This is a nonfiction book that covers witches in America from the first accusations as they crossed the ocean to the New World all the way up to the Blair Witch phenomena. Going in, I thought it would be an interesting read but possibly dry, but boy was I wrong! Susan Fair has a great sense of humor and looks at the events of the past with a skeptical and sarcastic lens. There were points when I would laugh out loud from her bluntly pointing out how ridiculous the accusations could be, especially during the Salem Witch Trials. I really cannot believe the things that people believed back then was my thought while reading this entire book, until I got to the 1999 Blair Witch chapter and realized people are just as gullible today.
The book itself is not that long, not even reaching 300 pages. It’s an easy read that flies by because of the fact that it’s so interesting as well as comical. Hats off to Susan Fair for making these bizarre and gruesome events in our history entertaining!
I love a good witchy read at Halloween time, which is why I chose this book in the first place and I’m really glad I did! I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to laugh, scratch their head in puzzlement at mankind, and learn little tidbits and facts of US witch history.
If you would like to get your own copy of “American Witches” by Susan Fair I have included links below:
Tis the season for Harry Potter (Halloween, Christmas, end of July, all year really). But I decided to make my way through the movies hoping to get my five-year-old daughter interested. It’s been quite a while since I immersed myself into the Wizarding World, a few years actually, and I didn’t realize just how much I missed it! I decided today to listen to all the instrumental soundtracks while I went about my work day. Occasionally, I’ll take a stroll around the back parking lot to stretch my legs and get some fresh air (because our tiny office with no light and no window depresses me to no end on that level). It was on one of those morning walks with the HP harps and chimes playing softly in the background of my left ear that I got a brilliant idea! (You always think your ideas are genius and brilliant when you first have them, don’t you?) I was greatly inspired to write an ongoing series of Harry Potter fan fiction novellas. Without going into too much detail, they would be modern day and they would follow a Ravenclaw girl (because that’s my very own Hogwarts House). The style of writing would be on the same level as J.K. Rowlings in the sense that it would be for young adults, easy to read and age appropriate, but whimsical and magical (just not as…how do you say it? Queen of YA Storytelling level, of course, because who is really? I would do my very best though) I’ve also read many blogs and articles from professionals in the writing world that say fan fiction is a great way to open up your work to more readers. Sure, they read your fan fiction for free but then they might start wondering what else you write and if its as captivating and good. Boom! You’ve got yourself some new fans. At least that’s how I interpret their advice. Anyway, my real question is how many people out there really do read fan fiction? Because I have to admit, I am not one of them. But it interests me. Have you ever read Harry Potter fan fiction and what’s your thoughts on it? Any insight you can give me into this new world of Fan Fiction would be greatly appreciated! Please take my poll below if you have a second to.
I don’t want to go into too much detail here, don’t want to spoil it for you (haha it’s history! Can’t be spoiled.) This book was 731 pages long in Kindle form and it sure felt like it. It took me two and a half months to read it but man, was it the most thorough and extensive biography! I was inspired to read it when I saw the Broadway play, Hamilton, on Disney+ and I am so glad I decided to compare to the book because it was interesting. The author uses some really great words which translated well into the musical and these have become my favorite part of both. I think the language was what I loved most about this biography. I now know more about Hamilton that I ever thought I would know, as well as Jefferson, Adams, Monroe, and Washington. I loved seeing a different side of the founding fathers and their contributions to the nation now. I feel this biography was prevalent to the state of our nation today. Hamilton truly is an inspiration, especially for me as an author. The man could write and write and write, and he was witty and well-spoken too. He worked hard and it paid off for him. He rose to the top of the nation because of it, not to say he didn’t have his own setbacks and grief, because he sure did. If you’re a fan of the Broadway musical or a fan of history, this biography is compelling and enticing!
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This is a journal for women who need some empowerment and encouragement in their lives, who need to be reminded just how wonderful they are inside and out. There’s space to reflect on your day, your accomplishments, your goals, your dreams, your mistakes, what you’ve learned, to love on yourself and others, and even a place to rant away (because, hey, we all have to let it out!)
Recently, I started reading Chernow’s Hamilton. Of course, the inspiration to read this came from watching the infamous Broadway play on Disney+ this past July. I am only 18% through the book according to my Kindle, but there are so many fun facts I have learned already, so I thought I would share some with you.
1. Peggy Schuyler was not a dud
In the play, Peggy is the sister that whine and complains and seems a little naïve and trying to hold her sister back from the fun, complaining about daddy saying no to them going into the city. In the book I just learned that Peggy was actually pretty brave and kickass! At one point, while Hamilton was away, Peggy and her father and mother and siblings were at home when British and Indian forces broke into their mansion. Everyone cowered in the bedroom when they realized they left the youngest, just a baby, in the bassinet by the front door (why you would place a baby’s crib by the front door is beyond me, but they did). Peggy gathered her courage, snuck downstairs and saved her sibling from harm. Enemies found her and demanded she tell them where her father was. Quick thinking, she said he had climbed out the window to alert troops of the invasion, which scared the opposing forces away. Peggy turned to run up the stairs with her baby sibling and that’s when an Indian threw a tomahawk at her, narrowly missing her head and lodging into the bannister on the stairs, which the marks can still be seen today. Peggy is a hero!
But if you like the dud Peggy you’ll enjoy Weird Al Yankovic’s “Hamilton Polka”. It’s hilarious!Work!
2. The World Turned Upside Down was a real song
This was a British wartime song sung when Corwallis surrendered at the battle of Yorktown. It was first published in 1643 and was meant to be sung to the tune “When the King Enjoys his Own Again”. The original song, played with fife and drum, is more jaunty than the Broadway play’s haunting version.
3. Hamilton’s Father was the son of a Scottish Laird
There was a lot about Hamilton’s real father and it turns out he was the son of the Scottish Laird of Grange. He was the fourth son so he was not in line to take over the lairdship when his father passed, leaving him to prove himself to the world. He was not so good at business and had one misfortune after another that left him the black sheep of the family. He moved to the West Indies to make his fortune in sugar cane, but did not succeed. Even after being abandoned by his father, though, Hamilton kept in touch through letters throughout his life with his estranged father.
Portrait of the handsome Hamilton
4. Hamilton’s Mother, Rachel Fawcett Lavien, was rumored to be half-black
There was rumors abundant about Hamilton’s lineage. Some claim his mother was half-black. Some claim James Hamilton was not his real father. His mother was not married to him when Hamilton was born, only living with him, and it was rumored that she had affairs that included her landlord who hired Hamilton after his father left and mother died, and even that she had affairs with her slaves. There is much mystery behind Hamilton’s heritage, but it is possible her was British, Scottish, and African-American.
There you have it. The little interesting facts about Hamilton that I only learned by reading the book. I recommend both the play and the book, amazing in their own ways. I’m sure I will be posting more to come as I read further. Enjoy!
