Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes review...
Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes - From Cleopatra to Camus
Age Range - Any Age
Genre - Historical Nonfiction
Five Star Award

LitPick Review

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Age at time of review - 14
Reviewer's Location - Leopold, Missouri, United States
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Historical Heartthrobs:  50 Timeless Crushes

Did you know that Harry Houdini was considered an 1800’s hunk or the Pablo Picasso was considered a womanizing painter?  Or that Coco Chanel used to be a motherless ragamuffin wandering through the streets of France and the last Czarina of Russia had a firm belief in the power of the mystics to help guide her in her rule?  You’ll learn all that in more in Kelly Murphy’s new nonfiction volume Historical Heartthrobs:  50 Timeless Crushes. Giving the reader the vitals (place of birth, death date, etc.), life story, sex life, area of influence, best feature, quotes,  and overall heat-factor (on a scale of one to five) of each historical figure, Murphy brings to life some of the most prominent (and controversial) people that rocked the world around them.  From Annie Oakley to Marie Antoinette and Nikola Telsa to Bruce Lee, this book has the skinny on all of the suave spirits that shaped our future. Breezing past characters throughout history known for their definite swoon factor, this book gives the total bio on fifty of history’s hottest heartthrobs.

Opinion: 

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this book, to be honest.  Nonfiction isn’t really my forte—I read so much of it at school that I have no desire to read it at home.  A week ago, as I was browsing through the booklist, I happened upon it and was so intrigued by its witty description and unique air that I decided to give the whole nonfiction genre a shot.  What a load on this book’s shoulders, correct?  Fortunately, I am happy to report that this manuscript flourished under the pressure and my critical eye.  I found it humorous, entertaining, and educational, which is what every nonfiction book should be if it wants to attract younger readers.  It moved at a brisk pace through fifty different historical figures known for their beauty (or simply their big bank account) that seemingly had it all--appeal, influence, aim, and in some cases, a defining attitude.  Organized into small, three page sections dedicated to each person, I felt that the book moved along at a quick enough pace to avoid being boring yet giving me enough information that I felt that I learned something.  All in all, it is great nonfiction read that I believe would be wonderful for anyone who is looking to mix up their winter reading.

I would recommend this book for ages 12 and up, since there are frequent mentions of sex, affairs, and violence, along with a minimal amount of swearing.  There are also some mentions of homosexuality and bisexuality, so if it bothers you or your child, it may not be the book for you.

So, are you looking for a unique twist on history and the people who shaped it?  What about looking for your next celebrity crush?  If so, be sure to check out Historical Heartthrobs: 50 Timeless Crushes by Kelly Murphy!

Rating:
5
Content Rating:

Content rating - some mature content

Explain your content rating: 

There are mentions of sex, violence, and different historical affairs.
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