I have worked in the music industry for about 10 years and firmly intrenched in the world in Los Angeles for the last 4. Not to toot my own horn, but I have worked in the music industry for about 10 years and firmly intrenched in the world in Los Angeles for the last 4. Not to toot my own horn, but I have a firm and passionate grip on music marketing/PR. Yet, even I found this book filled with clear, concise, and easy-to-understand information. Even I was sitting with a highlighter highlighting sections! Strongly suggested for any musician trying to make it in the music world or anyone on the business-end behind the scened in need of some reminders and sprucing up on business practices. Wonderfully presented in a factual but not boring way and updated on some of the new ways of the digital music universe. Must-read. Let me repeat: MUST...more
The street art and graffiti world is generally only known for popular artists such as Banksy and Swift (a female, mind you). Street Logos pushes past The street art and graffiti world is generally only known for popular artists such as Banksy and Swift (a female, mind you). Street Logos pushes past the usual "mainstream" artists and focuses merely on the locos (think of it as brand marketing and the brand of these artists) of lesser known names. With photos and and small bios, Street Logos is a picture art book mixed with facts. A great coffee-table book.
On a biased note: it also feature my favorite artists, the twins known as Os Gemeos....more
Daniel Levitin, author of "This is your Brain on Music" sadly failed to capture the same astounding and interesting threads which made his previous boDaniel Levitin, author of "This is your Brain on Music" sadly failed to capture the same astounding and interesting threads which made his previous book a must-read.
The premise is capturing: songs basically helped create human nature versus the other way around and some of the ideas really make you think (i.e. drum beats (music) helped motivate the cavemen to progress in their development). Further, this books says it won't categorize music because it is impossible to do but does just that.
The downside is that unlike Levitin's other works, The World in Six Songs features less scientific and experimental truths and focuses more on what comes off as Levitin's speculations and own opinions. Although an easy-read, much of the information doesn't stick out as opposed to all the factoids in This is Your Brain on Music. This is proven by the fact that I hardly remember what I learned in this book and yet read it much more recently than This is Your Brain on Music.
A fun-read and somewhat interesting but it won't "rock your world" so to speak. ...more
We tend to make music for as much granted as we do breathing. Music is EVERYWHERE. The same way that you encounter hundreds of advertisements in a dayWe tend to make music for as much granted as we do breathing. Music is EVERYWHERE. The same way that you encounter hundreds of advertisements in a day: you also encounter music in various forms.This is Your Brain on Music (yes, based on the popular egg-drug PSA, explores how music is processed within your brain and why we react the way we do.
This journey within the musical brain begins with a brief description of music in terms of notes, patterns, tempo, etc. One can skip this section if already familiar or simply not interested. It won't hinder your understanding of the subsequent chapters. Levitin then dives into explaining such noteworthy topics as why we get songs stuck in our heads, why certain songs are equated with memories throughout our lives, and how our brain tends to know the next couple notes in a song even if we've never heard it before. All of these topics are augmented with thorough research and scientific explanations; yet, in a lamen's terms.
You don't have to be a musician to be interested in this read, you merely have to an inquiring person. If nothing else, you will learn facts which will impress your friends and perhaps win you that spot on your favorite trivia game show. One thing is for certain: you will never look at music the same way again. ...more
I lost my Thomas Hardy virginity with The Mayor of Casterbridge and unlike most "first" times, this one was great. Also like some females after their I lost my Thomas Hardy virginity with The Mayor of Casterbridge and unlike most "first" times, this one was great. Also like some females after their first time, I was subsequently hooked on Thomas Hardy.
The Mayor of Casterbridge (like most Hardy books) beautifully ties together the connections (and heartbreaks) of various characters. Hardy presents a story which is believable and yet shocking (he had many critics during his writing heyday); and also entertaining. The emotions and heart-felt pains experienced amongst the characters dive into your soul and you feel every prick and needle. Not many modern-day writers can say the same about their work.
A classic and yet, would stand alone if written today. Bravo...more
Jude the Obscure is one of my favorite novels of all time. It doesn't matter which time era the story is presented, it makes sense. Remarkably, it wasJude the Obscure is one of my favorite novels of all time. It doesn't matter which time era the story is presented, it makes sense. Remarkably, it was written during a time with far more sexual restraint than we know today and definitely resulted in Hardy going "out with a bang".
There is more to a man than the outright sexual pleasures and need to plant his seed, and Jude clearly show the ties between the primal urges and that of loneliness and desire for love and acceptance. He makes some immature decisions and yet is also far more mature than expected leaving the reader to invite Jude out for a beer.
Although Hardy overly describes scenery and emotions at times, there are still points that are shocking and left me literally looking up from my book with my mouth gaping open. Yes, even amongst the daily trials and errors of the modern-day world, a book written much before our time had the ability to shock me. That, in itself, is worth noting.
If you only have ONE Hardy book to read, this should be it (despite your gender). ...more
Hardy's real-life love (his second wife), once commented that if Hardy understood REAL females as well as his female heroines in his books, then he woHardy's real-life love (his second wife), once commented that if Hardy understood REAL females as well as his female heroines in his books, then he would have no problems at all. Although I can't confirm nor deny such a statement, I can certainly say that Hardy has timelessly captured the female struggle for love, acceptance, and absolution in societal roles in this novel.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles is just that: a heroine. She will have you feeling pity, remorse, and yet cheering her on wildly. It is amazing that Hardy could capture the feelings and thoughts of a female while being a male. I truly couldn't describe my own feelings better than Hardy can put into words. Either he is really perceptive or strongly feminine. Despite the reasoning, this book is amazing. Heartbreaking and yet a lesson learned in a easy-to-understand, moderate pace.
Like most Hardy books, there are some "boring" parts which include much too extensive descriptions of scenery which seem to drag but otherwise a vivid and moving story. ...more
Truly the case of a victim (of sorts) being made out to be the blood-thirsty "bad guy", Mary Tudor unfortunately has a bad reputation. Although this vTruly the case of a victim (of sorts) being made out to be the blood-thirsty "bad guy", Mary Tudor unfortunately has a bad reputation. Although this viewpoint has been more than avidly blamed on Elizabethan propaganda, the image remains. Linda Porter dives past the traditional stereotypes and bad blood (pun intended); to present Mary's reasoning behind her actions and her remaining scars from childhood of much pain.
In terms of biographies, this is a rather inclusive portrait of Mary Tudor and wonderful for those seeking a book with more detail on her versus just an overview. Much overshadowed by younger half-sister Elizabeth, it is time for Mary to shine. I mean, she WAS England FIRST queen regnant. Although at times Porter seems to beg for pity, Mary true personality still shines through and one finally understands her convictions and actions. Mary is a strong and passionate female who could teach a thing or two to today's modern youth. Her zeal is beyond what an average child today can even try to encompass.
Smooth, easy-flowing, and filled with factual information over opinions and speculation, Linda Porter's work is intended to demyth Marian oppositions. Certainly recommended for those who merely root for Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth but wanting to see a clearer picture. ...more
I know what you may be thinking: that you love Elizabeth I and that Mary is just, well, her depressed older-half sister who as a staunch Catholic had I know what you may be thinking: that you love Elizabeth I and that Mary is just, well, her depressed older-half sister who as a staunch Catholic had 300 heretics burned. What you must realize is that Mary was a trailblazer as the first Queen of England, she paved the way for Elizabeth. There would be no Elizabeth without Mary. Mary was a fighter and fought for her throne: literally. Her coup was the most succesful revolt against central government in 16th-century England.
If you are interested in discovering the world of Mary which goes far beyond the confines of popular propaganda via John Knox and John Foxe depicting her a conservative, "bloody", and evil leader; then settle down with a copy of this book. Whitelock provides a overview of Mary's entire life from the moment of birth to her death (that would be 42 years). Sadly, this novel is less annotated than would be preferable and there are no facts or revealing information which you haven't heard before so you won't be left astounded. Simply put, Whitelock's offering is better as a refresher course on Mary Tudor's life or as an introduction to someone who may have never read about her before.
One of the stronger highlights was the explanation regarding the loss of Calais to the French. Mary is always blamed for this loss (and she has revealed that it was her biggest heartbreak) but most books never go beyond the accusation of her loss. Whitelock dives deeper and explains how although against popular sentiment, Mary had to enter war against the French because of rebellions against her person backed by the French. Garrisons weren't properly protected and the council and parliment refused to supply the men in Calais so basically the loss resulted in fingers pointing in every direction on who was to blame. Like any war where the victory is attributed to the leader, conversely the loss was blamed on Mary. This is the first book to make these actions clear.
Unfortunately, I do have some complaints. The book has some sequencing issues and would jump from explaining events in one year and then back track and go ahead once more. It can get confusing if you are the type of reader who liked to keep track of dates. Additionally, the cause of reversing Mary's poor reputation was somewhat lost. If you are writing a book to change popular opinions, you have to be argumentative, vindicative, and strong. The epiloque was more moving and against the propaganda than the actual text. Basically, the book doesn't sway you until the end.
Again, not a bad choice as a refresher or an introduction to Mary and certainly (despite my complaints) a interesting and smooth-paced read. ...more
What can really be said about Henry VIII which us Tudor obsessees don't know? Well, unless "Great Harry" comes back to life and personally answers somWhat can really be said about Henry VIII which us Tudor obsessees don't know? Well, unless "Great Harry" comes back to life and personally answers some of our most burning questions; not much.
However, Alison Weir explores a different route in Henry VIII: The King and His Court. Unlike her usual novels which focus on a single event(s) or feature the biography/portrait of a historical figure; this book can be described as an entire Henry VIII museum wrapped into the confines of a book. Meaning: the same way that a museum exhibit would feature artifacts and smaller singular factoids, this novel also presents smaller glimpses into the Tudor court which you may have no experienced before. Yet, the entire novel is better if you are new to Henry VIII or seeking a refresher course. Not necessarily suggested for avid Henrican buffs. In fact, sometimes the book sadly is too dry and even at times, pointless.
The King and His Court is divided into two parts, in a sense. The first features a very informative view of the background life at court. This describes logistical details and a “behind the scenes” look while the second half the book is more in the realm of depicting actual events (more like Weir’s “regular” history books although it sometimes read like a research paper). Don’t expect too much on the wives, as Weir emphasizes in the foreword that this topic would not be covered in its entirety, although the King’s “Great Matter” is covered with a moderate chunk, as is Anne Boleyn’s downfall.
The first part of the book could have been a “go-to” for the researchers who worked on the Tudors TV series. Everything you need to know about background and “props” (furniture, household logistics, and administrative members) is answered in this section. Extensive details from games played to how many dogs a courtier could own, to what time one could defecate; is explored. Okay, the last one is an exaggeration but that is how detailed the research on Tudor life Weir presented. On the contrary, this can cause dragging and at some points too much focus on the decorum of the court.
There were valuable eye-openers. The chapter on “feeding the court” was remarkable. The amount of food and logistics which went into meal times is fascinating. Even more so, is the fact that records still exist of these details, even centuries later. The Field of Cloth of Gold was also deliciously well- described in its entire splendor. One of my favorite highlights was the story of how Henry gained the title “Defender of the Faith”. Although I am very familiar with the famous title which he made a hereditary term, it wasn’t necessarily explained clearly in previous works I have read.
Another pleasing factor was the included information on “secondary” individuals at court such as the Horenbouts (Gerard, Lucas, and Susanna) – the court illuminators— and other artists like the well-known Hans Holbein. However, I would have liked more passages on the fool we all know and love, Will Somers since he was in the court picture for 20 years.
Some parts of the book were too exhaustive in details and seemed like Weir just wanted to show-off her depth of research. At some points, I just wanted it to end, already. Weir would also repeat phrases which stuck-out like, “…good son of the church that he was…” when speaking about Henry. Either she was trying to hard to solidify the irony or she didn’t have a great editor. Plus, I was REALLY angered on page 296, paragraph 3, when I encountered the sentence, “It is was to Chapuys that Sir Nicholas Carew revealed his growing sympathy for the Queen and Princess Mary”. Even my Microsoft Word Spell Check just underlined and caught the “it is was” error, how did Weir and her editor miss it?!
It is very interesting to lean about the culture and art of the court (even the propaganda) in place during the Henrican events versus just the events, themselves. A different view can be refreshing and you will certainly learn some interesting factoids to impress people with (I know this for a fact as I lightly mentioned facts to my boyfriend daily while reading this book). Although Henry buffs may skim some areas, it is certainly worth a glance....more
The Princes in the Tower (these would be Edward V and brother Richard-- sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville); is a fascinating and unsolvedThe Princes in the Tower (these would be Edward V and brother Richard-- sons of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville); is a fascinating and unsolved mystery (cue Robert Stack) which hundreds of years later, STILL raises eyebrows, bogs some minds, and interests history and non-history buffs alike.
The desperately unlikable usurper Richard III, who does have a claim to the throne as a decendent of Richard, Duke of York who descends from both Lionel (Duke of Clarence) and Edmund (Duke of York) who were both sons of Edward III (did you get that? Trust me, I read lots of genelogical charts to get it all straight!); but pure ambition and greed led to his declaring his brothers Edward IV and George illegimate in order to declare the princes and newly (but not yet annointed) boy-king Edward V also as bastards so he can gain the throne.
The drama builds as he locks the boys in the Tower of London to prevent Edawrd from his coronation and basicallly: the boys are never seen again. The highest-regarded theory is that Richard had had the Duke of Buckingham personally or indirectly smother the boys in their beds and then bury them under stairs.
Yes, Weir is pointedly assured of Richard's guilt (which I feel is quite obvious) but regardless of her bias, she does provide extensive research and reports, well-thought out paths of crimimal acitivity, and proven results such as the skeletons which were found under the steps and some of the analysis done on the bones.
Regardless of whether you think Richard was the dark, evil man he is portrayed as or not, The Princes in the Tower is not only history but an entertaining mystery. Another job well done by Alison Weir. ...more
I have a problem with authors thinking that they have to reach a larger mass audience once they are popular. It is comparable to a musician who “sellsI have a problem with authors thinking that they have to reach a larger mass audience once they are popular. It is comparable to a musician who “sells out”. The Lady of the Rivers certainly portrayed a dummied down storyline which started with the immediate opener. Perhaps Gregory is so popular now, that she took away much of the magic so evident in some of her earlier works to reach a wider audience.
The theme of my complaints against The Lady of the Rivers is the lack of depth. Admittedly, this novel is a fast page-turner but solely because it is easy to read and has very short chapters (several were only one page); and not because it is overly intriguing or capturing. The book is rather slow in the beginning (even by page 109, I was bored) and it was obvious that this is because Gregory didn’t have much research to include. Is it a coincidence that the latter part of the book is more interesting and not as sparse when describing the battles? Not at all. Sadly, even the events which were described appeared glossed over which relates back to the lack of depth element.
Although Jacquetta is the main character, her character development is extremely weak, to say the least. Her inner feelings and actions never felt fully disclosed and understood, making her seem very one-dimensional. Moreover, many of the other female characters also felt very demeaned and ill-described. Joan of Arc was portrayed quite foolishly and Margaret of Anjou was even more annoying than usual. Margaret of Anjou is already “known” as being villainous but at least she has drama and depth. In The Lady of the Rivers, she just comes off as a spoiled teenager in a teen film. Plus, more of the book was about Margaret of Anjou than Jacquetta. I found this all to be disappointing because none of the characters were likable or encouraged support. Imagine a star-studded ensemble cast in a movie but with a terrible plot and poor acting. That is the best way to describe this book.
Sadly, even the proposed highlights were unsatisfying. Moments in the plot which were meant to be “strong” such as Richard Woodville declaring his love to Jacquetta; were elementary, rushed, and so predictable that I actually rolled my eyes. The inescapability caused the story to be very difficult to “get into”. I have to admit, there were SOME strong points throughout but I have to judge the novel on the whole, and overall, the momentous events covered (Hundred Years War, Wars of the Roses) were barely even scraped in potential by Gregory. The Lady of the Rivers is more of a summary of these events or YA novel.
Some contradictory points were also evident. For example: the novel stressed that the Earl of Suffolk opposed Margaret’s marriage to Henry but then about a page later said that he predicted its success. Um… sure. I also have to ask, did they actually say “hi” during this time period? Jacquetta surely did in this novel. I may not be a linguistic expert but never, ever, have I come across the word “hi” in any other Plantagenet or Tudor novel and I have read countless sources. This bothered me. Also, the churching ceremony appeared to be described in the manner of the rules set forth by Margaret Beaufort which she obviously didn’t do yet at the time of this novel.
Let’s not even get into the complaint which is evident by all readers across the board: the overuse of the titles (ie. “My lord, the Duke of Bedford”).
The end of the book was the best, similarly to how the Battle of Bosworth scene at the end of The Red Queen was surely the highlight and climax. It also set the lead-in to The White Queen quite seamlessly, especially if one would want to re-read it after The Lady of the Rivers.
I will give Gregory credit where credit is due that she attempted to cover a person who doesn’t have a million biographies or sources available on her. Jacquetta is a lesser known individual and I support bringing the “underdogs” to the table. I admit that I may be a little harsh and that I shouldn’t expect a thorough novel when such little information is available. However, Gregory should have instead transversed this as a novel about Margaret of Anjou, then. I do support the effort, however.
Overall, not AS terrible as I suspected but definitely a dummied down version. Either Gregory is losing her spark or I’m just slipping out of the target market. ...more
Gregory truly captured an "underdog" in her novel depicting Hannah, the Queen's fool in the novel by the same title. Hannah, a Jewish exile is broughtGregory truly captured an "underdog" in her novel depicting Hannah, the Queen's fool in the novel by the same title. Hannah, a Jewish exile is brought to court and although she is a "Fool", she becomes so much more. Strong, intelligent, and ambitious; Gregory shows that even "lesser" court members were at the top of their game.
The novel is very vivid to say the least (do you expect any less from Gregory?) and is an entertaining and easy read. How historically accurate is it, you ask? Well, let's just say that there are lots of twists and turns which obviously were imaginified with a pen and paper. We'll leave it at that.
Witty with some surprises, The Queen's Fool will pass your afternoon....more
This was one of my first Gregory books read and still one of my favorites. Henry VIII's wives are still a topic which capture's the imaginations of maThis was one of my first Gregory books read and still one of my favorites. Henry VIII's wives are still a topic which capture's the imaginations of many people and the entertainment world (ie films, TV, etc). The Boleyn Inheritance is a glimpse into the world of the "other" wives after the (in)famous Anne Boleyn and her sister-in-law Jane Parker (Lady Rochford) who went to her grave for helping Catherine Howard commit adultery.
Gregory created a magnificent read which tells the stories of wives after Anne. Each is depicted with rather strong historical accuracy and the characters are brought to life before your eyes. Each has a strong personality which will linger with you after you finish the book and read other ones on the wives of Henry VIII. Basically, it is a strong novel. The section of Lady Rochford are a bit lacking in my opinion; being the least colorful, but to give Gregory some credit, not much information exists on her personality (no diaries, letters, etc) versus her actions as a lady-in-waiting.
The world of Gregory and the Tudors is always a dramatic one and this is no exception. Fun and intelligent; a must-read for Tudor fans....more
Although the fact that Henry VIII had six wives is remarkable alone; even more interesting is the unique personalities and lives of these six women. AAlthough the fact that Henry VIII had six wives is remarkable alone; even more interesting is the unique personalities and lives of these six women. Alison Weir opens the door to the marital ups and downs of Henry and his partners in, “The Six Wives of Henry VIII”. Note: I initially read this book over a decade ago when I was less versed in Tudor history than I am now. Thus, this review is based on the impressions of one who has more knowledge on the topic during a second reading.
Alison Weir’s books can be divided into two categories: her earlier works which are more in the vein of objective, scholarly pieces and her more recent books which are in the popular history realm (intermingled with opinionated text and a more novel-like narrative). “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” fits into the former category, having been published when Weir’s approach was more academic. This means that the text is heavy with detail, facts, and a less biased view of Henry VIII’s wives.
With that being said, don’t expect an argumentative thesis comparing the wives to each other or even conclusive biographies. Instead, Weir offers a more overall look at the relationship of each wife with Henry and how it flowed into the next wife. Even with this marital focus though; Weir explores some of the politics of the reign in detail making “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” an excellent secondary source for research and as entertainment for both novice and well-versed readers.
There are moments when Weir is too detailed and sidetracks on the topic. Granted, these meanderings are related and therefore aren’t tangents; but they still slow the pace and create a feeling of clustered confusion. Oftentimes, this can be interpreted as Weir having too much information to present and messily trying to squish it into a small space.
Another issue—a big one, in fact—is a complete lack of notations. Weir includes many quotes, chunks of documents, and full sources; but these aren’t notated at all (the book lacks a notes section). This doesn’t question Weir’s credibility per se, but one can see the author’s own interpretation of the original sources due to this absence.
On a positive note, Weir showcases some of her detective/sleuth skills which is more prominent in her earlier works and thusly debunks some myths by setting records straight. This certainly creates excitement in the piece and helps the text not feel so dry (which it is sometimes guilty of).
“The Six Wives of Henry VIII” becomes increasingly compelling throughout with Weir becoming more passionate and confident in her writing. Furthermore, with some exceptions, much of the content is historically accurate taking the publishing date into consideration. On the other hand, there is a noticeable emphasis on Anne Boleyn and the lives of the wives are merely retold versus truly bringing them to life resulting in a level of detachment within the piece.
The chapters after Anne Boleyn are rushed and less detailed. Granted, there is more information concerning Anne but she seems to be Weir’s focus and this is supposed to be a book on ALL of the wives. Also increasing with the progression of the pages are more opinions by Weir; the major being her feeling that Henry VIII was coerced and cajoled into his selection of wives by other ambitious factions versus his own feelings (as though he was too weak in character to make his own decisions) and that his wives weren’t much at fault for their actions. Those readers not agreeing with this school of thought may find slight aggravations with this.
The conclusion of “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” isn’t as powerful as one would hope. However, there is a more detailed page covering Catherine Parr’s daughter (with Thomas Seymour) than most history books convey. Plus, readers will come away with a true sense of how amazing each of Henry’s wives were.
As previously mentioned, there are no notes and only a bibliography (which is messy). The book is supplemented by color plates (in black and white) and genealogical tables which depict each major family mentioned in the text. Also to be taken with a grain of salt: Weir mentions The Spanish Chronicle not being a dependable source but uses it when it suits her arguments.
Time may have weakened the strength of Weir’s writing but luckily “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” remains steadfast with its readability and facts for both new readers and those already familiar with the topic. Yes, there are some flaws but otherwise the book is recommended for everyone interested in Henry VIII and his wives. ...more
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