Review - The Daughter of Victory Lights by Kerri Turner

The Daughter of Victory Lights by Kerri Turner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Source: Publisher for Review

Paperback, 362 pages

Published January 20th 2020 by HQ Fiction

Synopsis:

'PART CABARET, PART BURLESQUE, AND LIKE NOTHING YOU'VE EVER SEEN BEFORE! GENTLEMEN, AND LADIES IF YOU'VE DARED TO COME, WELCOME TO ...

THE VICTORY!'

1945: After the thrill and danger of volunteering in an all-female searchlight regiment protecting Londoners from German bombers overhead, Evelyn Bell is secretly dismayed to be sent back to her rigid domestic life when the war is over. But then she comes across a secret night-time show, hidden from the law on a boat in the middle of the Thames. Entranced by the risqu� and lively performance, she grabs the opportunity to join the misfit crew and escape her dreary future.

At first the Victory travels from port to port to raucous applause, but as the shows get bigger and bigger, so too do the risks the performers are driven to take, as well as the growing emotional complications among the crew. Until one desperate night ...

1963: Lucy, an unloved and unwanted little girl, is rescued by a mysterious stranger who says he knows her mother. On the Isle of Wight, Lucy is welcomed into an eclectic family of ex-performers. She is showered with kindness and love, but gradually it becomes clear that there are secrets they refuse to share. Who is Evelyn Bell?'

My Thoughts:
Overall I found this a unique story that contained interesting characters that draws you in and keep you turning the pages to see what will happen to them next.

I loved the main character Evelyn's strong mind and determination to lead the type of life that she wanted rather than just settling down to get married and have kids as was expected of women back in those days.

The description of the events on the Victory and the imagery created around the boat was the best part of the book in my opinion. I really enjoyed reading about the events on the boat and seeing behind the scenes of what it would be like to be a part of a show like that. I'd actually really like to see something like this in real life if it ever existed.

When the story turned to young Lucy I felt very sorry for this poor little girl and can't imagine how these people who were supposed to be her family could be so hateful and cruel. It was interesting to see her character develop as she learns more about her real mother and father after coming into an environment where she is actually cared for and treated like a person who matters.

To be completely honest, I did find this book moved a little slow at times which has to be my only criticism, because other than that it was an enjoyable read.

Review - The Punk Rock of Business by Jeremy Dale

The Punk Rock of Business: Applying a Punk Rock Attitude in the Modern Business Era by Jeremy Dale

Source: Netgalley

Kindle Edition, 397 pages

Published September 25th 2018 by Greenleaf Book Group Press

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Synopsis:

'Author Jeremy Dale believes that too many businesses create an environment that encourages mediocrity and corporate norms that deliver lukewarm results at best. In The Punk Rock of Business, Dale offers a road map away from average and towards innovation through a mindset rooted in punk rock principles. In this fast-paced, actionable guidebook, readers will find:

-Eight punk rock principles to help you redefine your place in the corporate world–for the better

-A set of characteristics to strive for that will liberate you and accelerate your success

-Countless examples—drawing on both the classic stories from the music genre's industry-changing legacy and Dale's years of business success—to illustrate these principles and characteristics in action

-Straightforward lessons and actions to start taking today—right now—to break through corporate norms and build something greater

Punk rockers had a cause. They aimed for authenticity and refused to conform. In doing so, they created a dramatic change that shook society to its core. It was a much needed wake-up call for the conservative part of the music industry. Jeremy Dale wants you to do the same in the business world, and in The Punk Rock of Business, he gives you the tools you need to accomplish that goal.'

My Thoughts:
When I first saw this book the title is what grabbed me straight away as it seemed like a very interesting concept. I am a small business owner myself so I was very curious to know more about how a punk rock attitude could help with that.

There were some really interesting stories and case studies presented throughout this book which clearly shows the author's extensive experience. But, it did get a little bit repetitive in some sections which started to put me off and meant I ended up skimming through certain parts.

I loved all the punk rock references and they made this book a bit more fun than your average non-fiction, business books normally are.

I really would have liked a bit more actual advice given in the book rather than just stories, but the short action points at the end of each chapter were good as they give the reader some guidance on how to move forward and implement some of the concepts that were discussed.