Book Review: The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray

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The First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray is a historical fiction novel that spans many years and tells of the friendship between former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune. I don't know if I would have picked up this book if it hadn't been the August selection for one of the book clubs I belong to in my area because I don't read a lot of historical fiction. However, I am so glad that I read it and was able to learn many things I hadn't learned about in any of my history classes.  I don't recall learning anything about Mary McLeod Bethune, and she is an important part of American history. The things she helped spearhead to provide African American people equal rights is quite impressive. One of the things I was horrified to learn about is Franklin D. Roosevelt's resistance to stop lynchings because he was afraid of losing the Southern Democrats backing for his New Deal Bill. Another thing that I fo...
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Book Review: The Model Spy by Maryka Biaggio

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book review the model spy maryka biaggio

The Model Spy by Maryka Biaggio is based on the true story of Toto Koopman, model turned spy. As a spy for the British Intelligence Service, Toto was part of the Italian Resistance in World War Two and had to face off with the German Intelligence Service.

A big thanks goes out to NetGalley and Milford House Press for the digital Advanced Readers Copy of The Model Spy by Maryka Biaggio. I was honored to be selected to read this book ahead of publication.

Not knowing anything about Toto Koopman before reading this book, I was in awe and shock to learn about her life. Even though the subject matter is difficult, this account of Toto's work in the Italian Resistance was a compelling read, and I was eager to finish The Model Spy to find out the fate of this courageous woman.

This historical fiction novel definitely gave me a different look into WWII that I never learned about in school. Everyone knows about Anne Frank thanks to her diary being published, and it's an important read, but I think the story of Toto Koopman is just as important. I definitely think The Model Spy should be required reading for high school students. Five out of five stars is what I give The Model Spy by Maryka Biaggio.

 

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