Great Short Books

A Year of Reading—Briefly

by Kenneth C. Davis

This book is a wonderful resource. It will have readers adding new titles to their wish lists or perhaps having a moment’s nostalgia for a book previously read. There are over fifty books featured. Just a few of those mentioned are Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Charlotte’s Web by E B White, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. As can be seen, there are classics, popular fiction and even some children’s books.

For each title, there are sections. These include First Lines, Plot Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What to Read Next. Each of these included much that is detailed and informative.

This is a book that bibliophiles and those who want good reading suggestions are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.

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

Pub date: 22 November 2022

by Jamise Harper and Jane Mount is now out

One year I purchased the Bibliophile desk calendar and absolutely adored it. I also own Bibliophile. Both are truly designed for people who love books. This title is too. The illustrations are so engaging and the book titles just call out to readers to investigate. As the title suggests, this time Jane Mount hopes to encourage readers to broaden their literary experiences.

There is so much within these pages. There are sections on classics and several on legends including, for example, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende and others. There are also sections one everything from contemporary fiction to family sagas to speculative fiction to mysteries and horror. There are also mentions of influential book people, little free diverse libraries, writing rooms and more. In addition, there are titles for children and middle grade readers and just way too much else to list here.

A note about the illustrations. I love the piles of books whose spines I can easily read in the pictures. They are just full of titles to add to TBR lists.

I love this book. I hope that you will too.

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

Five stars

From the Publisher

Diversify your reading list

Jamise Harper (founder of the Diverse Spines book community) and Jane Mount (author of Bibliophile) have come together to create Bibliophile: Diverse Spines, a richly illustrated and vastly inclusive collection that uplift and celebrate the works of underrepresented authors.

Jamise Harper

Jamise Harper is the creator of the #diversespines hashtag and the Diverse Spines book community on social media, which highlights literature by Black women and women of color, as well as Spines & Vines, a blog dedicated to book and wine pairings. She lives in the Washington, DC, metro area.

Jane Mount

Jane Mount is an illustrator, designer, and writer. In 2008, she founded Ideal Bookshelf, a company that makes things for bibliophiles. She currently lives in a log cabin in Hawai’i with her husband, weird cats, and a freckled puppy.

Discover endless reading inspiration while decolonizing your bookshelf

Enjoy themed illustrated book stacks across all genres from authors of color.	Travel to beloved bookstores owned by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.	Curate your to-read list with book recommendations from BIPOC literary influencers.

The “other” Windsor Girl is Princess Margaret, known to many because of the successful tv series, The Crown.  This book is another way to gain perspective on Margaret, those around her and the times in which she lived. Readers will move through the sedate 40s right up to the 60s.

The narrative includes a mix of historical and fictional people and a wide variety of both royal homes and places where Margaret spent time. The most prominent of the fictional characters is Vera who becomes a lady in waiting to Margaret, thus giving her a fly on the wall perspective to royal life.  Her story is one of making choices after coming under the royal gaze.  Are the choices that she makes ones that she will regret?

The underpinning of the novel is the impact that being A princess but not THE princess had on Margaret who garnered less attention and found it difficult to establish a meaningful life.  She often wanted what she could not have and did not want what was there for her.

In my opinion, this novel started a bit slowly but  is worth staying with until the end.  The skill of the author is such that I kept hoping for Margaret to have the life she yearned for, especially in her relationship with Group Captain Peter Townsend, all while knowing what happened historically.

This book can provide a bit of escapism as we all are in our homes dreaming of having a more exciting life.  I rate it at four stars.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Algonquin Books and Pearl Cadigan for this title. I am delighted to bring this book to your attention.

The Storied Life of A J Fikry has almost a cult status it seems to me. There are so many who have enjoyed this book since its publication in 2004. This story of a curmudgeonly bookseller touched hearts. Now, with a movie release, is the perfect time to visit or revisit this title.

A New York Times Bestseller, a #1 Indie Next Pick, and a #1 LibraryReads Selection

“This novel has humor, romance, a touch of suspense, but most of all love–love of books and bookish people and, really, all of humanity in its imperfect glory.” —Eowyn Ivey, author of The Snow Child

A. J. Fikry, the irascible owner of Island Books, has recently endured some tough years: his wife has died, his bookstore is experiencing the worst sales in its history, and his prized possession–a rare edition of Poe poems–has been stolen. Over time, he has given up on people, and even the books in his store, instead of offering solace, are yet another reminder of a world that is changing too rapidly. Until a most unexpected occurrence gives him the chance to make his life over and see things anew. 

Gabrielle Zevin’s enchanting novel is a love letter to the world of books–an irresistible affirmation of why we read, and why we love.

“Readers who delighted in Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows’s The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, Rachel Joyce’s The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, and Jessica Brockmole’s Letters from Skye will be equally captivated by this adult novel by a popular YA author about a life of books, redemption, and second chances. Funny, tender, and moving.” —Library Journal, starred review

“Wade into summer reading with this sweet yet soulful tale of love, loss, the power of friendship–and books. Like sunshine on a breezy spring day, you won’t want it to end.” —Family Circle

“Zevin perfectly captures the joy of connecting people and books . . . Filled with interesting characters, a deep knowledge of bookselling, wonderful critiques of classic titles, and very funny depictions of book clubs and author events, this will prove irresistible to book lovers everywhere.” —Booklist

“Zevin is a deft writer, clever and witty.” —Publishers Weekly

“A wonderful, moving, endearing story of redemption and transformation that will sing in your heart for a very, very long time.” —Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain

The information above comes from NetGalley.

From the Publisher

Debbie Macomber has been writing women’s fiction for many years. She has a keen sense for what her fans want; this includes a family story, a romance, something heartwarming and nothing that is rated above PG…and she delivers.

In this story two single moms, Jenna and Maureen, have children who are growing up, leaving home and facing some adult issues…college, leaving college, having a baby. The empty nest looms for both, especially Jenna who struggles as her daughter leaves home.

Jenna, a nurse, and Maureen, a librarian become involved in romances with Rowan, a surgeon and Logan, a plumber/construction worker. Each couple has their ups and downs but the ending of the novel is never in doubt.

If you are looking for a comfort read, nothing too taxing but a gentle escape, Debbie Macomber could be just the author you need.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

Reviews

by Marcus Aurelius

#Meditations #NetGalley

To many, Marcus Aurelius is perhaps the best known of the Stoics. His words of wisdom have a remarkable enduring quality and continue to provide food for thought in the present day.

Here is a nice edition of the Meditations. It would make a nice gift for someone who wants to spend a few moments each day in deep thought.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 September 2024

How Four Kids Became President

by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Doris Kearns Goodwin is a respected presidential historian who has won many awards. This is easy to understand as she writes about her subjects in a detailed and engaging way.

This time, in this illustrated title, Goodwin is writing for the middle school reader. In this book, she tells the stories of four men who became president. They are Lincoln, both Roosevelts, and Johnson. Readers will learn much about their early years, influences and what they brought to the presidency.

I find this title to offer an inspiring view of these men who became leaders. This is so encouraging and optimistic to think about in our divided times. It would be great if some kids who read this book are inspired to look at political careers and/or to study history.

Starting with the introduction, Goodwin speaks directly to her audience. I hope and trust that she will engage them.

It is easy to recommend this book. It belongs in school libraries.

Note the many boxes filled with additional information. For example, one of those in the section on Lincoln explores how slavery became part of American history.

By the way, adults may also find this book to be quite interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 September 2024

Charlotte Illes was once a child sleuth who had much success. Sometimes, as a person in her twenties, she wants to leave that identity behind. However, as readers of the first book in the series know, that does not seem to work out for her.

Charlotte and her friends (Lucy and Gabe) are back in this sparky and fun story. This time, Charlotte becomes a substitute teacher at her old middle school. Once again, she will be drawn into events that require her skill.

This title offers a fun and quick read. It is a “New Adult” title but older readers may enjoy it as well. It is easy to recommend this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Novel

by Beatriz Williams

#HusbandsLovers #NetGalley

The cover of this novel tells readers that it just might be a good summer read. The warmth of a day shines through. And, yes, this is a good book to read while at the beach or inside with the AC humming.

Warm locations are indeed settings in this dual time line story. Events in the past take place in Egypt at the time that the Suez Canal is being built. In the modern day, some storylines unfold on a wealthy New England beach enclave. Connecting the timelines and characters is a unique bracelet.

Much transpires in this story. In the 1950s Hannah has survived a tough war and married for safety. However, when she meets a hotel employee, what will happen to her (temporarily) secure life? What excruciating decision must Hannah make? How will this choice reverberate in the contemporary storyline?

In the present, a child has a severe reaction to a poisoned mushroom and needs a kidney transplant. Will his mom, Mallory, reach out to his now famous father to let him know that she was pregnant and needs a donor? How will her decision impact multiple lives?

What, other than a bracelet, connects the two stories that are told? Will there be happy endings for anyone? Read this atmospheric title to find out. It was enjoyable.

Many thanks to Random House Publishing Group and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 25 June 2024

A Novel

by Brenda Novak

#TouristSeason #NetGalley

Brenda Novak writes stories that readers enjoy. That is again the case here. In Tourist Season, the story takes place in the summer which makes it a great read for August.

Ismay is visiting Mariner Island where she is awaiting the arrival of her fiancé Remy. However, events do not play out as expected. There is a hurricane and Remy cannot get there.

Alone in the house, Ismay learns some things. How will the things that she now knows impact her and (potentially) change her life? What will be the role of the estate’s caretaker? Readers will want to know.

This book will be enjoyed by those who already look forward to each new Novak title. It may also find some new fans for the author,

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 April 2024

From the Publisher