Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Nerd Blast: Strongman: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy by Kenneth C. Davis


Grade Level : 5 - 9
Hardcover : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250205646
ISBN-13 : 978-1250205643
Publisher : Henry Holt and Co. (BYR); Illustrated Edition (October 6, 2020)
Reading level : 12 - 18 years
Language: : English 

Praise for STRONGMAN: THE RISE OF FIVE DICTATORS AND THE FALL OF DEMOCRACY

* "History’s warnings reverberate in this gripping read about five dictatorial strongmen. A pitch-perfect balance of nuanced reflection and dire warning." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Strongman is a book that is both deeply researched and deeply felt, both an alarming warning and a galvanizing call to action, both daunting and necessary to read and discuss." ―Cynthia Levinson, author of Fault Lines in the Constitution

"A wake-up call to democracies like ours: we are not immune to despots . . . Strongman demonstrates that democracy is not permanent, unless it is collectively upheld. This book shakes that immortality narrative." ―Jessica Ellison, President of the Minnesota Council for the Social Studies

"Rarely does a history book take such an unflinching look at our common future, where the very presence of democracy is less than certain; even rarer is a history book in which the author’s moral convictions incite young readers to civic engagement; rarest of all, a history book as urgent, as impassioned, and as timely as Kenneth C. Davis’ Strongman." ―Eugene Yelchin, author of the Newbery Honor book Breaking Stalin’s Nose

"[I] . . . found myself engrossed in it from beginning to end. I could not help admiring [Davis's] ability to explain complex ideas in readable prose . . . very much a book for our time." ―Sam Wineburg, author of Why Learn History (When It's Already on Your Phone)

"At a time when dictators are rampant in such countries as North Korea, Turkey, China, Russia, and others, Davis’ deep dive into the lives of five of history’s most notorious dictators (or strongmen as he calls them)―Mussolini, Hitler, Stalin, Mao, and Hussein―is apposite and timely." ―Booklist

OFFICIAL NERD BLAST FOR STRONGMAN: THE RISE OF FIVE DICTATORS AND THE FALL OF DEMOCRACY 

This is a Nerd Blast, you will post the promotional info we provide you with, including the giveaway. No reviews required. Please mark your Calendar.


From the bestselling author of the Don’t Know Much About® books comes a dramatic account of the origins of democracy, the history of authoritarianism, and the reigns of five of history's deadliest dictators.

What makes a country fall to a dictator? How do authoritarian leaders—strongmen—capable of killing millions acquire their power? How are they able to defeat the ideal of democracy? And what can we do to make sure it doesn’t happen again?

By profiling five of the most notoriously ruthless dictators in history—Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, Joseph Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Saddam Hussein—Kenneth C. Davis seeks to answer these questions, examining the forces in these strongmen’s personal lives and historical periods that shaped the leaders they’d become. Meticulously researched and complete with photographs, Strongman provides insight into the lives of five leaders who callously transformed the world and serves as an invaluable resource in an era when democracy itself seems in peril.

You can purchase Strongman: The Rise of Five Dictators and the Fall of Democracy at the following Retailers:
 

Photo Credit: Nina Subin

Kenneth C. Davis is the New York Times–bestselling author of America’s Hidden History and Don’t Know Much About® History, which gave rise to the Don’t Know Much About® series of books for adults and children. He is also the author of the critically acclaimed In the Shadow of Liberty, which was an ALA Notable Book and a finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction, as well as More Deadly Than War, which was named a Washington Post Best Children's Book of the Month. A frequent guest on national television and radio and a Ted-Ed Educator, Davis lives in New York City

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

Monday, October 26, 2020

Nerd Blast + Giveaway: Time for Monsters by Gareth Worthington


Paperback: 332 pages
ISBN-10: 1645480690
ISBN-13: 978-1645480693
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (May 11, 2021)

Praise for A TIME FOR MONSTERS

"A hell-raising revenge tale for fans of Gillian Flynn, Stieg Larsson and Karen Slaughter that forces readers down a dark road with an unexpected twist." ―Monique Snyman, Bram Stoker Awards Nominee


Only a monster can do the wrong things for the right reasons. 

Do you remember the first tape or CD you ever bought? Perhaps you waited for the local station to play the top forty songs on a Sunday so you could record your favorite band. Maybe you downloaded a certain track that reminded you of your wedding day or a graduation. 

Reyna Blackburn remembers. Every single song for every horrific event in her life. She remembers what song was playing on the radio the first time he hurt her. And she remembers what was playing through her headphones the first time she killed.

You can purchase A Time For Monsters at the following Retailers:
 

Photo Content from Gareth Worthington

Gareth Worthington is a trained marine biologist and also holds a doctorate in comparative endocrinology. Currently, Gareth works full time for the Pharmaceutical industry helping to educate the World's doctors on new cancer therapies. In his spare time Gareth has a number of passions, including: martial arts - he trained in Muay Thai at the prestigious EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and currently trains in MMA at Phoenix Sportkampf, Switzerland; playing acoustic guitar; studying ancient history; drawing; and most of all writing fiction.

An award winning author, he hopes to one day hang up the pharma hat and write full time.


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

Monday, October 12, 2020

Review: Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran

Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran

A chilling fantasy retelling of the Snow White fairy tale by bestselling creators Neil Gaiman and Colleen Doran.

A not-so-evil queen is terrified of her monstrous stepdaughter and determined to repel this creature and save her kingdom from a world where happy endings aren't so happily ever after.

From the Hugo, Bram Stoker, Locus, World Fantasy, Nebula Award-winning and Sunday Times-bestselling writer Neil Gaiman (American Gods) comes this graphic novel adaptation by Colleen Doran (Troll Bridge).
 





Pages: 88
Format: E-Book
Published By: Headline
Genre: Adult ~ Fantasy, Horror

Rating:
✮✮✮

Review:
Snow, Glass, Apples by Neil Gaiman is a horrific retelling of Snow White, but told from the "Evil" Queen's perspective. In this narrative, Snow White is not the innocent princess we all know her as, she happens to be a vampire, and personally, if retelling Snow White as a monster, a vampire really suits her.

This isn't a happy retelling of Snow White, it's dark and full of gore, written in graphic novel form. It was definitely a short read, only sitting around 88 pages, so it does leave me a little unsatisfied with the length. I really wanted more for this novel, but it definitely showcases the ability of Neil Gaiman to spin an amazing novel in such short amount of pages.

This book is definitely perfect for this time of year, with the spooky-esque vibe this novel gives off. I would highly recommend. And I absolutely adore the cover, with the artistic style and color scheme.