Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

This is an appealing read aloud that focuses, as the title states, on how to behave at school. The illustrations are amusing and add to the messages in the text. A great way to review what is expected of your child without coming across as too preachy or strict. This book offers a delightful way to talk about manners and behavior.

#TheGigglyGuideOfHowToBehaveAtSchool #NetGalley

Another charming story for young children in the Hooray For series which celebrates family. The author states early on that all dads are different before going on to describe the relationship between a father and son as they share their activities and their days. There are children’s activities at the end of the book that can further discussion. A fun read with lively illustrations.

#HoorayForDaddy #NetGalley

From NetGalley…”Members who are auto-approved by four or more publishers receive this badge.”  I am reminded of Girl Scout badges.  There is that sense of accomplishment and acknowledgment.  Thanks NetGalley!

This semester I am auditing a class on Adultery in 19th Century Literature.  It promises to be intriguing and interesting.  The first book assigned was Indiana.  This is the first novel that George Sand, a pseudonym for a female author, wrote.  The story shows the same double standards for men and women that continue to exist today.  Read to learn more about what “love” and “marriage” meant during the 1800s.  See who you feel empathy for and decide what you think of the ending.

FYI… I will continue to talk about the readings for this class as the semester progresses.  Has anyone taken a class like this?

“Congratulations on writing 100 posts on Joyce’s mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!!”  Thank you WordPress and thanks to all of you readers.  I always welcome your opinions and thoughts.  Here’s to 100 more!

Baby Bird has one perfect wing and one that limits his ability to fly despite his many efforts. This is a story about how meeting a new friend can change perspective and help one to cope with challenges. A clear message contained in a short children’s story. As usual with this publisher, the illustrations are appealing.  Thank you NetGalley.

#BabyBird #NetGalley

If you enjoyed books like The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See, you might enjoy this book as well.  Map of the Heart is women’s fiction but good women’s fiction.  It is about loss and love and the ways that loss impacts future relationships and risk taking.  The protagonist, Camille, is a photographer who restores old photos.  In the novel, through her photography, she uncovers the history of her father and grandparents who lived in France during WW II.  Tragedy has made Camille cautious; the reader watches as she slowly learns to again take chances and live fully.  The book takes place in both the present and in a French town that was occupied by the Nazis.   I recommend it.

Book Buzz provides a terrific service to avid readers. Here we are with the March issue. Take a look and see what needs to be placed on your TBR pile!

#ErikTheLoneWolf #NetGalley  Erik is a wolf cub who feels that his pack is limiting him. He wants to have his own, individual adventures without outside constraints…and so, he takes off to experience just that. Through a simple illustrated story, reader and child being read to, can see what happens next and what Erik chooses and needs. In a way, this is a small, child’s version of Brene Brown’s Braving the Wilderness, a book that I previously reviewed.

Fans of Andrea Camilleri and Donna Leon may well enjoy this mystery featuring a woman of a “certain age” who moves to Sicily. Enjoy the setting, the views and watch what happens to Auntie Poldi as she gets involved in solving a mystery. The book is narrated by Poldi’s nephew who is an aspiring author. Each chapter begins with an italicized summary.
This book was not compelling but was a fine read.