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Blog Entry 2 of 4 Escalade Escapades

As most stay-at-home moms will tell you, life is pretty hairy much of the time! My days are spent dashing between my kids‘ schools, the mall, the gym and the coffee shop (you need a lot of caffeine to carry out this schedule!). It is a from far cry from my days at the University of Colorado and then as a high school history teacher, when I had all the time in the world to debate and discuss politics, history and current events with whoever would listen (or was trapped in a desk). These days, when I need a little history and culture I sneak away with a good book to a quiet spot in my home. Reading has become my escape from the hectic life as a mom and wife. My blog will focus on great (but not too intellectual) reads. I tend to read books with a little history, a little sex and a whole lot of drama. Some days (and weeks), I can't find time to read more than my "Everyday with Rachel Ray" mag. so at times I may have to share stories of the crazy adventures that Broomfield (its true!) offers me.

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~michele

"The Other Boleyn Girl" by Phillipa Gregory

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Contributed by: Michele Lingbeck on 12/19/2007

If you are looking for a good book to read as an escape from the craziness of the holidays, pick up a copy of The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory. No matter how dysfunctional your family might be, you will feel pretty good after spending some time with the Boleyns!

The book details the rise to power of the beautiful Boleyn girls in the 16th Century court of Henry VIII of England.

Henry VIII, of course, is the ruthless King of England who beheaded several of his 6 young wives while unsuccessfully trying to produce an heir (his only legitimate son died as a teenager) to his throne.

The book details the ill-fated reigns of Henry's first 3 wives: Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn and Jane Seymour. The story is told from the point of view of Mary Boleyn, the sweet teenage mistress to Henry before he becomes her brother-in-law.

The story reads like a historical version of the Young and the Restless. The power-hungry Anne Boleyn claws her way to the throne with blatant disregard for the fact that the King is married, sleeping with her sister and forbidden to divorce by the Catholic Church! Form a new church? No problem! This is Henry VIII after all!

Henry VIII is a true player... he makes Bill Clinton look like a Saint! The pages are filled with sex, violence, sibling rivalry and even delve into incest and homosexuality. This is historical fiction, after all... Phillipa Gregory makes history fun and smutty for the masses!

Anne Boleyn's beheading will come as no surprise to anyone that has sat through a history class, but you will still be shocked and angered by Henry's actions. The novel (and it's sequel) depict the monarch's descent into paranoia and insanity.

My neighborhood book club tossed back a few glasses of wine and discussed this one in our last meeting. The book was adored by all! The whole book club was able to finish the book (a miracle!) and even opted to continue with Henry's quest for a worthy wife in the sequel The Boleyn Inheritance for our January meeting.

Watch for The Other Boleyn Girl in movie theatres next year too! Don't bring the kids to this one!

Off to read!

< Previous: ''The Historian' -- vam...' | Next: 'A virtual book club?' >

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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments

Submitted By: Chris Gertig

posted on 1/12/2008 @ 8:42:58 AM

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Michele, how about also posting what you'll be reading NEXT? You could start a local yet virtual book club for those of us without the time for the real McCoy. Former Farrandite Chris, Class of 2000

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Submitted By: Daniel Smith

posted on 12/21/2007 @ 8:55:34 AM

Rated Blog Entry

A fine choice for a holiday-time read, Michele.

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Submitted By: Julius Vaughns

posted on 12/20/2007 @ 3:18:06 PM

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Welcome to YourHub, Michele!

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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Michele Lingbeck

Broomfield , CO

Michele Lingbeck has posted 4 blog entries and 0 comments since joining on 12/13/2007. Michele Lingbeck 's average blog rating is 5.

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