Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

Cloud Cuckoo Land is probably one of the most anticipated and hyped books to be released this fall. It is a novel that will intrigue, challenge and be long remembered by its readers.

Anthony Doerr is incredibly intelligent in how he has crafted his story. He also demonstrates a deep knowledge of mythic tales and history as he tells a story that begins with an ancient text that binds the entire narrative together. This is the myth of Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Doerr’s novel takes place in Constantinople in the 1400s during a siege, in the U.S. in recent history (going back before the Korean War and moving to now), and in a distant future. Each of these worlds is so vividly portrayed and each is unique. The feat of creating these disparate worlds that feel so real is worthy of praise.

The characters who populate these eras are richly vivid and readers will ache for them. They include Omeir and Anna who are on the opposite sides of Constantinople’s ramparts, Zeno and Seymour in the present, and Konstance in the future. Each has those to whom they are connected, along with worries and concerns. Readers may well have favorite characters. I admired Anna but found myself most drawn to Konstance.

There were times when I wanted to discard this novel. The pain of some of the characters felt like too much. Nonetheless I kept going as I wanted very much to understand how the plot strands would join. Of course, they are all reading the same ancient text but there will be more.

Anthony Doerr loves libraries and this is clear throughout the story. The magic, knowledge and anchor that they bring to their patrons is made most evident. In fact, the novel is dedicated to librarians.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is not All the Light We Cannot See. It is its own work and will be judged on its merits. It is a book that will make many of its readers think and care deeply. I highly recommend it.

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

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Everyday Grammar Made Easy

A Quick Review of What You Forgot You Knew

by Rod Mebane

#EverydayGrammarMadeEasy #NetGalley

I am one of those people who care about grammar. Lately, my pet peeve has been that everyone from Prince Harry on down is using the words me and I incorrectly. So, I was excited to see this ARC on grammar, nerdy though that may be. And, yes, attention is given to that very topic in one of the book’s sections.

This title is densely packed with information. Readers who want to learn more about grammar or those who want some tricky questions answered will both find answers within.

Grammar is described by the author as the principles that guide how words work together. If a reader wants to speak or write more effectively, the rules and practices described in this book will be most helpful.

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

Michelle Obama

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

As and adult, I have read Michelle Obama’s book, Becoming, and recommend it highly. Here we have a Michelle for the youngest readers in a new entry in the popular Little People, Big Dreams series. The same qualities come across in both books: Michelle values family, education, health, fitness and helping those who come along behind you.

This title is recommended for both home and school libraries. It simply tells the story of an inspiring American woman.

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

From the publisher:

Discover the life of Michelle Obama, the iconic first lady, advocate, lawyer, and author!

On the upper floor of a humble house on the south side of Chicago, a little girl called Michelle was growing up.	Barack became the first African American president of the United States, and Michelle, a First Lady like no other.	And whatever the future brings for little Michelle, she will keep touching people’s hearts and souls.

#TheMinotaurSamplerVolume4 #NetGalley Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

I always enjoy these samplers. They offer good introductions to books that are coming out along with very generous excerpts. Author bios are also included. In this volume there are new novels by Stacy Willingham, Alex Finlay Gigi Pandian, Camilla Sten, Anna Downes and Samantha Jayne Allen.

I already have two of these titles in my TBR pile and I will be adding to that now.

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

This is another title published by my favorite Poisoned Pen Press. It is a cozy mystery with all of the requisite tropes. Our protagonist has a small business (iced tea shop), dates a detective and becomes involved in a murder investigation. Amateur detective Bree will try to solve the case and help a former boyfriend. How do you imagine Detecttive Grady Hays feels about this?

The characters and setting enliven this title. The mystery itself was intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages.

I adore cozy mysteries for when I want to escape my real world problems. I enjoyed the time I spent in North Carolina and look forward to the next entry in this series.

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

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With 2-Way Sequins!

by Sophie Vaillancourt

#TheSecretHalloweenCostume #NetGalley Pub Date 21 Sep 2021

Charlotte is a young witch. As Halloween approaches, she does not want to follow her family tradition of dressing as a scary witch. Can she do something different? What costumes will she reject? What plan will she carry out? What is the message of this holiday story for young children?

Add this to your list if you are looking for stories about independent girls this October.

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

#InKiltumper #NetGalley

When I read this couple’s first book, O Come Ye Back to Ireland, I fell in love. With the couple, with their story and the way in which their story was told. I went on to read the other memoirs about their life in Ireland. These included The Pipes Are Calling and Summer’s in the Meadow. Every one of these was beautifully written and I felt that I knew Christine and Niall.

I was beyond excited to see that this couple had written another book together. (They have each written other titles separately.) It felt like I was being given a wonderful opportunity to connect with old friends after many years.

I adored this book. Its structure allows each author to have a voice. The hardest thing was to realize that, just like all of us, Niall, Christine and their children have gotten older with the passing years. They are no longer the young Irish-American and Irish duo who decided to leave the bustle of the city for their family’s homeland. I was eager to learn how the years have passed for both them, those around them, their farm, their garden and their world.

I highly recommend this title. For the full joyful experience, consider going back to the beginning with them.

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