A Novel of Marlene Dietrich

Marlene by C.W. Gortner
Published: December 16, 2016 by William Morrow (An imprint of Harper Collins)
I remember the first book I read by Gortner (The Last Queen, almost 7 years ago!). From that first book, I've loved everything I've read by him. What stood out to me about that first book was that while it was about a time period I was familiar with, it told the story of a historical character I knew little about. Basically I knew enough about the topic to be excited, but there was still an element of surprise. I'm excited to say, once again, that was the case with Marlene.

Here you get to meet Marlene Dietrich, a German actress who became a Hollywood star in the 1930s and 1940s. If you're more cultured than me, you probably know who she was, but until I picked up the book she was one I hadn't heard of. Although there are a ton of characters mentioned that I was familiar with (John Wayne, Ernest Hemmingway, Bette Davis, and more) and it was fun recognizing all the cameos. With that said, I'm sure there are a ton more I didn't get the significance of.

I've read a lot about WWII, but I can't remember reading anything else with such a take on it. Marlene is German but also American, and it's really interesting seeing her grapple with the Germany she loved growing up and the horrors of what it became.

This is the 5th book I've read by Gortner, and each time I've loved what I've read. There's still a few of his I haven't gotten to, but it's only because there isn't enough time in each day.

5/5

Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

1 Month Update

1 MonthYou're 1 month old!

October 27It's crazy how quickly this month has gone by. I thought time flew by with your big sister, but it's going by so much faster this time. I'm guessing because with her I could basically just sit and stare at her, whereas this time there is so much else going on that you're basically around for the ride.

October 31But before we get into more detail, here's a few official stats. You weigh 8 lbs 5 ozs (10th%ile). You are 21.26 inches long (28th%ile). Your head circumference is 37 cm (18th%ile).

November 2You're still wearing newborn clothes, although we moved up to size 1 diapers about 2-ish weeks ago since you were soaking through them. (I've yet to bring out the cloth diapers, but I'm hoping you get to experience them soon.) And while it isn't an official stat, I will say everyone keeps talking about how big your hands and feet are.

November 4Knowing how well your sister slept I was sure we were in for it with you, but so far, so good. Your bedtime is 7:30 the same as your big sister, so when Daddy puts her to sleep I get to hang out with you. You're waking up 2 times at night, normally around 1 and 4am. Although there were a handful of times you slept through the 1am feeding and it was glorious. I'm hopeful that it will become far more of a regular occurrence soon!

November 8You seem to be a big fan of being held upright. You have pretty good control of your head and overall seem pretty strong. You've even managed to roll over from stomach to back once so far.

November 15As for firsts, well, I guess everything is new for you. You've celebrated your first Halloween (dressing up like an LSU football player) and Thanksgiving. You attended our first birthday party when your cousin turned 7. Sadly you weren't quite big enough to join a laser tag game, but those days are coming. You went out to dinner for the first time at Acme Oyster Houses celebrating your Nana's birthday.

November 17Being our second time on the journey I know how quickly everything changes, so for now I'm really just trying to savor all of those tiny baby snuggles.

November 20
Birth Story