Do you love espionage and spies? Do you love historical dramas? Do you love murder? Mystery? Mob stories? And do you want it all while wearing the best mascara MAC has to offer? Because holy moly this book had it all. This week, I had the pleasure of reading Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and … Continue reading Review – Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry by Richard Kirshenbaum
Reading
My Top 10 LGBT+ Books
We’re just past halfway through Pride Month, so it seems like the natural time for me to share with you my top 10 favorite LGBT+ books. Because, you know, I’m known for being consistent and timely. As I compiled this list, I thought about how limited my experience actually is with books featuring LGBT+ protagonists. … Continue reading My Top 10 LGBT+ Books
Excerpt – Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry by Richard Kirshenbaum
From Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry. Copyright © 2019 by Richard Kirshenbaum and reprinted with permission from St. Martin’s Press. Chapter 1 HOLLYWOOD DREAMS New York City, 1933 A Technicolor sky hung over the city even though it was only early May. At times, even New York City seemed to have caught the bug. The pear trees that bloomed … Continue reading Excerpt – Rouge: A Novel of Beauty and Rivalry by Richard Kirshenbaum
Interview with Fred Waitzkin
I had the incredible opportunity to interview Fred Waitzkin, author of Deep Water Blues, which I reviewed last week. When I started The Plucky Reader, I never expected it to go anywhere. Never in my wildest imaginings did I believe people would read the words I wrote or send me books to review. And I … Continue reading Interview with Fred Waitzkin
Review – Deep Water Blues by Fred Waitzkin
Does anybody remember that 90s movie, Searching for Bobby Fischer? I remember watching it—I was probably in the fifth grade—and I was struck by a revelation at the end. The credits rolled and an important thought crossed my mind: chess was definitely not a game for me. I didn’t have the patience for it. I … Continue reading Review – Deep Water Blues by Fred Waitzkin
Review – How to Experience Death for Beginners by Jessica Branton
So many updates in the Pluckyverse, I don't even know where to begin. The semester started off crazy with me taking on way more responsibilities than I could manage and somehow getting them done. What that meant, though, was my reading life suffered and my blogging life became nearly nonexistent. But I am back and … Continue reading Review – How to Experience Death for Beginners by Jessica Branton
A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Happy 2019, readers! We may be war torn, scarred, battered, and bruised, but we somehow made it through 2018 mostly intact. It was a rough year, y'all. I don't know about you, but my 2018 was filled with only highs and lows. It didn't feel like I had that many average days. As I type … Continue reading A Look Back and a Look Ahead
Review – Becoming Starlight by Sharon Prentice, PhD
A few months ago, I was contacted and asked to review a book about a Shared Death Experience (SDE). Honestly, I was a little leery. I had to do some research on the author and on the concept of SDE before I would commit to a book about it. But I do enjoy learning and … Continue reading Review – Becoming Starlight by Sharon Prentice, PhD
Review – The Burn Zone: a Memoir by Renee Linnell
If you’re anything like me, you find the psychology of cults very interesting. I cannot tell you the amount of hours I have devoted to reading about Heaven’s Gate, Scientology, Children of God, and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Growing up, I had friends who were in a cult and I think that probably sparked the fascination … Continue reading Review – The Burn Zone: a Memoir by Renee Linnell
Banned Books Week – Looking for Alaska
It's my favorite literary week of the year! Happy Banned Books Week, reader! For those of you who are unfamiliar with Banned Books week I've provided some information, before I begin talking about my favorite banned books. What is Banned Books Week? Banned Books Week is the annual celebration of the freedom to read. Every … Continue reading Banned Books Week – Looking for Alaska
