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!

Now out:

B Is for Belonging

by Shannon Anderson

This alphabet book that is about belonging features compassionate words for all of the letters. For example G is for gifts (not material ones), K is for kindness, R is for relationships, and U is for understand.

This title is cheerfully illustrated with children of many backgrounds. The text is simple but well able to inspire conversation.

This is a terrific alphabet book. It encourages children to understand themselves and others.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Teacher Created Materials-Free Spirit Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

An e book bargain: Code Name Butterfly

Those who enjoy historical fiction set in the WWII period will want to read Code Name Butterfly. As is true of much historical fiction, this is a dual timeline story in which historical personages have a role. 

In the present, Lizzie is dealing with her inability to carry a child to term. She is heartbroken. In her grief, she returns to her childhood home and becomes intrigued with some family history.

In the earlier time period, readers will spend time with both fictional and real characters. In this part of the narrative, they will learn much about Josephine Baker (yes, that flamboyant one) and her role in a much quieter, secret life during the war. They will also enjoy meeting Elodie and seeing how the plot lines fall into place.

The pages turn in this story. Even if a reader has read lots of WWII historical fiction, this is worth a look. There is even some romance.

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

Four stars ****

From the Publisher

b1
s1s2s3
s4s5s6

A Great Big Visual Hug

Heartwarming Wawawiwa Comics

by Andrés J. Colmenares

 #AGreatBigVisualHug #NetGalley

I love this book. The comics are all so endearing and sweet. This is the perfect book to have on hand for a challenging day. I will open this one many times I am sure.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 September 2024

Now out:

Haiku

Classic Japanese Short Poems

by Basho, Buson, Issa & Shiki

For those who may not know, haiku poetry consists of seventeen syllables. While this may seem short, so very much can be expressed in this form.

This title includes works by four masters of haiku. Read about each of them before going to the poems. The overall introduction is also informative.

The included poems are often gorgeous and thought provoking. I love that each page includes calligraphy and a transliteration of the Japanese as well as the English translation.

In my opinion each work is a jewel and meant to be savored. Read slowly and take in the experience in this lovely book.

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

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love these: Book Nooks

Inspired Ideas for Cozy Reading Corners and Stylish Book Displays

by Vanessa Dina; Claire Gilhuly

#BookNooks #NetGalley

Book lovers who wonder where to put their volumes will, I think, swoon over the photos in this title. This is a book that lets the observer feel like a voyeur as they witness the many ways in which books are arranged in people’s spaces.

In addition to looking at different types of nooks, for example those for kids or traditional libraries or small spaces, there are also other tidbits. One of the first of these, for example, details Gillian Flynn’s Favorite Mysteries. To whet your appetite I note that she likes Case Histories and The Westing Game, among others. Another of these lists is Jasmine Guillory’s Must Have Romance Novels. She likes Mrs. Nash’s Ashes and The Boyfriend Project, to name just two

This title will be adored by book lovers. Just a perfect gift.

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

Pub date: 17 September 2024

Three City Kitties

by Ashley Barron

#ThreeCityKitties #NetGalley

This very cute title will be enjoyed by young children who like animal stories. The text is simple and inviting, the depiction of the cats will ring true to cat lovers, and the illustrations are bright and charming.

Highly recommended. This is adorable.

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

Pub date: 17 September 2024

Now out:

N Is for New York City

An ABC Board Book

by Adina Oberman

Oberman’s alphabet book featuring NYC is very cute(as is her counting book, Let’s Count NYC). See 26 iconic NYC sights/sites while learning the alphabet with your little one. NY natives will recognize all of these and maybe those from away will start a wish list of places to see.

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

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hope It All Works Out!

A Poorly Drawn Lines Collection

by Reza Farazmand

#HopeItAllWorksOut #NetGalley

This comic collection features animals who represent human situations and feelings. The comics struck me as reflective of the times that we live in, meaning that a kind of gentle/sarcastic humor is taken from challenges of daily life and existence. These are comics for an adult audience. The title seems to perfectly reflect the book’s content.

An example to give a flavor of the comics. In this one, titled Your Issues, the characters comment on Denial, Acceptance and Exuberance. If this appeals or if the author is known to a reader, this book could be a good choice.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 24 September 2024