Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
Anyone who enjoys Gorey’s unique, quirky, macabre way of looking at the world will, I think, adore this book. There is so much within these pages. Look at cats, Broadway poster designs, programs. photos, drawings and so, so much more. This is really a treasure chest of a book with terrific accompanying text by the author.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for this title. All opinions are my own.
Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#Monet #NetGalley
I first learned about this book from a review in the Times of London. My interest was piqued so I was completely delighted when NetGalley offered me access to this title. Having recently seen the exhibit Paris 1874 at DC’s National Gallery has left me thinking even more about Monet and the ways in which his work (that we now take for granted) was revolutionary and extraordinary.
This book offers a deep dive. It is long at over 900 pages so may not be for the casual art lover. However, for those who are interested, this is a rich and detailed work. Readers will learn about Monet both as the artist and the man. There is much primary source material that brings readers up close to Monet’s life.
Highly recommended to those interested in this period of French art. They, like me will enjoy learning about the art, the women who influenced Monet and the many artistic talents with whom he was in contact.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor as well as NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 24 September 2024
WINNER OF THE ELIZABETH LONGFORD PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL BIOGRAPHY AND THE FRANCO BRITISH SOCIETY AWARD
“Lively… Provocative… To the wider world, Monet was a placid voluptuary, not a tormented rebel. By excavating the artist’s unexpectedly messy inner life, Wullschläger… sets out to upend this view… Artful.”
―Hugh Eakin, The New York Times
“Jackie Wullschläger’s Monet: The Restless Vision… could be called an Impressionist biography of the central Impressionist… Every few chapters, a sudden nub of detail robs you of your breath… Monet may be the first artist biography I’ve encountered in which this kind of thing isn’t just readable but sexy.”
―Jackson Arn, The New Yorker
“Sumptuous… a portrait of anartist mercurial and materialist, ambitious and conceited, yet unstintingly loyal to all in his orbit… Wullschläger avoids attempting an exhaustive account; why weigh down her book with gratuitous details? She prefers to delight.”
―Hamilton Cain, LA Times
“A writer of radiant energy and exhilarating insights, Wullschläger matches each phase in Monet’s long, ardent, precarious, and momentously creative and productive life with the evolution of his radically in-the-moment paintings. Her biography, like his work, profoundly alters our perceptions, revealing how, from portraits to seascapes to water lilies, Monet painted out of love and endless fascination with what it feels like to be alive.”
―Booklist, starred
“Wullschläger… bring[s] to life a man whose creative genius was inseparable from his flawed humanity. Even readers well-versed in Monet’s life story will learn something new from this thorough and original reappraisal.”
―Publishers Weekly
#AntoinedeSaintExupéry #NetGalley
Adults who love The Little Prince and kids who may just be learning about de Saint Exbury will both enjoy this entry in the good series. Watch young Antoine grow up and find his way to becoming a pilot (he faces a few challenges). Read about all that he accomplished before his life ended to soon.
My favorite part of the story is when the author says that, when flying a mail plane, Antoine circled the airport for an hour so that he could finish his book. What a book lover!
After sharing this book with a child, buy a copy of Le Petit Prince for them. They may treasure it for many years.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 05 November 2024
Molten Mud Murder is published by the excellent Poisoned Pen Press, a small press that is dedicated to mystery fiction. This is author Johnson’s first novel and the first in a projected series.
American protagonist, Alexa, is a forensics examiner whose specialty is teeth. She has come to New Zealand on a fellowship, falls in love with the country and wants to stay longer. She manages to insert herself into the murder case involving a city counselor.
What I struggled with a little: Alexa took many risks that felt plot driven. Some mysteries, such as what happened to her friend, Mary, were not fully solved. Perhaps that is for another book.
What I liked: The setting on the North Island of New Zealand and the ways in which the landscape is brought vividly to life. The information about tribal Maori customs and rituals. That there was a back story for Alexa. The hint of romance between her and Bruce, the Senior, a term for the chief detective. The details on forensic examination.
This mystery should appeal to armchair travelers, lovers of New Zealand and those who enjoy action packed mysteries. Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this proof in return for an honest review. I look forward to the author’s next book.
Do you know a child who might like to know more about the many countries that make up Asia? Would they like books with maps, photos and a nice layout? Are they interested in history, people, culture, food, wildlife, sights, the past and future of this continent? And, this book has even more.
If they (or you) can answer yes to some (or all) of the above, this book is an excellent resource. It is organized by geographic areas, for example, South Asia or West Asia, etc. and packed with information.
This book would make a fantastic addition to a home or school library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Imagine that is four o’clock on a late fall or winter afternoon. A cup of tea or coffee or hot chocolate is on the table and this book is in your hands.
Take the time to read an entry any day that you have the opportunity. It will see you through many a cold, dark night.
Some of the entries in this book are very short as is the first one by Anne Frank. At most the others are still less than ten pages.
There are authors whose names I recognized including Virginia Woolf, Tove Jansson, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Vincent Van Gogh. Interspersed with their writings were many minutes of getting new perspectives on the time of year.
Start with the author’s introduction and then read this one in any order. It is a title that I will be pulling out again and again.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Elliott & Thompson for this title. All opinions are my own.
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
#DrawItHappy #NetGalley
Are you a doodler? I am always drawing in my notes. For anyone, like me, who has some fun with pencils, this book is worth a look. Here are more than 100 drawings to replicate.
Many of these drawings are whimsical. For example, the very first one titled baseball bat does not show a Louisville slugger but, rather, a bat (the winged type) holding a bat. Each doodle that follows has clear instructions and steps.
So, enjoy a drawing break. It can be refreshing.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 15 October 2024
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|---|---|---|
| Draw a Baseball Bat… | Or a Night Owl… | Or a Ghost Writer! |
#HolidayHideaway #NetGalley
I picked this short (under 100 page) story when I was feeling a bit out of sorts. It did cheer me up.
Readers have to be willing to suspend disbelief but,if they do so, this is a fun read.
Tilly is no longer married and is facing some (temporary) housing issues. Her solution? Stay in one of the vacant properties that is on the books of the agency where she is employed. This works just fine until a tenant enters the house leaving Tilly and her dog fleeing to the attic.
This is how the stage has set for an enjoyable and witty holiday read. Since this is a seasonal story, readers can relax and enjoy waiting for the happy ending.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 29 October 2024
Sci-Fi and Fantasy
#BeforeYourMemoryFades #NetGalley
Have you ever wished that you could go back to the past? Is there something you wanted to say? Something you wanted/needed to do? Do you want to revisit a critical time? It might not be possible for you and me but it is exactly what the characters in Kawaguchi’s stories can do so long as they follow the rules.
In Before Your Memory Fades, third in the series, readers old and new can experience the magic of these opportunities. Here they will visit café Donna Donna which has some of the same magic as café Funiculi Funicula as in the earlier novels.
True to form, there are four stories in this collection. They feature:
A daughter who begrudges her deceased parents for leaving her orphaned
A comedian who aches for his beloved and their shared dreams
A younger sister whose grief has become all-consuming
A young man who realizes his love for his childhood friend too late
How will lives be changed? Turn the pages in the stories with a unique concept to find out.
To be enjoyed with your next cup of coffee. Your life may just be changed a bit too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book was published in 2022
A lovely read: Tales from the Cafe
Is there time: Before we say goodbye
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.
