misajane79's reviews
1586 reviews

Not quite as engaging or funny as Confederates in the Attic, but then I didn't have an existing interest in the topic.
Still, Horwitz does what he does best--explore history and its ripple effects to the prsent. His passages on sailing on a replica Endeavor were amazing. Before reading, I knew next to nothing about Cook, and now I'm in awe of the miles traveled and the places discovered--and what that meant to native cultures. Worth checking out.

For years, I've lusted after various Frank Lloyd Wright designs, and I've bought more than a few Wright inspired things. But I really didn't know much about the man.
And I'm not saying this book can replace a good biography (which I will have to find eventually), but it is a wonderful book. So often when fiction deals with adultery, it leaves out the complexities. This novel embraces the complexities--from the families left behind to media attention to the difficulty of loving a egotistical genius. I dreaded the ending (in part, because I knew the history), and it gripped me in a way books rarely do. A beautiful novel--one of the best I've read in a long time.

A Texas classic--and rightfully so. I chose this for the museum's book club, and we had a wonderful conversation. Think of it as a 20th century version of Walden Pond--thoughtful reflections of nature, history, and, of course, a river. Beautifully written--and I would say that calling it a "Texas classic" is almost too narrow. Everyone should read this book.

There are some books that you just know you're going to enjoy--and this was one of them. It was richer than I expected--especially considering it's best-selling status. A real page-turner that I devoured. I think I may have a new affection for elephants. . .

Had heard this was a disappointing conclusion, but I had to finish the series. And it was indeed disappointing. Still charming moments but the pregnancy scare and a few other "issues" just didn't ring true.

My copy is from Persephone, and you just can't qo wrong with that publisher. I've loved Burnett for years, but never read an adult novel, even though one of them has been on my shelf for years. This was a classic Victorian novel, with a dastardly (and truly horrifying--a real mixture of realism and ridiculousness) villian and spunky heroine. It was a wonderful examination of American money and British class issues, set alongside a good bit of women's history. And it was a page turner. Yes, in parts it is almost ridiculous, but I just couldn't put it down and I love it despite its almost Victorian gothic nature.

Not the greatest book in the world, and I though the conclusion was a bit of a letdown.
But as a conversation starter at a living history museum? Priceless! We get lots of folks (old and young) who wish they lived back in the good old days. I like books like this to point out why the old days weren't so good.

When the story broke just after Thurmond's death of his illegitimate black daughter, I knew I needed to read more about it.

This book details the complicated relationship between Thurmond and his other family. It's also the story of the South--warts and all. I'm not sure exactly what I expected, but it was much more engaging and tied wonderfull to the larger story of the 20th century south. Thurmond continues to be a fascinating (if strange) politician, and he's someone that historians will return to again and again.

Perfect for even those casually interested in Southern history or race relations.

Years ago, I read her Behind the Scenes at the Museum (yes, the title had a great deal to do with that pick) and enjoyed it. So when I saw this at a library book sale, I picked it up. The story of three different murders and three different kinds of loss, linked by one private investigator and a few other, more subtle, things. It's a quiet book, but deeply thought provoking. A page turner, but not by using the traditional methods so often employed in mysteries, and much more than a whodunit.