Get to know more about Middlemarch and George Elliot...a well written biography

::My Thoughts::
I was quite disappointed upon reading My Life in Middlemarch by Rebecca Mead. I did finish the whole book giving it the benefit of the doubt. I was quite bored reading it though. Some parts were interesting, but mostly the allure didn't last long.
This isn't as much of a memoir/autobiography of Rebecca Mead as it promises. From what I read of the blurbs and summary is I thought it would be about how reading Middlemarch throughout Mead's life she would explain how it shaped her. Instead this is mostly a biography of famous historical author George Eliot aka Mary Ann Evans. Mead writes many observations on Eliot's real life mostly going over what Eliot wrote in her journal as Mary Ann Evan's (Eliots real name), Eliot's books, what Mead has learned of Eliot through the years through research, etc.
This book is mostly made up of observations and thoughts on Eliot, her books and the characters that lie therein.
I was hoping for more substance into HOW Middlemarch shaped Mead's life. Various incidences and not just thoughts on the book itself. Mead gives a few tidbits here and there to how she related to Middlemarch at various points in her life, and how she compares herself to Eliot. But they are few and far between. When she does speak on her own life it is without the passion that she uses to speak on Eliot's life.
I did appreciate Mead's intelligent analysis on Middlemarch by George Eliot. When it comes to books, especially historical it is very interesting to wonder what the author's life was like. How the author put their own family, friends, and even themselves into their famous works. That is mostly what Mead talks about in the book comparing Middlemarch to the actual life of George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans). It is very easy for most of us readers to identify with books we read. Often books we read affects our lives especially the more profound ones.
If you have read Middlemarch by George Eliot I do recommend this book. It gives more insight into George Eliot in a way that is more personal compared to a study book or such. Mead definitely knows her history when it comes to George Eliot which was a great bonus.
However, if you are looking for a good memoir that gives tons of information on someone's personal life this may not be the book for you. There are tidbits here and there like I said, but nothing substantial in which I think this book should be defined as an autobiography. A Biography is more fitting since this gives more information on George Eliot than Rebecca Mead.


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::Product Details::

• Hardcover: 304 pages
• Publisher: Crown (January 28, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0307984761
• ISBN-13: 978-0307984760

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a blogging for books member in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

A shocking surprise that will leave you breathless...

::From the back of the book::
In a world where global power has shifted east and revolution is brewing, two women embark on vastly different journeys—each harrowing and urgent and wholly unexpected.

When Meena finds snakebites on her chest, her worst fears are realized: someone is after her and she must flee India.  As she plots her exit, she learns of The Trail, an energy-harvesting bridge spanning the Arabian Sea that has become a refuge for itinerant vagabonds and loners on the run.  This is her salvation.  Slipping out in the cover of night, with a knapsack full of supplies including a pozit GPS system, a scroll reader, and a sealable waterproof pod, she sets off for Ethiopia, the place of her birth.

Meanwhile, Mariama, a young girl in Africa, is forced to flee her home.  She joins up with a caravan of misfits heading across the Sahara. She is taken in by Yemaya, a beautiful and enigmatic woman who becomes her protector and confidante. They are trying to reach Addis Abba, Ethiopia, a metropolis swirling with radical politics and rich culture.  But Mariama will find a city far different than she ever expected—romantic, turbulent, and dangerous.

As one heads east and the other west, Meena and Mariama’s fates are linked in ways that are mysterious and shocking to the core.



::My Thoughts::
I have to admit, upon first beginning this book it wasn't my favorite. I was having trouble following along with the story and it was difficult to understand. However, it somehow still kept my interest. Now that I've finished the book I am glad it held my interest because once I got further along I understood a lot more. It was such a shock of a read, and I highly recommend it if you like being surprised.
The two separate story lines aren't hard to follow after you read for awhile.
This book is set in the future, and the author does a wonderful job of creating each character. Not one blended in with another, and they are all individual.
My favorite thing about this book is that it is unlike any other book I have ever read. I honestly cannot compare this book to another. As it is the author's first novel also I think she not only did a wonderful job, but we have much more to look forward to from her! It was shocking, unpredictable, and compelling. There were some factors I did not like about the book. Without giving too much away I will just say the part I didn't like was one major inappropriate "relationship" involving Mariama.
Meena is an incredibly strong but paranoid character. I did admire her determination and strength. I did feel very bad for her throughout the novel because of her insane hallucinations and beliefs. But without it the novel could not have been as thrilling.
I say if you want a read that will shock you to your core, and leave you on the edge give this one a try! Just beware, this book is definitely not for the faint of heart.


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::Book Details::

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Crown (May 20, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804138842
• ISBN-13: 978-0804138840

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a Blogging For Books reviewer. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Woman of Courage by Wanda Brunstetter

::Description from the back of the book::
Take a three-thousand mile journey with Amanda Pearson as she leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and enters the work of a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Among those she meets are an Indian woman who becomes her first convert and a half-Indian trapper who seems to be her biggest critic. But love follows her into the wilderness and will determine the course of her future. You are sure to enjoy this historical romance adventure from New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter.



::My Thoughts::
This was a great and adventurous book. I do wish Amanda would have let loose a bit more in the sense of expressing her feelings. She is a determine, courageous, strong young woman. More than often though it was as if she should have addressed certain emotions but just bottled them up or pushed them aside. It was a tad frustrating. Buck was one of my favorite characters. Having been through so much he doesn't trust easily, and that makes it all the more intriguing. To wonder how his character will end up, and to learn more about him as the story goes on.
The descriptions and scenes were very well written. They were accurate for the date and time setting of the book, and that comes greatly appreciated by me. I can sometimes be one of those types of readers who appreciates everything being as accurate as possible.
It was also really nice to find a character that had an unshakable faith in God. No matter what obstacles were thrown in Amanda's path, (and believe me there are many), she didn't bat an eye with her beliefs. That was so heartwarming. And I love that the author used Quaker language with a mix of the more modern. 
The facts about Native American's were also a good throw in for this novel, and Mary was one of my other favorite characters. She had an open mind, loving heart, and genuine spirit.
I really think this would make a great series so I'm going to be keeping my eye out. It's so hard to try to predict what turn the story will take next. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation flying through the pages many times. It was an enjoyable read. If you enjoy romance, adventure, and historical novels I recommend this book.






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