Movie Review: Young Washington (2026)

Title: Young Washington

Length: 2h 1m

Released: 2026

Genre: Historical, Biography, War
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:

A young George Washington faces war, betrayal and impossible choices that will forge a leader.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Oh, Georgie Wash. I was so excited to see this!!!! I had to go see it in theaters. My fellow history nerd friend and I went to see it. And yes, I dragged poor Hubby along. 

We all know the history of George Washington. But how many know his early days? It was not an easy road for him. 

The cast was lovely. I LOVED who they had to play young George. I hope, in a few years, he can play an older George. He really filled those shoes well.

One thing of note I kept whispering to myself was the camera angles, especially in the battle scenes. They felt different but good. There is so much going on, and you feel in the middle of it. I think the camera team did great. 

Some of the dialogue felt a little cliché, but it didn't ruin the story or characters. I loved the foreshadow drops. Made me chuckle.

There was a "special message" at the end...skip it. It didn't add anything extra to the story or whatever. 

I would for sure watch this again. The battle, the story. It was entertaining and a reminder that everyone starts somewhere. A leader is not born. A leader is made. 

4 stars from me. 

 

Book Review: Ink Trails by Dave and Jack Depmsey

Author: Dave Dempsey & Jack Dempsey

Title: Ink Trails: Michigan's Famous and Forgotten Authors

Genre:  Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Paperback

Pages: 199

Published: August 1, 2012

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Long revered as the birthplace of many of the nation’s best-known authors, Michigan has also served as inspiration to countless others. In this entertaining and well-researched book—the first of its kind—the secrets, legends, and myths surrounding some of Michigan’s literary luminaries are explored. Which Michigan poet inspired a state law requiring teachers to assign at least one of his compositions to all students? Which young author emerged from the University of Michigan with a bestselling novel derided by some critics as “vulgar”? And from what Michigan city did Arthur Miller, Robert Frost, and Jane Kenyon draw vital inspiration? The answers to these questions and more are revealed in this rich literary history that highlights the diversity of those whose impact on letters has been indelible and distinctly Michiganian.

Review:

I was given this as a gift, and I was excited! You know I love a good nonfiction once in a while. Helps freshen the palate. 

In this little guy, we go over the histories of some authors who have ties to Michigan. Some born here, some raised here, and some worked here. Some...all three. 

Such a diversity of authors! It was a nice variety.

I learned a lot! There were some familiar names I had zero idea were connected to my home state. There were some names I never even heard of! 

It was a quick read, and it was refreshing for sure. 

The author(s) did a good job not weighing the reader down with dates and too much information. We got enough to get a gist of the author they were talking about. 

But yes. This was a nice and quick read. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Book Review: Scandalous Women by Elizabeth Kerri Mahon

Author: Elizabeth Kerri Mahon

Title: Scandalous Women

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: paperback

Pages: 304

Published: January 4, 2011

Where I got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

Throughout history women have caused wars, defied the rules, and brought men to their knees. The famous and the infamous, queens, divorcées, actresses, and outlaws have created a ruckus during their lifetimes-turning heads while making waves. Scandalous Women tells the stories of the risk takers who have flouted convention, beaten the odds, and determined the course of world events.

Review:

I love to read a couple of nonfiction books a year. I like learning, and it helps my brain reset in some strange way. 

Here, we have a collection of biographies about "scandalous" women throughout history. We get little snips about the lives of these women. 

The author had a decent selection of women. They all made a splash somehow, and it was interesting seeing them hold their own in a male-dominated world. From spies to seductresses to divorcees to geniuses. It was nice. 

The tone made it interesting. It wasn't some stuffy and boring historical textbook. There was flair, and I appreciated it!! It made it fun. 

I would've liked a little more depth. I like the fluffy and light, don't get me wrong, but I would've liked maybe an analysis or something at the end of each section, or something. 

Also, I think I would've liked to see more women from different countries. We had the atypical US, UK, France, etc. And the time period was roughly the same for these women. Yes, we did get Cleopatra and a few medieval, but it seemed the majority seemed to be women between 1820 to 1920. Sure, some sprinkles, but I would've liked other stories too from women in other countries and time period that are looked over in our history. 

Other than that, I did like it. It was quick and informational. It was nice reading about women who didn't live their lives by the status quo of the time. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Book Review: Oscar Wilde by Richard Ellman

Author: Richard Ellman

Title: Oscar Wilde

Genre: Biography, Non-fiction

Format: Paperback

Pages: 736

Published: January 1, 1987

Where I got It: My shelf (Used Book store)

Summary: 

The biography sensitive to the tragic pattern of the story of a great subject: Oscar Wilde - psychologically and sexually complicated, enormously quotable, central to an. alluring cultural world and someone whose life assumed an unbearably dramatic shape.

Review:

I love Oscar Wilde so I picked this up at a used book store in 2022 (I can't remember the name of the place....I know it was a little place). I heard this was a good biography to check out if you are interested in learning more about the man and his works. Technically, Hubby picked this book for me to read. I literally couldn't decide on what physical book to read from my shelf so I had him pick a number and it landed on this one!

But yes, this is a biography about one of the greats....Oscar Wilde. Wilde was complicated and controversial during his time. 

So this was written in the 80s. I wonder how much of it is still true. I feel like there were a couple of notes or observations that I "mmmmed" about especially Wilde's sexuality. It felt too.... oblique. Wilde's sexuality LITERALLY was his downfall in society and I think to properly write a biography we need that deep dive into that part of his life. He was a complicated man and sometimes the book tried to simplify it too much or gloss over things. I should find a more recent biography to compare. 

This was pretty dry. The author tried to make it exciting and etc, but it felt like a textbook for the majority of the time. Which is fine, but it makes it a slow read and I felt like I was preparing for an exam. 

I loved all the added pictures! There were so many I have never seen before especially those pics of his family! :D Love!

We also got some snip bits of letters to and from Oscar. I loved that! I would love a book of just pictures and letters. That would be fun. 

All-in-all, this was extremely informative. I loved the pictures and the snip bits of letters. However, it was extremely dry at points and I feel like there were some important and key things that needed more of a deep dive. However, it was written in the 80s so I think that was a contributor. I'll stamp this with 3 stars. Even with some of my issues, it was a nice read. 

Book Review: Madly, Deeply by Alan Rickman

Author: Alan Rickman

Title: Madly, Deeply

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 469

Published: October 4, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from a friend

Summary: 

Madly Deeply is a rare invitation into the mind of Alan Rickman—one of the most magnetic, beloved performers of our time.

From his breakout role in Die Hard to his outstanding, multifaceted performances in the Harry Potter films, Galaxy Quest, Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, and more, Alan Rickman cemented his legacy as a world-class actor. His air of dignity, his sonorous voice, and the knowing wit he brought to each role continue to captivate audiences today.

But Rickman’s ability to breathe life into projects wasn't confined to just his performances. As you'll find, Rickman's diaries detail the extraordinary and the ordinary, flitting between worldly and witty and gossipy, while remaining utterly candid throughout. He takes us inside his home, on trips with friends across the globe, and on the sets of films and plays ranging from Sense and Sensibility, to Noël Coward's Private Lives, to the final film he directed, A Little Chaos.

Running from 1993 to his death in 2016, the diaries provide singular insight into Rickman's public and private life. Reading them is like listening to Rickman chatting to a close companion. Meet Rickman the consummate professional actor, but also the friend, the traveler, the fan, the director, the enthusiast; in short, the man beyond the icon.

Madly, Deeply features a photo insert, a foreword by Emma Thompson, and an afterword by Rima Horton.

Review:

I've been a fan of Alan Rickman since I was a wee thing. He was an incredible actor and he seemed like such a fun person to know. I delayed reading this for a bit, but I finally decided to jump in. 

We get to see some snip bits of Alan's life from 1993 to 2016. Emma Thompson, a very close friend, wrote the foreword and his love, Rima, wrote the afterword. 

I love diaries and autobiographies. They are so interesting and seeing a side of a person you never get to see. I still have my cringe school diaries and I tried writing some diaries as an adult but it never stuck. 

Writing a review on a person's inner most thoughts is SO hard. It is extra hard especially if the person is gone. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading more about Alan from Alan's POV. However, I felt like this was never meant to be published. It felt like....SparkNotes. Little notes from Alan to Alan for an autobiography or something. I wish he had had that chance! That would've been amazing! Or maybe if Alan had lived long enough to oversee how his diaries were to be released would've been awesome too. Sadly after his diagnosis he had so much to do and so little time to do it. So freaking sad.

Some entries were really good. I loved reading his thoughts about a show or a movie or a person. I especially loved seeing some bits of his vacations or travels. So cool! I loved seeing things from his POV. He really was an intriguing individual. So witty and introspective. There were sad moments that weighed on him. 

Some entries? I hate saying it but they were...boring. I hate sounding so harsh!!! Again, it just felt like a snapshot or a reminder for himself. I would've loved more explanation or details on certain events. Maybe if he had his hands on the release of this he could've added some additional details or thoughts. 

I did appreciate the afterword and foreword. If you read this, please read both entries. 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this for what it is. It felt like little notes for himself and I wish he had had a chance to write his own story. I loved seeing a little bit of the man behind the scenes. He was so intriguing and witty. He was so beloved by so many people. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Movie (Documentary) Review: The First American (2016)

Title: The First American

Length: 1h 35m

Released: 2016

Genre: Biography, Documentary
Rating: Not Rated (I would say MAYBE PG)
Where I Got It: Amazon

SUMMARY:

George Washington is central to understanding America's founding. He was the crucial figure in winning the American Revolution, in creating the Constitution, and in establishing the precedents for effective self-government as our first President. George Washington's sense of virtue, his lifelong activity as a citizen, his reverence for the rule of law, and his commitment to establishing the American Republic make him the essential figure for every American to know and study.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I technically watched this July 4th weekend, but I honestly forgot to write this review. I watch so few movies these days. I've been more into my TV shows lately. So yeah - I went back and watched this just so I could remember what I watched. 

Here we dive deep into George Washington and his life and impact on the United States. He was the first president. He was very beloved back then and for some...still beloved today. 

I thought this was very well done overall. I'm happy that the creators kept this bi-partisan and didn't try to push their political parties' agenda. This was about Washington and his impact on this country. Nicely done. 

I'm glad they dug into his pre-Revolution life; his childhood and his young adult life. From the research I've done on the man, his early life is really interesting and really would lead him to victory in the future. He was a complex man and unknown man. He was quiet and reserved. I think the documentary did a good job reflecting that. 

The acting scenes were.....okay. Some bits were really good like the battles. But there were some cringey moments. I'm not sure the person playing Martha was the person to do it. Maybe it was the script? She seemed SO awkward. George was nicely portrayed, but Martha was a bit off. 

This was a nice documentary and I would recommend it to people who would like to learn more. Very informative AND interesting. It wasn't boring at all. I think this would be a nice tape for students. 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

Movie Review: The Queen (2006)

Title: The Queen

Length: 1h 43m

Released: 2024

Genre: Biography, Drama
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: On the plane

SUMMARY:

After the death of Princess Diana, Queen Elizabeth II struggles with her reaction to a sequence of events nobody could have predicted.

Trailer

REVIEW:

I swore I had watched this movie years and year ago. Some scenes seemed familiar, but it must've been before I started this blog or I just didn't type up a review. 

ANYWAY.

Here we follow Queen Elizabeth II after the death of Princess Diana. We get to see her perspective and that of her family. We also get to see the perspective of the new Prime Minister and his team and family. This event will make or break the crown. 

You have to feel bad for Elizabeth. She is a complex woman and had a complex relationship with Diana. People loved Diana but she wasn't perfect. The same can be said about Elizabeth. She is loved and hated all at the same time. I loved how they portrayed her. Helen Mirren is a treasure and everything she touches is gold *chef kiss*

Like I said, I feel like I watched this movie before. Some scenes felt familiar especially with the deer. The more I think about it....the more I think I watched this with Hubby. Now I feel bad because I never typed up a review from what I find. 

But yes, I really enjoyed this movie and I liked the mixing of real footage with filmed footage. It felt so real. 

I wonder if that scene with the deer really happened. Or was it made up? I should look it up, but in my heart I'll be sad if it was made up.

Again, great cast (especially who played our Queen) and it makes you see how complex these people are. Sure they are royalty, but they are so human.

All-in-all, I'll give this 5 stars. It was really good. It really gives you a nice behind-the-scenes look at such a tragic event. 

Book Review: The Duchess by Amanda Foreman

Author: Amanda Foreman

Title: The Duchess

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Paperback

Pages: 456

Published: January 1, 1998

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used Book store)

Summary: 

Lady Georgiana Spencer was the great-great-great-great-aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, and was nearly as famous in her day. In 1774 Georgiana achieved immediate celebrity by marrying William Cavendish, fifth duke of Devonshire, one of England’s richest and most influential aristocrats. She became the queen of fashionable society and founder of the most important political salon of her time. But Georgiana’s public success concealed an unhappy marriage, a gambling addiction, drinking, drug-taking, and rampant love affairs with the leading politicians of the day. With penetrating insight, Amanda Foreman reveals a fascinating woman whose struggle against her own weaknesses, whose great beauty and flamboyance, and whose determination to play a part in the affairs of the world make her a vibrant, astonishingly contemporary figure.

Review:

I picked this up an eon ago. Been meaning to read this but you know how life goes. When I originally picked this up I swore it was more like the movie, but it is a nonfiction. Once I got going I realized that it was an informational instead.

This is a biography book about Georgiana and her life. She was extremely popular and famous in her day. She married one of England's richest and most influential aristocrats. She became the queen of fashion and a staple of the ton. However, money and fame can only buy you so much. She had an unhappy marriage, gambling addiction, and a rampant lover affairs. 

Yess this was very informational and it was nice learning more about this beautiful lady. I loved the movie and I really wanted to read this. Even though it wasn't what I expected, I still enjoyed myself. Lots of details and snip bits from letters and etc that survived. 

But yes. This was a nice read. Refreshing in a way. We got to see some deep detail about a woman who is still remembered today. 

Now...I want to re-watch the movie ;) 

I'll give this 4 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Informational

Movie Review: Victoria & Abdul (2017)

Title: Victoria & Abdul

Length: 1 hr, 51 mins

Released: 2017

Genre:  Biography, Drama 
Rating: PG-13
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:

Queen Victoria strikes up an unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this for forever. I had it on my To-Watch list for years methinks. I needed something different and...light. So here we go. 

This is the story of Victoria and Abdul. They strike up unlikely friendship. Victoria is queen of the British Empire and Empress of India. Abdul is poor Indian clerk who was selected to present the queen a ceremonial coin. 

This was very sweet. Victoria was so ready to just die. Enter in the adorable and kind Abdul to give her a 2nd wind in life. He was happy to impart some knowledge and become her teacher. Simply loved their innocent friendship. 

Bertie and the majority of the staff were gigantic babies and fools. So jealous. So racist. 

I did end up adoring Mohammed! His speech to Bertie and the others had me cheering. Good on you friend. 

The cast was fantastic. The script great. The story fun.

Oooh that ending. It had me in tears. 

All-in-all, I really adored this movie. I loved learning about Abdul and seeing their friendship grow. Def 100% recommend it. 5 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Charming

Book Review: I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Author: Jennette McCurdy

Title: I'm Glad My Mom Died

Genre: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction

Format: hardcover

Pages: 320 

Published: August 9, 2022

Where I Got It: Borrowed from friend

Summary: 

A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

Review:

Many of my friends read this and I do remember liking iCarly in my youth soooo I had to read this.

Here we read Jennette's story in her words. We see her as a child becoming a star. We see her grow up with that stardom. We see her live her mother's dream. Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy so she went along for the ride. Even after her mother's passing, she would struggle to free herself from her mother's vision. 

This was so extremely sad. Yes, just like life, there is some humor which helped. Overall though, this was so sad. So tragic.

Just like a lot of child star's she had a mom who pushed her NOT because the child wanted to be a star, but because the parent wanted to live through their kid. Diets and abuse to keep the kid on track. So very sad. 

It took me forever to read this. Not because it was bad, but because it was good. It made me feel. It made me react. There are some parts that struck a little too close to home for me. I def had to take this in strides and in small amounts. This reminded me over an overly strong drink. Very good, but strong, so you need to take baby sips. 

The writing was great. I hope Jennette writes more. Maybe not about her life, but I could def see some self-help books or even fiction novels. She really had a way about her writing that I liked. 

All-in-all, this was really good. Even if you didn't watch the show or know anything about Jennette....I think you would really enjoy this. It was tragic with tiny sprinkles of hope and humor. I'll stamp this with 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Tragic

Movie Review: Oppenheimer (2023)

Title: Oppenheimer

Length: 3 hrs

Released: 2023

Genre:  Biography, Drama, History
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Peacock

SUMMARY:

The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.

Trailer

REVIEW:

Been meaning to watch this and I really am bummed I didn't watch this in theaters. This would've been visually wonderful on the big screen. But 3 hours in a theater and not pausing? Oof. So maybe it's good I watched it at home with Hubby. 

Here we watch the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer who was the father of the atomic bomb. We not only see his journey and his team's journey to taking a theory and making it a thing, but we also see the aftermath to his career. 

Dang this had one heck of a cast. They spent ALL the money on this. Loads and loads of big names and they all did amazing. They played off each other well. Sometimes with so many big names it can feel like a battle on the screen. 

What a controversial man even in his own time. He was interesting and I knew so little about him. I knew the basics....he led the Manhattan Project....that's all. It was interesting not only learning about him, but the majority of his whole team. I feel like the movie did a good job really getting to the heart of the people...especially Oppenheimer. He was complex. His emotions with what happened with his product was beautiful to watch. You could tell he had mixed feelings, but that last scene with Albert....broke my heart in a way. They don't victimize him or excuse what they all did, BUT it does make you look at the people themselves. It makes you question yourself too.....what would you have done in those desperate and scary times? 

Honestly....this could've been two movies. There was so much more they could've really dived into. 

The jumping around time could've used a more distinct indicator or something when switching around. You def have to pay attention. There was a time or two when I was momentarily confused, but I would catch my bearings and be okay. This is a film you HAVE to pay attention to. Lots of subtle things. 

But yes. This is a film that everyone should watch. It does give us a look at humanity. Not just of the past....but of today. It makes you think. It makes you feel. It makes you question everything. I can see why this got the hype it did. It was really good. I do want to re-watch someday. I'll give this 4 stars. The time hopping could have been done slightly better. They did good, but I feel like there could've been a better indicator. 

I'm starting something new in March for reviews....one word summaries...because I love trying new things with my reviews. 

One Word Summary: INTENSE

Audiobook Review: Victoria & Albert - A Royal Love Affair

Author: Daisy Goodwin & Sara Sheridan

Narrator: Jessica Ball & Dugald Bruce Lockhart

Title: Victoria and Albert - A Royal Love Affair

Genre: Nonfiction, Biography

Format: Audiobook

Published: September 21, 2017

Where I got It: Audible

Summary: 

The official companion to the second season of the PBS/Masterpiece drama Victoria by award-winning creator and screenwriter Daisy Goodwin.

More than 16 million viewers watched the first season of the Masterpiece presentation of Victoria, created and written by Daisy Goodwin--the highest-rated PBS drama in twenty years, second only to Downton Abbey. But what happened after the Queen married her handsome prince? Did they live happily ever after, or did their marriage, like so many royal marriages past and present, fizzle into a loveless round of duty?

This all-new companion book by Daisy Goodwin and Sara Sheridan transports us to the private world of Victoria and Albert. Though first cousins, they could not have been more different: Victoria was impulsive, emotional, and capricious, Albert cautious, self-controlled, and logical. But together they forged a bond with each other and with their people that would change the world. Drawing on letters and diaries and fresh insights into royal history, this gorgeous book charts the constant ebb and flow of power within the couple's surprisingly ardent and modern marriage.

Sumptuously illustrated and full of rich insider detail, Victoria and Albert takes us behind the scenes of the magnificent TV drama, including fascinating, in-depth information on the actors, the props, and the costumes - and bringing an extraordinary royal marriage even more fully to life.

Review:

Awww I adored this show and so I was excited to read not only this behind-the-scenes...but this informational about the Queen and her husband. 

In this, we hear from the creator and writer of the TV show 'Victoria'. She gives us some glimpses behind the scenes of the TV show and she gives us a history lesson about not only Victoria but of her husband and the time-period. 

If you haven't seen the show....do. It was so good. After listening to this I am tempted to go back and do a re-watch. Such a fun show with a great cast. 

Honestly, I would HIGHLY encourage watching the show first before diving into this. I do not think you'll truly appreciate this as much as you would after watching the show. There are lots and lots of references to the show. 

I loved the blend of information we got here. Not only did we get some historical lessons, but we got to learn about how they did the show. Between costumes and set design...to her writing process and learning about the time-period. It was all so interesting on so many different levels. I love history, but I am so intrigued by the creation of TV shows/movies. 

Now, I did do the audio version which was REALLY good...don't get me wrong...but I was reading a couple of reviews on Goodreads and I guess the ebook/physical has actual pictures. Gah! I'm bummed.

All-in-all, this was a nice informational about not only our epic duo, but of the time-period and the show that goes with it. I do wish I would've read it instead JUST so I could see the pictures, but the narration was really, really good. I'll give this 4 stars.

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook Challenge - #5

Audiobook Review: The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

Author: Britney Spears

Narrator: Michelle Williams

Title: The Woman in Me

Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 24, 2023

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Review:

I put myself in line for both the ebook, physical, and audiobook and we would see what would come first. I was in the library queue to borrow this book for a month or so. I didn't expect to get this for another month. Miracle upon miracle, the audiobook arrived early. 

This is Britney Spear's story in her own words. She covers her early childhood to currently in her freedom. For the first time, we get to see her truth and what her fame and family did to her. 

I have been a fan of Britney since I was a little girl. I remember learning her dance moves. Learning her songs. I wanted to BE her. She was a superstar in my eyes. As I grew up I still enjoyed her music. I remember watching interviews and the paparazzi harassing her. If you couldn't see how they treated her back then...you were blind. She was our version of Princess Diana.  They put her and her children in danger just to get a pic. I'm surprised they didn't get her hurt or killed with their antics. Nasty, disgusting. 

And then, like the rest of the world, I was shocked by the reveal that her father had her in an unfair conservatorship. Listening to her tales of her suffocated life during this time made me want to sob. The girl had to beg for food. She was on a strict diet. Strict work routine. Strict medical shit. Strict bathroom routine. Strict EVERYTHING. Her isolation she described had me itching to run outside and get in my car and scream "FUCK THE PATRICHY" while I smoke, eat, and wear nothing but a bikini. How her father got away with it for YEARS stuns me. Shame. Shame on all the people who did that to her. 

Yes, the author had ghostwriters to help her write her tale and then had Michelle Williams (the actress) narrate. I think it was good she had other forces help her collect her thoughts and tales and put them into a novel. It flowed well and I could feel her in those words. They felt like her words. 

The narrator was fantastic. I listened to this whole audiobook in a matter of 24 hours. Yes, it was that addictive. Now...as much as I liked this narrator's performance.....a part of me really wished that the author read her own words. I get WHY she didn't want to, but she had been silenced for so long, I feel this would've made this book more impactful. 

Overall, this was a quick read, but it was good. It will make you feel all the feelings. Even though I wanted Britney to narrate, the narrator she hired on was fantastic. I'll give this 4 stars.  

 

Challenge(s):

- #55 for Audiobook challenge

Movie Review: Napoleon (2023)

Title: Napoleon

Length: 2h 49m

Released: 2023

Genre:  Historical Fiction, Action/Adventure, Biography
Rating: R
Where I Got It: Theater 

SUMMARY:

An epic that details the checkered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

Trailer

REVIEW:

The moment I first saw the trailer I KNEW I had to see this in theaters. There was no other option for me. The cast....the director....the subject matter? Yes. 

This is about the infamous Napoleon Bonaparte. We get to witness his rise and fall politically and with Josephine. While he conquered the world....Josephine conquered his every waking thought. 

The reviews of this are SO polarized. Which is fitting for Napoleon. In his life and even today he is either loved or hated. Makes sense the film would settle in the hearts of people differently. 

Personally....I ended up LOVING this movie. It was really good. I will admit that it was a slow, slow burn...........but it oddly fit. I loved watching the tension rise and rise until everything shattered at the Battle of Waterloo. Damn, that was a scene. 

The cast was brilliant and I loved watching them. I honestly couldn't take my eyes off Napoleon and Josephine. They were captivating in their portrayals and if they don't win SOMETHING I would be utterly shocked.

Lots and lots of people are mad since there were some liberties taken like the first scene with Marie Antoinette. Many claim Napoleon was not there. Well..........do we know 100% for sure? Who knows. And yes I could spot a couple of historical inaccuracies but you have to take Hollywood historicals with a grain of salt. The creators will change things and for lack of a better phrase...butter up the screen. Now there is a fine, fine line to be careful of and I found that they did a good job on that line. Historically accurate enough for History Nerds like me to enjoy it, but still have it be entertaining enough for people like my husband who is meh about history. *chefs kiss* Very nice. 

But yesssssss I loved it. It was good. I wouldn't mind a re-watch one day. I think it's going on the Apple Streaming Service (boo), so I may have to buy it on DVD one day. 

5 stars for sure. I for sure recommend this BUT be warned that there is a lot of blood. It is a war film at the end of the day.