Title: Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly
Author: Anthony Bourdain
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Why I gave this rating: It shouldn’t come as a surprise, but I love cooking, restaurants and all things food. And Anthony Bourdain represents so much of what the food culture truly is. I’m not really sure what I was expecting when I read this book but I thought it would be more a memoir of his life but it was more the behind the scenes of the restaurant industry. Which was interesting, just wasn’t what I thought this book would be. It felt a little impersonal at some points.
Title: Between Shades of Gray
Author: Ruta Sepetys
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I gave this rating: I’ve said this before, but Ruta Sepetys is an incredible historical fiction writer. She finds those untold stories from history and brings light to them. The countries that are often not talked about when it comes to the battle of WWII. Her latest one covered the turmoil that those in Lithuania faced with the Soviets under Stalin ruling. How it took little to nothing to be considered a prisoner and transported to Siberia where you just had to get on day by day as those around you were killed off. All while never knowing why your family got picked. My only negative comment is the ending left a lot of open questions unanswered. But check her out! Her books are incredibly unique.
People who would like this book: Untold stories of history fans. Historical Fictions readers wanting to read more about books dealing with the Soviets.
Favorite Quote: “Whether love of friend, love of country, love of God, or even love of enemy—love reveals to us the truly miraculous nature of the human spirit.”
Title: Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Author: Patrick Radden Keefe
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Why I gave this rating: Don’t let this title mislead you. While there is a murder in the book, that is not at all the main premise of the book. It’s a very small subpart of it. The book is a dedication to Northern Ireland and the people who were not afraid to voice their opinions to change history. It takes place after the revolution in the early 1900’s, during the upheaval of the 1970’s. How they were divided for so long and still remain divided to this day.
People who would like this book: Nonfiction readers that enjoy history and fighting for ones country.
Favorite Quote: “Who should be held accountable for a shared history of violence? It was a question that was dogging Northern Ireland as a whole.”
Title: Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service
Author: Michael Bar-Zohar & Nissim Mishal
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (.5)
Why I gave this rating: This was an eye opening book about an organization most of the world knows little to nothing about. We’ve all heard about the Mossad, but have no idea how involved with events across the world. That’s because they’re as secret and hidden as can be. My only previous knowledge about the Mossad was that Ziva in NCIS used to work for them. It was a tell all book about how it formed as well as going in detail about some of the past mission Mossad had a hand in.
People who would like this book: Spy fans wanting to read about a secret group. Non fiction.
Favorite Quote: “To protect civilians, the state needs sometimes to do things that are contrary to democratic behavior. It is true that in units like ours the outer limits can become blurred. That’s why you must be sure that your people are of the best quality. The dirtiest actions should be carried out by the most honest men.”
Until Next Time, The Library Abroad
The Library Abroad 
Leave a comment