historical fiction

Book Review: The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

Hello readers! While this story looks like a wintery, cold weather book, I assure you that you will enjoy it at any time of the year. Even in the months where it feels like we live on the surface of the sun, July and August. Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s discuss…

The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn

The Synopsis

Mila Pavlichenko is a single mother and is more of the bookish type. But when Hitler starts to invade her home country of Russia, she joins the fight. She’s given a rifle and earns herself the title of Lady Death. Mila makes 300 kills as a sniper and is sent to America on a goodwill tour. While there, she meets and befriends First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt. She also discovers an old enemy who has joined forces with a dangerous new foe, and Mila engages in the deadliest battle of her life.
The Diamond Eye is based on a true story about a mother turned soldier turned heroine.

My Review

This book came highly recommended to me by a friend who loves historical fiction, specifically WWII historical fiction, and could not stop talking about how great it was. She also noted how interesting it was that we never get many Russian accounts of that time period. I gave it a chance, and she was right! I was captivated by this story of a woman who risked everything to fight for her country and did it with such talent and guts. This was my first book by Kate Quinn, and I found her writing style to be enjoyable and will definitely give more of her stories a try. I gave it 4.5 stars.

Who Should Read It?

This book is for fans of: historical fiction, WWII heroines, strong female characters, books based on true stories.

Pair It With…

Fur (faux or real- I don’t judge) in blanket form or coat form, a White or Black Russian, which I know didn’t originate in Russia, but a White Russian is such a cold weather drink in my mind. It goes perfectly with the snowy setting of the book.
My White Russian Recipe
In a rocks glass filled with ice:
2 ounces Vodka
1 ounce Kahlua
Finish with heavy cream
Stir and sprinkle with cinnamon

Now I’m in the mood for some cold weather, a warm coat, and a White Russian. Let me know if you pick this one up or make the drink. The cinnamon isn’t usually part of the drink, but I’ve been adding it to mine for years. Get the book at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand book website, or here.

Book Review: The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

Hello readers! I can’t wait for you to read about this spectacular book. (See what I did there?) Here’s the format for this review- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Without further ado…..

The Spectacular by Fiona Davis

The Synopsis

Marion is a nineteen year old dance instructor. She lives at home with her father, Simon, and older sister, Judy. Her mother died when she was just a child, so it’s been the three of them and their housekeeper who has been with the girls their whole lives. Marion also has a boyfriend, Nathaniel, who is just back from a European trip and is ready to settle down with Marion and get started on a family of their own. But Marion isn’t sure she’s ready for that at such a young age. She craves adventure and purpose for her life that doesn’t involve making meals, running a household, and raising children. When she learns of an open audition for the Radio City Rockettes, she decides she must try.
Meanwhile, NYC has been plagued by the “Big Apple Bomber” for sixteen years and keeps escaping the clutches of the police. At the end of their rope, the NYPD decides to enlist the help of Dr. Peter Griggs, a psychiatrist who has an interesting and unconventional way of studying criminals and the mentally ill.
By chance, Marion and Peter find themselves working together with the police to help find the bomber. Marion soon finds she’s much more of a standout than she thought, and uses this self realization to her benefit and the benefit of the entire city.

My Review

I thought this was a splendid book. I found profound statements such as, “She hadn’t realized until now what a passive participant she’d been in her own life, gliding along with everyone else’s desires for her future.” I was angered by certain, outdated standards placed on women. My heartstrings were tugged several times making me feel sad and sympathetic. My heart rate climbed when the bomber got a little too close for comfort. I also enjoyed a peak into the behind-the-scenes world of the Rockettes audition process. I gave it 4 stars.

Who Should Read It?

This book is for fans of: historical fiction, 1950s New York, the stage life, the Rockettes, family drama, a good mystery, mental illness in the 50s vs. now

Pair It With…

I’m pairing this book with a fuzzy blanket and maybe even a Christmas tree. While the book isn’t even focused on Christmas, the story does take place during December while the Christmas Spectacular is the show that’s performed at Radio City Music Hall. Do you have to save it until December? Certainly not! But if your TBR pile is overflowing like mine, adding this to your holiday reads won’t be a disappointing move.

I hope you pick this one up sometime soon. When you do, let me know how you like it! Get your copy at your local library, independent bookstore, secondhand books website, or here.

The Summer I Read All the Books

Guys….I have read so. many. books. It’s what I set out to do this summer…read all the books I could. I succeeded. Well, except I have one more on my list that I really want to read, but it’s good knowing I have one carrying me into the school year. I’ll tell you what it is at the end of this post.