Olivia recommends: A Fine Romance: Falling in Love with the English Countryside by Susan Branch
Genre: Memoir
Reading level: Adult
Summary: Who doesn’t love photos of beautiful flowers and cottages?
Olivia says: Susan Branch has a very eloquent way of writing. Her hand painted watercolors that adorn each page help to paint the pictures of her adventures in the UK exploring the English countryside. I couldn’t put it down!
This title is available at Tyler Free Library.
Olivia recommends: Educated by Tara Westover
Genre: Memoir
Reading level: Adult
Summary: Westover recounts overcoming her survivalist Mormon family in order to go to college, and emphasizes the importance of education in enlarging her world.
Olivia says: The author did a fantastic job of describing all her hardships in order to do what she felt was right to better her future.
This title is available at Tyler Free Library.
Olivia recommends: The Marriage Game by Alison Weir
Genre: Historical fiction
Reading Level: Teen and up
Summary: Another masterpiece by Alison Weir telling the story of Elizabeth I and the mounting pressure she was under to take a husband during her rein.
Olivia says: This author does an amazing job of bringing Tudor history to life. It was so interesting to read about Elizabeth I’s life as Queen and the constant pressure she was under to marry. Before reading this book, I knew a bit about the history between the late Queen and Robert Dudley, but the author brings more information to light, which was interesting to read about as well.
This title is available at Tyler Free Library.
Olivia recommends: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I by Tracy Borman
Genre: Nonfiction
Reading Level: Adult
Summary: This book tells the interesting story of Anne Boleyn’s relationship and influence over her daughter, Elizabeth I.
Olivia says: Tracy Borman is a favorite historical Tudor period author of mine. Each of her books are outstanding, and this one doesn’t disappoint either! I enjoyed the well written timeline of Anne Boleyn’s marriage to Henry VIII and her time as Queen and Mother to the future Queen Elizabeth I. Many people may believe that Queen Anne was forgotten and put aside by her daughter based on what others hoped she would believe after her execution, but this book proves otherwise and offers a unique and fascinating perspective to this famous mother daughter duo. I highly recommend.
Olivia recommends: Spare by Prince Harry
Genre: Autobiography
Reading Level: Adult
Summary: This is Prince Harry’s biography from childhood to adulthood. The book goes into detail about the many trials and tribulations he faces as a member of the royal family.
Olivia says: I recommend this book because it as extremely eye-opening. It is easy to believe that the royal family is perfect in every way based on what the media portrays. Prince Harry’s side of the story was told well and is honestly very believable. I have a totally different picture in the my head of the family he as born into and the reason why he needed to get himself, his wife and two children out of the spotlight and somewhere more safe. I recommend listening to this book over reading it, as hearing his voice tell his own story makes the reader have a more sympathetic ear toward his cause.
This book is available at Foster Public Library.
