so-soA fictionalized version of Princess Diana from the perspective of a long-lost school chum, this turned out to be more of a hagiography than something trying to create a full person, which was disappointing. Full review at: https://booknaround.blogspot.com/2025/06/the-princess-by-wendy-holden.html?m=1
pickThough this was a fictionalized autobiography of Hattie McDaniel's adult life after her Academy Award, I felt I learned a lot about her and the 1940s environment for Black actors. I felt like the author gave Hattie McDaniel her voice and her due dignity. The book was well thought out and interesting.
pickThis was amazing! Gone with the Wind was a favorite movie of mine when I was younger and I always thought Hattie McDaniel was excellent in it. Learning about her real life and all of the turmoil and backlash she suffered due to the roles she played was so sad. She was hardworking and dynamic and witty and smart and it really is horrific that she just wanted to do the thing she loved the most - act - and find a love that was true and lasting and ⬇️
pickVery good. Follows Helena Rubinstein and Elizabeth Arden and their quest for dominance of the beauty industry. Full of historical detail and drama. Even though I had heard of Elizabeth Arden before I didn't know much but this book has filled in some of my knowledge of her.
#Avon
#HarperCollinsPublishers
@HarperCollins
#Libby has a #TogetherWeRead where there are NO HOLDS and UNLIMITED QTY on the designated book!
I spotted this last week Tuesday, 3/25/25.
pickA sad but also inspiring story of the first black woman to win an Oscar. The book takes you through the ups and downs of Hattie McDaniel‘s life and the major struggles she endured even though she won Hollywoods most coveted award. This book inspired me to finally watch Gone with the Wind and in the character of Mammy you can see the spunk the real Hattie had even though her character has been a controversial figure. Definitely an eye opening read.
Hands down best book I read in February. 🥰
pick5✨ I‘ll admit it took me a bit to get the sisters and passengers of the Titanic straight, but I knew it would have to be a lot of characters based on what we know would happen by the end. I like that the author did a lot of research to make it a mostly true story. I loved this story! 🥰
pick4⭐️ Really liked this book; it would have been higher if the scenes from the 1950s were just as the ones that were about Maria‘s past. The story was not at all like the movie and Maria‘s story was much more compelling than the musical would lead one to believe. #2025 #biographicalfiction #fiction #1920s #1930s #historicalfiction
