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!

It’s important to learn: How to Love Yourself

In Less Than a Week and Also for the Rest of Your Life

by Rachel Madorsky, LCS

#HowtoLoveYourself #NetGalley

Why is it so difficult for some people to love themselves? They may treat others with understanding and compassion without offering the same understanding to themselves. This book by a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and coach is here to offer some hope. She is optimistic and believes that great change can happen in just a week.

What follows in this titles looks to me like a series of affirmations and suggestions for things to think about. They may be helpful to many. Throughout are doodle like illustrations that accompany the text.

A couple of ideas from the book . Say could rather than should to yourself. Slow down when trying to imagine what is needed at any given moment.

This title will be helpful for those in need of garden variety encouragement. Those with deeper issues or depression may also enjoy this title but I do not think that it will fix everything. Think in those situations of accessing additional emotional health services.

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

Pub date: 31 October 2022

Want a book? Find one at: The Littlest Library

A Novel

by Poppy Alexander

#TheLittlestLibrary #NetGalley

Jess has experienced loss in her life. Her parents died in a car accident when she was only four and, as the book begins, her beloved grandmother recently lost her struggle with cancer. To top all of this off, Jess has been let go from her librarian job. NOTE: These are not spoilers as all of this is learned very early in the book.

Jess moves to a small village after these recent events. Oddly, there seems to be a red phone box on her property. Curious, she goes to a village meeting to find out what the phone box means to her. Watch as she decides what to do with it.

This novel is an easy read. There are a number of characters and lots of books. If these things appeal to you, this will offer you a pleasant read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and, Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 19 Jul 2022

Mark you calendar for this one:

Great Short Books

A Year of Reading—Briefly

by Kenneth C. Davis

This book is a wonderful resource. It will have readers adding new titles to their wish lists or perhaps having a moment’s nostalgia for a book previously read. There are over fifty books featured. Just a few of those mentioned are Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Charlotte’s Web by E B White, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. As can be seen, there are classics, popular fiction and even some children’s books.

For each title, there are sections. These include First Lines, Plot Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What to Read Next. Each of these included much that is detailed and informative.

This is a book that bibliophiles and those who want good reading suggestions are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.

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

Pub date: 22 November 2022

You can do it: Learn to Sign with Your Baby

50 Essential ASL Signs to Help Your Child Communicate Their Needs, Wants, and Feelings

by Cecilia S. Grugan

#LearntoSignwithYourBaby #NetGalley

Recently I met a young baby who was using sign language to communicate with her adult. So, this book came to my attention at just the right time. Here are 50 signs that are considered to be essential by the author. Included are signs for everything from mealtimes to sleeping to playing and more.

While the author of this book is Deaf (read the book to find out why this is capitalized), she notes that sign language can be a helpful way to communicate with a baby who has no hearing issues also. It seems to be a very direct communication with single signs standing for actions, as for example, getting dressed. The author observes that sign language allows the baby to communicate back with their adult from a preverbal stage of development.

Before the sections of the books with the illustrated signs, the author offers a good deal of information. This part of the book is both interesting and helpful. The signs themselves are clearly illustrated.

Note that with the published book there will be videos for each sign.

I highly recommend this title to those with young babies and children. Of course it will take practice but it may well be a most useful way to spend time with a child.

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

Pub Date 25 Oct 2022,