This is the true story of Carmine Imbriale – a gambler, a brawler, a bandit, a bookie, an enforcer. For two decades, Imbriale was a street-level operative in one of the most violent crews in the Colombo Family, and he endeared himself to some of the major figures of organized crime while developing deadly disputes… Continue reading Carmine and the 13th Avenue Boys
Otzi's Odyssey by Neil Perry Gordon is A Captivating Journey through Time Ötzi’s Odyssey – The Troubled Soul of a Neolithic Iceman, opens in the year 1991 with the remarkable sighting of a mummified man, half frozen in glacial ice, whom two hikers stumble upon. Along with this profound archeological discovery, the soul of this five-thousand-year-old… Continue reading Otzi’s Odyssey by Neil Perry Gordon
Reviewed by Cara LaVigne “Kodomo no tameni… It means, ‘for the sake of the children.’” Andrew Lam’s Repentance unravels the life of a dysfunctional family as he reveals the secrets of a soldier fighting during WWII in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a segregated unit composed of Japanese-American soldiers. The title of the book, Repentance,… Continue reading Repentance by Andrew Lam
Reviewed by Nadia Benjelloun Bombs, beards, and belly-dancing. Rather than just a fun alliteration to say, this phrase would summarize what would come to mind upon hearing the word Arab. This is the epitome of orientalism. It’s all due to narrative, but just as there are misconstrued Arab and Muslim representations from sources that range… Continue reading Adrift on the Nile by Naguib Mahfouz
Author's note: This book is meant for mature audiences When, in the spring of 1592, fictional eighteen-year-old Constance Shakespeare joins her brother, Will, in London, she is in for any number of surprises. Expecting opportunities not available under her father’s domination in Stratford, she finds life in London far more complicated and challenging, yet exhilarating,… Continue reading Shakespeare’s Younger Sister by Geoffrey Craig
Hello Smugglers! It's been a while, yes? But I haven't forgotten you or the reading challenge! I'm playing a bit of catch up with my reading as my digital marketing business picked up. Still, a goal is a goal, and I am set on reading 52 books again this year. One of my most recent… Continue reading Winter Garden by Kristen Hannah
During World War II, Lily Gordon, a twenty-year-old welder on Liberty Ships, is in love with the soldier, Jim Harper. Tensions arise when Jim's family disapproves of Lily being Jewish. Despite both their families' objections, Lily and Jim marry. Soon afterward, Jim leaves with his Army division for Europe. He not only risks his life… Continue reading Lily’s Homefront by Hillary Tiefer
AHHH! I’m so focused on my digital marketing business that I fell behind on posting about all the wonderful books I’ve read. If you need a book to escape to when you feel overwhelmed by the holiday season, head over to the library, bookstore, or whatever and grab one of these reads! Point of Direction… Continue reading Playing Catch Up: Recent Reads To Read!
Lilly Blackwood is a young girl that sees the world outside of her home (Blackwood Manner) through iron bars. She is locked in her room in the attic, with no mirrors, a few toys, and lots of religious paraphernalia. Despite being held prisoner in her own home, her mother insists that she should be grateful… Continue reading The Life She Was Given by Ellen Marie Wiseman
I can't believe it is July already! With summer zooming along so is my reading challenge. I finished these books in the past couple of weeks and enjoyed them all. May I suggest the following books if you are looking for some awesome summer reads.
