Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

I love to read, recommend books and open the world of reading to others. I tutor to ensure that the next generation of readers will know the joys of a good book because their reading skills have improved. I am an avid reader, especially of mysteries and fiction. I believe that two of the world's greatest inventions were the public library and eyeglasses!

Very highly recommended: The Cold Way Home (Keller)

The novels that Julia Keller, a Pulitzer Prize winning author, writes are never easy reads…but, boy, are they good! Each book is set in Ackers Gap, West Virginia, a place that faces far too many harsh realities. There are many drug problems, crushing poverty, a lack of resources and yet…people persevere.

This title is the eighth in the series which began with A Killing in the Hills. Long time readers will want to catch up with Bell Elkins, a former attorney (to know why “former” you need to read the earlier books), Jake, who is disabled (to know why, you need to read the earlier books) and Nick, the former sheriff. The three now run their investigative firm. Each has a rich and complex backstory of life events and relationships. Because of the depth of backstory, old readers, like me, are eager for updates but you can also read this novel as a stand alone.

I have learned to trust this author, even when the official book description sounds bleak. In this one, the devastating story has to do with a former hospital where lobotomies were performed on women who were “troublesome” and certainly not capable of giving consent or even asked about consent. This historical malpractice figures in the story that takes place in the current day even though the hospital has been long closed. So…oh, no is what I thought. Not sure I can go there but…I am so glad to have read this title.

There is despair in this one but also glimmers of hope. There is also a death to be investigated, lots of local color and beautifully delineated characters, even minor ones such as a trucker and a librarian.

I give The Long Way Home 5 stars, not something I do often. I recommend it most highly.

Many, many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this book in exchange for an honest review. I am already longing for the next in the series.

What a country: The United States in 100 Words (Dickmann)

This book offers up some thoughts about the U.S. There are multiple entries for each letter of the alphabet, running the gamut from baseball to slavery.  The book reflects the author’s wish to paint the country in broad strokes.  Each entry includes an illustration and some thoughts about what is being pictured.  This is a modern book that reflects the current state of the country.

4/5 stars ****

Note: The formatting of the e galley that I received seemed to have some layout errors that I am sure will be corrected for the print book.  Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

A couple pf examples from the publisher:

Flag

The Stars and Stripes is a potent symbol of pride in our country. Across the nation, people wear and fly it with enormous pride. Schoolchildren are taught the rules of flag etiquette, and millions of them pledge allegiance to it every morning. The flag is such a revered icon that burning it in protest still has huge shock value. The flag has changed many times over the years, but two features have remained more or less constant: 13 red and white stripes to represent the original 13 colonies, and white stars on a blue background to represent the individual states.

Opportunity

America is often called “the land of opportunity”—a place where everyone has the potential to be successful. The American Dream promised that anyone willing to work hard could rise to the top. And that did happen for huge numbers of people. But in recent years it’s become clear that opportunities are not equal for everyone. The average income of people in the top 10% of earners is nearly ten times that of those in the bottom 10%. Those born into the top are more likely to stay there, and those at the bottom have a harder time moving up.

Manhattan

America’s best-known island lies at the heart of the Big Apple—New York City. Manhattan is home to about 1.7 million people, along with soaring skyscrapers, glittering theatres, amazing museums, the glorious Central Park, and some of the world’s most expensive real estate. Not bad for a small island that was bought for a pittance by Dutch traders in the 1600s! Representatives from around the world now gather at the United Nations headquarters, while tourists from just as many countries come to see Times Square and other iconic sights, such as the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty.

Look what they can do: My Hands (Hnatov)

The youngest children are certain to like this appealing book. It features photos of babies and toddlers doing all that can be done with hands, (think clap, bang, wave good-bye, catch a ball and more. Liittle ones will see themselves in the photos of a diverse group of children having fun. Toddlers can just enjoy the photos or, with your engagement, could imitate the actions that they see.

Highly recommended for reading time with a baby that you know.

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

4/5 stars ****

#MyHands #NetGalley

Now out: Do Penguins Have Pediatricians? (O’Donnell)

This is a quick read picture book. For me, the best part of this book was the illustrations which were cartoon like and amusing. The text did not speak to me as much; it goes through various ailments and asks if particular animals can have them. Answers come only at the very end of the story and mostly in an appendix. Still, children will most likely enjoy the pictures and the whimsy.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

3 stars ***

Now Out: Josephine (Sanchez Vegara)

This book is another entry in the Little People, Big Dreams series for the youngest listeners. It tells the story of Josephine Baker, an African American performer who not only performed but did SO much more. She explored the world, moving to Paris where she found a less segregated society. Josephine was the first black woman to star in a film. She was a spy, mother of 12 adopted children and a fighter for civil rights. All in all, an inspiring and unique woman.

Little ones can learn about Josephine in this beautifully illustrated short book. Collect all the books in this series. They are wonderful!

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

Let’s go bird watching: Urban Aviary (Moss)

The author of this book encourages city dwellers to think of an urban jungle in positive terms; rather than as a difficult place, to consider the number of birds that live in this habitat. After an informative introduction, this book tells about the birds that one might see. Each two page spread describes an avian creature and features a painted illustration. The quality of the artwork is good and the narratives are packed with information. As a city dweller, I feel motivated to learn more and think that you will be too if you read this book.

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

4/5 stars.

#UrbanAviary #NetGalley

From the publisher:

bird2

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BALD EAGLE

Some birds are simply more charismatic than others, and so seem to capture the public imagination. One such bird is the bald eagle, America’s national bird.

BOHEMIAN WAXWING

Waxwings are wonderfully unpredictable birds. In some years, tens of thousands cross the North Sea and arrive along the east coast of England and Scotland; in others years, only a handful do so.

LITTLE OWL

As Europe’s second smallest owl (only the diminutive pygmy owl is smaller), the little owl is about the size of a starling, though it weighs more than twice as much due to its powerful, stocky build. Despite its small size, the little owl is more easily seen, unlike most other members of its family, being largely diurnal in its habits, hunting mainly around dawn and dusk.

Time in Nature: Nature Tonic (de Kwant)

The author of this book discovered that time in nature truly helped her to feel less stressed and more centered. She subsequently wrote this beautifully illustrated book that lists 365 ways to connect with nature that will help readers to feel calmer and more mindful.  The book is divided into sections including Nocturnal Nature, In the Forest, The Life Aquatic, etc.

An example of a daily suggestion:

Suggestion 342

The philosopher Henry David Thoreau believed that,

An early morning walk is a blessing for the whole day.

Go out in the early morning for a run or a brisk walk to see the sunrise…Come home refreshed and ready for the rest of the day.

I have found that I do feel better when I spend time outside, whether at my local park or botanical garden.  This book will encourage me to keep those connections going and may do the same for you.

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

Some more from the publisher:

Ginger is one of the best spices to give you a boost on a cold day. Place 3/4 inch (2 cm) sliced

Prompt 252

Ginger is one of the best spices to give you a boost on a cold day. Place 3/4 inch (2 cm) sliced and peeled ginger root in a mug of boiling water. Add honey and some fresh lemon juice. Let it brew for 5 to 10 minutes and then enjoy the warming infusion.

Something to do at least once in your life is to sleep in a hammock outside on a summer

Prompt 45

Something to do at least once in your life is to sleep in a hammock outside on a summer night, or just take a short evening nap before you head to bed. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the wind rustling the leaves of the trees and let yourself drift off into beautiful dreams.

#NatureTonic #NetGalley

A sequel: Postscript (Ahern)

PS, I Love You: A Novel by [Ahern, Cecelia]

Many readers may remember Cecilia Ahern’s first book, P.S. I Love You. It was quite popular. Ahern wrote this novel when she was only 22 years old which amazes me. This debut told the story of a young widow and what happened to her as she read and acted on the letters left to her by her husband.

NetGalley has recently offered a preview of Postscript, a novel which features the protagonist of this first novel. In the sequel, readers will find out what has happened to Holly in the intervening years. She also takes on a project that forms the basis of Postscript.

I can’t truly review this book because I have not seen the full novel. However, fans of the author may want to keep an eye out for this one. It is coming in February 2020, the month of love and Valentines.