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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. Itโs like National Treasure met Master and Commander and had a book babyโwith 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 historyโBronze Age trade, Viking raids, the freakinโ Industrial Revolution, and even Nazi U-boats. And it should be dry, right? Like, this book has no business being this good. Itโs fact-dense, loaded with historical details, and somehow still manages to be unputdownable.
What I really loved is how personal it felt. Gibbins doesnโt just list dates and sunken hullsโhe 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 youโre 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.
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As an older millennial, I vividly remember receiving my first Nintendo NES system. What I didnโt realize at the time was that my parents were secretly taking the consoleโand Super Mario Bros.โout 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, sheโs down to play. She was the kind of mom who, if you said, โHey Mom, Iโm on level eight. Iโm almost at Bowserโs castle. I have 99 lives and a full inventoryโcan you please leave the TV on for me?โโthere was a 50/50 chance that youโd either wake up to find sheโd beaten the game, or that the TV was still on, patiently waiting for you to finish. If you asked my dad the same thing, heโd likely get confused and accidentally turn the TV off. It was never maliciousโhe 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: โTry being a people-pleaser who doesnโt understand how to peopleโโa 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 didnโt know much about Mike Drucker. Iโm not a huge TV person, so I hadnโt connected his name to the well-known shows heโs written for. But now, Iโm off to explore his body of work. His writing is sharp, witty, and genuinely funnyโit makes you feel like you want to hang out with him. (Well, sort ofโIโm 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 nostalgiaโor youโre just trying to survive adulthood as an elder millennialโthis book is absolutely for you.
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Sisters in Science is an extraordinary narrative that sheds light on the lives of four remarkable womenโHedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stรผcklenโwho 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 womenโbrilliant physicists and chemistsโthe 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.
โข Hedwig Kohn found refuge in Sweden, where she was able to continue her work in physics despite the challenges of exile.
โข 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.
โข 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.
โข Hildegard Stรผcklen, 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 doesnโt just focus on the challenges these women faced; she also celebrates their triumphs and enduring legacies. Their exile wasnโt just a flight for survivalโit was a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.
The bookโs pacing is excellent, weaving historical events with the personal journeys of each scientist. Olivia Campbellโs 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 womenโs 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 weโve comeโand how far we still have to goโin 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 womenโs 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 youโre 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. Itโs a work that will stay with me for a long time.
Itโs 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 GirlsโRory 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 Grahamโs 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 didnโt 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 youโre attached to a character, especially one from a show or movie that has been so defining in your life, itโs 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 Girlsโwhat I consider to be the โmeatyโ partโit was heartwarming to hear how she talks about Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham. Itโs 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 Hermanโs 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 Trixโs funeral arrangements, are also Kellyโs favorites.
This book is a must-read for all Gilmore Girls fans. Iโm 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 trophyโitโs just too good not to. Kelly Bishop is an incredible lady, and Iโm 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 couldnโt 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!
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Nathalia Holt, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for uncovering untold stories, delivers another gem with Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage. Diving into the hidden history of the CIA’s early days, the book introduces readers to four extraordinary womenโAdelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeierโwho defied societal norms to play pivotal roles in the Agency’s formation and operations.
These aren’t your average femme fatales from spy novels or the stereotypical honey traps that normally come to mind when you think about female spies. No, these women are intellectual powerhouses with nerves of steel. Their remarkable stories span from World War II through the Cold War era, touching on ongoing international crises. In what was described as a “male, pale, and Yale” dominated workspace, Adelaide’s cryptographic genius, Mary’s diplomatic skills, Elizabeth’s daring field intelligence, and Eloise’s groundbreaking scientific contributions all shine through.
What sets this book apart is Holt’s meticulous research, evident on every page. Drawing from first-hand interviews and declassified documents, Holt doesn’t give readers a James Bond-esque narrative but instead offers a grounded account of these women’s determination and significant contributions. This includes crucial roles in predicting the Soviet Union’s early development of atomic capabilities and intelligence gathering that contributed to the Cuban missile crisis.
However, the book doesn’t shy away from the grim realities these extraordinary women faced, particularly their battles for equal pay and recognition in a notoriously misogynistic environment. A poignant example is Jane Burrell, another key figure who has yet to receive a star on the CIA’s Memorial Wallโan oversight that Holt brings into focus.
Wise Gals serves as a significant addition to both historical non-fiction and discussions about the challenges and triumphs of women in the workforce. Reading it leaves you with a complicated mix of pride for these women’s achievements and frustration at the societal barriers they had to fight. Itโs a fight many continue to this day. While the book may not offer high-octane thrills, it provides a long-overdue homage to these unsung heroines of American history. Whether you’re interested in untold stories of women instrumental to our country’s security or simply a well-crafted narrative, this book is an excellent read.
A huge thank you to the author Nathalia Holt not only for an advanced copy of this book, but for shedding light on these crucial but long-overlooked narratives. And thank you to the publisher Penguin 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.
On sale now, you can get your copy by clicking Here
I had to take a break from some of the romance Iโve been reading lately, and I donโt think that there is anything less romantic than some true crime.
We first meet Paul Holes in Iโll Be Gone In the Dark, the CSI who became as obsessed with GSK as Michelle did. (Iโm 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 weโve 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 isnโt for the faint of heart or those who arenโt accustomed to reading True Crime. Holes doesnโt pull any punches with his descriptions.
Thank you so much to the author and @celadon for the ARC copy of this book.
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.
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Rating: 3 out of 5.
The Rundown: that really mean guy (who is now super nice) who used to draw penises on celebs on his celerity gossip site promises to give all the dirt, then falls short.
Written and Narrated by Perez Hilton
Oh, where oh where do I start with this one. Well, this is hard, because I genuinely like Perez Hilton. Not that I know him, but I came of age in the era of the internet, and followed his site from the beginning. His site used to be really funny and full of raunchy. Then he got called out for being on online bully because he posted a video against bullying. He promised to stop writing nasty things about people. I haven’t visited in eons though, as my penchant for celebrity gossip isn’t what it used to be, and lets be honest, we now have Facebook for all of that.
Mario Armando Lavanadeira aka Perez Hilton ushered in (or so he claims) the beginning of the very first internet influencers, before it was even a thing. I found the beginning of the book about him growing up informative and entertaining, although a little dry. Then, we get to the good part. All the dirt. Wrong.
This book swung and missed on delivering anything we didn’t already know. I was hoping for some more juicy details on his fall out with Gaga, but again, no such luck. In fact, Perez confirms fall fairly huge fall outs with 3 different big name celebs, but manages to deflect any blame. Instead he claims “they got too famous for him.” As they said, there are three different versions, his, hers and the truth. Clearly here we are only getting a very one sided account.
He goes into extreme detail when it comes to his two big TV appearances, which I don’t ever remember seeing. He claims his appearance on Big Brother UK made him the most famous (or popular I can’t remember) contestant in the history of the show. I wouldn’t know, I don’t watch it, but I didn’t know he was on there until this book.
I appreciate how Perez repents in his book, mostly for being the worlds first online bully. He also apologized to Ariana Grande and her mom for a previously undisclosed slight, however I think it would have been more effective if he said it to them directly, first, before publishing it in his memoirs. Who knows, maybe he did, but the way he wrote about it makes me think otherwise.
Another reason I’m only going 3 stars on this book is because I found him to be an unlikeable narrator. I listen to his podcast and enjoy it. His TV hosting gigs that I’ve seen, I’ve liked. However I’ve been listening to a lot of author narrated memoirs lately, and this was not a good one. Perez’s narration style did nothing to make the book more likeable. I’ll admit, it was one I had to power through.
Over all, if you’re looking for a quick and moderately entertaining read, this book is for you. Just don’t expect to be left speechless by the new tidbits of information. There aren’t any.
This audiobook was downloaded for Audible using The Audible Plus Catalog
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.
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Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Rundown: that hot vet from Instagram wrote a book about his travels
Written and Narrated by Dr. Evan Antin
Where to start, where to start. As you’ll soon find out, I’m a sucker for a book written and narrated by the same person. There is just something about when an author reads their own work that gives it that little something…extra.
Dr. Evan, aka “The Hot Instagram Vet”, won over the social media audience by posing with all kinds of animals. But as he’ll tell you, he’s been doing it long before social media was a thing. In fact, he was on a study abroad program in Australia when he rented a car and set out to find some of the countries coolest reptiles.
The doc will take you to some of the most remote, inaccessible places in the world and bring it to life through not only the stories of the animals, but the people he meets along the way. His guides through the wilderness are invaluable as Evan tries to negotiate the social customs of the places he visits. At one point, he had to drink a blood clot from a freshly slaughtered goat in order to avoid a local faux pas. I’ll admit, I shuddered a bit at that one.
Not only is Dr. Evan a vet and an animal lover, but he is also a conservationist, trying his best to bring the plight of endangered animals all over the world to his viewers at home.
The only reason I knocked a star off of this one is that some of the chapters in the audio book ended abruptly. Sigh. Now I’ll have to get the physical copy and find out what happened in chapter 4 when he met the Kimono Dragon.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to embark on a world wide adventure from the comfort of their own home.
This audiobook was borrowed from my local library using the Libby App.
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