The Fourth Turning is Here revisits the theory of cyclical history first introduced in 1997 by Neil Howe and the late William Strauss. Their original work proposed that history moves in cycles of about 80 to 100 years, each cycle divided into four stages or “turnings”: High, Awakening, Unraveling, and Crisis. According to Howe, we are currently amid the Fourth Turning, a period of significant crisis that will transform society and potentially usher in a new era. The book offers an in-depth analysis of each turning, illustrating how they influence the behaviors and attitudes of generations. Howe meticulously examines historical patterns to show how previous crises have led to profound […]
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A High-Octane Geopolitical Thriller
4.5 stars The Last Days is a heart-pounding, page-turning, high-octane geopolitical thriller. Known for weaving current events and biblical prophecy into gripping narratives, Rosenberg does not disappoint in this sequel to The Last Jihad. Once again, Jon Bennett and Erin McCoy, two senior White House advisors, find themselves thrust into the heart of international intrigue. Navigating the volatile Middle East political landscape, every move they make could trigger a global catastrophe. The plot centers on peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, focusing on the rise of a new Palestinian leader who could bring peace—or chaos. Rosenberg’s deep understanding of geopolitical climates adds authenticity to the narrative. Detailed descriptions of […]
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Edith Wilson’s Hidden Role in History
The President’s Wife explores the life of Edith Bolling Galt Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson. A socialite widow content with travel and friendships, Edith’s life changes dramatically when she marries Woodrow and becomes First Lady. Despite her discomfort, she rises to the challenges, dealing with press scrutiny and World War I. Edith soon becomes indispensable, replacing distracting staff, discussing policy with Woodrow, and encrypting top-secret messages. Her role expands further when she joins Woodrow in France for the signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. The author highlights the turbulent last months of Woodrow’s administration. After his debilitating stroke, Edith shields him from the press, […]
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Neutrality During the Civil War
When the Jessamine Grows is a captivating historical novel set in rural Nash County, North Carolina, during the Civil War. Joetta McBride, a determined woman, runs a small farm with her husband, Ennis, and their two sons. Unlike many of her neighbors, Joetta remains neutral about the war. Her father-in-law, Rudean, a fervent Confederate supporter, influences Henry to join the Confederate army. Joetta insists Ennis go after him, leaving her to manage the farm with her younger son, Robert, and Rudean. As weeks pass without news from Ennis or Henry, Joetta provides food and shelter to soldiers from both sides, earning the ire of the townsfolk and the Home Guard. Branded […]
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How to Sleep
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. How to Sleep is a comprehensive guide to understanding the science of sleep and improving sleep quality. Dr. Pelayo, a sleep specialist at Stanford University, dives into the intricate workings of sleep, offering insights into why we sleep, how it affects our health, and what we can do to ensure better rest. The book covers a wide range of topics, including common sleep disorders, the impact of lifestyle choices on sleep, and practical strategies for creating a sleep-friendly environment. One of the book’s strengths is its practical approach. Dr. Pelayo provides clear, actionable advice on how to create a sleep-conducive environment, establish a bedtime […]
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Vietnam’s Forgotten Warriors
The Women is an exceptional historical saga that left me deeply affected. As a long-time fan of Hannah’s work, I’ve found each of her novels grimmer than the last, and The Women is no exception. It brilliantly but painfully portrays the life of Frances “Frankie” McGrath, a young nurse who serves in the Vietnam War. Hannah’s historical detail about the war, protests, music, and cultural tidbits transport readers back to the turbulent 1960s and 70s. The vivid settings and descriptions of the horrors of war are so powerful that you can almost feel the oppressive heat and humidity of Vietnam and hear the screams of those waiting in triage. The […]
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Broken Lives
The Two Lives of Sara is a dramatic novel set in 1960s Memphis, Tennessee. The story follows Sara King, a young, unwed mother fleeing her troubled past in Chicago with her newborn baby and haunting secrets. She finds refuge at The Scarlet Poplar, a boardinghouse owned by the kind and formidable Mama Sugar. Sara discovers a new sense of community. Mama Sugar and the diverse group of boarders offer her and her son Lebanon friendship and support. Among them is Jonas Coulter, an elementary school English teacher. As their romance blossoms, Sara becomes increasingly involved in the civil rights movement. Despite the warmth of her new life, Sara’s past and […]
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A Love Story Dimmed by Nazi Brutality
Sarah Freethy’s debut novel intertwines the haunting past of Nazi Germany with a daughter’s quest for truth. 1920s: Bettina, a free-spirited German avant-garde artist, meets and falls in love with Max Ehrlich, a Jewish Austrian student. The rise of the Nazis shatters their dream of escaping Germany. Max is deported to Dachau, where his skill in creating exquisite figures at the Allach porcelain factory helps him survive. Desperate to protect their unborn child, Bettina marries a rising Nazi SS officer. 1993: Clara, who grew up not knowing her father, sets out to discover his identity after her mother’s death. Bettina left behind a single clue—a rare porcelain Viking figurine. Clara’s journey uncovers […]
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A Heart-Wrenching Tale of Love and Defiance
We Must Not Think of Ourselves is a moving story set in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. The novel follows Adam Paskow, an English teacher and childless widower, confined to the ghetto along with 450,000 others. Forced to leave his spacious flat, Adam now shares a cramped apartment with two other families, works in a soup kitchen, and teaches English to children in a bombed-out movie theater. Adam’s life takes a turn when Emanuel Ringelblum recruits him to join a secret group of archivists documenting their experiences. Through interviews with his students and fellow residents, Adam records their lives, dreams, fears, and survival strategies. One of these interviews […]
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A Mother’s Quest to Find Her Children.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4. Eleanor Shearer’s debut novel, River Sing Me Home, begins on the Providence sugar plantation in Barbados in 1834. The master announces the end of slavery, but the slaves must work as apprentices for another six years. Rachel, born on the plantation, escapes in the dead of night to find her five children, sold away years ago. Her dangerous journey takes her from Barbados through the dense forests of British Guiana across the sea to Trinidad. Along the way, she receives help from former tobacco harvesters and runaway slaves. In Bridgetown, Rachel reunites with her mute daughter, Mary Grace. They travel with a seaman named […]
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