Chapter 1

by Sally Rooney

#BeautifulWorldWhereAreYou #NetGalley

Pub Date 07 Sep 2021

These comments cover just the first chapter of Sally Rooney’s upcoming new novel. I was intrigued by what I read.

In this chapter, Ms. Rooney does an excellent job of creating an atmosphere. A woman is sitting in a bar alone. It becomes clear that she is waiting for someone. A man enters. He does not know the woman but finds her after checking his phone. Who are they? What, if anything, will they become to one another?

It seems that Ms. Rooney may be planning to answer these questions slowly. Readers learn that the woman is Alice. As the layers unfold, readers discover that she is an author and that she is living rent free in a home that turns out to be a rectory.

Readers learn that the man is Felix. He works in a warehouse and is a native of the place where this scene takes place. It eventually becomes clear that this is some kind of date. The two spend a brief time at Alice’s house before the chapter ends.

And that is all I know without reading the description of the book. I would like to know more. Would you?

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

Christmas Is Coming

Traditions from Around the World

by Monika Utnik-Strugala

#ChristmasIsComing #NetGalley

This is a beautifully illustrated book that describes many Christmas customs and celebrations. The book opens with an an explanation for how Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25th. From here, there are sections on many ways that the holiday is noted and celebrated. For example, have you ever heard of Grittibaenz? He is a bit like a gingerbread man in Switzerland. How about a German Christmas Market? Reading about that makes me want to go to one to look around. What are some of the stories behind the Christmas tree? Learn about the Swedish gnomes, called tomtar. Find out when children in different countries receive their gifts. All this and more make this book an interesting one for families to share. The world opens up as children learn the ways in which their celebrations are the same and/or different from those in other parts of the world. A great way to look forward to the holiday season.

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

Sumo Counting

by Sanae Ishida

#SumoCounting #NetGalley

The little Sumo wrestlers in this cute picture book are very (!) busy. Get to know them and something about Japanese words and culture as you and a child count to ten, fifty and one hundred. There is an illustrated vocabulary section at the end of the book. This will help adults to explain the pictures to children.

Sumo Counting is an appealing book. Toddlers should enjoy it.

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

From the Publisher

by Sharon M. Draper

This author clearly has the background to be writing for teens. She has received a number of awards already. In addition, she is a high school English teacher so is exposed to her intended audience regularly. She has also been a teacher of the year.

This deeply moving novel for preteens and teens tells the story of Melody. What a beautiful name for a bright girl who, among other things, cannot speak. But Melody hears and absorbs and has a deep inner life that is not diminished by her physical limitations. She narrates the story and in doing so demonstrates a gorgeous ability to express herself. Early on, Melody lets readers know that music is important to her. She comments on lullabies, harmonies and a “painted musical sound track play background to my life.” Melody know that her Mom likes classical music while her father enjoys jazz. Melody, herself, likes country music. Her musical sense also seems influenced by synesthesisa. So, readers know early on that there is a sound track to Melody’s life.

Right from the start of the story, readers know that there will be a kind of disconnect between Melody’s inner world and what those around her perceive about her. Her inability to make herself known makes Melody so real. She is not always happy, can be frustrated and is in no way a martyr.

Spend time in her world, readers. You will see those around you differently by the time that you finish this luminous book. And, watch to see how Melody’s life changes by the end of the story. (no spoilers)

This title seems perfect for a book club for adults and children, for school discussion or just for a perfect read. The lessons of the story are not too heavy handed but they seem so important. Highly recommended.

#MurderwithOrangePekoeTea #NetGalley Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

For those times when only a cozy, but one with some depth, will do…Murder with Orange Pekoe Tea is the seventh entry in this series with the name of a food or a tea in the title. In this entry, Daisy is attending a fund raiser when there is a disruption. Or course there will be a murder and Daisy will be involved in its’ solution.

Amidst the mayhem some important issues are touched on. There is a plot involving a fertility clinic. There is another strand to the story about the community wanting to build a shelter for those in need.

Read the book to find out how the plot strands come together and how the case is solved. As a bonus, enjoy the recipes that are also included.

I enjoyed the characters in this book. I also liked the Amish Country setting. Both are well portrayed.

This was the first in the series that I read. I am pretty sure that I will go back and spend time with some of the earlier entries.

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

The Intimate World of the Windsor Sisters

by Andrew Morton

Andrew Morton is, of course, famous for writing THAT book about Princess Diana. He definitely has found his place as a chronicler of the lives of British royalty. This time, he turns his eyes to the famous siblings, Elizabeth and Margaret. Royal watchers and watchers of The Crown will no doubt very much enjoy this title. It chronicles the princesses from their early family life and right on through the ways in which the sisters’ paths diverged. Readers will also, no doubt, enjoy the many photos in this book. They include a copy of a letter written to the PM by Margaret, detailing her relationship with Peter Townsend.

This book will definitely appeal to its intended audience. Give it a look if you are one of them.

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

nyti.ms/3nmK8tJ

nyti.ms/3DekGMB