Reviews: Category: Historical Fiction Title: BYRON AND GREEK LOVE Homophobia in 19th-Century England Author: Byron Preiss Book Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Publication Date: May 23, 2017 Reviewer Rating: 4/5 stars In "BYRON AND GREEK LOVE Homophobia in 19th-Century England," Byron Preiss Book takes readers on a journey through the life of Lord Byron and his love for Greek men. The novel is set in the early 1800s, during a time when homosexuality was still considered taboo and punishable by law. The author does an excellent job of capturing the historical context of the time period, including the social norms, political climate, and cultural attitudes towards sexuality. The novel is also filled with vivid descriptions of Byron's travels through Greece and his encounters with Greek men, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the story. One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the themes of love, identity, and acceptance. Through the character of Lord Byron, readers are able to see how societal pressures can shape one's sense of self and make it difficult to accept one's true desires. The novel also delves into the complexities of relationships between people from different social classes and backgrounds, which adds an interesting layer to the story. However, there are a few areas where the book could have been improved. For example, some of the dialogue can feel stilted at times, and certain scenes seem overly dramatic or unrealistic. Additionally, while the author does a good job of exploring the historical context of the time period, there is not enough attention paid to the cultural attitudes towards women during this era. Overall, "BYRON AND GREEK LOVE Homophobia in 19th-Century England" is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and romance alike. While it may not be perfect, its exploration of complex themes and vivid descriptions make it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in this period of history. Category: Biography Title: Mary's Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein Author: Carolyn Burke Genre: Biography Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publication Date: October 17, 2016 Reviewer Rating: 5/5 stars In "Mary's Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein," Carolyn Burke provides a fascinating look into the life of Mary Shelley and the inspiration behind her iconic novel. The book is well-researched and beautifully written, making it an enjoyable read for anyone interested in this period of history. One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the complex relationships between Mary Shelley and her family members, particularly her husband Percy Bysshe Shelley and their daughter Claire Clairmont. Through these relationships, readers are able to see how Mary's experiences shaped her as a writer and influenced the themes of her work. The author also does an excellent job of delving into the historical context of the time period, including the social norms, political climate, and cultural attitudes towards women during this era. This helps to provide a deeper understanding of why Mary's experiences were so unique and how they influenced her writing. Another strength of the book is its exploration of the creative process behind "Frankenstein." Through interviews with experts in literature and history, readers are able to gain insight into the inspiration behind the novel and how it was shaped by Mary's life experiences. This adds an interesting layer to the story and helps to make it even more engaging for fans of the book. Overall, "Mary's Monster: Love, Madness, and How Mary Shelley Created Frankenstein" is a beautifully written and well-researched biography that will appeal to anyone interested in this period of history. Its exploration of complex themes and vivid descriptions make it an enjoyable read for anyone looking to learn more about the life of one of literature's most iconic authors. Category: Self-Help Title: Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life Author: Tara Brach Genre: Self-Help, Mindfulness Publisher: Sounds True Press Publication Date: April 12, 2016 Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5 stars In "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life," Tara Brach provides a practical and insightful guide to living in the present moment and finding happiness in life. The book is well-written and engaging, making it an enjoyable read for anyone looking to improve their mental health and overall wellbeing. One of the strengths of the book is its exploration of the four questions that form the basis of Brach's teachings: What am I feeling? What thoughts are arising? Who am I being in this moment? What would love have me do now? Through these questions, readers are able to gain insight into their own thought patterns and emotions, which can help them to live more mindfully and find greater happiness in life. The author also does an excellent job of providing practical tips and exercises for incorporating these questions into daily life. These exercises are designed to be easy to follow and can be done anywhere at any time, making it accessible to anyone looking to improve their mental health. Another strength of the book is its exploration of the cultural attitudes towards happiness and success in Western society. Through this exploration, readers are able to see how societal pressures can shape our perceptions of what constitutes a successful life and why we may struggle to find true happiness in these pursuits. Overall, "Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life" is an insightful and practical guide to living more mindfully and finding greater happiness in life.