Hello everyone,
here are today's reviews. Enjoy!
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Secret Lives of the Tsars: Three Centuries of Autocracy, Debauchery, Betrayal, Murder, and Madness from Romanov Russia
by Michael Farquhar
The Romanovs, one of the world's most fascinating dynasties, ruled Russia for over 300 years. They were years full of shocking violence and unimaginable excesses, all now chronicled in this little book by Michael Farquhar. Rather than relating every event in the reign of each tsar, Farquhar, briefly sums up their most spectacular, scandalous, and violent, traits. Thus, the chapter on Alexander II focuses on the many attempts on his life, while those on Catherine The Great (she dominates the chapter about her husband, Peter III, too) are about her love life. Only the reign of the last tsar Nicholas II, who gets a staggering three chapters, is examined more in-depth.
Farquarh has done his research well. He doesn't repeat nasty rumours or mentions them in passing only to dismiss them, but, most importantly, he has been able to simplify 300 hundreds years of history without watering it down and making it shallow and incomplete. Instead, he puts events in the proper context, provides interesting insights on each tsar, and leaves readers with enough understanding of how the history of Russia has evolved during the reign of the Romanov dynasty. All this, while entertaining them too. Although this is by no means a funny read, the witty and colloquial writing style keeps the mood light, entertaining both history buffs and casual readers alike.
If you're already familiar with the Romanovs and craving new information about them, this book may disappoint you. You won't find anything new here. But if you're looking for an introduction to this dynasty, this is a great place to start.
Available at: amazon
Rating: 4/5
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Embrace Your Magnificence: Get Out of Your Own Way and Live a Richer, Fuller, More Abundant Life by Fabienne Fredrickson
Deep down, do you long for a richer, fuller, more abundant life? Once you realise how magnificent you are, that becomes possible. Fabienne Fredrickson knows it well. She had a difficult upbringing that shattered her self-esteem and self-love. It took a lot of time and a lot of work for Fabrienne to grow to love herself again, and only then, did she manifest her abundant life. Now, she shares her experiences, her realizations, and her advice to help others.
This short book is chock-full of tips and lessons on how to heal and achieve a high self-esteem. Fabienne reminds us that, to live a happier, richer, life we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, gossip about them, or judge them. It encourages us to listen to our intuition and to spend more time with people who support us and our dreams. It stresses the importance of being honest with yourself and taking personal responsibility for your words and action, as they, together with your thoughts, shape your life. Most importantly, the book prompts you to be yourself, not the person your family, your friends, your colleagues or society, expects you to be. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. You'll find many more tips inside the book.
But Fabienne never preaches. She's been there and knows the pain you're feeling. Her advice is delivered in a kind and compassionate manner that will make you feel like you're talking to a friend who really gets you and doesn't judge you. If you're suffering from low self-esteem, or know someone who does, I highly encourage you to pick up this book. You won't regret it.
Available at:amazon
Rating: 4.5/5
What do you think of these books? Are you curious to read them?
Disclaimer: I received these books in exchange for my honest opinion. In addition, this post contains affiliate links.
here are today's reviews. Enjoy!
by Michael Farquhar
The Romanovs, one of the world's most fascinating dynasties, ruled Russia for over 300 years. They were years full of shocking violence and unimaginable excesses, all now chronicled in this little book by Michael Farquhar. Rather than relating every event in the reign of each tsar, Farquhar, briefly sums up their most spectacular, scandalous, and violent, traits. Thus, the chapter on Alexander II focuses on the many attempts on his life, while those on Catherine The Great (she dominates the chapter about her husband, Peter III, too) are about her love life. Only the reign of the last tsar Nicholas II, who gets a staggering three chapters, is examined more in-depth.
Farquarh has done his research well. He doesn't repeat nasty rumours or mentions them in passing only to dismiss them, but, most importantly, he has been able to simplify 300 hundreds years of history without watering it down and making it shallow and incomplete. Instead, he puts events in the proper context, provides interesting insights on each tsar, and leaves readers with enough understanding of how the history of Russia has evolved during the reign of the Romanov dynasty. All this, while entertaining them too. Although this is by no means a funny read, the witty and colloquial writing style keeps the mood light, entertaining both history buffs and casual readers alike.
If you're already familiar with the Romanovs and craving new information about them, this book may disappoint you. You won't find anything new here. But if you're looking for an introduction to this dynasty, this is a great place to start.
Available at: amazon
Rating: 4/5
Deep down, do you long for a richer, fuller, more abundant life? Once you realise how magnificent you are, that becomes possible. Fabienne Fredrickson knows it well. She had a difficult upbringing that shattered her self-esteem and self-love. It took a lot of time and a lot of work for Fabrienne to grow to love herself again, and only then, did she manifest her abundant life. Now, she shares her experiences, her realizations, and her advice to help others.
This short book is chock-full of tips and lessons on how to heal and achieve a high self-esteem. Fabienne reminds us that, to live a happier, richer, life we shouldn't compare ourselves to others, gossip about them, or judge them. It encourages us to listen to our intuition and to spend more time with people who support us and our dreams. It stresses the importance of being honest with yourself and taking personal responsibility for your words and action, as they, together with your thoughts, shape your life. Most importantly, the book prompts you to be yourself, not the person your family, your friends, your colleagues or society, expects you to be. And this is only the tip of the iceberg. You'll find many more tips inside the book.
But Fabienne never preaches. She's been there and knows the pain you're feeling. Her advice is delivered in a kind and compassionate manner that will make you feel like you're talking to a friend who really gets you and doesn't judge you. If you're suffering from low self-esteem, or know someone who does, I highly encourage you to pick up this book. You won't regret it.
Available at:amazon
Rating: 4.5/5
What do you think of these books? Are you curious to read them?
Disclaimer: I received these books in exchange for my honest opinion. In addition, this post contains affiliate links.