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Legendary. Opulent. Majestic. Luxurious... These are only mere words that came to my mind when reading about the Waldorf Astoria. Everything connected to that name is larger than life: the Astor family feud, hotel size, artwork, ornate architecture and lavish décor within its walls, flamboyant social affairs and soirees and much, much more. I acquired this book via Kindle Unlimited on August 24, 2021 and it was such an interesting read, I read it whenever I had spare time on my hands, deeply enthralled with the contents.  The author was very thorough in his rendition of the legendary hotel, commencing from it's birth to present day. His descriptions were very detailed and I felt like I was right there- in the Gilded Age in New York, viewing the surroundings with my own eyes. I was transported back in time and journeyed forward to the present in graphic detail, all the while taking in the ups and downs of this legendary infrastructure that was born, died and re-born again. It was first located on Fifth and 33rd Street then it found a home on Park Avenue where it continues to stand in all its majestic glory. The detailed writing accompanied by the detailed photos combined to convey a thorough enactment of the hotel's riveting history. I perused the photos with great interest and it clarified the writing even more. It was such a pleasure to especially see the older photos. I felt as though I had stepped into a different time and I lost myself with each turn of the page. I can best describe the book as a sweeping, factual saga. It is fascinating to read about such a legendary hotel and the important figures that were connected to it, knowing that everything reported in the book is true. It mesmerized me. I learned so much about the Waldorf Astoria I walked away very satisfied having read the book. It is a very thorough account with no stone left unturned. If you interested in reading about the Waldorf Astoria, I highly recommend this book. I have nothing but praise for the author. (I know, I am gushing at this point). I tried not to give too much away in my review as each tidbit of information I learned added to my reading excitement. Special Notes:
If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing. It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book. Writers are super appreciative of this kind act. Book Review: "Waldorf Astoria (Images of America)" written by William Alan Morrison. Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo AuthorYou have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors. Archives August 2021 Categories
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Book Review: "Love Her Wild- Poems"; written by Atticus; published by Atria Books, July 11, 20178/28/2021 Every soul needs poetry. At times, we forget that it subtly vibrates within us, giving life and song to the rhythm of our thoughts and expressions. Colors and shapes are much more vibrant when we allow poetry to share space with our mind, allowing creativity to flow and thoughts to wander beyond the mundane and the expected, into a realm where hopes and dreams and inner expressions take center stage.  "Love Her Wild- Poetry" by Atticus I acquired Atticus' "Love Her Wild" via my Kindle Unlimited Membership in mid August, 2021. I finished reading the book on August 27, 2021. It was a quick read as the majority of the poems are very short. Atticus is considered an "Instagram Sensation," writing poetry and quotes that capture flashes of moments and feelings with a few words. I would like to call the work within this book "musings" for that is the first thought that entered my mind after reading a few pages. Some of the poems were very witty and captured by imagination and a few did not live up to the intended hype although I truly appreciate the writer's thoughts and efforts in stylizing the book, equipping it with various black and white photos that tell a story and different font styles and sizes which attest to the writer's efforts and creativity in attempting to visually stimulate the reader. This effort on the writer's part cannot be taken lightly. It is something I quickly noted and appreciated. The poems that I thought were strong carried the book well. They were original and thought provoking. I think I am personally more privy to reading Shakespeare's Sonnets and Byron and Keats but I believe it is important to keep an open mind and venture forth in new territory and I was not disappointed in this creative work. This is Atticus' first book and I am looking forward to reading his other work with an open mind and heart. I do recommend this book. Special Notes:
If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing. It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book. Writers are super appreciative of this kind act. Book Review: "Love Her Wild- Poems" written by Atticus. Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo AuthorYou have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors. Archives August 2021 CategoriesI purchased "Ava's Longing: A Marriage of Convenience Short Story Historical Romance" in Kindle format in early August, 2021. This is book 2 in the Agate Bay, Minnesota series. Amid the meatier books I read, there are times I desire to read a short story like this book within a few hours to get my reading fix. "Ava's Longing" is endowed with a lovely cover that truly pays homage to the longing conveyed throughout the book as portrayed by Ava. It is a tangible thing. Very pronounced. Just that pose alone on the cover conveys expectation... as if waiting for something to happen. She wants to find love with someone who cares for her and loves her in return. Time is passing and being matchless in the romantic sense weighs on Ava and is very much noted by her family. Ava is a lovely woman displaying many talents such as cooking, baking, housekeeping, accounting skills, etc. and lists them off at one point as if she was trying to prove her worth and that made me very sad reading that scene. "She wanted to prove to the men and women in town that she was desirable for marriage." That line got me. My heart hurt for her. She doesn't have to prove to anyone that she is "marriageable" or a good prospect. It is painful to feel that way, as if you have shortcomings and need to boast your perceived attributes for recognition. This made Ava a very vulnerable female main character and very much easy to connect with the reader on a raw, personal level. She is very human with her uncertainty and her hopes and dreams. There was such a realism about her in the book, it overrode the rest of the elements in the book for me...in a good way.  I did find the beginning half of the book a little slow paced but it was still a good read. The romance between Ava and Matthew is a simmering, sweet romance and relies on their longing and physical attraction to bring their love to fruition. There is also a mystery mixed into the storyline which adds another element to it. In conclusion, I would recommend this short story. It is a wholesome story that touches your heart strings. Special Notes:
If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing. It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book. Writers are super appreciative of this kind act. Book Review: "Ava's Longing: A Marriage of Convenience Short Story Historical Romance" (Agate Bay, Minnesota Book 2) written by Christine Sterling. Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo AuthorYou have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors. Archives August 2021 CategoriesLife is a moving story, and we move forward in life and every breath, every step we take, culminates in a new experience we add to our story over time. And that is certainly what our lives amount to: a cumulated tapestry of our journey, an ongoing poem that is deep and meaningful and rich, uniquely ours to shape and pave as we see fit within the complexity of our experiences. I purchased a paperback copy of New York Times Bestseller, She Walks In Beauty- A Woman's Journey Through Poems, back in January, 2021 and read it over time, at my leisure. When I came across it, something told me to purchase a physical copy. I am happy to report I am glad I did so. This book is a treasure, endowed with an arsenal of poems spanning a woman's life journey depicting different facets of her existence and her place within her evolving story. The book is beautifully laid out in categories introduced by Caroline Kennedy and a number of pages are illustrated with black and white peonies, adding to the overall feminine tone of the book. It clocks in at 332 pages yet it feels lightweight and did not place any hand holding fatigue on me while reading. I find Caroline Kennedy's detailed introduction to each section a personal touch which connects with the reader.  As an avid, poetry reader and writer, I can appreciate the mosaic of thoughts and feelings conveyed in the poems depicted in this book as they unfold throughout a woman's life journey from childhood through to old age. These are not poems just stuck together. They are carefully chosen to reflect an expanding timeline. I can also appreciate the unique styles from various poets that come together to create a deeply meaningful anthology that speaks to the reader. I enjoyed reading work from well known and lesser known poets. Discovering new writing talent is always a bonus for an avid reader. As we age and time marches on, I believe our sensitive side is triggered by our experiences and the world around us and everything and everyone within it becomes more and more meaningful to us. You do not have to be a writer yourself to appreciate these poems. Anyone can enjoy this book which makes it a keeper. I thought of a diamond after I finished reading it. It has many facets to it and so does a woman's journey for the struggles, the triumphs, the gains, the losses and the joys are all laid out in this book. It reminded me that with each step we take, we do "walk in beauty." Definitely a keeper. Special Notes
I was not requested to do this review. I did it of my own volition, volunteering my views in an effort to bring the author and potential readers together. If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing. It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book. Writers are super appreciative of this kind act. Book Review: She Walks In Beauty- A Woman's Journey Through Poems by Caroline Kennedy. Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo AuthorYou have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors. Archives November 2021 CategoriesHonestly...I wasn't looking for anything thought provoking when I purchased this book. I wanted a book I could read in one entire evening that would be sweet and easy going and make me laugh...and I got it with "Ezra's Forgetful Bride: Matchmaker's Mix Up Book 7." It delivered!  I purchased this book back in early June, 2021 having fallen head over heels over the whimsical cover and especially the far away, musing expression on main character, Kathleen's, sweet face. The delightful cover drew me in. I just love that red dress! It's summer. So, yes, I am looking for fun, romantic fluff to read during this relaxing season. This was a super quick read for me. This book took me away from the daily grind. I thoroughly enjoyed the budding romance between the main characters. Though Ezra was especially resistant, he eventually could not help but fall for Kathleen's natural charms. I enjoyed the light hearted comedy that ensued in various parts of the book. Though tragedy befell Kathleen at the beginning of the book, she got a well-deserved, happy ending. Sometimes a reader just wants to pick up a book and walk away from it feeling like they experienced something pleasant. I felt that with this book. I will be purchasing other books written by Christine. She has a plethora of wholesome, sweet romances an avid reader can dive into with unabashed glee. A reader's jackpot, indeed! After reading this book, there is one thing I am certain... opposites DO attract! You will have to acquire a copy to find out more... Now that I have discovered author Christine Sterling, she is staying on my reading radar. Special Notes:
If you read a book, please remember to leave a review on any site of your choosing. It acts as an incentive for other readers to purchase an author's book. Writers are super appreciative of this kind act. Book Review: Ezra's Forgetful Bride: Matchmaker's Mix Up Book 7 written by Christine Sterling. Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo AuthorYou have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors. ArchivesCategories |
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