Happy Friday!!!
Today is all about the book reviews and I'm featuring Kensington Books Publishing! When I first started reviewing for LikeWise, if you haven't connected with me there - what are you waiting for?!?!, Kensington was one of the first publishers I started working with! So this book review day is near and dear to my heart!
And if you missed it, please check out my publisher appreciation post for Kensington as well! And now.....it's all about the books!
Next Job, Best Job : available now!
Find out more about the author here: Rob Barnett
Synopsis: Rob Barnett is an innovator, a two-time entrepreneur, and a senior executive with five decades inside legendary media companies. As an advisor to thousands of job seekers and company heads, he is uniquely positioned to disrupt the job search industry. His inclusive platform is a life-saving escape hatch during the darkest hours of unemployment and an expert guide to the work you deserve.
Review: This book found me at the perfect time, my contract ended with one company and I started looking for work again. Looking for work is stressful enough but with a pandemic added to it, the stress could be overwhelming at times. I found this book to educate, improve, and create a mindset for us to have the best opportunities! Now why is this better than other job-hunting books? Because Rob Barnett lives this on a daily basis! He is a headhunter and so, in my opinion, he is the best to inform us of the hiring process as well as what to expect! There are 11 steps that guide you through the whole process and when looking back at my interview processes, he's right. They go hand in hand and prepare you for the best possible outcome, landing your dream job, and I couldn't be more please with this book!
Elizabeth & Monty - available now!
Find out more about the author here: Charles Casillo
Synopsis: When Elizabeth Taylor was cast opposite Montgomery Clift in A Place in the Sun, he was already a movie idol, with a natural sensitivity that set him apart. At seventeen, Elizabeth was known for her ravishing beauty rather than her talent. Directors treated her like a glamorous prop. But Monty took her seriously, inspiring and encouraging her. In her words, "That's when I began to act."
To Monty, she was "Bessie Mae," a name he coined for her earthy, private side. The press clamored for a wedding, convinced this was more than friendship. The truth was even more complex. Monty was drawn to women but sexually attracted to men--a fact that, if made public, would destroy his career. But he found acceptance and kinship with Elizabeth. Her devotion was never clearer than after his devastating car crash near her Hollywood home when she crawled into the wreckage and saved him from choking.
Review: Golden Age of Hollywood. Elizabeth Taylor. Clifford Montgomery. Does this really need more selling? Yes? Well, okay then.....research is spot-on, intertwining their stories is magic, showcasing the privilege but also the personal misfortunes endears both to me even more, and finally - this dual-biography ties in with the anniversary of A Place in the Sun and is a must read! I grew up watching the classics, thanks Turner Classic! I wish I had known all of the background then but I'm so happy to rewatch these great movies after reading Casillo's book!
Bee People and the Bugs They Love - available now!
Find out more about the author here: Frank Moritmer
Synopsis: A fascinating foray into the obsessions, friendships, scientific curiosity, misfortunes and rewards of suburban beekeeping—through the eyes of a Master Beekeeper...
Who wants to keep bees? And why? For the answers, Master Beekeeper Frank Mortimer invites readers on an eye-opening journey into the secret world of bees, and the singular world of his fellow beekeepers. There's the Badger, who introduces Frank to beekeeping; Rusty, a one-eyed septuagenarian bee sting therapist certain that honey will be the currency of the future after the governments fail; Scooby the "dude" who gets a meditative high off the awesome vibes of his psychedelia-painted hives; and the Berserker, a honeybee hitman who teaches Frank a rafter-raising lesson in staving off the harmful influences of an evil queen: "Squash her, mash her, kill, kill, kill!"
Review: This book is precious!!! If you are looking for a fun, lighthearted read about someone whose passion for something is contagious - this is for you! I loved the stories, the education I received from reading this one, and just the overall warmth from this read! Oh and the mistakes and misfortunes will have you laughing!! I never thought I would laugh as much as I did while reading a book about bee keeping! I cannot recommend this one enough!
Three Ordinary Girls - available now!
Find out more about the author here: Tim Brady
Synopsis: Truus Oversteegen, her younger sister Freddie, and their friend Hannie Schaft, were just teenagers when the commander of The Dutch Royal Army surrendered to the Nazis. Overnight, nine million Netherlanders were suddenly under the heel of the Nazi boot. As the German-controlled government slowly began to pen in the entire Jewish community and force them indoors, along with the requisite yellow star signifying Jood, so the girls were compelled to become involved in The Resistance.
Review: Going into this book, there are a lot of facts and information about the setting/political dynamic/history in this book. It is needed to understand the story but i noticed some reviewers felt it was over used, this is not the case. Tim Brady includes information that is needed and interesting. Three teenagers, who are Dutch, become involved in "The Resistance" and the background of life in WWII Netherlands is on point, I research non-fiction as I read them, and the bravery of these three is amazing. If you love history, bravery, and fighting against what you know is wrong - this is for you!
i encourage you all to check out these wonderful reads!!
