The Barbizon

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsFebruary 4, 2021

The Hotel That Set Women Free

by Paulina Bren

There was a time when young women moving to New York City spent their first weeks (or longer) at the Barbizon Hotel. The guests were both famous and not. All were looking for a place that a female could safely and uncontroversially stay. Everyone from Grace Kelly to Sylvia Plath spent time there, beginning after WWI. The building is still there but, of course, is no longer the same.

It was a place of rules. For example, no men were allowed upstairs. But, even so, it offered a welcome sense of freedom to its residents.

Those who are interested in the social history, the roles of women and the city of New York will find that this title is interesting and informative. It is also somewhat nostalgic and, for that reason, may give readers a pleasant escape.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

#TalkBookishtoMe #NetGalley

Talk Bookish to Me is the first romance novel by this author although I am pretty sure that there will be more to follow. For one thing, Ms. Bromley knows a lot about the genre and it is clear, through her heroine, that she loves and respects the genre. I learned a lot (painlessly) about the different categories of romance novels, the various tropes that are used and more.

This is the story of Kara, a writer of romance novels, who is experiencing difficulty getting the inspiration she needs to work on her next book. Enter an old boyfriend and somehow he gets her writing again even as Kara fights her attraction to him. The novel that Kara is working on is a story within the story here.

Surrounding Kara and Ryan are Ryan’s dog, Duke, who receives a good deal of attention; Kara’s friends, her mother and sister and other friends. There is also some backstory.

Talk Bookish to Me is an easy read. Romance lovers may want to give this one a chance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publsher. All opinions are my own.

How to Survive in Ancient Greece by Robert Garland

by joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviewsJune 12, 2020

The publisher of this book, Pen & Sword, previously issued a book called How to Survive in Ancient Egypt. I enjoyed that book so was delighted to have the opportunity to read the ARC of a book on surviving in Ancient Greece. (See archive for a review of the Egypt title).
If you are interested in the subject, this book is a treasure trove. Read about Athenian history and learn how the city was run. Learn more about the religion, the family the system of slavery and more. Find out how women were viewed by men, how children were treated and educated, where to shop, what a house looked like, jobs and more. This book includes so many interesting sections.
If you are a person who enjoys imagining life in other eras, give this book a try. I think that you will be fascinated.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

by Stephanie Demasse-Pottier

#MyIsland #NetGalley

My Island is a beautifully illustrated book that invites children into its world. There are lots of blues in the initial illustrations and the feeling is one of harmony. There is much to see on every two page spread.

The story is about a little girl who imagines that she lives on this island. She has a wonderful and vivid ability to create a world and would be happy to have children enjoy the island with her.

This is a lovely book and one that young children will, I think, enjoy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the publisher and an illustration that I loved:

nyti.ms/3ig5mXh

by Bernadette Watts

#StoriesforChristmas #NetGalley Pub Date 14 Sep 2021

I adore the delicate illustrations that enhance this collection of Christmas stories. There are eight tales in all. Some of these are well-known as, for example, The Little Drummer Boy, and The Snow Queen while others were not as familiar to me. All are nicely told but what will keep readers coming back are the absolutely gorgeous illustrations; definitely could be a picture book of the year in my opinion.

There is a note at the end of the book from the illustrator which is entitled “How I Became an Illustrator.” I am so glad that she did!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

THIS TITLE DESERVES FIVE OF THESE STARS

#TheReadingList #NetGalley

A BEST OF SUMMER READ ACCORDING TO NEWSWEEK, PARADE MAGAZINE, NBC NEWS, LITHUB, AND POPSUGAR!

This author’s love of books, libraries and people shine through in this title. The novel tells the story of Mukesh and Aleisha as well as some others. Mukesh was widowed and feels lost without his wife. When he comes across her copy of The Time Traveler’s Wife, he wants to return this overdue book to the library. This is a surprisingly difficult expedition for him. Mukesh even literally has difficulty getting in the library door which he does not know how to open.

Inside the library is Aleisha who is halfheartedly performing her duties as a summer employee. While her brother always adored the library as a child, Aleisha did not enjoy being there. Will this change?

Over the course of the novel, these two characters interact and their lives change as the result, in part, of a book list.

Bibliophiles will very much enjoy the book’s premise and will root for the characters. They will also enjoy seeing the book titles and lists that the author includes in this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.