By: Courtney Miller
What I Am Reading and Why You Should Too: Queen-One Way or Another
Majority of us have probably seen the movie, The Other Boylen Sister; hearing about King Henry VIII, Anne Boylen, and Queen Katherine. However, how many of us know about what happened before that. The Constant Princess by Phillippa Gregory begins by introducing everyone to King Henry VIII when he is just a child and Queen Katherine when she is engaged to his older brother.
This book not only allows everyone to learn the history of the relationship and how each of them individually grew. This book is historical fiction; it was made for enjoyment; it allows the reader to relax after a long day at work. One of the best things about the book is that it is told from Queen Katherine’s point of view. All Philippa Gregory’s books are in female perspective but this is written from both Queen Katherines and another source. The book allows everyone to see that rich people do not always have it easy. For example, the kings were always having to fight to keep their title. This book also allows young girls to see how believing in one self can truly help-even if it takes a while. The girl in the book went years without money, having to use same clothes (which royalty often did not), and barely any food; but she did it and she got what she wanted.
When the book first begins Queen Katherine is a child in Spain, yet she is ordering everyone around and already calling herself a queen. From then on Katherine never “bends over”, she is in charge, even if she is nervous. She lets her fiancé’s dad (the King of England) that she did not appreciate how he was disrespecting her. When her first husband was dying, he begged Katherine to marry his brother so she could follow through with their plans. In between marriages the King tries to convince her to marry him by taking from her, but she wouldn’t bend. This can also show people how to work on building self-confidence. Queen Katherine was not like any of the women of her time. This can help people remind themselves never to be ashamed of who they are, or hide their true selves.
The book goes into detail regarding the time period. The number of times people bathed, clothes, shoes, meals a day (wait until you read that) and the hats! The book also goes into great detail regarding the difference between the royals and commoners. One of the biggest things discussed in the book is when wealthy women have babies-they have to go into confinement a few months before the baby is due and then wait a few months after until they can come out-until they are “clean” and can be around men again.
Yes, this book states a lot of historical differences to now, but the major difference is this book you are able to read to relax, read and choose who you want to win. Everything is up to you.
OTHER COUNSELING SERVICES WE OFFER IN DENVER, CO
We offer a variety of additional services besides brain-spotting and EMDR therapy. WellMinded Counseling also offers the following therapy services: