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 truly loved this entry in the long running series. Ruth’s story is told simply and well. Readers get a fine sense of what motivated Ruth and all that she accomplished, despite much overt sexism. They also learn that she was a broadminded fighter for everyone’s rights. Unlike some, readers learn that she could get along with those who disagreed with her. Watch for the short part in the story about her and Antonin Scalia.
Throughout the illustrations are quietly appealing. I loved the attention paid to Ruth’s glassses.
I highly recommend this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Body in the Garden is the first title in the Lily Adler historical mystery series. A second book has already been published. This one will be an engaging treat for those who enjoy cozies set in the past. The characters are brought to life and readers will be interested in their connections to one another.
At a time when a woman’s role was to be a wife, in this story set in 1815, Lily is a young widow. This makes her place in society different from that of her peers. When the story opens, Lily has recently returned to London. Her best friend invites her to a ball, assuring Lily that, as she now wears lavender mourning garments, it is acceptable to attend. While at the soiree, Lily overhears a heated conversation in the garden. When a murder occurs, she is determined to find its cause, especially as the nascent police service has been paid not to investigate.
The victim is a friend of Miss Oswald. She is of mixed race, born outside of marriage but acknowledged by her father and is a young woman with a great fortune. She, Lily, a friend of Lily’s husband named Jack, and others are involved in the unfolding events.
Reading this book requires some suspension of disbelief. I am not convinced that Lily would have been able to do all that she does had she been a real person in this time period. However, readers who will not be bothered by that will find this to be an easy and enjoyable read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is another book set in France during WWII. Before you think that you’ve read enough of these, give this one a chance. It is an engaging and involving read.
The Paris Dressmaker follows several women and the men and families that surround them. Lila is a talented dressmaker and designer. Lila’s closest friend is Amelie, another seamstress. Then there is Sandrine and her close friend Michelle. Sandrine works at the Jeu de Paume. Each of these characters faces moral decisions, choices and moments of fear and courage.
The settings in this book are wonderfully rendered. There are the dress salons, a bookstore, the Jeu de Paume, a bakery, The Ritz..and the list goes on. Each is vividly portrayed as are the streets of wartime Paris.
This is a novel that tells moving stories of love, friendship, resistance, traitorous behavior, courage and consequences. The narrative moves back and forth in time from 1939 and into the 1940s.
I became quite involved in the lives and stories of these characters. I think that readers will as well.
I alternated between reading this book and listening to it. The narration was excellent with characters well delineated and the French accents of the characters.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This author clearly has the background to be writing for teens. She has received a number of awards already. In addition, she is a high school English teacher so is exposed to her intended audience regularly. She has also been a teacher of the year.
This deeply moving novel for preteens and teens tells the story of Melody. What a beautiful name for a bright girl who, among other things, cannot speak. But Melody hears and absorbs and has a deep inner life that is not diminished by her physical limitations. She narrates the story and in doing so demonstrates a gorgeous ability to express herself. Early on, Melody lets readers know that music is important to her. She comments on lullabies, harmonies and a “painted musical sound track play background to my life.” Melody know that her Mom likes classical music while her father enjoys jazz. Melody, herself, likes country music. Her musical sense also seems influenced by synesthesisa. So, readers know early on that there is a sound track to Melody’s life.
Right from the start of the story, readers know that there will be a kind of disconnect between Melody’s inner world and what those around her perceive about her. Her inability to make herself known makes Melody so real. She is not always happy, can be frustrated and is in no way a martyr.
Spend time in her world, readers. You will see those around you differently by the time that you finish this luminous book. And, watch to see how Melody’s life changes by the end of the story. (no spoilers)
This title seems perfect for a book club for adults and children, for school discussion or just for a perfect read. The lessons of the story are not too heavy handed but they seem so important. Highly recommended.
The Rebel Girls series is one that is easy to recommend. Each book is well put together and created to inspire girls to believe that anything is possible. Readers are offered the opportunity to appreciate the accomplishments of others who paved the way while they ponder their own paths.
This title does exactly what it promises. The stories of 100 Black girls are told. For each there is a beautiful illustration and a biographical sketch. These pages have stories about everyone from Angela Davis, (activist), to Aretha Franklin (singer), to Ava Duvernay (filmmaker), to Ida B Wells (journalist), to Joy Buolamwini (computer scientist), and so many more. Readers find the ways in which paths may have taken time to find. They may also read about injustices. For example pediatric neurosurgeon, Alexa Canady, was the victim of a teacher swapping her grades with those of a white student. Readers also find that she considered several fields before finding her calling.
This title belongs in school and home libraries so that it can be picked up and read anytime. Girls will benefit from spending time with this one. I guarantee it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
#ClavisPublishing #NetGalley Pub date: 12 October 2021
Are you, or a child you know, a Walter or a Willy? Walter is not scared of anything while Willy is not very brave. What will happen when Willy takes a trip to the city and is (even more) out of his comfort zone? Read this title to find out.
The illustrations are playful and engaging. They allow readers to “see” who Walter and Willy are. The placement of the text also adds to the movement of the story.
This is simply a nice book. It could be a good jumping off point for some discussion or a book to read and from which to take a subtle message.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 