A few years ago, I read this author’s earlier work, The Return, for a class that I was taking. It was truly an extraordinary book written by a writer of immense talent. The story of the author’s return to Libya and his quest (it really is one) to learn more about his father, the book was moving and thought provoking. As soon as I saw this title on NetGalley, I so hoped that I would be provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my review.
So, here I am highly recommending this book to you. It tells the story of how Matar, following The Return, planned a trip to Sienna. For reasons that he describes, the work of painters from this region were important to him. He almost did not make it. Luckily for the reader, he did.
Matar writes about where he stayed and his experience of the paintings that he came to see. It is a wonderful book by a writer with fluid grace. A couple of quotes to give you an idea.
On a bad plane ride:
I remember thinking I did not mind dying-that it would have to come at some point-but that I was not quite ready yet, that dying now would be a waste, given how much time I had spent learning how to live.
On the school of painting:
They believe that what we share is more than what sets us apart. The Sienna School is hopeful but also flattering…
By challenging the imagination they nudge our perception a little and, for an instant at least, the world is remade.
I highly recommend this book. It is special. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.
Greta and the Giants is a beautifully illustrated story book about the difference that can be made when one person, in this case a child, protests, educates and makes change happen. It is loosely based on Greta Thornberg and there is a section on her and things that children can do at the end of the book. In the story itself, Greta is trying to get giants (corporations) to stop defiling the forest. As other join her a movement is born.
Some comments: I really enjoyed Into the Woods and have gone on to read all of Tana French’s novels. The books are in a new television series on the Starz network. Grantchester is the book upon which the PBS series is based. This title and the series are not exactly the same although they feature many of the same characters. The Royal Secret is by the author of The Seven Sisters series which I have blogged on. I have not read this non-series novel yet. Happy reading!
T
![The Year that Changed Everything by [Kelly, Cathy]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51UtI6-i95L.jpg)
Cathy Kelly is an Irish writer of women’s fiction. She has written many novels, only some of which are available in the U.S. In this title, Ms. Kelly tells the story of three women born on the same day; Callie is 50, Sam is 40 and Ginger is 30. Each is coping with a major change; Callie’s husband has left her (I won’t say why), Sam becomes a mother and Ginger who is overweight and bullied goes through her own transformations. With fictional license, the author has the path of these three women cross over the course of the novel.
Sometimes the world feels chaotic; the reasons why are different for each of us but all of us could benefit from the calming wisdom in this book. The illustrations are lovely and peaceful and go nicely with the text. The author has sections on a number of topics including Focus & Awareness, Body & Wellness, Habits & Rituals, Rest & Relaxation and Patience & Poise. Each section features a number of terms which are expanded upon. What I particularly liked was that they were linked to sections called Try This which offer ways to put the concepts into practice. This book is a great companion to any mindfulness app that readers use or may be read on its own. I rate it highly.
This storybook is illustrated with photographs of woodland animals including a groundhog, squirrels and more. Some of the illustrations were photo shopped with clothes for the animals or photos of things like cell phones that are mentioned in the story. This gave the book a unique look.
