reader to be more questioning about how what we accept as the factual account is shaped by who is telling it and how time shapes it. An academic book, but also highly readable....more
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