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!

Do you want to: Find Good Habits

A Workbook for Daily Growth

by Jaime Zuckerman

#FindGoodHabits #NetGalley

Lots of people make New Year’s resolutions. I still find myself thinking about ways I might want to change when each September rolls around. It is ingrained in me to think of the start of a new school year as a time for new (and better?) beginnings. Whether or not that is true for you, this book by a psychologist is a helpful one for anytime that a person wants to consider how they do things and when they decide to make a change.

This title is divided into four big sections. These include Identifying Your Patterns and Habits; Healthy or Hurtful?; Changing Unhealthy Habits and Patters; and Maintenance Stage. The sections follow the progression of work that readers will be invited to complete. In addition the book included references and resources.

This book is attractive in appearance and full of things to think about and exercises and prompts that invite thoughtful investigation. It comes from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective. Both of these are evidence based systems of treatment. Lessons from mindfulness are also here.

The book’s format is that of a workbook. There is space to record responses to the prompts. This also offers the reader a resource upon which they can look back.

Those looking for some guided self-help may well want to take a look at this resource. It looks full of ways to reflect and live life in a way that one wishes.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group-Wellfleet Press and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 23 Aug 2022

What happend to: Silver Blaze

by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Alex Woolf

Here is another in the series of adaptations of Sherlock Holmes stories that are designed for early chapter book readers. Each story is illustrated in a way that adds to the enjoyment of the story.

As can be deduced from the cover, young Sherlocks will know that this story has to do with a horse. What happened to Silver Blaze? Why? And who killed his trainer? The great detective and his sidekick want to know. Kids will want to know too.

I recommend this entry and the entire series. The books offer a good introduction to the great detective.

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

Pub Date 01 Jul 2022

Get your materials out: Easy Drawing

Simple step-by-step lessons for learning to draw in more than just pencil

by Chelsea Ward

#EasyDrawing #NetGalley

Those who want to give drawing a try and who don’t know if they have the talent should very much enjoy this book. Learn to draw everything from a tomato to a sunflower to a tea cup or a coffee pot. Move on to the landscapes and architecture, people and animals that are found in these pages.

Note that there is a helpful introduction. It gives information on tools, techniques and more.

This book has clear directions and steps to follow. I don’t think that it is completely easy but art takes practice. This book is worth a look for those who are hoping to become a budding artist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Walter Foster Publishing. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 September 2022