No comments about Interfaces: Women, Autobiography, Image, Performance.

3 comments about Maharanis: The Extraordinary Tale of Four Indian Queens and Their Journey from Purdah to Parliament.

1. I grew up in Baroda and never knew the extent of its royal history until I read it in this book. It is a lovely story of four amazing women who ruled kingdoms, married men who frequently cheated, had children and even watched them die. I kept reading and reading and got swept up into their world....worlds of glamor, decadence and tragedy. I was glued to the family trees and the photos throughout. The book is all history and is not fiction and that is what makes it great...everything we read is as real as it gets. Moore has painstakingly researched the novel and it shows in every page. My only complaint was the skipping back and forth in time got a little confusing....but still a great novel!



2. Moore delves into the backgrounds, personalities and personal relationships of these four fascinating Indian Maharanis (all blood-connected to the great Gayatri Devi) in such a fresh way that it is a pleasure to read. Full of anecdotes (I loved the stories about "Ma", the Maharani of Cooch Behar). I devoured the whole book in a trans-pacific flight!
   A shame Moore did not publish more family pictures in the book!
   R-



3. This is an excellent book that takes one back to the fascinating dusk of the glorious days of Indian Royals. Lucy Moore writes in her fluid style the story of four Maharani's all the way back from mid 1800s till now. The book gives an unique peek into the dual lives of Maharanis in their zenanas and the high society of Europe. Must read for subcontinental history buffs.

3 comments about Heart of the Trail: The Stories of Eight Wagon Train Women.

1. This book was a big disappointment for me personally. I am a country person accustomed to hardship and was searching for details of how the women handled delicate personal problems on the trail and the survival methods they employed to make do. Diapers: How did they deal with them? Did they soak the beans, etc? Detail is sorely lacking in this presentation. Were excerpts from these women's diaries and accounts selected for content purported to be of interest to the reader? If, so my curiosity was not satisfied. I was also wanting more detailed information and accounts regarding the care and transport of domestic animals and pets, plants, seeds, (How did they keep their seeds dry, care for the chickens, trail-born lambs, pigs, etc?) If a reader wants detailed information, probably the best route is to obtain complete diaries and after-the-fact accounts of the eight women in this publication. In defense of the author, the book does spark one's curiosity for more information.



2. Nothing is more interesting to me than first hand historical accounts. The book description certainly leads one to believe that this is what this book has to offer. It is, however, 82 pages of grandiose fluff with only occassional quotes from actual diaries. The book is classified as "Women's Studies"; it is, at best, only for children young enough to know nothing of American History.



3. Good book for an over view of women's lives on the journey West. I would have liked more details.

5 comments about My Turn: The Memoirs of Nancy Reagan.

1. For a single penny and the price of postage you too can own this camp classic. And the Don Regan paragraphs are just too too rich. Sharpen your claws girls and get it today!



2. I agree that in the beginning of the book, it did start out very defensive,and Nancy truly believes people have the wrong idea about her.
   However,as the book progresses, I do feel I am hearing quite a bit from
   "the Heart" as she tells about Ronald Reagan being shot, her experiences with the Fords,the Carters, the Bushes. There are some very straight forward remarks about many historical figures, and that is what a reader would expect from the writer. There are some very interesting "tidbits" of information that you may only read in this book about other historical figures. She talks candidly about her children, and in many areas, as she explains her feelings, I certainly understand her point of view. She comes across as a very kind person, and has been lucky enough to have a wonderful full life love affair with her husband thru any adversity as well as the good times. I think alot of people don't understand what she and the President had , including her own children. The feelings between them, and perhaps Maureen Reagan and Ron
   Reagan understood the best, may be why some people just can't "get it". They have and had a blessed life. Very good read. We should all have such devotion to our spouses. Wonderful.



3. It's been awhile since I read this book, but being that I am an admirer of Nancy Reagan's, I didn't mind reading it again.
   
   The main thing that strikes you throughout this book is her strength, sensitivity, and love for her husband. She brought a level of dignity and class to the White House and as subsequent events have proven, she maintained it beautifully long after she was out of the limelight. The way she cared for her husband throughout his long illness showed a devotion that we aren't used to seeing in marriages, especially very public ones.
   
   Even though this book is a few years old, you will learn much about the wonderful lady. If you are a fan of hers or just curious, there is much in this book that is enlightening and entertaining.



4. Heard the taped version of my turn: the memoirs of Nancy Reagan . . . I never followed her career too closely, when she was the first lady, though I do recall she was always involved in a lot of controversy . . . now I can see why . . . it was interesting to read her version of why she consulted an astrologer, about her feud with Ronald Reagan, etc. . . . what comes though loud and clear: her passionate love for the president . . . I particularly liked the fact that she did the actual narration . . . in addition, I admire her ability to admit her mistakes.



5. Mrs Reagan makes no apology for this personal partisan expose of her life.This is as the title states HER turn to tell Nancy's side of the story which she does with candour,regret,humour a slight bitterness and a little sadness.Her love and devotion to her husband and their marriage stands out above everything including a candid admission that between the two of them they could have been better parents.Despite their closeness Nancy adamantly refutes any suggestion she was a power behind the throne or weilded great influence on her husband "otherwise Don Regan would have been dismissed much earlier than he was".Neither does she make apology for giving Ronnie unwelcome opinions about policy and personalities in the administration.Anyone sleeping with the leader of the free world is going to put in their sixpence worth and no mistake.But does that mean he takes the advice? Probably not.

   She also makes no bones about people she disagreed with and her meetings with Raisa Gorbachev bear testimont to an ability to carry on regardless.You go girl! What other similar situations did she leave out I wonder.Her opinions of Roslyn Carter were interesting and uncatty,considering the circumstances both women deserve a medal for their restraint. I read this book by chance soon after the joint briefly worded statement from Mr & Mrs Reagan about the Presidents illness was announced to the world, "...for me personally it is the start of a long goodbye..." so tried not to let this affect my views. Nancy Reagan admits to a faults on her part and actions she regretted but I was pleasantly surprised about this revealing biography of a public person who had been vilified in the press for doing what she did best,trying to protect the interests of the dearest person in her life. Would that most of us could say the same.

4 comments about Diana: The Intimate Portrait.

1. Poor, disillusioned Dierdre. The Princess was flawed and lived her life with inconsistencies. So do we all. To condemn Diana for having affairs while touting the love that Charles has for Camilla reeks of hypocrisy. Now, on to the book: If you are a Diana fan, you will learn nothing new from this latest attempt to cash in on Diana's sad life & untimely death. Expect a breezy trip through much-traveled territory, and you will not be disappointed. Oh, and Diedrre, one last thing: The Princess can never rest in peace as long as people such as you insist on casting aspersions and repeating vile rumors spread by Charles' sycophants (look it up in the dictionary).



2. I don't agree with Deidre's opinion. This book is wonderful.
   I can't imagine why "Deidre" is so bitter person and said a lot of nonsense about Diana.
   Diana was unhappy with Prince Charles and she deserved to be happy.
   No matter if she had many affairs. The most important at all is that she had helped too many people all around the world and she made the difference for them. She sold many of her dresses to help people with AIDS,she had raised a lot of money to people in need.
   Princess Diana made what many people have never done before.
   "Deidre" opion about Diana don't have to be take into consideration.
   It's really sad to know that there's people like "Deidre" in this world.
   "Deidre" should have keep what she thinks about Diana to herself.



3. This is an enjoyable, light fluffy read on her life. I did not really learn anything new about Diana...and it was nice to revisit Diana...in the moment...through the stories with people who knew her right before she died.



4. I read this book and I feel it is time all the fluff and nonsense about this woman is put to rest. I did not buy it but was given it as a gift. Yes, she died too young, but she LOVED the attention she got from the press. Her and Dodi knew the press would follow them that night and should have stayed in the Ritz. If she was pregnant as some claim, I would be willing to bet the father was Dr. Hasnat Khan who refused to make their relationship permanent - so poor Dodi Fayed came in mighty handy - same dark skin, etc. This woman also had many affairs during her marriage, and I believe Prince Charles that he only went back to Camilla when he realized the demon Diana really was. I never heard a word about the Prince dating other women whilst still married to her, until he went back to Camilla.
   She caused much hurt and pain in several marriages. As far as doing so good, she played the press like a fine violin, and her deep concern for the poor is really touching. However, she did not leave one single penny of her own money to the poor. Someone in England who has some ties to people with info told me the reason the marriage went bad after the birth of Harry was that Diana expected the Queen to retire from the throne, secure in the three male heirs, and the Queen let her know that would never happen - hence the hysteria. Sorry, there was a tarnished image of this woman and it is time everyone try to stop moaning over her. I have heard people of the telly ask what Camilla had that Diana did not - THE DEEP LOVE AND RESPECT OF THE PRINCE. Remember, she was raised with close family ties to the Royal Family and knew what was involved. I hope she rests in peace.

1 comments about Baroness of Hobcaw: The Life of Belle W. Baruch.

1. Since I live in the Hobcaw Barony area, it was with special interest that I read this book. Not much has been written about Belle Baruch, though her father Bernard is well documented in print. It was a fascinating look at Belle's life and the period. Often, nonfiction books of a historical nature are dry and tedious to read, but this one reads like a novel. Miller spent many years immersing herself in her subject, and it shows. And she doesn't shy away from the difficult questions surrounding her subject, but rather tackles them head-on. It was a joy to read, and I heartily recommend it here. If you live in this coastal area, be sure to visit Hobcaw Barony, which will add a special dimension to your enjoyment of this book.

4 comments about Spider Eaters: A Memoir.

1. After reading "Spider Eaters" and several books like it ("Son of the revolution", "A Woman's ordeal", "Troublemaker".. ect) I wasn't Sure how to review this one. "Spider Eaters" is a much more complex memoir than the others. "Spider Eaters" does not have the simple emotional punch of other memoirs in it's class yet as a memoir it works well. As a first person acount of mordern China it works well but the book is so much more than just a personal History. Spider Eaters is probably best described as a personal psychologial drama.

   How does a poor little rich girl survive the mental abuse that is the demonicaly inspired communism of mordern day china? How does a girl with dreams and aspirations of any little girl suppress those dreams and thoughts when they conflict with the strict communist party line and exposing them can mean ruin?

   Rae Yang first creates a fantasy hero, an almost Christ like figure who resuces the poor stands up for the wokers even to the point of death. Later when "politicaly correect" she transfers that figure to Chairman Moa and ultimately begins to see herself as that figure. A Savior who is betrayed by those she loved. Later still while living in the US she must find ways to reconcile all the various personalities into one functioning adult. A psychologist could have a field day with this book. Spider Eaters to me is a frighting look at the damage Communism can do to the minds of those it inslaves, and how a person can cope once freed of it's grasp.




2. "Spider Eaters" is an interesting and creative title and well matches the contents. This is a most fascinating and moving memoir. I have read several autobiographies written about the beginnings of Communism in China and the Cultural Revolution, and this is by far one of the best. Many such books these days are advertised as "belonging on the shelf next to Wild Swans". I've always felt such claims are exaggerated as Wild Swans for me was quite exceptional. But Spider Eaters truly does deserve to be in the same category.

   Having just finished "Life and Death in Shanghai" by Nien Cheng prior to "Spider Eaters" I found reading the other side of the coin intriguing. Nien Cheng was imprisoned for six and a half years in solitary confinement, accused of being a British spy as she had worked for Shell company. Her beautiful home and belongings were trashed by the Red Guards. Then I read Rae Yang's account of her experience as a Red Guard. She was responsible for persecuting such bourgeois "Capitalist Roaders" as Nien Cheng. I am sure that both these women would like, admire and respect each other if ever they had met, and yet during these times they were class enemies. How sad.

   If the author should read this review, I would like to thank you so much for your wonderful honesty in relating not just the events of your life, but also your thoughts and dreams. I was reluctant to finish your book as I felt I had come to know you so well. What I read almost felt like a personal letter. Your book is wonderful reading and it has long stayed on my mind. It stirred my emotions deeply. And can I just say, that I am so glad you came to love your pigs. I especially warmed to you when I read of your feelings for them and your sense of betrayal when they were sent to be slaughtered. I would have felt exactly the same. I understood completely and you certainly wouldn't have been a laughing stock to me had I been present.

   I discovered Spider Eaters through Amazon and am disappointed that more have not reviewed it. Spider Eaters is far more than a memoir. It is also a literary delight. Extremely well worth reading!




3. Spider Eaters is a haunting and lyrical memoir of a young girl growing up during China's most violent and provocative days. Rae Yang tells a little told story of the inside view of the Cultural Revolution, Nationalist politics and the ties between men and women in her old country. The mastery of this story, is that Yang concentrates less on the history of China, but the effect of that history on it's people. She write about how the cadre's children were supposed to sympathize completely with the working class, however, how could they do that when at every chance, Yang describes them as being completely isolated from the reality of such poverty. Communism at it's height, anyone accused of speaking, or even thinking, words against the Party, could be imprisoned, tortured and/or killed. Society looked down upon selfishness and the ego. Yang's description gives us the picture of a girl torn between two worlds, between herself and her loyalty to the Party, between her loyalty to the Party and her loyalty to her parents and friends, between respect for authority and contempt for such high-handed practices as "campaigns." When the Cultural Revolution begins, Yang's story of a lost girl continues as she turns on those who had been her peers and mentors, becoming the evil that she had unconsciously fought against all her life. This story is meaningful and eerie, in that it describes fully the effect of political influence on the youth, their power over the rest of the world, and their power to change society itself. However, it better describes what this mistreatment of young people can lead to-a burden of guilt and pain surround Yang's words, a guilt that past practices continue to make her unable to fully describe, although she is not permitted to. Her real thoughts are muddled and unclear throughout the novel, leaving the reader to draw his own conclusions--a hardy, but somewhat annoying task. The real interest is in her thoughts, not what we believe about the circumstance. All in all, this book is a beautiful and eloquent novel, highly recommended to anyone interested in Chinese culture.



4. Spider Eaters is a haunting and lyrical memoir of a young girl growing up during China's most violent and provocative days. Rae Yang tells a little told story of the inside view of the Cultural Revolution, Nationalist politics and the ties between men and women in her old country. The mastery of this story, is that Yang concentrates less on the history of China, but the effect of that history on it's people. She write about how the cadre's children were supposed to sympathize completely with the working class, however, how could they do that when at every chance, Yang describes them as being completely isolated from the reality of such poverty. Communism at it's height, anyone accused of speaking, or even thinking, words against the Party, could be imprisoned, tortured and/or killed. Society looked down upon selfishness and the ego. Yang's description gives us the picture of a girl torn between two worlds, between herself and her loyalty to the Party, between her loyalty to the Party and her loyalty to her parents and friends, between respect for authority and contempt for such high-handed practices as "campaigns." When the Cultural Revolution begins, Yang's story of a lost girl continues as she turns on those who had been her peers and mentors, becoming the evil that she had unconsciously fought against all her life. This story is meaningful and eerie, in that it describes fully the effect of political influence on the youth, their power over the rest of the world, and their power to change society itself. However, it better describes what this mistreatment of young people can lead to-a burden of guilt and pain surround Yang's words, a guilt that past practices continue to make her unable to fully describe, although she is not permitted to. Her real thoughts are muddled and unclear throughout the novel, leaving the reader to draw his own conclusions--a hardy, but somewhat annoying task. The real interest is in her thoughts, not what we believe about the circumstance. All in all, this book is a beautiful and eloquent novel, highly recommended to anyone interested in Chinese culture.

2 comments about In My Family Tree: A Life with Chimpanzees.

1. Sheila Siddle and her husband, David, are an amazing couple. They show that life is not over when you are at a "retirement" age. They created a whole chimpanzee sanctuary at such an age. Love, compassion, determination, and strong opinions of what is right and wrong all allowed the Siddles to reach out to animals in desperate need. In doing this, they also touch everyone with whom they come in to contact. Mrs. Siddle's book allows them to touch a great deal more of us. Thank you for all of your efforts and for this great book Mrs. Siddle!!



2. In this beautiful memoir, Sheila Siddle takes readers on magical journey--to Chimfunshi, a wildlife sanctuary Sheila and Dave Siddle founded in Zambia in 1983. Siddle's honest account of their work on behalf of chimpanzees will make you laugh out loud at the wonder and joy of working with wildlife. Siddle's prose also brings the battle for chimpanzees, which is far from won, into vivid and tragic relief. Filled with both humor and profound courage, this book is an inspiring must read for anyone who loves chimpanzees and all wildlife.

   You can learn more about Chimfunshi at [the website]

No comments about Unexpected Grace Comfort In The Midst Of Loss.

2 comments about Women of the Sierra (Women of the West).

1. Loved this book, and all the others written by this author.
   Wish there were more.



2. I read Soiled Doves: Prostitution in the Early West by this same author and truly enjoyed it. I wanted to read some more books by author Anne Seagraves so I found Women of the Sierra. It was hardly a disappointment. This book tells the stories of many different flavors of women from the west. It was a great way to read about a variety of women and how they came to be in the west. I can't wait to get the rest of her books!!!