Tuesday, February 21, 2023

Spare by Prince Harry


Spare by Prince Harry

Release Date - January 10, 2023

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House

Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 410 pages

My Rating - 3/5

**purchased **

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

It was one of the most searing images of the twentieth century: two young boys, two princes, walking behind their mother’s coffin as the world watched in sorrow—and horror. As Princess Diana was laid to rest, billions wondered what Prince William and Prince Harry must be thinking and feeling—and how their lives would play out from that point on.

For Harry, this is that story at last

A memoir is a hard thing to critique. It is someone's experiences in their own words. It makes commenting on the events in the novel difficult. I went into Spare with no real set expectations. I wanted to read it out of a sense of curiosity but also to learn about the young boy I remember watching walk behind his mother's coffin when I was a teenager.

I imagine that lnowing you were the  'spare' would come with its own set of baggage and issues. I cannot imagine knowing as a child that you were the 'less important' one compared to your sibling. Harry was definitely aware of this from a young age and it was something that was even discussed by his family. It is something that lingered for me as I read even though for Harry it was something that always just was. It was a fact that he just always knew.

The fact that a ghostwriter was used for this is not a secret. They were pretty forthcoming that Harry did not write this by himself. The writing is, however, a highlight. It is very well written and well paced. It feels natural so that the reader becomes engrossed in the story. It makes the reader feel that the story is being told to us rather than us reading it ourselves.

The most prevailing thing I took away from this book is a complete distain for the reporters, paparazzi, and others who took a traumatic event in a young child's life and made it a spectator sport. Harry despises all of them and it is easy to see why. The culture that is cultivated around him led to hardship for not just Harry but those around him. His previous girlfriends were stalked and harassed for simply daring to date him. The impact on others of him being the Prince is what struck me the most. It made connecting with people harder in a lot of ways. Everythig he did was scrutinized. His grief and private struggles were made public for everyone to comment on. The mistakes that were made when he was younger were put under a harsh spotlight.

Ownership is something that, for me, ran through this novel. Harry made some mistakes as a young man. He will be the first to admit those mistakes. There is definitely some ownership of those mistakes and his role in them. He is, however, also quick to point out the role others played in these mistakes. I do think time and experience has made Harry see these events more clearly but I do think he is still growing and learning. 

The last part of the book detailing how cruel everyone was to Megan was heartbreaking. Harry shares enough while recognizing that part of it is not his story to tell. There are many examples of how awful people were to Megan but that this cruelty extended to bringing their infant son into it is inexcusable. Those who may have wondered why they left England will not after finishing this book. Harry did the right thing for his wife and they did what was best for their family.

If you have any interest in the British monarchy I would recommend this book. If you are at all curious about Harry and Megan I definitely recommend this book. It is a vulnerable, if one sided, look at the life of a young man who grew up in the public eye and wanted to tell his story in his words.

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Waiting on Wednesday ... Mister Magic

 

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pick is Mr Magic by Kiersten White


Here is the Goodreads synopsis 
Who is Mister Magic? Former child stars reunite to uncover the tragedy that ended their show -and discover the secret of its enigmatic host -in this dark supernatural thriller from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Hide.

Thirty years after a tragic accident shut down production of the classic children's program Mister Magic, the five surviving cast members have done their best to move on. But just as generations of cultishly devoted fans still cling to the lessons they learned from the show, the cast, known as the Circle of Friends, have spent their lives searching for the happiness they felt while they were on it. The friend-ship. The feeling of belonging. And the protection of Mister Magic

But with no surviving video of the show, no evidence of who directed or produced it, and no records of who-or what the beloved host actually was, memories are all the former Circle of Friends has.

Then, a twist of fate brings the castmates back together at the remote desert filming compound that feels like it's been waiting for them all this time. Even though they haven't seen each other for years, they understand one another better than anyone has since.

After all, they're the only ones who hold the secret of that circle, the mystery of the magic man in his infinitely black cape, and, maybe, the answers to what really happened on that deadly last day. But as the Circle of Friends reclaim parts of their past, they begin to wonder: Are they here by choice, or have they been lured into a trap?

Because magic never forgets the taste of your friendship...
I love the cover of this one so much. It matches the synopsis perfectly with it being a little creepy but also bright and vibrant like you would expect a children's show to be.

This releases just in time to be a perfect end of summer read. It is a supernatural thriller so it will be a perfect bridge from beach to autumn reading. 

I am very curious about the show at the heart of this story. I am looking forward to unraveling all of its secrets.

Expected release date - August 1, 2023

Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Weekly Obsession

The awesome Kelly at KellyVision started posting a weekly post highlighting whatever she happened to be obsessed with that week. I LOVE this idea, so much in fact that I will be doing it myself every week. 

It has been a long while since I've posted one of these so I am doing one now. Hoping to have them be weekly on Fridays again as of next week.

The is basically the Daisy Jones and the Six edition because we got so much news about the upcoming television show recently.

TV/MOVIES

Daisy Jones and the Six Trailer

The trailer was recently released for this very anticipated adaptation. It not only looks amazing but we get to hear a snippet of music as well.


That's right.... Daisy Jones and the Six are real ... at least in terms of an actual album existing. The fans are going to get to hear the music from the book come to life. I am already obsessed. 

OTHER

Aurora (aka Daisy Jones and the Six album)

The cast of Daisy Jones and the Six, as me mentioned above, created the album from the novel a d we can own it! The cover is a piece of art. I legit want to hang it on my wall. The inside of the album is even better though.



I do not have a record player but I ordered the vinyl just so I can frame it. 

The first single, Regret Me, has been released and I can already tell that it is going to be on my Spotify Wrapped at the end of the year. It is pretty much perfection. The only thing I am sad about? The fact that Regret Me does not include the iconic lyric 'when you think of me, I hope it ruins rock 'n' roll'. 

The album releases the same day the show premieres and I am going to be listening to it on repeat. 

What are you obsessed with this week? Let me know in the comments.

Thursday, February 2, 2023

Monthly Movie Picks - February

   


Welcome to a brand new post on my blog. It'll be a monthly post and focus on the new movies I most want to see that month. I am excited to see what movies you are excited for as well.

Here is what I am excited for in February:

1. Knock at the Cabin

Release Date: February 3

This movie piqued my interest when I heard it was based off a well reviewed novel by Paul Tremblay. It has an intriguing premise and I like many of the cast.

This seems like an impossible choice - save your family or save the entire world. I hear the book has a divisive ending so I am curious to see if they change it for the movie.

2. Magic Mike's Last Dance

Release Date: February 10

I really enjoyed the first two movies in this trilogy and am excited that it is going to be set in a new location.

The first movie was a mix of fun and serious. The second focused on the fun. I am curious to see what the third one focuses on (it seems to be fun based on the trailer). I am also hoping that some of the other guys in the previous two movies make cameos at least. 

What are you most excited to see this month? Let me know in the comments.

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Monthly TBR/ Recap


The month of love is upon us. February always feels longer than it actually is. It seems like it takes double the amount of time January does. I always get impatient for winter to be over and for the snow to go away. The extra long feel to January through March does not help.

Since February is (technically) a shorter month I have a smaller to be read list. It is something I feel, and hope, are doable.

Before we dive in to what I read in January. I had the following books on my reading list:

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

9 and a Half Weeks by Elizabeth McNeill

Six Ways to Write a Love Letter by Jackson Pearce

American Queen by Sierra Simone

Real Easy by Marie Rutkoski *ebook*

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

Spare by Prince Harry

I ended up reading the following;

Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner

9 and a Half Weeks by Elizabeth McNeill

Six Ways to Write a Love Letter by Jackson Pearce

Real Easy by Marie Rutkoski *ebook*

Spare by Prince Harry 

For February I decided to pick a smaller batch of books so that I can attempt to finish them:


American Queen by Sierra Simone

Furious Love by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree *ebook

If there is time I may try to sneak in a romance read of some kind since it is February.

I also thought I would share my Bookly update. I have friends who absolutely love it and that is why I decided to get it. I am having to remind myself to not forget to use it but I am liking it otherwise. I am not obsessed yet like others are, but I am definitely finding it useful. I like how it can get you reading more which is what I really want it for. 

I have have my twelve books set in Hollywood challenge going on and I completed my book for January - Six Ways To Write a Love Letter by Jackson Pearce. Review to come soon.

What books are you reading in February? Let me know what books you are excited about in the comments. 

You Might Also Like

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...