DONE

With "The Other Boleyn Girl." Thank goodness.

Do not read this book. Do not listen to this book. Do not even contemplate this book. Unless, of course, you like tasteless, vulgar, trite, poorly written tales of sisters who are jealous, mean-spirited, and in all other ways poorly portrayed...then you might enjoy this forever long tale of the nasty Boleyn siblings (brother George doesn't get to look too good in here, either).

There is something to be said about women's societal strictures. We've come a long way, baby. But Gregory hardly addresses this in any worthwhile way, and it's no reason to read this book. It also made me think of how we mess up our world when we don't teach our children to be fair, nice, and just. If everything and everyone tells you that a) you are amazing, wonderful, and all powerful and b) you should get everything you want, you will most certainly believe that a) you are amazing, wonderful, and powerful and b) you should throw tantrums if and when you don't get everything you want. Hence we have King Henry VIII, and a few other rotten rulers throughout history, as well.

I most certainly wasted a good deal of time with this book. I count it as service to now warn you to stay away from this novel and avoid making the same mistake I did in ever getting started. I'm going to have to do penance and read nothing but math textbooks and Greek poetry from here on out. It will be a refreshing change from this novel!