Friday, October 31

QUICK REVIEWS PT. IV

 Hello my lovely readers! Let's get into some more quick reviews!

Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder by Rachel McCarthy James
A bloody examination of the axe's foundational role in human history, from prehistoric violence, to war and executions, to newspaper headlines and popular culture.

This was a quick and easy read, but it was more about the history of the ax sprinkled with a few stories about specific murders. The tone was confusing between trying to be a fact based nonfiction or a humorous book. 3 out of 5 stars


I See You've Called in Dead by John Kenney
When Bud Stanley, an obituary writer, accidentally publishes his own obituary in his newspaper, he finally learns how to live.

Cute and humorous book about death and dying. 4 out of 5 stars.




The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America by Andres Resendez
A landmark history — the sweeping story of the enslavement of tens of thousands of Indians across America, from the time of the conquistadors up to the early 20th century.

This was a really well-written book that educated me on a topic I was completely unaware of. I enjoyed it despite its sad topic. 4 out of 5 stars.



Rest in Peace: A Cultural History of Death and the Funeral Home in 20th Century America by Gary Laderman
We learn the origins of American funeral rituals, from the evolution of embalming techniques during and after the Civil War and the shift from home funerals to funeral homes at the turn of the century, to the increasing subordination of priests, ministers, and other religious figures to the funeral director throughout the twentieth century.

This book was so dry and repetitive. It's a shame because I was really looking forward to it, but it let me down. 2 out of 5 stars.


The Forger's Spell: A True Story of Vermeer, Nazis and the Greatest Art Hoax in of the 20th Century by Edward Dolnick
The Forger’s Spell is the true story of Johannes Vermeer and the small-time Dutch painter who dared to impersonate him centuries later. For seven years a no-account painter named Han van Meegeren managed to pass off his paintings as those of one of the most beloved and admired artists who ever lived.

A very entertaining and compelling read. 4 out of 5 stars.

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