Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
I am currently re-reading (and enjoying) Pride and Prejudice in anticipation of a three class sequence in early December. This will be about the fourth time that I have read P and P. It continues to enchant and feels like the perfect read for our current unsettled times.
While reading, I remembered that I had not yet read Jane Austen at Home, even though I have had this title for quite some time. Well, this was just the right moment to read it as it has offered yet another lens through which to see P and P and its author.
Lucy Worsley is known to many because of her tv appearances. She is also a writer, and a good one. This title is a biography of Jane Austen that focuses on the many places where she spent time and the importance of home. (Perhaps she was in advance of Virginia Wool’s A Room of One’s Own.). Ms. Worsley reminds the reader that it was often through marriage that women secured a safe place to live. This is one reason that Charlotte Lucas chooses her husband in P and P.
Throughout this book was an engaging read. I highly recommend it to Austen fans.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
| #ThePaperBoat #NetGalley This title begins with some newspaper renditions. After this, it is a wordless picture book with the exception of the author’s afterword. The art work is made up of Ms. Lam’s intricate collages. The book tells the story of a refugee family fleeing Vietnam after the war. It is based on the experiences of the author’s family. There are many illustrations with humans and others with ants. In her afterword, the author explains this choice. It resonates for her and may well resonate for those who pick up this title as well. This book is geared toward children in grades one to four. I feel that it is one that may best be looked at with an adult. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own. A Kirkus Reviews most anticipated picture book of fall 2020 with starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist, School Library Journal and the Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books — a heartfelt and personal immigration story, new from critically acclaimed author Thao Lam |
I have read and recommend The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek, The Secret Bone and Scone Society, Unnatural Death and Tara Road.
Transitions are hard for toddlers. When they are doing something that they want to do, they do not always want to accommodate the schedules and needs of their adults. This title in the excellent Terrific Toddlers series focuses on this issue. There is a charmingly illustrated story for the children and a helpful suggestions for adults at the back of the book.
Raising children is a hard job and adults can use help. It is good to have a series like this that addresses common childhood concerns.
Many thanks to the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
There is a lot going on in this cozy title. There are a murder, a possible hidden treasure, and vandalism on a film set. Then there is the amateur sleuth, her book themed pub, her cocktail creations and her romantic life. There is also a nice, small town setting in Vermont. This all makes for a perfect confluence for readers who like their mysteries without too much violence and with the right amount of plot. I recommend this title for those readers. It was a fun read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is an adorable book on colors for the youngest children. The illustrations are vibrant, colorful and sweet. The rhyming text will appeal to toddlers who can also look for objects in each two page spread.
Share the world of color with someone you know. You will both enjoy this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Many of this author’s books are on sale now.
#OnDeadlyTides #NetGalley
On Deadly Tides is the eleventh title in the Penny Brannigan series of cozy mysteries. Penny, who is in her 50s, is a Welsh amateur sleuth who always land in the middle of things. This entry is set in scenic Anglesey where Penny is enjoying a group painting excursion. Unfortunately for her ( but not for readers), Penny finds the body of a New Zealand journalist. How did the journalist come to be there? Who is the murderer?
Along with solving the case, readers will follow Penny’s personal and romantic life. Those who enjoy cozies may well want to give this title, and the series, a look.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is an entertainingly and brightly illustrated search and find book. There are objects for each number in the highly detailed drawings and also some extra puzzles along the way. As an example, for number 7, kids are asked to find 7 different dogs and their pups and then 7 balls, bowls, bones and 1 hot dog! Number 9 has all kinds of things we wear and then the mouse asks kids to find his underwear. This is typical of the title’s humor.
The book is inviting and is a great way to learn numbers and to practice visual skills while searching for the objects mentioned. I highly recommend it. Five stars for its intended audience and adults will enjoy it too.
Pub Date 24 Nov 2020
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 