BWOBNY is back!! Today we debut our brand new review series "Book Buddies." Jenn and Mallory met during the first week of Borders Middletown, NY (18 years ago!!) and became fast friends along with Melanie who you may remember for her delightfully snarky reviews elsewhere on the blog. First up, Jenn and Mallory review the buzzy Spare by Prince Harry.
Where did you get this book (purchased, gift or library?)
Jenn: Purchased ebook from
online retailer
Mallory: Gift for Christmas
Why did you choose
this book?
Jenn: I was super curious to hear about Prince Harry’s life from the man himself. I’ve been interested in the workings of the Royal Family since I was in high school. I also wanted to learn more about Meghan as we share a birthday!
Mallory: I choose this book because I wanted to hear Prince Harry's side. Unfortunately the Media has had a lot of negative comments and articles about him. I was interested in what happened and occurred through the eyes of Prince Harry
What did you like about this book?
Jenn: I was fascinated and impressed by Harry’s military training and career. I had no idea how actively he was involved in the military. His work for his fellow veterans especially wounded warriors is inspiring.
I also love the way he spoke of his Grandmother, to him she was “Granny” and a much more caring woman than the vision of Queen Elizabeth that I’d built up in my mind. However his descriptions of his father and Charles' mistress Camilla were even worse than I imagined. It was heartbreaking to read especially given the devastating loss of his mother. It was also disheartening to read about the strained relationship with his brother.
Mallory: The book was really informative. It shed a light on how the death of his mother really affected his life. It was also educating to hear of his experience in the military. Hearing his perspective of life as a royal, really opened my eyes. Just because he is part of a royal family does not make his life perfect.
What (if anything) did you dislike about this book?
Jenn: At one point, Prince Harry is exposed to frigid temperatures and reportedly suffered frostbite to what I’ll call a sensitive appendage of his anatomy. He devoted way more time to that experience that I felt necessary. LOL You really could’ve kept that to yourself, mate.
I also would’ve liked a little more detail on his life with Meghan now. What’s a regular day like at home for them with their children? What does their work life entail? I would’ve just liked some “slice of life” details there although the book does of course cover their dating life through marriage.
Mallory: I felt at times that the book was chopped up. He would start telling of a time period in his life and then it would abruptly stop and pick up 10 chapters later. At points I also felt that it was too detailed. This would cause me to lose interest at times.
Would you recommend
this book to others?
Jenn: Absolutely! Even if you’re not into the royals, this book definitely shows there are at least two sides to every story and also gives one reason to question the media, especially tabloids.
Mallory: Yes. I would absolutely recommend this book. I feel that the book does give a proper look into his life. It makes you question everything you hear in the media.
Star Rating
Jenn: ***** /5
Mallory: ****/5
Have you read Spare? What did you think? Share your thoughts with the book buddies (or book biddies as Melanie has taken to calling us)!
