Biography – Feed The Bookworm

Book Review: A Short History of Ancient Rome by Pascal Hughes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

If you’re a fan of the Short History Of… podcast from Noiser, you’re probably going to enjoy this book quite a bit. Full disclosure right up front: there is a fair amount of crossover between the podcast and the book, particularly in tone and some of the stories. If you’re a longtime listener, some moments will feel familiar, but it never felt repetitive in a way that bothered me. Instead, it felt like a more complete, more polished version of something I already enjoyed.

What Hughes manages to do here is no small thing. While Edward Gibbon’s The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire famously stretches into the thousands of pages depending on the edition, Hughes distills roughly 1,000 years of Roman history — from its legendary beginnings to the fall of the Western Empire — into about 350 pages across 18 chapters. That kind of compression could easily feel rushed or shallow, but this book never does.

The writing is clear, confident, and very readable. Hughes blends solid historical research with anecdotal, narrative storytelling that keeps things moving without sacrificing substance. I’m a big fan of narrative history, and this book strikes a nice balance: it’s informative without being dense, and engaging without feeling like it’s oversimplifying the material. You can tell it’s written for curious readers, not academics, but it still respects the history.

Readers get the full sweep of Rome’s story, starting with the mythical founding of the city through Romulus and Remus, moving through the Republic, and into the drama, ambition, and excess of the Imperial period. Along the way, Hughes highlights familiar figures and moments — Hannibal crossing the Alps, Julius Caesar’s rise and fall, and all the intrigue surrounding Cleopatra — grounding big historical shifts in human stories. Even if Roman history isn’t something you’ve studied deeply, you’ll recognize plenty here and never feel lost.

One of the book’s biggest strengths is that it avoids feeling like a textbook. This isn’t one of those history books you were forced to read in school and promptly forgot. The pacing is strong, the chapters are manageable, and the storytelling keeps you engaged even when covering complex political or social changes. It’s the kind of history book that makes you want to keep reading rather than checking how many pages are left in the chapter.

I also listened to the audiobook version, which I highly recommend. The narration leans into the storytelling aspect, making it feel less like a lecture and more like someone walking you through the story of Rome. For a book like this — broad in scope but focused on narrative — the audio format works especially well.

Overall, A Short History of Ancient Rome is an accessible, engaging introduction to one of the most influential civilizations in history. It’s a great choice for readers who enjoy history told as a story, and especially for fans of the Short History Of… podcast who want a deeper, more sustained dive into ancient Rome.

Thank you so much to the author, Pascal Hughes, Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press for the ARC copy of this book.

A Short History of Ancient Rome by Pascal Hughes is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare by John Lisle

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.

If you’ve ever wondered how the CIA came to be, John Lisle’s The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is a must-read. Lisle takes readers deep into the world of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), the wartime precursor to the CIA, and introduces us to Stanley Lovell — a brilliant scientist turned unlikely spymaster.

What makes this book so compelling is how it balances solid historical research with a fast-paced, engaging narrative. Lisle doesn’t just recount events; he pulls us right into the secret labs and field missions where some of the wildest ideas in warfare were dreamed up. From the infamous “bat bomb” project to experiments with glowing foxes designed to spook enemy soldiers, the inventions Lovell’s team produced range from ingenious to downright bizarre. And yet, Lisle weaves these stories so smoothly into the larger history of WWII intelligence that the book never feels like it’s bogging down in trivia — instead, it stays sharp, entertaining, and even a little shocking at times.

What stood out most to me was how the book traces the OSS’s influence on the birth of the CIA. By spotlighting Lovell’s work, Lisle shows not only the creativity behind these “dirty tricks,” but also the ethical questions that haunted those who created them. It’s a reminder that intelligence work has always existed in a gray zone between necessity and morality.

In short, The Dirty Tricks Department is both informative and wildly entertaining. It’s history written with the pace of a spy thriller — the kind of book that makes you keep turning pages (or in my case, keep listening) long past when you meant to stop. If you’re fascinated by espionage, World War II history, or the origins of modern intelligence, this is a five-star read that belongs on your list.

Thank you so much to the author, John Lisle, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC copy of this book.

The The Dirty Tricks Department: Stanley Lovell, the OSS, and the Masterminds of World War II Secret Warfare is out now! You can grab your copy here.

A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks by David Gibbins

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

Okay, I was not expecting to be this obsessed with a book about shipwrecks, but here we are. David Gibbins absolutely nailed it with A History of the World in Twelve Shipwrecks. It’s like National Treasure met Master and Commander and had a book baby—with Gibbins playing the role of the charming professor who also happens to scuba dive in his spare time. (Yes, he really dove to some of these wrecks himself. The man is basically Indiana Jones in a wetsuit.)

Each chapter takes a shipwreck and uses it as a portal into world history—Bronze Age trade, Viking raids, the freakin’ Industrial Revolution, and even Nazi U-boats. And it should be dry, right? Like, this book has no business being this good. It’s fact-dense, loaded with historical details, and somehow still manages to be unputdownable.

What I really loved is how personal it felt. Gibbins doesn’t just list dates and sunken hulls—he brings us along for the dive. You feel the chill of the water, the adrenaline of discovery, and the thrill of connecting a rusted sword or a hull full of brass pins back to the rise and fall of civilizations.

So if you’re into history, adventure, archaeology, or just want to read something that makes you smarter and cooler at dinner parties, this book is your new favorite.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Thank you to the author David Gibbins, the publisher St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

Good Game, No Rematch by Mike Drucker

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

As an older millennial, I vividly remember receiving my first Nintendo NES system. What I didn’t realize at the time was that my parents were secretly taking the console—and Super Mario Bros.—out every night to play, then hiding it back in the closet until Christmas morning.

My mother jokingly calls herself an vid-diot and loves games of all kinds. Card games, board games, video games, she’s down to play. She was the kind of mom who, if you said, “Hey Mom, I’m on level eight. I’m almost at Bowser’s castle. I have 99 lives and a full inventory—can you please leave the TV on for me?”—there was a 50/50 chance that you’d either wake up to find she’d beaten the game, or that the TV was still on, patiently waiting for you to finish.
If you asked my dad the same thing, he’d likely get confused and accidentally turn the TV off. It was never malicious—he just never really got video games the way my mom did.

Good Game, No Rematch is both a history of video games and a subtle, hilarious biography of every awkward millennial adult trying to navigate modern life. One of my favorite quotes from the book is: “Try being a people-pleaser who doesn’t understand how to people”—a line that perfectly encapsulates my life.
The book traces the evolution of video games from the perspective of the millennial generation, for whom the NES was a defining piece of childhood. Many books on video game history attempt to cram too much into one volume. While that can be ambitious, it often makes the narrative overwhelming or dry. This book smartly narrows its focus, making the material engaging and accessible throughout.

Before reading this, I didn’t know much about Mike Drucker. I’m not a huge TV person, so I hadn’t connected his name to the well-known shows he’s written for. But now, I’m off to explore his body of work. His writing is sharp, witty, and genuinely funny—it makes you feel like you want to hang out with him. (Well, sort of—I’m kind of agoraphobic and not particularly fond of leaving the house.)

In any case, if you grew up playing video games, love reading, and find comfort in shared nostalgia—or you’re just trying to survive adulthood as an elder millennial—this book is absolutely for you.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Thank you to the author Mike Drucker, the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

P.S.- if you’re an audiobook girlie like me, this one is author narrated and excellent!!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

Book Review: Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

Sisters in Science is an extraordinary narrative that sheds light on the lives of four remarkable women—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—who defied the oppressive forces of Nazi Germany to leave a lasting impact on the world of science. Olivia Campbell offers a deeply researched and compelling account of their experiences, blending historical detail with a keen sense of storytelling.

This book takes readers into the tumultuous period of World War II, a time when the Nazi regime systematically persecuted individuals based on their religion, ethnicity, and political ideologies. For these four women—brilliant physicists and chemists—the stakes were particularly high. They faced not only the danger of persecution but also the erasure of their scientific contributions in a field dominated by men.

• Hedwig Kohn found refuge in Sweden, where she was able to continue her work in physics despite the challenges of exile.

• Lise Meitner, co-discoverer of nuclear fission, fled to Sweden and then to the United States, where her groundbreaking research would lay the foundation for future discoveries in atomic science.

• Hertha Sponer made her way to the United States and became one of the first female professors at Duke University, where her contributions to molecular physics broke barriers for women in academia.

• Hildegard Stücklen, though less known, played a vital role in advancing the fields of physical chemistry and spectroscopy during her exile.

What makes Sisters in Science truly stand out is its balance between detailed historical context and personal stories. Campbell doesn’t just focus on the challenges these women faced; she also celebrates their triumphs and enduring legacies. Their exile wasn’t just a flight for survival—it was a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.

The book’s pacing is excellent, weaving historical events with the personal journeys of each scientist. Olivia Campbell’s meticulous research is evident in every chapter, but she manages to avoid making the narrative feel heavy or overly academic. Instead, readers are invited to feel the urgency, despair, hope, and triumph these women experienced as they rebuilt their lives and careers in foreign lands.

What resonates most is the sheer humanity of their stories. These women were not just scientists; they were pioneers who refused to let an oppressive regime dictate their destinies. Their determination to pursue truth and knowledge, even in the face of unimaginable odds, is deeply inspiring.

Campbell also brings attention to an important issue: the lack of recognition for women’s contributions in science. While these four women achieved remarkable feats, their names are often overshadowed by their male contemporaries. This book is a much-needed acknowledgment of their place in history and a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—in achieving gender equality in STEM fields.

The writing is accessible yet rich in detail, making Sisters in Science an ideal read for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in history, science, or women’s studies. The inclusion of photographs, letters, and archival material adds another layer of authenticity and depth, helping readers connect with the women on a more personal level.

I cannot recommend Sisters in Science highly enough. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the vital role of women in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science lover, or someone simply looking for an inspiring read, this book will leave you enriched and in awe of the incredible resilience and brilliance of these women.

A special thank you to Olivia Campbell, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this incredible book. It’s a work that will stay with me for a long time.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Book Review: The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy is a must-read for all true crime junkies out there. Law and forensic investigation have always fascinated me, and Murphy’s extensive experience with high-profile cases makes this book an absolute page-turner. You might recognize his name—Murphy was the prosecutor who put Dirty John behind bars, as well as Skylar Deleon and Rodney Alcala. Others may know him as a frequent guest on 20/20 or Good Morning America.

This book is part autobiography, part dos and don’ts of being a prosecutor, and part history of the horrific cases Murphy has worked on. He’s brutally honest about the toll his work took on his mental health, personal life, and relationships. His vulnerability and the regrets that came with throwing his entire life into his career add a raw and personal element to the story. Murphy gives readers an inside look at the emotional and mental strain of relentlessly fighting for justice.

I hesitate to call this an “enjoyable” read because the nature of the crimes Murphy prosecuted is so horrific but once I started reading, I was hooked—totally invested and unable to stop. His ability to bring criminals to justice is riveting, and his strong, clear voice makes him a master storyteller. If you’re a diehard true crime fan, you do not want to pass this one up. Even if true crime isn’t your usual go-to, this book is still worth diving into.

Murphy also shows a great deal of respect for his colleagues, even those on the other side of the courtroom. Often, you hear about bad blood between prosecutors and defense attorneys, but he seems to have genuine admiration for everyone involved in the process—from judges to fellow prosecutors and even defense attorneys.

I found myself constantly Googling the names, trying to put faces to the victims, heroes, and perpetrators alike. It felt like being in a twilight zone—totally invested and impossible to deter. This book offers an intense, all-consuming read, providing a gripping and insightful view into the life of a prosecutor who dedicated himself to seeking justice. Highly recommend!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion. Thank you to the author Matt Murphy, the publisher Hyperion Ave and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

On sale now, you can click here for the book, or HERE for the author narrated audio book (highly recommend!)

🎧 Audio book Review: The Third Gilmore Girl by Kelly Bishop

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

It’s safe to say that I added this book to my TBR as soon as I saw it was published. I practically grew up with Gilmore Girls—Rory and I are only a year apart in the show, and as a fellow bookworm, I strongly identified with her. (Not so much watching the show as an adult, but that’s another story/rant.) Having already devoured Lauren Graham’s book a few years ago, I was excited to see a side of the show from the perspective of the iconic Emily Gilmore. To say I didn’t fully appreciate who Kelly Bishop was and what she meant to the world of theater and performing arts is an understatement. Also, how did I forget she was Baby’s mom?! I thought it was pretty cool that she was actually supposed to have a small role in Dirty Dancing, but when she got there, the actress they hired to play Marjorie Houseman was let go and she was offered the role.

When you’re attached to a character, especially one from a show or movie that has been so defining in your life, it’s hard to see them as anything else. I was particularly eager to get to the part of the book where Kelly discusses Gilmore Girls. However, I soon realized that she had lived an incredibly rich and fascinating life long before the show, which was just as compelling to read about. Kelly is upfront and brutally honest, admitting to mistakes and experiences that Emily would never have dreamed of.

When we finally reached the portion of the book dedicated to Gilmore Girls—what I consider to be the “meaty” part—it was heartwarming to hear how she talks about Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham. It’s clear that although they were a TV family, they remain a real family to her. Her description of the kindness shown to her by Ed Herman’s wife in his final days brought tears to my eyes. I was also delighted to find out that some of my favorite Emily Gilmore scenes, such as when she tears down Shira Huntsberger and has a meltdown over Trix’s funeral arrangements, are also Kelly’s favorites.

This book is a must-read for all Gilmore Girls fans. I’m truly blown away by the life this amazing woman has lived. I grappled with whether to get the audio book or a hard copy and ended up choosing the audio book. It felt like Emily Gilmore was reading to me the entire time, and it was incredibly relaxing to listen to. I will eventually get a physical copy as a shelf trophy—it’s just too good not to. Kelly Bishop is an incredible lady, and I’m so glad she decided to share her life with us. Some of the things Kelly did in her life are so un-Emily-like that I couldn’t help but laugh, imagining how Emily would react if she knew just how scandalous the actress playing her really was!

On sale now, you can grab your physical copy here or the digital copy here!

Behold The Monster By Jillian Lauren

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5 (3.5)

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

“Behold the Monster” by Jillian Lauren is a chilling and comprehensive account of the life of Samuel Little, touted as the most prolific serial killer in history. As an avid reader of true crime literature and a regular listener of true crime podcasts, I was taken aback by my unfamiliarity with Sam Hill, a testament to Lauren’s extensive research and deft storytelling.

Lauren skillfully weaves together various narratives, including her conversations with Sam Hill during his incarceration, trial transcripts, and deeply emotional interviews with the victims’ family members. These diverse narrative threads form a haunting tapestry that offers readers a glimpse into the lives of Little’s victims and their tragic last moments.

“Behold the Monster” delves into disturbing territories as it unfurls the life of Sam Little. From his shocking birth and unsettling upbringing to his harrowing reunion with his biological mother, every aspect of his life seems steeped in horror. These unnerving details might make the book a difficult read for some. For me, it was an overwhelming journey through the macabre details of his heinous acts.

The strength of the book lies in its empathetic storytelling. Lauren gives voices to the victims, interviewing their family members to ensure that their memories endure. It’s heartening to witness the resilience of the four women who escaped Little’s clutches, their stories forming a ray of hope in this dark narrative.

I hardly ever put trigger warnings on my reviews especially true crime books. More than likely if you’re reading a true crime book, you know that you’re going to read some messed up stuff. However, readers should be forewarned that the book contains graphic descriptions that might trigger sensitivities. From violence to deep-seated trauma, if there’s a potential trigger, it’s likely present in this book. Despite its disturbing content, the book is informative, engaging, and at times it is as difficult to put down as it is to read.

In comparison to other true crime books like “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” which detail the exhaustive hunt for the criminal, “Behold the Monster” might come off as excessive in its detailing of Little’s gruesome crimes. Personally, I would have appreciated more insight into the trial proceedings and the evidentiary process.

Jillian Lauren’s “Behold the Monster” is a definitive account of Samuel Little’s life, making it a must-read for true crime aficionados. However, its graphic content makes it a tough read at times. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5. I was hoping for more courtroom drama and investigative details and less graphic depiction of his horrific deeds.

For those interested in the history, mystery, and thriller genres or in historical biographies and memoirs, this book is a crucial addition to the true crime non-fiction landscape. But proceed with caution: this book pulls no punches when it comes to the brutal reality of Samuel Little’s crimes.

As always, I encourage you to read this book and form your own opinions and thoughts as I have mine.

One sale now, you can grab your copy here.

𝐔𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝: 𝐁𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I had to take a break from some of the romance I’ve been reading lately, and I don’t think that there is anything less romantic than some true crime.

We first meet Paul Holes in I’ll Be Gone In the Dark, the CSI who became as obsessed with GSK as Michelle did. (I’m actually re-reading this now, I should have done it before I picked up Unmasked.) Paul takes us through his life, how his career ruined his marriage, finding new love, and what is was like to tackle some of the most notorious cold cases we’ve ever seen.

It was extremely interesting to see the evolution of genetic and DNA testing as used for investigation. I wish there was more on some of his most memorable cases (there was a lot about GSK, maybe because it was his longest running cold case), but the book was full of information.

Be warned, this isn’t for the faint of heart or those who aren’t accustomed to reading True Crime. Holes doesn’t pull any punches with his descriptions.

Thank you so much to the author and @celadon for the ARC copy of this book.

Sian Evans: Maiden Voyages

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links, which are no cost to you but do give me a small payout if you choose to purchase via the link on the page.

The Rundown: An indepth look at the history of ocean travel as told through the stories of the women who went to sea.

Written by Sian Evans, Published 2021

I have always been enamored with history, so I’m always looking for a good historical book that isn’t too dry. Sian Evans does a wonderful job of taking us on a journey through history via the monumental innovation of transatlantic cruising.

We begin in the roaring ’20s and move through the first world war, the depression that followed, the second world war, the aftermath, and finally the death of crossing the Atlantic due to the advancement of air travel. Women were not historically welcome on ships, but at the end of WWII, there was a shortage of men in Great Britain, where many of the women in this book hail from. Not to mention that many women were galvanized into the workforce when their husbands, brothers, and fathers went to war. Many were reluctant to give up the freedom they had achieved by earning a paycheck. And when the sea called, they answered.

We meet the “unskinable” Violet Jessop, who was a stewardess on the Olympic, Titanic, and Britannic when they were damaged. The Olympic struck another ship, no fatalities, the Titanic, an iceberg (and we all know what happened there, ) and the Britannic when it was acting as a hospital ship and was sunk with 30 fatalities. Her stories are featured prominently through the book, as she published a memoir.

While Jessop was up working mostly with the first and second-class passengers, we also hear the story of Maria Riffelberger, who worked down in steerage with the 3rd class passengers, helping usher them into their new lives as American citizens. Many times she accompanied minors making the perilous journey across the vast ocean.

We also meet many women of leisure, refugees of the 2nd world war, political figures, and even the story of an Irish immigrant seeking a new life in America, whose son soars to the top of American politics.

All in all, I found this a very enjoyable, informative, and easy listen. It felt almost like I was taking a guided tour through the golden age of ocean travel. Evans was able to tell a story while keeping the reader engaged on what could be a dull topic. Her knack for storytelling while being descriptive and informative is much appreciated. A big thanks to the author, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing a copy for my review.

This audiobook was provided by NetGalley and Macmillan Audio free in exchange for my review.