pickSoft pick. I chose this particular book because I wanted to hear Boudica's story from the mouth of a woman who could be critical of sexist sources who used Boudica's story to further their own agendas. In a way, she reveals those agendas and some of their biases. But, for the most part, she simply retells their stories without too much criticism (where it was due). 1/3
pickThis is not a chronological account of the different emperors from Octavian 44 BCE until Alexander Severus death 235 CE. This is a look at what it meant to be an emperor, what where your responsibilities, what recognized a good emperor, how was the household run and all your employees. It also looks at the women close to the emperor like mother and wife. It closes of with a look at how some of the emperors where turned into goods after their death
pickThis was a very entertaining and informative travel book along the lines of Bill Bryson or Tony Horowitz. Perrottet and his girlfriend Lesley travel along the same route as Roman tourists would have done during the Pax Romana era which made such journeys relatively safe. From Rome to Naples to Greece to Turkey and finally Egypt. Occasionally dated in language and attitudes, despite being published only 20 years ago.
I sing of arms and of the man, fated to be an exile, who long since left the land of Troy and came to Italy to the shores of Lavinium; and a great pounding he took by land and sea at the hands of the heavenly gods because of the fierce and unforgetting anger of Juno. #firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl
pickA bit slow to start but really enjoyed it in the end. Liked all the different voices we heard from.
pickRoman history told through a focus on the wives of the emperors from Livia to Gallia Placida (and I will never tire of saying somebody needs to make a biopic or series about Gallia Placida). Interesting and enjoyable, but it's 14 years old and already some of the “contemporary“ resonances and parallels are starting to age and I have to think for a bit to remember what they are about.
1. Read, then probably read some more once I think I‘m done reading. 📖📚
2. A veterinary. I‘ve always loved animals & reading. Both still sing in my soul. 🐩🐾🐈
3. What are these things you call “holidays”? I‘ve no 🤑 nor family. Atheist. I‘ve nothing to celebrate & no one to celebrate them with. 🤷🏼♀️
4. 🦌
#MotivationalMonday @Cupcake12
pickA brilliant history of Ancient Rome. Mary Beard has a mastery of her subject and an engaging writing style that makes this a pleasure to read. I came to this knowing very little so it‘s a lot to absorb and probably more comprehensive that I need (as a casual lay reader). But it‘s accessible as an introduction & would be super rewarding for those who have a particular interest. New material is still coming to light. Essential if you like history.
I have two books in progress, but the #bookspin and #doublespin numbers came out today. This is my #doublespin and is all I want to read. I think I‘m going to make myself read at least a few chapters of one of the other books, but I will probably cave and start Nero later today.
Still, the book itself is a great way of telling what little there is about Boudica's story. A lot of research seems to have gone into it and I'm glad I read it. I'd definitely recommend it! 3/3 23h