Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Exercises to Better Understand Yourself and Who You Want to Be

by Yael H. Dubin, MD, PhD

#YourPersonalityandYouWorkbookCallistoYou #NetGalley

This book’s subtitle is “Exercises to Better Understand Yourself and Where You Want to Be.” It achieves exactly that. Those who would like to explore themselves may well want to spend time with this workbook.

Chapters cover topics such as personality theories, nurturing self-growth, honestly looking at and knowing one’s self, setting goals, forming habits, tackling obstacles and more. Throughout the author demonstrates a positive attitude and a belief in the potential for understanding one’s self and growing. I especially liked her use of case studies.

The author is quite experienced and a good guide. Do as she suggests and work on the exercises in this title in order. It will be interesting to see where you land at the end. I recommend working through this book slowly with time to consider each section. The chance to reflect will add to what is gained.

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

Pub Date 26 Jul 2022

When I see Marie Benedict’s name on an historical fiction title, I always take notice and want to read the book. This autor’s wide ranging subjects have included the Carnegies, the Churchills, Agatha Christie and others. Always, the novels have accurate historical detail and a readable and interesting story.

This time, Ms. Benedict turns her attention to Rosalind Franklin. She was a female scientist in a man’s world and one who did not receive the recognition that she deserved for many years. Follow the life and scientific journeys of this woman whose work is essential to our understanding of DNA. She was decidedly an outsider as she lived and worked in several countries but always endeavored to move forward in the pursuit of scientific discoveries. Her story is inspiring and reminds readers of the importance of following one’s dreams and working hard to achieve them.

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

Pub date: January 2022

From the Publisher

Where to Start When You Don’t Know What to Say to God

by Lisa Whittle

In this book’s introduction the author observes that she often has read prayer books that have left her feeling uninspired. She found that her own simple prayer of just five words offered her what she needed to move forward. And so, the seed for this book of one sentence prayers was sown.

Included here are prayers for 40 days. A few of the five words that make up a prayer are Thank you for carrying me, and I need you desperately today. Each of these sentences is followed by several pages of thoughts about the words. Included are a bible passage for each.

This book has a clearly Christian orientation and will most appeal to those of that faith.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2017

The World’s Most Controversial Books, Past and Present

Do you think that books should be banned? Who should decide? Or…should readers themselves decide what they want to read? These questions have recently come to the forefront once again.

This book is fascinating. A perusal of its contents shows that book banning has been going on for centuries. It also informs the reader that books once banned are not banned for evermore.

For example, the first section of the book includes The Canterbury Tales, a title that is now often studied in schools and universities. Other examples of previously banned books include Frankenstein, Madame Bovary, Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird and in the 21st century, The Kite Runner and The Hate U Give. These are just a few of the many books included in this title.

The book begins with a short introduction. The perspective offered is that censorship is generally counterproductive and often controversial. Following this section each title is described and its history and reasons for censorship given.

Browsing through this book will be interesting as readers look at books that they have either read or not picked up. In the end, I think that it invites its readers to think and care about this important issue.

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

Pub date: 30 August 2022

The Short List-under ten dollars

Other bargains:

The Best International Crime Fiction Out This June and July

The Best International Crime Fiction Out This June and July

— Read on crimereads.com/the-best-international-crime-fiction-out-this-june-and-july/

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

The author of this series does a terrific job of finding little people with big dreams. Each entry offers children an introduction to a person who once was young, followed a dream and achieved something that they very much wanted.

This time the profile is of astronaut, Neil Armstrong. What could be a bigger dream than leaving earth behind for space? How did he get from childhood to this incredible adventure? Young readers and listeners will enjoy finding out how, starting at age 6 and eventually leading to becoming the first to take a step on the moon.

The illustrations will add to a child’s experience with this book. They do such a fine job of showing space.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 16 August 2022

A Visual Guide with ASL Signs, Lessons, and Quizzes

by Travis Belmontes-Merrell

Those who want to learn ASL or who are simply curious about this language will want to give this book a look. The author has divided lessons into sections including the basics, greetings & people, thoughts & feelings, daily routines and more.

The author is an excellent guide to learning sign language. Travis also introduces readers/practitioners to facets of deaf culture and more. The book begins with a helpful introduction and tips for using the book. In addition, the photos throughout offer extremely helpful guidance.

This title provides an excellent introduction to its topic. Highly recommended for its audience.

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

Pub Date 02 Aug 2022