The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The Nightingale

by Kristin Hannah

ST. Martin's Griffin

978-1-250-08040-0

My thoughts about The Nightingale 

-a novel by Kristin Hannah

--Donna Wisteria --

We've Been Here Before
How Rebellion and Activism Have Always Sustained America

REVISED 07/23/26
by Michael I Days and Angela P Dodson
 

 ISBN979-8-8808-3737-4

Broadleaf Books. s
Published 2026

As we celebrate the Centiquintentennial 250 years of the Declaration of Independence this book landed at my doorstep. I am enjoying this historical book beyond words..It is masterfully researched and a book I can't put down. As a former librarian, the endnotes are particularly important to me whenever I read a historical book. The authors have documented with depth and extensive research relative books, speeches and other sources to back up this non-fiction book.
This is a complex history of the United States, which at times can be quite disturbing as the reality of history as it happened is corrected. As most know, times (most times) much of American History was buried,,conveniently omitted or misinformation published.

The book is essentially a chapter by chapter walk through the struggles of the Indigenous people, freedom from enslavement and work of the abolitionists, women' s rights-voting and beyond, the labor movement, peace, climate and the earth. The authors have written with detail and at times disturbing frankness about the realities of incidents, events and unheard of atrocities.

To quote ..."the overall message: "in this book, we aggressively explore the complex history of the United States, including the colonists quest for religious freedom, the displacement of Indigenous people, and enslavement and the responses to it, including rebellion, self-emancipation, the Underground Railroad, and the Abolition Movement. We trace the history of some of the most fundamental social movements that have shaped the nation: the struggles for rights-women's, labor and civil-as well as the movement for peace and environmental stewardship including climate change."

This book is a riveting and a must read account of the past 250 years of our nation. With candor the authors use these historical events and with each movement, they show the leaders, who challenged the status quo. Those who refused to sit back even when the stakes were dire.

Have we learned from our past and which way the republic is headed? So many questions. The takeaway from We’ve Been Here Before is that to maintain the republic it will take all of us. The words of President Abraham Lincoln was included in the Epilogue (220):

“The probability that we may fail in the struggle ought not deter us from the support of a cause we believe to be just.” (Abraham Lincoln, 1839)”

Highly recommended for incorporating the struggles of the past with the difficult miasma we face today.

Donna W Edwards for Library Thing Early Reviewers July 23, 2026

We've Been Here Before
by Michael I Days and Angela P Dodson

ISBN979-8-8808-3737-4
Broadleaf Books. s
Published 2026

We've Been Here Before,
by Michael I Days and Angela P Dodson

ISBN979-8-8808-3737-4
Broadleaf Books. s

As we celebrate the Centiquintentennial 250 years of the Declaration of Independence this book landed at my doorstep. I am enjoying this historical book beyond words..It is masterfully researched and a book I can't put down. As I librarian, the endnotes are important. 

To quote ..."the overall message: "in this book, we aggressively explore the complex history of the United States, including the colonists quest for religious freedom, the displacement of Indigenous people, and enslavement and the responses to it, including rebellion, self-emancipation, the Underground Railroad, and the Abolition Movement. We trace the history of some of the most fundamental social movements that have shaped the nation: the struggles for rights-women's, labor and civil-as well as the movement for peace and environmental stewardship including climate change." 

This is a complex history of the United States, which at times can be quite disturbing as the reality of history as it happened is corrected. As most know,times (most times) much of the American History was buried,,conveniently omitted or misinformation published. 

In any case, I fine the book a riveting account of our country at this 250year anniversary. Where are we?

Have we learned from our past and which way is the republic headed? So many questions. Full review to follow with Library Thing, Early Reviewer program. 

Fool: A Tudor Novel by Mary Lawrence

Fool: A Tudor Novel

Jester's reckoning-betrayal,revenge and the power of perception 

by Mary Lawrence

Fool, A Tudor Novel, by Mary Lawrence
ISBN# 978-1-7347361-1-3

 

As soon as I read the book summary provided on the Early Reviewers website, Fool A Tudor Novel, became a must read. So, from that moment on the thought of reading this novel intrigued me. Mary Lawrence shows that she is a skillful storyteller as she captivated my attention from the beginning. With that said, should you be a person who perks up at the mention of a Tudor Novel, or King Henry VIII, his court and numerous wives, Lawrence will have you intrigued with her story, Fool. A Tudor Novel.
It is commonly known that Henry enjoyed entertainment. Live music and dance, jousting and hunting, great food accompanied by fools and other performances. Perhaps most important was his large ego and passion for women.
Therefore, when the character of Kronos appears, it is easily assumed that he would have been at the court of King Henry VIII. Kronos is a busybody, loves to eavesdrop and loves the ladies of the court. Kronos is a dwarf, not attractive, but the ladies seem to adore him. Unfortunately for Kronos, he suffers an unspeakable punishment for his actions.
Fool. A Tudor Novel, is laced with intrigue, mystery and unexpected plot twists. Kronos is a likable fool despite his hideous disfigurement and dwarf stature. Often underestimated. Is he a fool? Mary Lawrence pens this puzzling story of Kronos to ensure the reader is in questionable suspense till the end.
Highly Recommended~
~Donna W Edwards 6/18/26

Original posting on Library Thing Awarded Early Reviewer

Our Libraries and Freedom of Speech Need Your Help

From the American Library Association

Have you taken action for libraries yet today? There's no better way to celebrate #NationalLibraryWeek than by raising your voice to oppose censorship and show up #ForOurLibraries!

Take action with us and tell your House Rep to REJECT censorship and PROTECT the freedom to read: https://lnkd.in/gwzJSGHu

From The American Library Association 

Article by 

I had to share this fabulous picture and article by Cara Bertram.  Her full article is linked below. 

 It reminds me of the Book Fairs of today that travel to our schools to bring books to kids. I will always remember my mother telling me to list a few books I wanted. Well, of course I filled up the sheet. She would always buy me one or two of the books I selected. What I didn't know was that she would buy a couple of the other titles and hold them for my birthday or Christmas holiday. It was always a surprise and  my love of books has never wavered. 

How about you? 

150 YEARS STRONG

Books on Wheels

•                                     By Cara Bertram
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April 22, 2026

Meet My New Kitty, "Charles Dickens".

Charles Dickens

 

 

Charles Dickens is my new 6 month old kitten. He has has brought so much laughter and joy each day with his slick playful smart and curious adventures.  

He has had several names since I adopted him. Q-tip, because he is all black with a 1" white tipped tail. Then came Polaris-given due to the importance of finding your way in life.  Finally, he came to be known as Charles Dickens after one of my favorite authors. Plus, dickens can refer to an imp, which is perfect for Charles Dickens...my little imp. 

He is a big mush and loves to go for walks in his backpack.  

Bookworm's Dinner

Bookworm's Dinner

Well it's been a busy couple of years for sure. Can't believe my last post was 7/4/23.  That would have been just before the 2023-2024 school year. What a year. New principal. New rules. Medical issues that would interfere with the upcoming school year. So, when April 2024 arrived I knew I would retire just shy of the end of the school year.  The year was not easy. Was I happy to retire? Yes and No

PRO

Health improvement

No stress

No commute

Retirement & One Day at a Time

No more weekends creating lesson plans

CON

~Media Center Usage

-The Library became a Conference Room, Classroom, Testing Room. 

-The students suffered. Media Specialist on a cart, no warning and quick change lessons. 

~I became the building sub. 

~Leaving my students was hard. They were the reason I was a teacher. They taught me as  taught them

My 25 years as a media specialist in middle and elementary schools was a second, third career. I wanted to help children and be an advocate for reading free choice.  That part of my being is in the past. The future is not promised to anyone. I value each day, each hour and minute. 

From the spiritual teachings of Eckhart Tolle:

"What you perceive as precious is not time but the one point that is out of time: the Now. That is precious indeed. The more you are focused on time—past and future—the more you miss the Now, the most precious thing there is."~~ Eckhart Tolle

 

Alison Weir's New Historical Fiction

Alison Weir Fans Delight!

The King's Pleasure:
A Novel of Henry VIII

Publication Date is May 30, 2023

Ballatine -Penguin Random House

ISBN 9780593355060, 512 pages

Formats Available to Pre-order Kindle and Hardccover through your favorite bookstore. 

Penguin. Amazon  Barnes & Noble. IndieBound (Local)

Category:Historical Fiction, Literary Fictioon

As one of the most avid fans of Alison Weir's works of both Non-fiction 

Biographies and Historical Fiction Novels this news creates an immediate emotional  must have compulsion. 

A bestselling author  of The Sixth Tudor Queens Series and The Last White Rose.

 I once attended a book signing in CT to see and listen to Alison Weir. She is in a word impressive.

Hear what the publisher has released to the press. 

The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and brutal reign in this extraordinary historical novel.

Having completed her Six Tudor Queens series of novels on the wives of Henry VIII, extensively researched and written from each queen’s point of view, Alison Weir now gives Henry himself a voice, telling the story of his remarkable thirty-six-year reign and his six marriages. 

Young Henry began his rule as a magnificent and chivalrous Renaissance prince who embodied every virtue. He had all the qualities to make a triumph of his kingship, yet we remember only the violence. Henry famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and launching a religious revolution that divided his kingdom. He beheaded two of his wives and cast aside two others. He died a suspicious, obese, disease-riddled tyrant, old before his time. His reign is remembered as one of dangerous intrigue and bloodshed—and yet the truth is far more complex.

The King’s Pleasure brings to life the idealistic monarch who expanded Parliament, founded the Royal Navy, modernized medical training, composed music and poetry, and patronized the arts. A passionate man in search of true love, he was stymied by the imperative to produce a male heir, as much a victim of circumstance as his unhappy wives. Had fate been kinder to him, the history of England would have been very different.

Here is the story of the private man. To his contemporaries, he was a great king, a legend in his own lifetime. And he left an extraordinary legacy—a modern Britain.

The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and brutal reign in this extraordinary historica.

Having completed her Six Tudor Queens series of novels on the wives of Henry VIII, extensively researched and written from each queen's point of view, Alison Weir now gives Henry himself a voice, telling the story of his remarkable thirty-six-year reign and his six marriages.

Young Henry began his rule as a magnificent and chivalrous Renaissance prince who embodied every virtue. He had all the qualities to
make a triumph of his kingship, yet we remember only the violence. Henry famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and launching a religious revolution that divided his kingdom. He beheaded two of his wives and cast aside two others. He died a suspicious, obese, disease-riddled tyrant, old before his time. His reign is remembered as one of dangerous intrigue and bloodshed—and yet the truth is far more complex.

The King's Pleasure brings to life the idealistic monarch who expanded Parliament, founded the Royal Navy, modernized medical training, composed music and poetry, and patronized the arts. A passionate man in search of true love, he was stymied by the imperative to produce a male heir, as much a victim of circumstance as his unhappy wives. Had fate been kinder to him, the history of England would have been very different 

Here is the story of the private man. To his contemporaries, he was a great king, a legend in his own lifetime. And he left an extraordinary legacy—a modern Britain.Se

Wisteria Leigh -December 17, 2022

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Where Did Wisteria Leigh go?

Where Did Wisteria Leigh go?

Obviously it has been a long time since my last post.
Since that time, I have continued my work as a full time library media specialist and information literacy specialist. Basically, I teach K-5 in a public school in CT. The subject is called Media, and all students receive instruction in library skills, computer skills (safety, applications, digital citizenship, internet search and research skills and much more.

I also have spent the past two years building a business as a SeneGence Distributor.  I joined Senegence because I believe in the efficacy of the products. I sell a full line of  cosmetics and anti-aging products. Why Senegence?  SeneGence offers products that I believe in and work. I am amazed at the results personally and of all my customers.

However, the main reason that I decided  to join SeneGence was more than that. I believe in the ability that all women have the ability to become independent entrepreneurs for a variety of reasons. The reasons are varied and in most cases personal...but nevertheless becoming a SeneGence Distributor is liberating for women, allows flexible work time, provides income and lifts each woman's self esteem and positive self image.

Should you have the curiosity to see my Facebook Page or pm me on my site...my name still is listed as Wisteria Leigh, My group page is Wisteria Leigh Beauty and my business page is Wisteria Leigh Beauty. If you would like to join my group I suggest asking to join this group,,,,

Wisteria's VIP Beauties . (customer only access, no distributors).

I welcome all my reviewer friends and readers of my blog to visit my Facebook business.
I have been rewarded two years in a row, but if you are looking for an opportunity like this, I am
delighted to offer mentorship and my availability,

I have not given up on this blog or my writing...just took an exciting detour with a spectacular
marketing company.

As a SeneGence Distributor
My name on my SeneSite is Donna Edwards
My distriburot # is 414471
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Wisterialeigh/

Review- We Found a Hat by Jon Klassen

We Found A Hat  (5 star)

by Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press
Published October 11, 2016
Hardcover, $17.99

• ISBN-10: 0763656003
• ISBN-13: 978-0763656003

My review: Intro

I ordered Jon Klassen's new book as soon as I could. I teach at the elementary level as a library media specialist. Ever since I received advanced copies of I Want My Hat Back and This is Not My Hat I have been over the moon in love his writing. His untouchable gift to the reader is his simple text delivered through personification  by cute utterly adorable animals.  His brilliant illustrations show personality and hint at what each character may be thinking. (No thought bubbles needed).  How truly gifted he is. My students go wild for all his books and discussions abound at the end. This is not a read it once book, but will become worn through use.  My students participate and role play the text with such glee. It's an experience that Klassen provides my kids that is rare.

His new book:

So, I just received We Found A Hat in my mail. I ran to the doorstep and couldn't wait to hold his new book. Once again, it is stellar, fun, witty and ADORABLE. A story of two turtles who discover one hat. Problem: What should they do?  I'm never a spoiler in my reviews, so this one you have to read for yourself.  I am already thinking about the questions and lessons this story will bring to my classes in the next few weeks.

Jon Klassen has a talent for pushing kids buttons in a way that makes them think, laugh and enjoy reading.....again and again.  What more can we ask for? Highly recommended and a great discussion started.

In case you are interested Jon Klassen is on tour promoting his book. Details of an upcoming appearance at the Eric Carle Museum can be found here. 
Further info is on his blog. 

~ WISTERIA LEIGH OCTOBER 2016

© [WISTERIA LEIGH] AND [BOOKWORM'S DINNER], [2008-2016). UNAUTHORIZED USE AND/OR DUPLICATION OF THIS MATERIAL WITHOUT EXPRESS AND WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THIS BLOG’S AUTHOR AND/OR OWNER IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. EXCERPTS AND LINKS MAY BE USED, PROVIDED THAT FULL AND CLEAR CREDIT IS GIVEN TO [WISTERIA LEIGH] AND [BOOKWORM'S DINNER] WITH APPROPRIATE AND SPECIFIC DIRECTION TO THE ORIGINAL CONTENT.

DISCLOSURE: A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PURCHASED BY MYSELF THROUGH AN ONLINE BOOK VENDOR.