Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

53 Brief Lessons for Living

by Massimo Pigliucci

This title is written by an Italian philosopher. In it, he updates some precepts of stoicism for the modern reader. In particular Pigliucci examines the handbook of Epicetus. Through this, he offers thoughts about how one can live their best life.

To me, parts of this book were quite proscriptive but I think that was the writer’s intent. Stoicism as a philosophical way of looking at the world becomes clear through this text.

Do you aspire to live a life like the ancient Stoics? Do you want to understand more about the Stoics way of looking at the world? If yes, give this one a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Editorial Review

“A shrewd take on Stoic philosophy that’s one part inspiration and one part manual for cultivating resilience in daily life. Pigliucci’s prudent advice will have broad appeal among philosophically inclined readers of self-help.”―Publishers Weekly

by Teresa Dovalpage

Death Under the Perseids is a book about which I liked some things but not others. The premise is that Merceditas and her husband are offered a free cruise to Havana. This is quite appealing to them. Mercy grew up in Cuba and is happy to revisit her country and family. Mercy’s husband Nolan, a professor, is delighted to be invited to give a lecture.

Oddly though, there are people on the cruise that Mercy already knows. This feels more than coincidental to her and the reader. Each of these characters was also involved with the man that Mercy was involved with prior to Nolan. There is a clear sense of menace that the reader is supposed to feel. All of this relates to the fate of Mercy’s prior partner Lorenzo.

Readers may feel that they know what the resolution of the story will be early on but they will need to read on to find out if they are right. While doing so, they can enjoy a bit of time in Havana.

The author uses many Spanish phrases and words throughout. While this adds to the atmosphere and culture of the story, as a non-Spanish speaker, I wish that there had been some translations. My other quibble with this novel is that I thought it was a story that moved slowly.

Have you read this one? If yes, what did you think?

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I highly recommend all of the books in the series by Julia Keller and Jacqueline Winspear.

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Building a Brighter Future for Nature, People & Planet (The Children’s Terra Carta)

by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales; Christopher Lloyd

This book is introduced by Prince Charles who nvites children to think about and care for our world. In the last chapter of this title, he writes about the Terra Carta project and invites children to participate in it.

This book has the most charming and delightful illustrations! They have been contributed to this title by a variety of artists. The accompanying text complements them.

There are four short sections in this book; they are Nature, People, Planet and Terra Carta. Through them, what we get from nature and what we need to do for nature are laid out in simple terms.

This children’s book is a call to action for our planet. It should be read by children and families who, hopefully, will recognize that there is work to be done.

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

THIS TITLE IS AN E BOOK BARGAIN FOR 1.9.22

Robyn Carr is a prolific writer of women’s fiction. Her Virgin River novels are now a series on Netflix. The Country Guesthouse is one of the author’s Sullivan’s Crossing books. These stories take part in Colorado and are interconnected although they do not have to be read in order.

This title is primarily about Owen, Hannah and Noah. They face challenges although readers of this author know that usually things end well. Owen is a world traveler and a photographer who had a significant tragedy in his life. Hannah was a close friend to Noah’s mother, who died and named Hannah to be his guardian. Noah, who is five years old, has mild CP and is grieving the loss of his mom. Over the course of this story, the three come together, heal and find love while also connecting with the characters from previous books.

I recommend Robyn Carr’s novels to those who enjoy women’s fiction. This one is an easy read that takes the reader to a beautiful place and the kind of caring community we dream about.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

www.sleuthofbakerstreet.ca/i/1584200/Januart_2022_e_MOM_Read.pdf

This short (200 page) novel was penned by a practicing GP who brings some of that perspective to her fiction. The book tells the story of women from different generations whose lives intersect. Protagonist Marion is a paid up member of the sandwich generation; her daughter is about to start university while Marion’s mother is feeling some of the effects of aging. Like the author, Marion is a doctor who, through her work, meets Nyaga. Nyaga, who is from Botswana, has moved to Scotland looking for better opportunities. She is homesick and struggling a bit to adjust. These characters will intersect.

I agree with other reviewers that this book and author have great potential. Those who enjoy stories about women’s lives may want to give this one a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.