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Review Date: 9/29/2008
I just returned from 10 days in Los Cabos and La Paz - we used this book for some great suggestions of beaches and restaurants that were totally off the beaten path, and we never would have found if we had not found this book. If you are planning a trip to Baja CA, then definitely try to fit in a few days in La Paz in addition to Los Cabos - especially if you enjoy water sports or diving.
Review Date: 3/8/2009
Helpful Score: 5
This book is about the relationship between Harriet and her younger sister, Isabella, and the falling out of their relationship over their brother, Henry's, adultery trial. Apparently this was a very public trial at the time, and while Harriet sided with her brother, Isabella publicly questioned his innocence. Because of that, she became an outcast to the Beecher family. Isabella (who I had never heard of) was very involved in the women's suffrage movement along with Susan B. Anthony. What was amazing to me when I read this book was how Harriet, who was so involved in the abolitionist movement against slavery, was very much against her sister's involvement in the women's suffrage movement. I learned more about pieces of American history than I had expected reading this book, and it left me intrigued to read more.
Review Date: 4/21/2009
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book, and found it so easy to read for Non-Fiction! I wanted to understand more about the Sistine Chapel before my trip to Italy next month, and this book really has me excited to see it now. It follows Michelangelo's journey throughout the 4+ years that he painted the chapel of the Vatican, along with Pope Julius' story and the conflicts that Rome undergoes.
The novel walks through in a timeline the creation of each of the main sections of the chapel, and it's amazing to see how Michelangelo's art changes as he learns and grows, and as the Julius' conflicts impact him. This was the first fresco that Michelangelo had ever been commissioned to paint; previously he had focused on engraving (he had just completed David). Initially, Julius had hired him to build his tomb out of marble, and then changed his mind and forced him to do the Sistine Chapel, which he was not at all interested in doing. He never got over his disappointment and anger at Julius for this, even though the Sistine Chapel ended up being what he was best known for. It was also interesting to read about the competiveness between the artists of that time, especially Michelangelo, Leondardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
The center section of the book has great pictures and outlines that I found myself referring back to as Ross King discusses the creation of each section of the Sistine Chapel. If you're at all interested in art or this time period (or plan to visit the Sistine Chapel), I'd definitely recommend this book.
The novel walks through in a timeline the creation of each of the main sections of the chapel, and it's amazing to see how Michelangelo's art changes as he learns and grows, and as the Julius' conflicts impact him. This was the first fresco that Michelangelo had ever been commissioned to paint; previously he had focused on engraving (he had just completed David). Initially, Julius had hired him to build his tomb out of marble, and then changed his mind and forced him to do the Sistine Chapel, which he was not at all interested in doing. He never got over his disappointment and anger at Julius for this, even though the Sistine Chapel ended up being what he was best known for. It was also interesting to read about the competiveness between the artists of that time, especially Michelangelo, Leondardo da Vinci, and Raphael.
The center section of the book has great pictures and outlines that I found myself referring back to as Ross King discusses the creation of each section of the Sistine Chapel. If you're at all interested in art or this time period (or plan to visit the Sistine Chapel), I'd definitely recommend this book.
Review Date: 8/26/2008
Helpful Score: 1
I recently moved into a new home and painted the entire interior before moving in. I used this book extensively - it has alot of great ideas, and really helped me to coordinate the flow of colors throughout the entire house. I figured that now that I am done, I would share it with someone else to pick up some great ideas. Fresh, modern color schemes throughout.
Review Date: 3/8/2009
An old man tells his life story to a traveler, which took place during the Cultural Revolution in China. A very simple story that I read very quickly, but one that I think will stay with me. The old man, Fugui, faces so many struggles in his life, through which he grows and is humbled. This story was banned in China when it was written (I assume for the negative light it shines on Mao and the revolution), but is now ranked as one of the top ten most influential books in China. I'm very glad that I read it.
Review Date: 3/8/2009
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book hard to get into at first. I think it was the constant use of words that had to be looked up in the extensive glossary that made it difficult for me to get really immersed into the story from the start. However, once I got used to that, I did enjoy the book very much. It tells the story of Mehrunnisa, her love for the Emperor, and the struggles during her life to end up with her love. I have had the sequel on my WL for awhile as well, and am now looking forward to reading it to continue this story. If you are at all interested in India culture, and enjoy a love story, I'd recommend this book.
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