I’m an avid reader. I have loved reading from a VERY early age and some of my favorite childhood memories involve a trip to the Library to pick out a new set of books. I am always looking for good recommendations so I thought I’d do a quick recap on books I’ve read recently for you gals. After all, this season is the perfect time to curl up outside with a great book and a warm pumpkin spice latte.
Recently I’ve been really interested in historical non-fiction books. While on vacation over the summer I ran through Public Enemies and American Rose and now I’m reading Popular Crime: Reflections on the Celebration of Violence. I’ll wait for a review of that last book because I’m not quite finished yet, but today I want to share my opinions on the first two books I mentioned!
By: Brian Burroughs
This book was lovely. I suppose that’s an odd way to describe a book about bank robbers but it is laced with this charm that gives me nostalgia for a simpler time in America. The novel tells the story of some of America’s most notorious criminals: Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Machine Gun Kelly, etc. This story is intertwined with the formation of the FBI as we know it today and is absolutely fascinating. If you’re interested in history but don’t want to be bored to tears by another book covered high school history topics, this is for you. I found it to be positively engrossing and it opened the door to my historical nonfiction fascination!
By: Karen Abbott
When I lived in Chicago I worked at a small boutique with a very eclectic customer base. One slow Wednesday afternoon, a woman came in fresh from a book signing and enthusiastically shared her recommendation for this novel. I had never heard of Gypsy Rose Lee and was immediately drawn to this story. The novel leaves much unsaid and, to be honest, is a bit confusing at the start. After I got into the meat of the book I found my groove and powered through the story. Gypsy Rose Lee had an extremely unique life and the story is told beautifully by Karen Abbott. If you’re interested in burlesque this novel gives amazing insight into its history. It’s an easy read and you’ll finish feeling more educated than when you started. That’s a win if you ask me.
What have you been reading lately? Do you have any recommendations for me? Pick one of these books up today and start your weekend off right!
Thanks for the book recommendations! I’m particularly interested in the Gypsy Rose Lee story. Lately I’ve been reading A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan. It’s a collection of stories, but they all intersect in some way or another. I’m really enjoying it. :)
She had such a fascinating life! And I love the cover art on A Visit from the Goon Squad. I’ve wanted to read it for a while :)
Hi Malori, thanks for the great book recommendations!
Thanks for being a part of Blogtoberfest, hosted by Cathy aka {tinniegirl} last year. Thought you might be interested to know that we’re running it again in 2012. You can find all the info at: http://isawyoudancing.blogspot.com.au/p/blogtoberfest-2012.html
And we’re kicking off this Monday! Would love to see you there.
Kat xxx
I just finished reading To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace. I’ve always had a fascination with Great Britain so I picked up at a bookstore. It’s fantastic. Full of information about both British and American history and the American women who changed the societies. It’s also full of quotes from and images of the British men and American women.
That sounds fascinating!! I’ll have to add it to my list of books I want to read :).