Tag: Non Fiction

Books, Reading

Special Feature: Agatha Christie: First Lady of Crime by H.R.F. Keating

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: Agatha Christie: First Lady of Crime by H.R.F. Keating

Is there really any argument when it comes to who the first lady of crime is? No, no there is not. Agatha Christie is the queen of crime and mystery novels. She has written many a beloved series and I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t read at least one Christie novel or at least seen a film or two based on one of her books.

I know that I have enjoyed her books as well as some of the films and tv series based on her books, and while I have enjoyed the films and such, nothing beats her actual books. I think one of the things that I often ask myself though is what was this amazing woman like in real life? What is her story? Where did she get her inspiration from? Beyond her books, I don’t really know much about her as a woman which is one of the reasons this book caught my eye.

I don’t read a lot of non fiction or biographies but this one sounds really interesting and I think that fans of Christie will find something to enjoy in getting to know the beloved author a little better. The author of this book, H. R. F. Keating, is a mystery writer in her own right and I am eager to see how her love of writing mysteries translates in this lovely non fiction work about one of the most beloved authors of all time! If biographies are your thing, I think you should check this one out and discover a bit more about the woman behind some of the most iconic mystery novels of all time!

Continue reading “Special Feature: Agatha Christie: First Lady of Crime by H.R.F. Keating” →
Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts

I have had a life long love affair with horses. I absolutely love horses and grew up riding (hunters and western reigning). As I grew into an adult I continued riding and purchased my own horse when I was in my 30s. Horses are such magnificent animals and to be honest there is no friend like a horse. I cried for days when I sold mine. I entered a new phase in my life (parenthood) and had to pause my riding. I do know that I will return to riding one day—-that is a guarantee.

When I was a child I must have read Black Beauty and The Saddle Club books a million times, as an adult I read The Eighty-Dollar Champion, also one of Elizabeth Letts books. My horse was an off the track thoroughbred (OTTB) and a big white gelding. So to say I connected with Letts books was an understatement. She has a unique way of capturing the essence of bond between horse and owner/rider and writes with such passion for the animals and their stories.

Now that her next book, The Ride of Her Life is out, you can guarantee that I have it already downloaded and ready to read this summer. This book follow the real life story of Annie Wilkins who rides her horse across the U.S. to see the Pacific ocean before she dies. If you love moving stories that included horses and other animals, then you don’t want to miss this one. The story of Annie Wilkins is incredible and quite moving even if you aren’t into horses you don’t want to miss this truly unique story! Be watching for my review later this summer!

Continue reading “Special Feature: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts” →
Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Age of Decadence: A History of Britain: 1880-1914 by Simon Heffer

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Age of Decadence: A History of Britain: 1880-1914 by Simon Heffer

I don’t read a ton of non fiction or history books anymore. I mean I kind of got my fill when I was doing my masters in history. It’s not that I don’t love history or reading non fiction history books, but I have to been in the mood for one. I do love history books, but for the most part, I lean toward novels and fiction or mysteries. But ever once in a while a great history book catches my eye.

One of my favorite periods in history is that odd few years between the Victorian era and WWI. It was a time of elegance and riches the likes of which the world is unlikely to ever see again. At the start of the Great War, the world as we know it under went massive social change and it’s such an exciting time period for me.

That was one of the reasons why this book caught my eye. It pinpoints my favorite period in history and brings it directly into the spotlight. Simon Heffer’s 900+ page history book has received some high praise from readers. While it might be on the long side, it covers so much of British history in great detail…..social, artistic, and cultural history come together in this exciting new history book! I cannot wait to check out some of the topics he covers in this one. And it sounds like it’s a very readable history book rather than a dull text. I am really looking forward to this one!

Continue reading “Special Feature: The Age of Decadence: A History of Britain: 1880-1914 by Simon Heffer” →
Books, Reading

Special Feature: The Last Queen: Elizabeth II’s Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor by Clive Irving

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Special Feature: The Last Queen: Elizabeth II’s Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor by Clive Irving

There has been a bright spot in the pandemic, I have finally had an excuse to get caught up on some of my favorite Netflix shows, one of which is The Crown. I absolutely love anything related to the monarchy and I was so excited to finally have some time to catch up on one of my favorite shows!

I have read a lot of fiction based on the Windsor monarchy, but I hadn’t read too many non fiction novels though. In general I am not a big non fiction reader but I have enjoyed some memoirs and other non fiction works, I mean I am a historian after all, which is one of the reasons this book caught my eye.

Today I am thrilled to be bringing you guys not only a little bit about this book, but a special excerpt written but the author as well all about Queen Elizabeth II. If you love The Crown and are looking for a more comprehensive history of the royals, then this might be a book you want to check out!

Continue reading “Special Feature: The Last Queen: Elizabeth II’s Seventy Year Battle to Save the House of Windsor by Clive Irving” →
Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Love Poems for the Office by John Kenney

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Love Poems for the Office by John Kenney

John Kenney’s quick little ‘Love Poems’ books have been a bright spot in my reading calendar over the last few years. While not quite a ‘poet’ Kenney never ceases to connect with his audience in an unexpected way.

I laughed out loud at a number of this poems over the years and have enjoyed giving these little books to friends and family throughout the years, especially for stocking stuffers. He has a wonderful comedic voice.

When this one came up for review, I was excited to read it because I know that he has rarely written a poem that I don’t find humor in, in at least one way or another. And these books are short and quick to read as they are poetry, you can easily pass some times quickly reading through this collection.

Continue reading “Review: Love Poems for the Office by John Kenney” →