Stephen Fry has done many things, of which talented author is just one. This is the third in his erudite, witty and well-illustrated books about ancient Greece. His earlier titles, Mythos and Heroes were wonderful (re)tellings of stories, some of which I knew and some of which were new to me. Now Fry has turned his attention to tales of Troy. Yes, readers may think that they already know these stories but I can safely say that they may not and that time with this title is time well spent. I truly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Jennifer Weiner is a perennially popular author. In That Summer, she is in top form, delivering exactly the novel that her fans want. It is immersive and takes on a social issue. The book also has well developed characters, settings that come to life, complex relationships and…food!
It is difficult to review this title without spoilers. Readers will want to see the plot unspool for themselves. The set up of centers on two women Diana and Daisy who have similar addresses on line. This leads to their getting together and spending a good amount of time in each other’s company. What will be revealed as they become better acquainted? What will happen to them as truths are revealed? How do the events of THAT SUMMER influence all that takes place? Read the novel to find out.
I both read and listened to this title. The narration was pitch perfect and provided by Sutton Foster.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
I always look forward to BuzzBooks. These free collections of excerpts and lists are a fantastic way to find books to read by old and new authors. There is always the fun of discovery within. As can be seen from the cover of this title, there is a lot on offer. Among the “and more” are some books that I am really looking forward to reading, including those by Natasha Lester, Patti Callahan and Richard Osman, among others.
I am a big fiction reader but this collection also includes some interesting non-fiction titles. There are some upcoming young adult book excerpts and suggestions as well.
This wonderful resource is free at most on-line bookstores. Get your copy!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A new novel from this author is always most welcome! What I love about this series is not so much the mysteries, although those are well constructed, but the relationships among the characters and the ways in which the city of Venice is brought to life. Guido and Paola seem so real and affectionate with one another; they have a marriage that many would envy. Watching Guido and Paola with their children is a treat as is reading about their latest family dinner. Guido’s relationships with his extended family and work colleagues are also brought vividly to life.
In this book, a friend of the family who is elderly wants to adopt an adult male to be his heir. Will you as the reader feel empathy for this lonely man? All around wonder if this adoption is a good plan but he is determined and undeterred. Is this what leads to his and one other’s death? What are the reasons for what is happening? How are families constructed? They are not all like Guido’s.
For fans of Donna Leon, the chance to spend time with her will be a delight. New readers will also enjoy the book and will probably then look to read others in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this good read. The opinions are mine alone.
This book is a wonderful guide to the richness that is to be found in London’s museums and galleries. It is organized by geographical area, so handy for planning a day’s outings. The well-known is definitely here-The British Museum. The Courtauld, The National Gallery, and the Barbican, to name a few. There are other less well known locations as for example, dental, toy and transport museums, the Churchill War Rooms and so many more. Each succinct entry is full of ideas for things to see. Throughout the text is accompanied by many photos.
I highly recommend this guide for anyone traveling to Britain.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Nancy Thayer engages and entertains her readers. She is masterful at creating settings, in this instance the island of Nantucket, its museums, shops and more. Ms. Thayer also brings the home of protagonist Eleanor into lovely focus. I wanted to spend time in this house that was a haven to generations, and also to be on the island. So, I think that those looking for virtual escape will enjoy this title.
Protagonist, Eleanor, is turning seventy years old. Over the course of the novel, she lives her life in the present and also looks back at her marriage, parenting, relationship with her granddaughter and more. Other characters also live and look at their lives and relationships including Ari, a recent and idealistic college graduate whose life goals do not always match her family’s expectations. Ari’s mother enters the story as a woman who cares deeply about status and social standing. Her brother, whom she believes Eleanor loved more, has a wealthy lifestyle and seems more carefree.
A sticking point within the family is that Eleanor’s children would like her to sell her house for a lot (!) of money. Eleanor thinks that she knows her decision. Will this change? What will Eleanor, Ari and others learn over the course of the summer? How will the plot resolve? Read this one to find out.
I enjoyed this title and recommend it. I plan to go back into my TBR pile and to read other novels by Ms. Thayer.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is a chapter book for beginning readers. I love that it starts with a fairy tale kingdom map including the homes of the Seven Dwarfs, Prince Charming, Rapunzel’s Tower, Verity’s house and more. The illustrated story is engaging and cute. There are fairies, princesses, friendship, marshmallow cake and the retelling of a well-known fairy tale. Definitely recommended for young readers.
Of note: definitions of unfamiliar words are given on the page bottom. A helpful touch for emerging chapter book readers. There are also questions at the end of the story that will test readers’ memory and understanding of the story,
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Us is going to be a PBS tv series.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 