Books to Pull You Out of the Downton Abbey "Show-Hole"!

Hello Bookworms,

          We’ve all seen the commercial, where the announcer talks about seeing the “final, final credits” and that you enter the “show hole” where “the struggle could not BE more real”. Many of you Downton Abbey fans out there (myself included) are anticipating this show hole when the series comes to an end in a few weeks. Well, I have some suggestions for a much needed round of book therapy to help you through the Downton’s Ended Slump!

Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey by Lady Fiona Carnarvon

          For those of you who really love the series and every thing about it, you know that Lady Fiona Carnarvon in the Countess of Carnarvon, the current Lady of Highclere Castle where Downton Abbey was shot! Well, she has written a book about the history of the real Earl of Carnarvon during the time period that Downton Abbey is set! You will be interested to know that some of the details of their lives seem very reminiscent of the lives of the characters in Downton Abbey J .

Check out Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey!

Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey by Lady Fiona Carnarvon

          If one book isn’t enough, The Countess of Carnarvon has gifted us with two!! Go to the next generation of the family that owned and ran Highclere Castle and see what new adventures and surprises are in store!!

Check out Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the RealDownton Abbey!

Still need more from Highclere? Read my interview with Lady Fiona Carnarvon!

The Love and Inheritance Novels by Fay Wheldon

          For those of you who don’t know, Fay Wheldon wrote the pilot for the hugely popular Upstairs Downstairs. But that and many novels and popular advertising slogans aren’t all she wrote. Fay Wheldon wrote a trilogy of novels that are a lot like Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs (they even span a similar time period as Downton Abbey). Full of love, money, and good old "rich aristocrat" family drama, I’ve put this series on my TBR list because I think it’s sure to be a hit (although you can trust I'll tell you in my reviews if they're not! ;) )!

Check out Book One in The Love and Inheritance Novels!

So there you go! Dig yourself out of that show hole and invest in some much needed book therapy with these fun novels! Happy Reading!

Until Next Time,

             Lizzie <3

The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog - Dr. Bruce M. Perry & Maia Szalavitz

Hello Bookworms!!,
           I am back with a new review! Today's book came to me in an unusual way. Most people wouldn't find reading a book for a University class and enjoying it such a big surprise. It happens all the time. But to read a non-fiction book for a Social Work class and enjoy it enough to include it on your blog? Yea, you're going to want to read about this book!! So here we go!!


Summary
        Dr. Bruce Perry is a leader in the Psychiatric field. Practicing since the 1980's, Dr. Perry has seen some of the most dramatic changes to the fields of Psychiatry and Mental Health. In his book "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog" (co-authored by Maia Szalavitz), Dr. Perry shares some the cases that taught him the most about human needs, the mind, and treatment. And if you think its just another boring text book...its not.


Review
         Readers, I have to admit, when I first heard that on top of taking 4 classes during the summer semester, I had to read a full length novel, at first I wasn't enthusiastic (even as much as I like to read). But when I ordered the book and realized it had actually been written in novel form, I became a little more open to the idea since reading novels is kinda my thing ;) . Once I started reading, I realized that this was probably going to be one of the most interesting books I have ever read in my Academic career so far.
          Dr. Perry is funny, insightful, and even heart-warming. Dr. Perry gives examples of actual cases he worked, some of them small cases no one has ever heard of before, some of them were national news like the children of the Davidian Cult in Waco, Texas. In each one, Dr. Perry fearlessly admits when he was wrong, over-confident, & was about to learn a lesson. In each case, Dr. Perry brings out what each case taught him about psychiatry and the needs of human beings. The reader is slowly educated on points that one can only learn in the field.
          I found myself entertained while I was learning. I was also amazed at the shear brilliance of Dr. Perry. If there was ever a person called to do a job, Dr. Perry has been called to his. I don't want to give anything away, but in the cases of one teenage girl (nicknamed Blue Raven) and one 6 year old boy who appeared to have RAD, the way that Dr. Perry realizes what is really going on is almost like reading Sherlock Holmes solve a mystery. It really shows what caliber of professional that is Dr. Perry.
          I highly recommend this book to students of Psychology, Psychiatry, Social Work, Mental Health, and anyone already working in the fields. It will be an education for beginners as well as seasoned professionals. "The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog" is an amazing book. A Triumph!


Buy The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog


Until next time,
               Lizzie <3

Review: Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming

Hello Bookworms!,

          April is National Child Abuse Awareness Month and in this month, I want to bring you a review of a book that will shed some light on what abused children go through. So this year, I want to review Not My Father’s Son by Alan Cumming!

Summary

          Alan Cumming is a well-known celebrity, having played roles in GoldenEye, The Good Wife, Caberet (on stage), hosting PBS’s Masterpiece Mystery. But before that, he was a young boy growing up on Panmure Estate in Scotland, the son of head Forestry worker Alex Cumming.

          Alex Cumming was an extremely harsh man who put both Alan and his brother Tom through years of torment and abuse. This abuse has had lasting effects on both boys even into adulthood.

          When the popular Genealogy show “Who Do You Think You Are?” asks Alan to be a guest, and takes him on a journey to discover the truth behind his Maternal Grandfather who went missing, and a tabloid ignites Alex Cumming’s rage again, Alan’s life suddenly becomes very complicated as new revelations about himself and his family come in waves.

Review

          Alan uses this book to brilliantly illustrate what it was like to grow up abused and to live as an adult in the aftermath of the abuse. At first, the constant switching between the past, the recent past, and the present seems haphazard, but as one continues, it becomes clear that the book is arranged this way to show how each experience is linked.

          The use of telling his own story and telling his grandfather’s story side by side is brilliant. Alan highlights the similarities between the life experiences of himself, his mother, his grandmother, his grandfather, his father, and his brother to show patterns in life experiences of different people who all took very different paths in their lives and how these similarities all meant different things for each person.

          This book is brilliant look into what it is to be abused and to try to overcome the effects of abuse from the mind of a person who ahas lived it. It is a great book to read if you are looking to understand what kind of effect abuse has on a child into their adulthood. I also love that Alan admits that he has had therapy to help himself overcome the abuse and you can see the positive application of the things Alan has learned in therapy in his daily life and in moments of crisis throughout the book.

          I applaud Alan Cumming for being so honest because it sheds a lot of light on the plight of abused children. If you are being abused, or know a child who is being abused, say something. Silence hides violence and allows it to continue. It IS your business and your responsibility to say something if you know a child is facing abuse. Speak to the proper authorities. Call DFACS or CPS, the school social worker, or the police and report what you know.

          People saw evidence that Alan was being abused, but no one did anything. Alan only escaped when he became and independent man. He was more fortunate that the many who die as a result of abuse every year.

If you know something, say something.

 

Buy Not My Father’s Son

 

Until next time,

                   Lizzie <3

A Look Back at 2014!

Hello Bookworms,

          2014 was a great year! In this post I’d like to take a moment and review the highlights of this year’s blog!

Let’s start with interviews!

          This year See Lizzie Read brought you two great reviews!

          This summer I was privileged to get to interview the Countess of Carnarvon, the current lady of Highclere Castle, the setting of Downton Abbey, and author of two books about Highclere’s history!

          This fall I was privileged to interview Maisie Dobbs author Jacqueline Winspear about her famous female detective and her brand new stand-alone novel The Care and Management of Lies!

There were many great reviews as well of fiction and non-fiction, novels as well as short stories! I was able to read 25 books this year and while I haven’t published reviews on all of them yet, I can tell you which 5 (in no particular order) were my favorites!

1. The Sherlockian by Graham Moore
2. Out of the Shadows by Georgina Doyle
3. Hobbit Lessons by Devin Brown
4. The Lost Library by A.M. Dean
5. C.S. Lewis, My Godfather by Laurence Harwood

          I thoroughly enjoyed 2014 and I cannot wait to share more reviews and interviews with you in 2015!!

Until Next Time,

                   Lizzie <3

C.S. Lewis, My Godfather by Laurence Harwood

Hello Bookworms,

            For my first review of 2015, I want to talk to you about a wonderful non-fiction book about the life of C. S. Lewis. This book was written by C.S. Lewis’s godson, Mr. Laurence Harwood, son of C.S. Lewis’s dear friend, Cecil Harwood.

            I would like to apologize for the lack of pictures. There has been a malfunction with my blog and we'll have to work without pictures for a while :-( , however, you can see the cover of the book if you click the link to buy which will take you to the Amazon page for the book.

Summary

            C.S. Lewis was a Christian, a professor, and the author of the Chronicles of Narnia, The Screwtape Letters, Mere Christianity, and many other works. While there are plenty of biographies about the life of Mr. Lewis, few of them are written from the perspective of someone who knew him personally.

            This book takes the letters C.S. Lewis wrote to the Harwood family, comprised of Cecil Harwood, his wife Daphne, and their children, and compiles them into an intriguing narrative about what C.S. Lewis meant to the people closest to him. The Harwoods’ son, Laurence, has lectured on Lewis’ life for years and has now put down his knowledge for posterity so that generations to come may know what it was like to be a friend to and loved by one of the great authors of literary history.

Review

            I loved C.S. Lewis, My Godfather. C.S. Lewis has interested me for some time and to read what it was really like to know him and spend time with him from the perspective of a man who actually did know and spend time with him was amazing. To read Lewis’s own words and see them written in his own hand through the photographs of the letters was such a privilege. I am grateful to Mr. Harwood for making this information available to the public.

            This book gives us a look not just at Lewis the author, but Lewis the friend, husband, father, and mentor to his many godchildren and students. The reader gets an intimate look at what Lewis was like as a friend through good times and bad even through disagreements about religion. The reader also gets to see the playful, boyish side that Lewis kept throughout his life as well as his generosity and heart for people. And it all comes from a man who witnessed it firsthand.

            This book is a great way to learn about who C.S. Lewis was, not just as a writer, but as a person. You’ll enjoy seeing the old photos and copies of his actual letters as well as reading anecdotes about time spent with Lewis, known as “Jack” to his friends. At close to 150 pages, C.S. Lewis, My Godfather is worth the read! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys C.S. Lewis or literary history in general.

Buy C.S. Lewis, My Godfather HERE

Until Next Time,

            Lizzie <3

And Furthermore by Dame Judi Dench

Hello Bookworms,

            I have a new book review for you! Today’s book is nonfiction. It is a memoir about the life and career of Dame Judi Dench written by none other than the lady herself Dame Judi Dench (granted she only goes by Judi Dench on the cover but I want to give her the proper respect and add Dame. She’s earned the title J)!

Summary

            Have you ever wondered what it was like for actress Dame Judi Dench in her many years as theater and film star? Did you ever see her in a play or movie and wonder what she thought about the role or wish you could see behind the scenes? In “And Furthermore” you get the chance to have your questions answered!

Review

            And Furthermore was an absolute pleasure to read. Dame Judi’s writing style is like having a real conversation with her. As I read I thought to myself, this must be what it would be like to get so sit down to tea and listen to Mrs. Dench tell her story. I loved her stories of the successes and especially the stories of the jokes and pranks shared backstage.

            I love Judi’s honesty as well. She tells you the whole story and is not afraid to tell you what she’s really thinking and yet she does it in a way that doesn’t humiliate or demean. That’s class.

            If you’re a fan of Dame Judi Dench (like I am) this is a wonderful book to find out what roles she may have played that you haven’t gotten to see yet. For me, I tried to make notes on what television programs and movies Dame Judi was in that I didn’t already know about. It’s a perfect cross-reference book as well as she often names her co-stars.

            For aspiring actors and actresses, in the final chapter of the book, Dame Judi gives tips. She tells a little about what she’s learned that works, as well as a little about what routine she uses now to prepare her voice for the stage. Also, Dame Judi mentions that she is honored when young actors ask her questions about how to improve and want to know the answers from her. So, if you are a budding actor or actress and you are ever blessed with the opportunity to ask Dame Judi Dench a question, do.

            I highly recommend And Furthermore to fans of Dame Judi Dench as well as fans of the stage and screen. This book will be a pleasure for you. Also, for those who are looking to learn a little more about acting, this would be a good book for you as well.

 

You can purchase And Furthermore here

Until next time,

               Lizzie <3

Curious by Rebecca Front

Hello again bookworms,

        Today I have a book review I’d like to share with you! Fans of Rebecca Front (Jean Innocent from Inspector Lewis) you’re going to want to listen up! Today I’m reviewing Curious by Rebecca Front!

Summary

        Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction and Rebecca Front has the stories to prove it. In Curious, Mrs. Front recounts stories from her childhood as well as her adult life, infuses them with humor, and entertains the reader.

Review

        Fans of Rebecca Front are going to love this book! Readers get to learn quite a bit about the actress, wife, and mother and will laugh along the way. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions.

        I will admit, that from time to time, it did feel like Mrs. Front was “on her soap box” as the saying goes, but I'm pretty sure that it was all a part of the comedy (and she made some pretty good points).  Overall the book is worth the read. It’s full of fun anecdotes and even offers a great perspective on what it is like to live with claustrophobia.

 

         On a non-writing related praise: I have to say that I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover art on this novel! The reference to Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland" with the tiny door and the white rabbit (named Flip Flop according to the book jacket :D) is just too cute!

 

Buy Curious

Until next time,

                Lizzie <3

See Lizzie Read 5 Minute High 5 with The Countess of Carnarvon!

Hello Bookworms!,

          I am excited about the interview I get to share with you all today! Fans of the popular BBC drama Downton Abbey get ready! Today’s 5 Minute High 5 is with Author of Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and its sequel Lady Catherine, The Earl, and The Real Downton Abbey! That’s right! Today’s interview is with Lady Fiona Carnarvon of Highclere Castle!

1.    You have recently written 2 books about the history of Highclere Castle. What has it been like researching such a rich history?

 

It’s a tremendous privilege working through all the different archives here at Highclere. There are an enormous number of stories about what my predecessors have done and I really enjoy tying it in with the events that they were living through.

 

2.    Did you always intend to publish the history of Highclere Castle or was the project inspired by the television series Downton Abbey?

 

I had already researched the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon (who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun with Howard Carter) and had published a photographic story about the two men. I therefore knew the story of his extraordinary wife Almina and it was a wonderful opportunity to publish it.

 

3.    Your two books follow the lives of Lady Almina and Lady Catherine as a means of telling the Castle’s story. How do you decide which family member’s story to follow?

 

I started with the 5^th countess, Lady Almina, because she made such an amazing contribution to other people’s lives. She worked tirelessly to save men’s lives although in the First World War they were often returning into battle yet again. I found the letters from the patients and their families very humbling.

 

4.    Are there plans for a third book?

 

I have started a photographic book looking at the rhythm of a year here at Highclere, recipes, and anecdotes.

 

5.    After all the research you have done, which figure from Highclere Castle’s past (that you have not met already) would you most like to have lunch with?

 

I find Egypt and the ancient culture and works of art completely fascinating so I would absolutely love to have lunch with the 5^th Earl of Carnarvon.

 

 

You can find Lady Carnarvon’s books in bookstores and online! I’ve included the links to purchasing Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey and Lady Catherine, The Earl, and The Real Downton Abbey below!

 

Buy Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey *Here*

Buy Lady Catherine, The Earl, and the Real Downton Abbey and *Here*

 

Read See Lizzie Read’s review of *Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey*

 

**A special thank you to Lady Carnarvon and Mrs. Julie Robins for working with me to bring this interview to the See Lizzie Read readership!

 

Until Next Time,

                   Lizzie <3

The Confident Woman Devotional by Joyce Meyer!

 

 

Hello bookworms!,

        I usually do this sooner in the year, around January. However, it is better late than never. If you are still looking for a devotional book to use for this year, or you're already thinking about what to use next year, why not consider The Confident Woman Devotional by Joyce Meyer! Here's Why:

 

Summary

        Are you struggling with confidence in any area of your life? Have you been searching for answers  or need a little pick-me-up to help you get through the day? Then the Confident Woman devotional is for you! If there is an area in your life that you struggle with having confidence take just five to ten minutes each morning to read the scripture, explanation, and prayer provided by renowned evangelist Joyce Meyer. Apply the principles and lessons to your life and watch your fears, guilt, and low-self esteem melt away and be replaced with a confidence that will bring more peace  and joy to every area of your life!

Review

        This is the second devotional that I have read by Joyce Meyer and they have both enriched my daily life and relationship with God. It helps my day to go better when I focus on the word first thing in the morning, and this devotional provided me a wonderful, easy way to do it. Not to mention that it helped me change my negative thought patterns to develop more confidence in my life that allowed my anxiety level to drop. The scripture and study each day helped me understand the Word of God and how it applies to my life and my confidence issues. The prayers with each one provided examples about how to pray over my issues. I hope that if you are struggling with your confidence that you will give this devotional a try. I think it will really be a help to you.

 

 

Buy The Confident Woman Devotional Here!

 

Until next time,

        Lizzie <3

Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard by Eve Krupinski and Dana Weikel

Hello Bookworms,

     April is national Child Abuse Awareness Month and in honor of that I would like to bring to you all a review about a book that brings awareness to child abuse. The book is called Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard by Eve Krupinski and Dana Weikel.

Summary:

     Ursula Sunshine Assaid is five years old (her father gave her the middle name Sunshine because he wanted her initials to be U.S.A.). She lives with her mother, Susan Assaid, and her mother’s boyfriend, Don McDougall, in Florida. Ursula’s father lives in California. Ursula wants to tell everyone a story. It is about the last week of her life.

Review:

                What happens when a child misses several days of school and when she finally comes back the signs are all there but no one notices? Or when there are other adults present from time to time in the home but no one says anything? Or when neighbors see the signs that something is wrong but rather than call someone they simply shake their heads and turn the other way? Ursula’s story is a real life example of what can happen when the warning signs of child abuse are ignored.

     Readers, I challenge you to read this book. It may not be very easy because this book gives the details everything that Don McDougall and Susan Assaid did to Ursula that last week before she finally died as a result of the abuse. That being said, it is a short book and you could easily read it in stages or all at once, whichever way is easiest for you. This book is an amazing look at what can happen in abusive homes, why it happens, and what can happen when people do not report child abuse when they see evidence of it.

    There is a particularly helpful chapter at the end of this book written by a professional about the signs that a child is being abused. If you are someone who works with children in any capacity, I encourage you to get a copy of this book, if for no other reason than to read that one chapter, and share it with your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, so as to be aware of the signs.

     After reading the book, I encourage everyone to take a look at the child abuse laws in your area. They are usually easily accessible online. If you are in the U.S., you can go to www.childwelfare.gov  and find lots of great information on recognizing and reporting child abuse.

                The adults in Ursula’s life failed her. Let’s do our best to make everyone aware of child abuse and its signs and make sure that tragedies like this happen to as few children as possible.

 

 

Links to buy Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard:

**Death by Child Abuse and No One Heard is no longer in print. There are used copies and eBook copies available on Amazon.com:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_16?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=death%20by%20child%20abuse%20and%20no%20one%20heard&sprefix=Death+by+Child+A%2Caps%2C205

 

**SPOILER ALERT!!**

For those of you who may want to know if Ursula’s case was resolved before you begin the book, Yes, Susan Assaid and Don McDougall were both convicted of their crimes and sent to jail. Don, who did most of the abuse, was denied appeal. Later, when it came close to the time that Don was scheduled to be released from jail, a radio host got a copy of the book and read it over the air. Inmates who heard the story murdered Don before he was released back into society.

Until next time and with happier subjects to come,

                                     Lizzie <3