Customer Reviews

Outrageous Women of Ancient Times

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

What a terrific idea for a book (series)! We have read only this 1st book (Outrageous Women of Ancient Times) in the series but wanted other potential buyers to have full disclosure.

Official reviews note the author's casual tone. We were quite surprised by the author's sarcastic, flippant tone throughout the book, as well as the poor grammar and lack-luster writing style. The book is self-described as targeting 10-14 year olds, and the subject matter does make very interesting reading.

Unfortunately, most (if not all) intelligent or classically-educated readers in this age group will find the writing demeaning. Average readers in this age group who are picking up the book because of an interest in women in history, famous women, or otherwise noteworthy women in history, will at the very least be offended by the author's lack of respect for their reading ability or maturity. Homeschoolers will not enjoy this book for these reasons, as well as because the author frequently includes anecdotal references to concurrent historical events or practices that are downright erroneous. Our 8-year old pointed out more than a handful of such errors to me as she read the book. When I read the book after she finished, I was surprised to see such disjointed writing within most of the chapters, so much of the author's opinion presented as historical truth, and so many unsubstantiated (and non-illuminating) anecdotes inserted in places and ways that made little sense and significantly detracted from the book's readability.

I applaud the idea for the book and series, and wish I could rate the book high for this reason alone. The demeaning style, poor history and bad writing make that impossible. Borrow it from your local library if you really want to take a look.

It't not easy to find books about women during this time period, especially for young readers. I don't feel the author's casual tone took away from the book. Very informative and interesting read. Enjoyable for young and adult readers alike.