Sometimes, in the dead of winter, after Santa and his fine elves stop holding your interest, you just want to read a horror story that pulls you in and shakes you to your core. (Well, at least I do.)  It certainly is winter now and so I picked up this book in hopes of feeding my ghostly imagination. 

Except... this book did not come across to me as a horror story- in fact, it was quite the opposite.  It revealed itself to be a deeply sentimental book centered around two children.  Though I did not get my 'horror story' satisfaction in reading this book, I got a different, albeit pleasant, satisfaction altogether.  

It was the heartfelt relationship between the two young children that intrigued my senses.  They became close and the emotional attachment between the two was a tangible thing.  They were supportive of each other and created a bond that I was pleased to witness and greatly admired. This sweet relationship between these two overshadowed anything that would be deemed "frightening" for me within the book.  The characters in the book were developed in such a way that a connection between the reader and characters was instant and strengthened the validity of the writer as being a seasoned author who knows how to write engagingly.

​There is an enlightening twist at the end of the book that tied in the storyline beautifully and left me marveling at the writer's ability to keep the reader engaged throughout the book right to the surprise ending.  I had such a mix of emotions when the plot twist was revealed.  It really choked me up.  Little bits of my heart cracked and I held back tears.

The story clocked in at 143 pages so it wasn't an overly long story but it was well paced and it was the perfect amount of time for the plot to unravel without it dragging and leaving the reader in a sleepy-eyed stupor, trying to stay awake.  I read this book over the recent holidays and although it is a hectic time of the season, I found myself consistently reaching for this book when I had some spare time.  This is  always a good sign that a book struck your fancy.

I went into this book searching for an emerald and encountered a diamond instead. I'm satisfied. I do look forward to reading Ms. Cross's other books and in fact, I have acquired a few more and added them to my TBR list.

Needless to say, I highly recommend this book.

4.5/5! 

You can find out more about Hoffmann Media by visiting the following website: Amy Cross | Author of Asylum, Dark Season, The Farm, Dead Souls and other books! (wordpress.com) 
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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.
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Book Reviewed: "The Cemetery Ghost;" Author: Amy Cross; Publisher: Blackwych Books Ltd. (Dec 20, 2020)- Kindle Edition
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Book Blog Copyright (C) 2022 Mary-Lisa Russo ​

This book not only fed my eyes with a plethora of lush, holiday visions, it romanced my heart in ways that it will forever be imprinted upon my bookish memory.  Page after page, the magic of the holidays filled my vision but I must admit, it is the exquisite front and back hardcovers that commenced this love affair. It boasts a bold, red backdrop adorned with gorgeous florals, fruits all immortalized in a smooth, matte texture that feels like soft velvet under your fingertips. It is expertly designed and easily merits an above-average rating to the most discerning eye.

The back cover blurb eloquently sums up the contents of the book, instantly engaging the reader:

"Celebrate Christmas the Southern Lady way! Within these pages you'll find hundreds of ideas to make the season merry and bright.  Decorations for every room in the house, fabulous and festive table settings, delicious holiday recipes to make, take, and share- all the makings for your best Christmas ever is waiting inside."

The book sports a warm introduction and contents detailing what to expect as you flip through the pages.  The mix of gorgeous Christmas decorations, how-tos in crafting the perfect wreath, festive ribbons on chairs, advice on creating the perfect table settings; et al, and exquisite recipes with accompanying photos were nothing less than a king's feast for the eyes. 

I am usually pretty good with words but somehow, I feel like I cannot adequately convey the magnitude of the positive impression I had exploring this book. It offered all that is mentioned- and more... I obtained a few ideas in decorating for the season and it affirmed my love affair with gold accents.  It would be remiss of me not mention that I picked out some scrumptious recipes to try such as the "winter vegetable chowder," "vegetable cobbler," hazelnut cake," and  "chocolate peanut butter bars."

It is quite obvious that I have a very high opinion of this book.  From the beginning to the end, I was deeply engrossed and it is now a part of my priceless, "book vault." An oldie but "goodie."

In addition to volume 1, I purchased volume 2 and I am looking forward to exploring that book in the near future.

5/5.... would give in 10/5 if it was permissible. 

Merry Christmas!  Wishing you the best for 2022!

You can find out more about Hoffmann Media by visiting the following website: Hoffman Media - Women's interest and lifestyle publisher
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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 Reviewed: "Christmas With Southern Lady: Holiday Decorating, Recipes & Table Ideas From Southern Lady Magazine-  Volume 1; Editor: Andrea Fanning; Publisher: Hoffman Media, September 1st, 2013.
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Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​

Witty and well orchestrated with a dynamic plot and characters that flawlessly intermingle with each other to create the perfect novel. 

As a great lover of "Pride And Prejudice" and all things "Jane Austin," I had set high standards prior to reading an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)  of "Reputation, An Easy Thing to Lose." Elizabeth Bennet, Fitzwilliam Darcy, Jane Bennet, the Bingleys, Mr.Collins; et al... they all came back to life in such a flawless way, I felt as though the author, E.M. Storm-Smith, was touched by the spirit of Jane Austen- so authentically written and true-to-life is her variation.

This book is delightfully "intense" in the sense that Ms. Storm-Haus created a whirling plot with a series of sub-plots that she brilliantly executed from the beginning to the end of the book. This is not a flimsy read for the webs she weaves are tangled and brimming with the wit and electricity that emanates from her engaging characters.  The contents within are meaty and my full concentration immersed itself deeply into the way she breathed life into the characters and meticulously paid attention to details with each one.  This was all perfectly tied in together through very witty dialogue conveyed by the characters, keeping me riveted page after page.  Many things happened simultaneously and the author flawlessly kept the plot flowing without skipping a beat. 

The characters really grew on me and my gosh, I must say- that Caroline Bingley got on my nerves with all her scheming and lofty attitude! This intense reaction that was extracted from me is proof positive that the author skillfully brought life to the characters.  This is critical when an abundance of dialogue takes place within a book.  There was no "dropping the ball" here.

In summation, this author has clearly done her research and invested a huge effort in executing her first book.  This is something readers would appreciate, especially fans of Jane Austen.  It is difficult to create a variation of a universally beloved novel that will appeal to loyal readers of the original book but Ms. Storm-Haus does a very fine job of taking the pertinent care and attention needed to pull off such a huge feat.  It is a monumental undertaking, indeed.  

Take a chance on this new writer. She is worth it. Thank you to Ms. Storm-Smith for this ARC of "Reputation, An Easy Thing To Lose." It was an honor to read and write a review.  This review is also uploaded on Goodreads. All opinions are my own.

​A beaming 5/5!

You can find out more about the author, E.M. Storm-Smith, by visiting the following website: Storm Haus Publishing.
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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 Reviewed: "Reputation, An Easy Thing To Lose;" Author: E.M. Storm-Smith; Publisher: Storm Haus Publishing, LLC; Advanced Reader Copy; (November, 2021)
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Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​

You can find out more about the author, Rizwan Asad, by visiting his website at: Home - Rizwan Asad | Author
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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 Reviewed: "City Kitties;" Author: Rizwan Asad; Publisher: Ness House Press; December 1, 2021
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Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​

Ok, let's talk about this stunning cover that mixed vibrant colors, gold writing, and a gorgeous model that combined, created a glamorous portrait of the book's heroine, sixteen year old Aurora, in this fairytale retelling of "Sleeping Beauty." I must admit, I was scrolling for fairytale stories and this cover popped up and literally seduced me. Had to have this book!

In this retelling of "Sleeping Beauty," Aurora Briar is a blood witch, the last of her kind, carrying the heavy burden of saving her people, a coven of witches, as well as herself. The only way to break this curse is to cross the Shadowlands, described as dark and foreboding, and waking the sleeping prince in another kingdom.  Along the way, we meet mystical creatures, shifters and vampires and some surprising twists (which I will not give away).

What I liked best about this book was the loyal bond between Aurora and her best friend, Hazel, who would do anything to keep Aurora safe, even if it means she must sacrifice her own comforts and embrace her own fears.  It was great to see this relationship unfurl within the pages, giving the story a touching, human element we can all connect to and aspire to have with others in our own lives.  

As the main character of the story, Aurora is extremely burdened with what she must do and we see her striving to be strong with glimpses of uncertainty and doubt and panic that envelopes her as she keeps trying to push forward.  We must not forget, she is only sixteen years old with the fate of a coven and her own life in the balance.  She will be confused and scared.  She will act impulsively...and so she does so, many times... but with the reassurance and fierce loyalty from ever-present Hazel, these two balance each other perfectly.  Where one may be weak, the other is strong.

The romance between Aurora and Sage and in addition, Hazel and Rune, was a cute element in the book.  Sweet teenage love here. If this journey never took place, then perhaps these characters would not have encountered one another.  It was a domino effect unfolding in this sub-plot and throughout the journey in the Shadowlands and ultimately, in what transpired at the castle harboring the sleeping prince.  All this chaos they were enveloped in held some happiness that was waiting to blossom.

I am not going to expound about that happened at the castle in detail, but I will say everything ties in together and I was taken off guard and not able to predict what would happen.  I thought one thing was going to happen but instead, the opposite occurred.  This is good writing on the author's part and should be noted.

One occurrence in the book that did not sit well with me was a death that took place mid-way through the book.  I don't believe it was necessary for this character to die by the hand of a... let's just say particular person... so as not to spoil it for other potential readers. It just did not sit well with me and I was uncomfortable with it.  I hoped they would have found some common ground. 

In summation, this is an entertaining book worth reading if you are keen on fairytale retellings.  It whisks you away and places you in a mystical world, unfurling your imagination.  I appreciate the author's efforts in taking a chance in some scenes, thereby keeping the reader in suspense with twisting plots and sub-plots.  Well done.

4.5/5 rounded up to 5/5.  I took off half a point for the death scene but rounded it back up to 5 as in all fairness, I don't believe the entire book which is well-written, should be judged by one scene I personally looked down upon.

​I look forward to reading and reviewing Ms. O'Neale's other books.

You can find out more about the author, Stacey O'Neale, by visiting her website at:  USA Today Bestselling Fantasy and Paranormal Author, Stacey O'Neale (staceyoneale.com) 

​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. All opinions/views are my own.

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 Reviewed: "Cursed Beauty;" Author: Stacey O'Neale; Publisher: Pheonix Reign Publishing; 1st Edition (August 30, 2021); Kindle Edition

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo 

​These simple words popped up throughout the book, “Open Evening,” inciting a chilling sense of foreboding. This is an excellent, subconscious premonition of what is to come...we are being prepped. The seed is cast. Author, Lee Hall, spins a horrific tale in this first book within a series which instantly grips the reader in a roller-coaster ride of epic proportions. Mr. Hall neatly lays out the plot with a plethora of fleshed-out characters, high octane scenes that build tension and great detail that paints a moving picture within the reader’s mind.

Mr. Hall is endowed with his own, unique style of writing. He does a fantastic job of building tension that culminates in horrific descriptions and well thought out scenes which contribute to the ultimate goal of creating a sense of fear and urgency within the reader’s imagination. Take for instance this line:

“Taking one glance behind me as I ran, an image imprinted itself forever; that of a human entrails in a slaughter house. Blood red remains everywhere, parts of people nobody should ever see, the interior of pure hell.”

And that is exactly what I felt like reading this book…as if I was in a kind of hell that my mind never thought to imagine. The book reminded me of those teenage blockbuster horror flicks we watched repeatedly a few years back. It wasn’t just a book. It was a saga…a horrific saga that left my throat parched at the end of every major scene!

In summation, the author wrote a fast-paced, detailed story brimming with palpable tension and fear, delivered to the reader with seamless writing and a fierce intent to mystify and horrify.

A great first book!  5/5

I was not asked to write this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

You can find out more about the author, Lee Hall, by visiting his website at: Lee's Hall of information – A blog and journey in publishing (leehallwriter.com)  

​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. All opinions/views are my own.

This review is also posted on Goodreads: Open Evening by Lee Hall | Goodreads

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 Reviewed: "Open Evening;" Author: Lee Hall; Publisher: Satin Publishing; Kindle Edition (August, 2016)

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​

More!
I want more from this author. 
I want this magic he created in "Dio In The Dark" to continue in other books. 
I was instantly captivated by the intriguing plot. The once mighty, mythological Zeus and powerful Olympians in modern-day Toronto are attempting to adapt to life but are drawn into a battle that casts a dark veil over their lives once Zeus vanishes. It is up to his son, Dio (a.k.a. Dionysus), with whom he has a strained relationship, to put aside the resentment he feels towards his father and embark on a perilous journey to find him.

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Take in this early line in the book regarding Zeus: 

"Zeus, god of thunder, overseer of the universe, the lightning hurling King of the Gods himself, sprang easily to grab the handle and land on the running board of the garbage truck. He wore dirty blue overalls and work boots. The back of his overalls read, “Barker Sanitation,” and the front, over his immortal heart, had a patch that said “Zed.”"

Hahaha!  I love it!  I laughed... out loud! This was so refreshing to read!  Witty humor is continuously laced throughout the book which was a wonderful addition, seasoning it with a plethora of flavors.  I caught myself giggling many times at the descriptions and the banter that ensued throughout the book.  Here is another line I greatly enjoyed:

"“You tell me about The Darkness every freakin’ Friday. And this ‘young one’ business? Man, I’m sixty-two years old! Only thing young about me is my teeth, and even them is gettin’ to be teenagers!”"

Even though there are some lively, humorous scenes going on in the book, we also have some strong issues snaking forth that steadily develop within this book as the plot deepens such as family squabbles/resentment, depression, self-doubt, alcoholism, longing for love and family, loss and grief and other issues that are laced throughout the characters.  Even though the book appears light, it contains other complex layers, touching upon real life experiences/traumas that exist in the world. 

I studied Greek Mythology at school and note that these immortals were consistently illustrated as being stoic, all powerful, literally larger than life.  Their aloofness and seriousness you read about were not present in this book.  The author does a wonderful job in this book to alter your previous perceptions of the gods by humanizing them with shattered hopes, dreams and flaws. ​

​I like way the characters were fleshed out.  They were painted with a carefully detailed writing brush.  I truly felt the inner-turmoil experienced by Dio and Apollo. Both had issues but both came together to rescue their father and the rest of their family and mankind from an evil force.  The title is perfect for the story as Dio was in fact stumbling in the dark in his personal life as well as when he set out on his journey to rescue his father.  The darkness enshrouding Dio is twofold and aptly played out in the book.  Dio, is indeed, "in the dark."

It was a treat for me to read and encounter such notable Toronto areas such as The Don River, Young-Dundas Square and the Fairmont Royal York Hotel- a personal favorite. These 'mentionables' added an intense sense of realism to the author's story and made it a delightful, personal experience for me.

I don't believe the book would have had the same effect on me if it went into long-winded detail depicting the background of Greek mythology, adding several dry pages that would have taken away from the flow of the story.  The book is under 200 pages- enough to tell the story and keep you interested.  From one sentence to the next, the author's writing is seamless, drawing you in as if each word was held together by invisible strings leading you from one page to the next.

In summation, this book delighted me on many fronts.  It contained a well developed plot, an engaging writing style and carefully executed tones that intermingled with one another. It was properly formatted, I did not detect any grammatical or typing errors and... it made me smile and shut out the world for a few hours.

This creative work can only be best described as something beautiful and promising.

This author is a gifted writer endowed with an abundance of artistic clarity and vision to create a piece of fiction that stimulates the reader's imagination. I hope he does a few more follow-up books as this first book deserves it.

5/5. 

You can find out more about the author, Rizwan Asad, by visiting his website at: www.rizwanasad.com  

​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. All opinions/views are my own.

This review is also posted on Goodreads and on Amazon.

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 Reviewed: "Dio In The Dark;" Author: Rizwan Asad; Publisher: Ness House Press; 1st Edition (October 15, 2021)

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo 

I want to be loved... just like that... with utter adoration and unwavering faithfulness that shines like a million twinkling stars in the dead of night, signaling to the world, 'I am love and my lover loves me'...  just that way Jay Gatsby loved Daisy Buchanan in "The Great Gatsby." Exactly that way. Those were the thoughts that spilled through the gates in my mind and flooded my senses when I first read this book as a young teen, but being a hopeless romantic probably since the day I was born, the heart-on-his-sleeve kind of love displayed by Jay Gatsby was never forgotten by me.

And so, since then, I read "The Great Gatsby" yearly, every summer, stoking my appreciation for the fires of love that refuse to die as this story quietly slips from one era into the next, always delighting the majority of readers with its detailed writing and plethora of emotions, a book deemed riveting in its complexity.

So what is this hold that F. Scott Fitzgerald continues to hold over readers since 1925...?

Well, read these quotes from the book:

“His heart beat faster and faster as Daisy’s white face came up to his own. He knew that when he kissed this girl, and forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God. So he waited, listening for a moment longer to the tuning fork that had been struck upon a star. Then he kissed her. At his lips’ touch she blossomed like a flower and the incarnation was complete.”

“He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man.”

This... is love on fire. This... love will live on in our minds.  This... is a classic, an original hard to beat.

I was dizzy with the sheer appreciation I experienced from these above-noted quote and many other quotable sentences skillfully sewn together by Mr. Fitzgerald. Dreamy and other-worldly, he writes with a deep sadness, a man afraid to fully enjoy happy moments as he believes them to be fragile, no matter how beautiful they are for the fear of imminent loss is tangible within his mind.  A sense of foreboding rings throughout the book.  The quotable words are heavy and carry the weight of deep thought. The book displays layers of meanings and feelings so vividly, the complexity of the storyline is not lost on a highly attuned reader. Here is one quote that stays with you, coloring your thoughts in shades of gray, creating a sense of foreboding:

“All the bright precious things fade so fast, and they don’t come back.”

To love as fervently and with blind faith as Jay Gatsby, is... heavy. He is chasing an unattainable dream.

Daisy was... Daisy. She is revealed, layer by layer, to the discerning eye. No amount of soft depiction of elegance and grace by the author can hide her shallowness and greed. It begs the question, was Jay Gatsby truly in love with Daisy or the idea of loving her, closing his eyes to the truth, determined to love her for fear of shattering her perfect image in his mind? All his money, all the lavish parties and prominent friends... and Daisy owned his heart. For Jay, his intense feelings for Daisy are summed up in his quote:

“I love her and that’s the beginning and end of everything.”

This ache is prevalent throughout the book and yet these are words our hearts hunger for, to be loved and cherished; but, it is a beautiful thing when the love is equal and reciprocated. 

I want to be loved like Jay loves Daisy but I also want the personal completeness of giving my love wholly in return, unifying the union. No gray within white clouds. Jay deserved that. A balanced love. A great love returned.  A lot of times, we see as readers the intermingling of love and pain and when the author is a natural at depicting these in great detail, the words created become legendary quotes as is the case with "The Great Gatsby."

The writing, plot and characters are strongly depicted in this book. This a classic...an unforgettable, complex, mind-bending journey played out within the recesses of our emotions.

Naturally, 5 out 5 stars.  An annual read.

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. All opinions/views are my own.

This review is also posted on Goodreads and on Amazon.

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 Reviewed: "The Great Gatsby;" Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald; Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc.; 1925 - Reissued (2008)

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo 

I am an avid reader of Victoria Magazine, A Hoffman Media Publication, so much so that I have crates full of their elegant, high quality magazines that boast illustrations and writings that combine together to create a winning reading experience for interested readers. It is during my perusal of the magazine a few years ago that I was introduced at length to Victoria Magazine's annual Christmas event at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Pre-Covid, they held holiday excursions which consisted of afternoon tea and a tour of this opulent estate that is Biltmore, all decked in its annual Yuletide splendor.  Special overnight stays were also offered, making it a wonderful, getaway goal.

One of my goals in 2020 was to visit this historic estate, but the Covid era took over, rearing its ugly head,  paralyzing the world into a stagnant existence, dashing all hopes and dreams for travelling abroad. 

And so with plans choked off to attend Biltmore Estate, I have continued to march forward, reading materials that help me gain further insight to this awe-inspiring estate rich in history which piqued my interest so strongly.

In comes Robert Wernick's "Vanderbilt's Biltmore," a book which immediately strikes at you with information at the opening sentence like an arrow determinately aimed from Eros' bow.  I state this because it starts and ends abruptly with a few pages embedded in the middle of this written sandwich.  There are eleven pages in total to this book. Eleven. Reading it, I felt like I was on a parachute that lifted in the air and immediately came back down. I wanted more and it wasn't like I could just simply add more coins to the machine and get my satisfaction.

Now mind you, though it is a very, very short read, it does give you some strong details about the history of Biltmore and it's current state. It is an 'overview' of this estate and all it entails. I am the type of reader, though, that likes  the opening of a story to be detailed, cajoling my interest, gearing me up for what is to come.  I did not feel like I was reading a book but a detailed pamphlet. Despite this shake up to my reading expectations, this is still a good...booklet...to digest. The style may not be what I am used to, but as a reader, it is important to try to keep an open mind and appreciate that not all writers will create settings and plots and execute a writing style that fits with our own reading expectations of perfection. 

If you are not looking for an in-depth, sweeping saga, this short version of Biltmore has all the right buttons for a reader not hung up on bulk. It is perfect if you have a bit of time to spare and would like to read something educational in one sitting. A solid 4.5/5- half a mark removed for style but a lovely effort in total. Having read this book, I am confident this writer could write a sweeping, epic account of Biltmore. And yes, I would consider reading other books by this author.

You can  learn more about author Robert Wernick and his other successful titles by clicking HERE.

​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. All opinions/views are my own.

This review is also posted on Goodreads and on Amazon.

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 Reviewed: "Vanderbilt's Biltmore" Author: Robert Wernick; Publisher: New Word City, Inc; 1st Edition (Feb 24 2014); (Kindle Edition).  Also available in print.

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021  Mary-Lisa Russo ​

He was beloved.
He was adored by his doting parents, Jacqueline Lee Kennedy (Onassis) and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 36th President of the United States.
He was America's son. 
He was hope, a continued legacy, a dynamic addition to the famous Kennedy clan.
He IS John F. Kennedy Jr... beloved Prince of Camelot... and although he is not with us in body, his striking memory will continue to live on for many years to come.

After reading the first chapter of the #1 New York Times bestseller, "The Day John Died," penned by renowned author, Christopher Andersen, I immediately noted that I was on my way to reading a huge rendition of the history of the Kennedys as pertaining to John Kennedy Jr. and his family before he was born, leading up to the poignant moments of his tragic, untimely death. The book also details John's aspirations, his love life, relationships with those that graced his life and his inner struggles being a famed Kennedy. The book's title, "The Day John Died," had nothing to do with the inner contents of the book.  Yes, it did expound on circumstances of John Jr.'s death- at the very end of the book. The entire, meaty portion of the book expounded on his family and upbringing. I am not sure why such a boxed-in title was chosen for a book that included a sweeping, historical rendition which was the main focus of the book.  

It is very obvious that the author conducted massive research behind the writing scene, re-enacting a very detailed world that revolved around John Kennedy Jr.  For someone like me, who was not born during the "Kennedy" era, this was a one-stop read for all things regarding this legendary family. I praise the author for his intense research which served well to create a strongly detailed book.  

What really struck me as being tragic was that many people mentioned in the book feared John flying a plane and told him so, but ultimately, he did not heed their concerns.  His mother was extremely protective of John Jr., having endured bad premonitions of John dying in a plane crash. Her fear was palpable as tragically stated in the book: "in the latter years of her life, Jackie had a recurring premonition that John would be killed piloting his own plane."

It is no secret that the Kennedys are thought to be a cursed clan, fraught with untimely death, the name carrying a legacy of tragedy that breaks anyone's heart who learns of it.  Besides John Jr.'s mother, his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, who tragically perished in the fatal plane crash along with her sister, was deeply anxious about John Jr. flying. 

John Jr.'s sister, Caroline, other Kennedy family members and friends, who knew John Jr. were not confident about him flying a plane. His friend, Bailey, had ominously stated: "John is going to kill himself in that airplane," Bailey told his parents a few weeks earlier. "The Piper Saratoga is a faster, more complex plane than he was used to. Sometimes I got the feeling  that he didn't fully appreciate that. In some ways, he was like a little kid playing with a shiny new toy."

The famed Kennedy tragedies were too much for anyone connected to them to feel confident about John Jr. flying.  Add to that John's daredevil antics, fear of nothing and unwavering determination in the face of danger to the mix and that became an explosive recipe and perhaps contributed to his death as well as that of his wife and sister-in-law.  

As stated in the book: "There had already been widespread criticism in the media of John's decision to fly that night, and charges that a congenital streak of Kennedy recklessness had cost John not only his life but the lives of his two innocent passengers. It was pointed out that John not only took off under questionable conditions and without an instrument rating, but that he also did so with a severely injured foot that may have made it difficult for him to operate the rudder and the brakes."

John Jr. was definitely rash, bold and perhaps over-confident but he and his passengers did not deserve such a tragic, untimely death.  No one deserves that.  His death brings into questions a lot of "what ifs?" What if he heeded everyone's warnings not to fly a plane? What if he was more careful and less bold when it came to decision-making? What if he had immediately set the plane on autopilot by punching the two switches to enable that? Would the plane have landed safely? Was he destined to die so young, no matter what he did in life, even if he avoided this particular disaster?

I cried reading about the crash and the frantic search that ensued after everyone learned John Jr. was missing. He and his passengers were found still strapped in their seats five days after the tragic crash in the frigid Atlantic ocean.  The world knew intense "Kennedy" loss once again.  The Camelot Prince had tragically  slipped away into eternal sleep.

This book was very well written, details stream-lined from year to year to reflect the full, impressionable effect that was John Kennedy Jr. and his dynamic family. I give it a 4.5/5 as the title conveying that the book was just about "the day John died" was an understatement; however, I rounded that rating up to  5/5 as the book is deliciously detailed and although not what I expected in depth, it was an excellent, informative read I walked away from intellectually gratified.

(Opinion/views are all my own).

You can  learn more about author Christopher Andersen and his other successful titles by clicking HERE.

​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.

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Book Reviewed: "The Day John Died" Author: Christopher Anderson; Kindle Edition. Also available in print.

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