Ever wonder how the borders between the states got they way they are? Some were established by royal decree, some by rivers or mountains, some to give access to a river or ocean, some by battles ... and more! There is a tv show, and a book, both with the same name: How the States Got Their Shapes (by Mark Stein). One border changed as recently as 1993 when New Jersey claimed part of Ellis Island. Seems New York had added land to the island with fill and New Jersey said it was on their side because of the underwater borderline!

I have often thought much of what is considered 'fashionable' to be, well, silly, or uncomfortable. Seems author Karen Bowman did as well! Follow some of the craziest fads in Corsets & Codpieces: a History of Outrageous Fashion, from Roman Times to the Modern Era. Early on many styles were designed to restrict women from moving freely. Styles of hair were once so high they had to kneel in a carriage rather than sit on the seat. I knew (but did not understand) the language of fans, but for beauty spots? First used to cover scars from the pox, that was soon abandoned and the beauty spots were used to send messages which varied depending on their shape and location on the face. There were hoop skirts so wide the wearer had to turn sideways to get through doors. And crinoline .. layers and layers ... really? Something so flammable in an age where heat and light came from fire? All in all an enjoyable read!

The ads for the movie for this book puzzle me ... it looks like a rather light, cheerful movie ... but The Zookeeper's Wife: a War Story, by Diane Ackerman, was anything but. That being said, there were some wonderful, positive moments, and an ending that could be considered a triumph, but given the time and place (WWII, Warsaw), it was dark, and brutal in places. Well written, with great notes for each chapter and a worthy bibliography, it was powerful read ... but I am curious about the movie. :-)

If you are looking for something of a lighter nature, then read Why My Third Husband Will Be a Dog: the Amazing Adventures of an Ordinary Woman, by Lisa Scottoline. There are reflections on so many things here! From religion to empty nests to pets to going braless, this was a 'chuckle' of a read!

Reading Hermit With Dog