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!
I really liked this vibrantly illustrated search book. It offers fun for kids and adults, too, can also learn more about recognizing birds. This should make springtime walks even more fun! There are two page spreads that showcase birds that are found in different locations, for example, by the sea or in the marsh, or in the city. Having just visited a botanical garden, I could have used some of these identifications.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this fun Seek & Find title.
How to Run Injury-free with Power and Joy for Decades
by Andrew Kastor
#KeepRunning #NetGalley
Are you a runner or would you like to be? Do you wonder how to best keep fit and running for many years? If so, this book offers a guide to some best practices.
The author has run cross country so has good credentials. He has studied physiology,anatomy and more so is well credentialed. Mr Kastor is also the coaching director for the LA Marathon.
Chapters include Inspiration, Optimization, Perspiration, Invigoration and Reinvention. With the help of this book, you may just run well for many years!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This novel offers a point of view on characters who are almost certainly based on Donald and Melania Trump. The focus is mostly on Lara and not her husband. Readers definitely come to understand the forces that formed her personality.
Lara grew up in a family that was fairly privileged in Moscow. For example they had a dacha and some number of Western goods. Lara’s father, who comes across as a nice man, works for the KGB. The family is sent to Paris, a city that is so different to Moscow, and they live there for many years.
Some things happen to Lara that clearly shape her. Readers will discover these things for themselves as they read the novel. How do these life events impact Lara? How does her being Russian influence her future and decisions that she makes?
The story is told in different timelines ranging from Lara’s childhood to her role as the wife of a (bombastic) president. Readers get to know Lara well (if, in fact, she is honest in talking about herself). They also get to know those around her.
The conceit of the story is that a journalist is hired to write this mysterious woman’s biography. What will this mean to journalist Sofie Morse? Something to be sure, as when the novel opens she and her husband seem to be hiding outside of the U.S.
I found this novel to be engaging. It felt a bit odd to be reading it thinking about Trump and the state of the world now. That said, I do recommend it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are mine.
I very much wanted to read/listen this book in part because I am originally from the Ocean State. The story sounded intriguing and multilayered.
Often in mysteries, there is a murder and the reader waits to find out “whodunnit.” In Ocean State, listeners know from the start that there was a murder and who committed the crime. The book goes on to tell the story of the family of the teen murderer from multiple points of view.
The narration for Ocean State is crisp and clear. The reader tells the story well.
I am sad to say though that I did not have enough time to hear the whole book before the expiration date. I will follow up by either purchasing or requesting this one from the library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Boredom-busting Trivia That Will Impress Your Friends
by Cerebrum Publishing
#TheUltimateGuideofRandomFacts #NetGalley
Those who love trivia and arcane facts (or who hope to make millions on Jeopardy one day) will enjoy this book. There are many questions here and they involve everything from fill in the blank to multiple choice to matching questions, to questions.
Categories include movies, celebrities, history, food, classic literature and more. If answering questions or just getting some new information appeals to you, give this one a look. It could be used for a fun pub quiz or family quiz night.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 