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!
Have you ever heard about the original mudlarks? They searched for treasures left behind in the Thames. The most traditional mudlarks were young boys in the 1800s who were looking to find anything that might bring them a bit of money. Now in the 21st century we still have mudlarks. Their finds tell the story of London’s history.
Readers will enjoy learning more about the finds of the mudlarks as they read this fascinating book. Things found include everything from clay pipes to tableware to wine bottlenecks to tea pots and so much more. These objects are fully described by the book’s author.
This title is packed with information and history. There is also an extensive bibliography. I wish that there had been photos but perhaps there will be in the published copy of this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Primrose Park is one of a series of books set around Love Heart Lane. That place name is enough to help readers to know if this is a title for them. If a reader enjoys British set romance with likeable characters. this one with its appealing cover should go on the summer reading list.
This entry is about a hardworking vet named Molly who one night does something unexpected and out of character. It seems like it was just a good experience until…some repercussions come close to home. Read the book to learn what happens. You will then probably want to go back to read all of the titles in this series.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this light and pleasant read. All opinions are my own.
NOTE: RIGHT NOW THIS TITLE IS JUST 99 CENTS IN ITS E BOOK VERSION.
Stephen Fry has done many things, of which talented author is just one. This is the third in his erudite, witty and well-illustrated books about ancient Greece. His earlier titles, Mythos and Heroes were wonderful (re)tellings of stories, some of which I knew and some of which were new to me. Now Fry has turned his attention to tales of Troy. Yes, readers may think that they already know these stories but I can safely say that they may not and that time with this title is time well spent. I truly enjoyed it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Note: This review is for the audio book version of this title.
Readers note the clever title of this book and consider the possible meanings. Then start reading and enjoy an excellent novel.
Katharina is a multi-lingual graduate of Columbia University who finds employment with the nascent United Nations as the novel begins. She enjoys her life; Katharina finds her career to be fulfilling and she enjoys the flirtatious life of a single woman in a world filled with men. Life seems pretty wonderful.
Soon Katharina falls in love with and marries the estimable Tom. He is a pediatric surgeon who takes saving the lives of children most seriously. He is also a New Yorker with impeccable connections to the most upper of the upper classes. Although Tom has told Katharina that he doesn’t want her to change, it soon becomes evident that this is not true.
Katharina becomes mother to a baby and toddler in short order and leaves her job. She is expected to be the perfect mother, housewife, wife and society lady. But…she balks. Readers who have wondered if they want to have children will think carefully after they read the section of the book where Katharina has a very, very, very bad day and takes off running.
From here, the book layers in espionage. Katharina is led back to a Columbia years boyfriend who is a Communist organizer and to those who are looking to rout out Communists and their sympathizers (against a background of the McCarthy hearings).
The suspense ratchets up as Katherina navigates her two worlds and roles; one that wife and one as potential informer. Katharina meets and works with new people including a Black handler to whom she is very attracted.
No spoilers so no more. Suffice it to say that this is an absorbing read.
As to the narration, I found it to be excellent. There are different voices for the different characters. It was a delight to listen as the story unspooled.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Note: I previously read this author’s earlier novel, The Gilded Years. It is a very different book to this one but also a very good read.
This title is part of a series of Little People, Big Dreams stories for the very youngest children. It is never too early for them to learn about the people who are part of their world.
This time the story of MLK is told in simple language and with appealing illustrations. Issues of segregation are noted in a matter of fact tone while clearly making the point that discrimination was/is not okay. Children learn how MLK grew up and tried to help people to look at the world differently. The Civil Rights movement is mentioned as was MLK wanting to protest using peaceful means.
King was an inspiration to many. Let him inspire a child that you know as well.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The Whispered Word is the second entry in the Secret, Book and Scone Society series. The main characters’ secrets were fully described in the first book but a reader can still enjoy this one as a standalone novel.
What I enjoyed most about this book were the characters and the setting. Yes, belief has to be suspended, but I would love to visit and spend time with Nora and her three closest friends. Nora’s town, Miracle Springs. attracts people in need of saving and second chances. Nora owns the local bookstore and is a very astute and well-versed bookseller. There are many references to both fiction and non-fiction titles throughout the novel. Nora herself is named for the character in Ibsen’s play. Just a few of the titles mentioned in the novel include The Witch of Blackbird Pond, A Doll’s House, Harry Potter, One Snowy Day and a number of books on adoption and tidying up.
But of course, there is more than just books in this book. Abilene comes to town and is a young girl who has had a difficult life and clearly has secrets of her own. Has she committed crimes including murder? There is also a shop, Virtual Genie that is offering to consign goods for people in the town. It looks like a fantastic service but is there more to it? You can probably answer these questions but finding out the answers is still fun.
The Whispered Word is about friendship, relationships, taking risks…and solving mysteries. It is an excellent cozy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. I enjoyed my second visit with these characters and am eager for book three.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 