Review: Nollywood The Making of a Film Empire

Nollywood

The Making of a Film Empire

Emily Witt

This was an easy to read, brief history of how Nigeria developed a film industry with its own unique voice. It looks at the hardships faced by film makers, actors and distributors and how much has changed in the past twenty or so years. Thus, giving the reader an insight into what makes this industry tick.

I loved the fact that the author was able to capture the chaotic, liveliness of a country with such a diverse population. I appreciated the details of the various films which were showcased. They all sounded like films I would love to see. In the end, this book made me more interested in African story telling in general and what the film industry in Nigeria might produce in the future.

Thanks to Columbia Global Reports for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: A Well-Crafted Home

A Well-Crafted Home

Janet Crowther

This book is sure to please those who love the process of creating. Not only does it contain 60 projects to choose from but, it will no doubt inspire you to come up with your own projects for the home. I liked that the book was arranged according to rooms within the house and each project contained clear and easy to follow instruction. Whether you want to create something for the bedroom or the living room, this book has it covered.

Initially, I was interested in this book because it had several projects that focused on fabric dying and creating pillows. I'm happy to say that I found many other interesting things that I felt I could also attempt. I fell in love with the idea of creating my own stencil brush artwork, which seems a great way to liven up the walls in my home. I also loved the gemstone box project (who doesn't like a sparkle in the home) and, while the author created this project with a galvanized still container I'm hoping to do the same with a wooden box. Frankly, there are so many crafty ideas in this beautiful book that I can't imagine readers not being smitten by it.

Thanks to Blogging for Books for allowing me to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

Review: Anatomy of a Scandal

Anatomy of a Scandal

Sarah Vaughan

This book opens with a legal case. A junior minister in the British Government, James Whitehouse, has been charged with rape. But the case isn't going to be easy or straightforward for Kate Woodcroft the prosecuting QC. Not only has the victim had an affair with the minister prior to her accusation of rape but Kate Woodcroft has her own secrets, regarding her past as an Oxford student. And then there is the wife of the accused, Sophie who wants to believe her husband's version of events, otherwise the life she knows will be shattered.

As the author moves between the past and present, examining each character and his or her motives and beliefs, it becomes clear that the perception of truth varies greatly between each actor. Interesting and compelling, I found that as I got further and further into the story I had a hard time putting it down.

Thanks to Shelf-Awareness and Atria Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for an honest review.