This book is the personal account of Jaycee Dugard who was kidnapped as a child and held captive for over eighteen years. I read this book from start to finish, and I still cannot imagine what she went through. I cannot imagine how she was able to get herself through such a situation that she endured. I wonder if I would have the strength to do it. I have seen a few reviews complaining about it not going into enough detail.... um... WHY would she want to go into specific detail about these horrible things that happened to her? I got the gist of it just fine. I think she did a good job on the book, considering she was trapped in the yard and not in school. She was stuck with some weirdos. I don't think education and the proper techniques of writing a memoir were at the forefront of their minds when they were abusing this girl. Get real. The courage she has in writing this book, much less getting through the actual ordeal itself, is very inspiring. 

 This book was about a woman's personal family history and her struggle to prove to the courts that a building in Berlin legally belonged to her family. The building was illegally stolen from her family by the Nazi Party during World War II. It is an absolute shame that people are still having to suffer the consequences of the actions of people seventy years ago. I wonder how many thousands of other families are like hers, with missing assets that they have to fight for or reconcile as losses. It was truly disgusting what happened to so many people. 

 Warren Jeffs is a vile creature. It is amazing to me how he connived and manipulated himself into power, and it is amazing to me how so many people follow along with his rules and behavior. It is so tragic and disgusting that so many young girls (and boys) were abused by this man and it was ignored and covered up. A lot of the leaders, and men in general, are abusive to their wives and children in various ways. It's horrible. Elissa and her family that supported her are brave people. It takes courage to go against your family and friends and church. It takes courage to leave everything you know and seek justice for yourself. I think everyone should read this book and realize that there should be more kindness and willingness to help people in the world. What a tragic life for so many people that are involved in this religion. 

 This book is about the abduction of 276 girls from a local boarding school in Chibok, Nigeria in 2014. The abduction was carried out by Boko Haram, a Nigerian terrorist organization that wishes to overthrow the government and establish one based on Islamic law. Some of the girls were able to escape, later to be interviewed by the author of this book.

The stories in this book were deeply emotional. I cannot imagine being in this type of situation. I thought the author did a good job of communicating the stories of the people in this book. I also learned a great deal about Boko Haram. I remember reading about this incident in the news, but I didn't know much about the organization before reading this book. As a side note, this book was about five hours to listen to on Audible, and is available on Audible Plus to listen to for free right now. 

 This book is about Lynette Fromme, who was rechristened by the Manson Family to Squeaky. Lynette sang in the school choir, she danced, and she even was able to perform for President Eisenhower at one point. Lynette was searching for something that was missing in her life, perhaps a parental figure. She met Charles Manson and began a downward spiral that culminated in her incarceration for the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford. I bought this book because I was interested in the Manson Family and all of their activities. I learned quite a bit about the Manson Family and the way they operate from this book, as well as the life of Lynette Fromme. I gave this book only three stars because there were a lot of parts that were boring to me. If anyone else is interested in the Manson Family, this is a good book to put in your collection. 

 Laura Welch Bush was born in Midland, Texas in 1946. Her father built houses and was into real estate, and her mother worked as a bookkeeper. She had no siblings. She loved reading as a child, which is something that I identified with. She was involved in a car accident in which she killed another classmate, which impacted her emotionally a great deal. She genuinely felt really terrible about it, accepted that she was the one at fault (she ran a stop sign), and really had to work through that mentally. She attended college, was in a sorority, and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She worked as a teacher while getting a Master's Degree in Library Science. She met her future husband in 1977 at the home of some mutual friends. They were married four months later, which seems so fast to me personally. The couple had twin girls, Jenna and Barbara. She supported her husband in his campaigning for governor and president, and did a lot of work in her own right.

She did a lot of work for several literacy programs for children, which I respect a great deal. She also raised money to help fund public libraries. She also helped out case workers and children in need of state intervention (abused and neglected children). She also raised awareness for Breast Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease, both of which impact many families across the country, including mine. As a political figure, she kept to promoting the things that she cared about- women, children, and literacy. She did not try to put forth policies and political changes like the former First Lady, which people seemed to appreciate. She identified as a Republican, so a lot of her beliefs and ideas did not reflect a great percentage of Americans, especially American women. She did, however, say that she believed everyone should have the right to marriage if they were consenting adults and that abortion should remain legal, though she felt that abortions would decrease by teaching abstinence. (Abortions would decrease if women were able to get affordable birth control without hassle in all states, be able to be sterilized without hassle or the consent of their spouse in all states, if men would use condoms in all states, if biology and sex education were taught before people were old enough to be having sex in all states, and if people would stop raping folks or sexually manipulating them. Obviously, medical issues will arise that are beyond control, and people should be able to make the best decision for them without being forced to have an abortion or being forced into giving birth. Simply saying do not have sex is not the answer.) I respect her attitude towards issues that a lot of other people in her political party are ridiculous about. I also respect the work she did for literacy.

This book was an interesting read, because I did not know a lot about her as a person. She and her husband were in the white house when I was in eighth grade throughout my high school life. I remember we held a mock election for President Bush to see who would win if we controlled the vote, which was a way to teach us about elections. I thought it was really neat because we got to learn about campaign issues. This book did not have the humor or with that her mother in law's book did, but it was still a good book. I don't think she tried to make herself out to be the greatest person in the world who could do no wrong. She said what she said, and she owned what she said. Regardless of her political affiliation, she really did have the best interest at heart with the programs and awareness that she promoted. Literacy is extremely important for the future leaders of the world, and to create people who can go into life and succeed. Check this book out if you are interested in learning more about former First Lady Laura Bush. 

 I love Erik Larson. His work is always well researched and interesting to read. This book goes into Winston Churchills family and career, as well as what was going on in England during the World War II blitz. London was bombed severely by the Luftwaffe and Churchill went out into the streets to motivate the population and see the damages. I really enjoyed this book. 

 Eugenio Maria Giuseppe Giovanni Pacelli was born in 1876, in Rome, Italy. Several members of his family were involved in the Catholic religious hierarchy. In 1894, he went to study theology at the Almo Collegio Capranica. He was ordained a priest in 1899. He was elected Pope in 1939, changing his name to Pope Pius XII. At the beginning of World War II, he tried to dissuade governments for entering into war. He followed a strict policy of neutrality, preferring to state a message of peace instead of taking a stand against nonsense and genocide. He did secretly offer assistance to Jewish people, which has been remembered favorably through the years. In the post-war era, he focused on material aid and the promotion of anti-Nazis to positions of power.

This book, and several others, have suggested that there was a plot schemed up by Hitler and his cronies to kidnap and possibly kill Pope Pius XII for his lack of support to the Nazi regime, his aid to targeted groups, in retaliation for Mussolini's fate, and simply because he hated Catholics. It has been said that these were simply propaganda rumors put out, but this seems like something Hitler and his minions would have done. I learned a bit about Pope Pius XII from this book, but I learned a good deal about SS General Karl Wolff, whom I had scarcely read about before now. I thought the book was interesting enough, though it did contain a lot of information and facts that I had previously encountered. 

 This book is about a Sherman tank crew and a Panzer tank crew, who were part of the most intense tank duel in the city of Cologne. This book was so, so moving. I never really considered what life as part of a tank crew would be like. I never expected it to be the way that it was described in this book. What a difficult, hard time. I follow Adam Makos on social media, and I loved seeing Clarence Smoyer being given such recognition. I am so glad that he and Gustav were able to meet each other outside of the war. This was such a great book, and probably the best one I had read all year. I hope that this author continues to write amazing books like this one. 

 Wow, I have a lot of thoughts about this book. I will try to keep it brief due to a character limit and how I like to rage about things.

The first point I would like to make is regarding the family dynamic. I believe strongly that members of the British Royal Family aren't particularly cuddly. I believe that his mother was very affectionate, and once she died, everything was very stiff and formal. As a history major who studied European history, I can say that I have read in my studies that this is a pretty common practice for European royals. Couple that with the fact that you know your father cheated on your mother with someone who is hideous inside and out, AND that you were birthed as a plan b and spare parts for your heir sibling...I can see why he has issues with his family members. Not only that, spare children have historically been able to live more adventurous lives. I can see where that would be a bone of contention for William, who must live a pretty formal, stuffy life. It seems as though several members of this family are worried more about public opinion than creating and maintaining relationships of substance with each other, and that is sad.

The second point I would like to touch on is Harry's military service. He has never said that he is not from a life of privilege, nor that he has not benefited from that. He still went through the same training as everyone else when he joined the military. Yes, people helped him because of who he was, but he worked hard. He loved being in the military. He did things that any servicemember would have to do. He enjoyed working with veterans, and still does. He has done a lot for them. It annoys me that people try to downplay his experiences and charity work.

My third take away from this book is about his relationships. He has been with other girls before his current wife. Those girls were relentlessly hounded by the press. He was born into a life in the public eye, and any girl he chose to be with would have to understand that they would be lumped in by comparison. Following these girls around and showing up to their families homes is really disgusting behavior. I cannot imagine what it must be like to date or marry someone that is famous in any capacity. I feel that his wife gets a lot of unfair treatment. I have to admit I do not know a lot about her, but I do not think she deserves the constant vilification that she has gotten in the media. People blame her for Harry leaving the UK. It seems as though he is a grown adult and can make his own choices. He did not ask to be born, for the life he was given, for his trauma from the media and his family, and certainly not to have nonsense spread about him and his wife. His wife was very clearly in a dark place, and having been through this similar situation multiple times, he chose what was best for him and his family. He never said he would stop being a public figure or doing charity work...he just asked for the harassment to stop and for his family to accept and love him. Why are people so vapid about this?

My fourth, and last point, is going to be about the paparazzi. In the US, we all know how they harass celebrities. In fact, many celebs have advocated against these people photographing and harassing their children. Imagine the lies we have all read at the grocery store. TMZ is a particularly vile paparazzi machine. They pick the bones of everyone, releasing autopsy reports, filming people in clear distress (ie Britney Spears), harassing people on the street at all hours, following them in cars. Imagine how many articles you click to feed that interest in entertainment and celebrity. Celebs choose to be public figures, but they do still have the right to only share what they want. We do not have the right to every detail of anyone's life, only what they choose to share. Why would it be any different in Europe? People love to know about famous people, and gossip about their romantic relationships, pregnancies, and if they are doing drugs. It is very obvious that the media had a big role in his mother's death, or at least the obvious misery in her life. All of this was public fodder, and a little kid was in the spotlight. People feel entitled to him. I also believe that the media will say anything for a story, especially if motivated by people with ulterior motives, and I think that has certainly been the case for him. Wanting a more private life where everything is not blasted all over the place does not mean he is now seeking attention. He can do appearances, shows, and whatever else that he chooses to do that is scheduled press. He is simply asking for people to stop following him all over the place (and his wife and kids) and let them live their lives without gossip about who is feuding and what they ate at a cafe. None of this makes him a whiney, awful person like so many people want to say. It's these keyboard warriors and TikTok people that feel like they are entitled to tell someone how to live their life and that their experiences mean nothing and they should shut up and endure something they hate or that hurts them. It really reminds me of animals at Sea World. Be miserable, but perform for me because I said so. If you are one of these types, please take a genuine look at yourself.

I do not believe that Harry is whining, or begging for attention. He is sharing his personal feelings and experiences. Some of those have been thrown all over for inaccuracy, but we all know that witness statements aren't always accurate. Just because some details are incorrect, does not mean that his personal experiences, life, and feelings are invalid. I rarely rate anything five stars, but I am rating this. I enjoyed the book, and I applaud the courage it has taken to be accountable for actions in the past, and honest and introspective. He is very candid about his poor behavior, such as wearing the Nazi costume and his racial slurs. People drag him for that, but think about how many words and phrases we say (especially in the South) that have a direct line to slavery and the treatment of Natives. We do not know we are ignorant until we learn we are ignorant. He has apologized, learned, and is not hiding his stupidity. He is very open and honest about how his mother's death, his family emotional emptiness, petty arguments, and their unwillingness to understand and have honest conversations has affected him. He has been very honest about how the constant barrage of cameras every time he walks down the street affected him and his friends. I think he is probably the most honest and emotionally stable member of his entire family. The book was well written, and an exceptional read.