Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Four stars ****

This book offers a good introduction to an important and relevant subject. The author characterizes philosophy as an underpinning to how we understand ourselves and the world around us (in a continuous exploration). The book is divided into ten sections. These include the principles of nature, knowledge, metaphysics, logic, ethics, language, mind, aesthetics, politics and religion. There is also a list of additional suggested readings. The author writes in an approachable way. I like that each chapter begins with a section of questions to focus the reader’s attention. It is also nice that there are illustrations. Readers can learn a lot from this title. Read in order or dip in based on your interests. Budding philosophers (and humans) take a look at this excellent introduction to the field. It is worth your time. Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ****

Psychology is reportedly one of the most popular subjects that students want to study. Adults too are often fascinated by the idea of learning more about how they “tick.” This title provides a good introduction to many topics. Some of the areas that are discussed in this title include Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology and Sport Psychology. Other sections cover Neuropsychology, Social Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Occupational Psychology. Each chapter includes illustrations, charts, photos and Of course the text. Within these sections is a very good summary of each topic. The book can be read in any order. Highly recommended for those who want an overview or review on this topic. Remember though, that readers should not try to diagnose their own psychological disorders. Many thanks to NetGalley and Arcturus Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Phryne Fisher is a woman who lives her life the way that she wants and does not apologize for it. Readers may be familiar with her from other books in the long running series. Others may know Phryne from her TV exploits in Miss Fisher’s Mysteries on Acorn TV. Either (or both) ways or even if a reader does not already know her, it is worth while spending time with this protagonist. (Those new to the series do not have to have read the other books but will just have to accept that they do not know all of the characters’ backstories.)

A lot (!) is going on in this book. It opens with a scene that may well jar current sensibilities as an Asian character is called something maybe appropriate to the time of the story but not to our times. Why was this raid done? Was it successful?

At the same time, there are other subplots. Phrnye’s adopted daughters are volunteering at an institute for the blind where someone may indeed be turning a blind eye to discrepancies in the books. Also, why has one of Phryne’s daughter been locked in the music room?

Phrnye find a body (as she tends to). Is this connected to opium pipes that were found in a garden? Who is sending Phryne poisoned pen notes about her personal life (she does have a habit of taking lovers of whom Jeoffrey appears to the the latest)? What is happening with her Asian lover? And to her relationship with police officer Jack?

There are also two women (lovers) who have escaped their institution. Who are they working (and dancing) for?

Will all of these plot lines come together? It will be a test of Ms. Greenwood’s abilities but she has done it before. Follow her lead in 1920s Melbourne where the story takes place. It is an enjoyable read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 07 November 2023

Emily Wilson’s translation of the “Iliad” brings Homer’s great war story to rousing new life.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/09/23/books/review/iliad-homer-emily-wilson.html

Three stars ***

Anyone who is a fan of Jeopardy most likely knows who Amy Schneider is. She shared aspects of her personal life over the course of her many (and profitable) wins on the show. Those who would like to know Amy better can spend time with her in this book.

The chapters are titled in true Jeopardy style. A few of these are How Did You Get So Smart? When Did You Know You Were Trans? What’s it Like Having ADD? How did You and Genevieve Meet? and many more.

Those who want to know primarily about Jeopardy may not be fully satisfied with this title. Readers need to know going in that that this book is about Amy’s life and that Jeopardy was just one part of it.

This title will, I think, be welcomed by those who have faced some/any of the same life experiences that Amy has. She seems candid about everything and may well leave some of her readers feeling less alone.

This is a book for adults as Amy points out in the introduction. She notes that many kids may have watched her on Jeopardy but that they are not her audience. She gives hope that she will perhaps one day write a book for them.

So, if you are curious about this Jeopardy phenom, give this one a look.Many thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

#DoYourBest #NetGalley

Bear Grylls, the very well-known adventurer, has here written a book in which he shares some of his expertise. The result is a title packed with information in its over 350 pages. Chapters include everything from How to be a Scout and How to be an Adventurer to How to be You. These sections are followed by one called Useful Stuff That Just Might come in Handy (indeed!).

The book opens with a welcome in which Bear signs off as “your friend.” He is truly welcoming as he encourages kids to use this book in whatever way and/or order makes sense to them. He gives permission to get the book dirty and messy. He hopes that this is a title that will be kept and used for many years. I love how he encourages kids to face life fearlessly and with a spirit of adventure.

This title is nicely illustrated and filled with information and inspiration. Even just a few pages in, learn all the things that can be done with a neckerchief. Learn how people have coped with adversity with Nelson Mandela as just one example.

I highly recommend this book. Even though it is for kids (possibly), there is much that could benefit an adult as well. For a start, take a look at the section on what makes a good leader.

Note: The title is connected with and references the Scouting program.

Many thanks to Nicholas Brealey/Hodder & Soughton U.S. for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 28 September 2023

From the Publisher

www.nytimes.com/2023/10/04/books/missoula-montana-books.html

www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/10/05/books/review/nobel-quiz-2023.html