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!
This title seems geared to pre-teens and older, those who have the capacity to stop for a moment to reflect on themselves and their approaches to tasks and life. The author offers mindfulness practices to study habits and the process of learning. For example, she writes about the importance of being present in the moment. This means not judging one’s self by past school performance. Equally it means not worrying too far ahead about school tests and projects but going step by step. The need for self-care is also stressed and, for example, relaxation exercises are given.
It strikes me that in the heat of the moment it might be difficult for a student to take the time to read this book even though it would, perhaps, be helpful. I propose that this title would make for good summer reading with the chance to relax, reflect and be ready for the next academic year.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title is the third entry in the exciting children’s series about Piper and Cosmo. The books are best read in order as the adventures build. That said, readers new to the series are brought up to date in the first chapter.
Each chapter is fairly short, has illustrations and is engaging and entertaining. Beginning chapter book readers will delight in these stories. They have humor, suspense…and, of course, a rather surprising pet.
As this story opens, Piper, her grandmother, Cosmo (the pet slime), and Piper’s friend Claire are being held in at the headquarters of Ma La, a dangerous corporation. Will they escape? Who are the bad guys? Are there any good guys? How does Cosmo help the characters to figure this out? How do Piper and the others use their skills, including origami, to help themselves?
The novel will have readers racing through the chapters as they wait to see what happens. They will enjoy seeing how clever and empowered Piper is as she plots her escape. They will also be interested in what happens at Piper’s grandmother’s lab and more.
Adults will appreciate the bits of education in the novel. Children learn a little about Jackson Pollock and Banksy. They also find out a bit about Sally Ride, Albert Einstein and DaVinci. There are also science facts.
This book is recommended for young readers. It will entertain them as they also learn a little. In a section at the end of the book, kids will learn how a glass can help them to hear through walls, how to make an origami cup, who Sally Ride was and something about SpaceX.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title is part of a series published by the Mystery Writers of America. It offers a collection of storieson what is a well-known subject, the stranger.
The strangers in these authors’ tales have different roles; some may be the “good” character, other times the not so good one. All are capable of engaging the reader.
Here are entries by Alafair Burke, Michael Connelly, Joe R. Lansdale, Lisa Unger, Lori Roy and others who are less well known to me. All have written stories worth looking at.
So, there are strangers in town. Get to know them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Meet the creatures who inspired our everyday technology
by Christiane Dorion
#InventedbyAnimals #NetGalley
This book will undoubtedly fascinate young future scientists. In it, they will learn about the many ways in which animals, sea creatures and insects have invented things that have inspired and influenced human technology. For instance, the second entry is about a butterfly that has taught humans about adding color to textiles. Next readers learn about a shark’s skin and its influence on everything from bathing suits to, potentially, the material on the outside of airplanes. Each colorful two page spread includes numerous facts and lively illustrations. There are more than thirty entries in all.
This is an interesting title that kids can explore in any order. Who knows what ideas they will have after reading this book?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Auntie Poldi and the Lost Madonna is the fourth entry in what I find to be a rather quirky series. There is a lot happening in this one with exorcism, a dead nun and an extraordinarily attractive priest. Then, of course, there is Poldi, actually not Italian but Bavarian. Readers of the series know that she is very busy in Sicily though.
Fans of Poldi will welcome this book with its humor and action. It is not for everyone though in my opinion. Those wanting a very traditional mystery may be disappointed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Lauren Willig has written many novels including those in her Pink Carnation series. This title is based on true events; during WWI a unit of Smith College graduates traveled to France to offer aid and assistance. These real life volunteers are acknowledged at the beginning of the novel.
The book’s protagonist, Kate, was a scholarship student at Smith. This experience left her with an excellent education and some feelings of insecurity despite her friendship with the wealthy, Emmie. A few years after graduation, Emmie recruits Kate to be one of the fictional band of sisters of the title. These “sisters” include the married woman in charge of the volunteers, two female physicians and the other Smithies. Their experiences in France and the interrelationships of the characters form the basis for the story.
This book has an interesting premise and the story is well told. I especially enjoyed the letters that begin each chapter. My only quibble was that, at times, it was a bit difficult to differentiate the characters. Many, but not all, had a trait or relationship that helps the reader to keep track.
Willig includes information at the novel on her historical sources and the ways in which her own education led to the writing of this title.
Of note: I alternated between listening to the audio of this title and reading it. The audio was well produced and engaging. It is so nice to be able to follow a story by doing both. Also, I note the beautiful cover of the novel; it drew me in.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Robyn Carr wrote her first Virgin River novel back in 2007. Many books followed before Ms. Carr moved to other series including Thunder Point and Sullivan’s Crossings. Perhaps the author was inspired to return to Virgin Riven because of the TV series that is now on Netflix. Whatever the motivation, long term readers of the Virgin River novels will undoubtedly be happy to return. They know that they can count on good people, a nice community and a love story.
This novel is about Kaylee and Landry. Kaylee is an author of suspense novels who is experiencing writer’s block following the death of her mother. Through family friends, she chooses to travel to Virgin River in the hope that she will finish her novel. No spoiler to say that she does and even that she moves into a new genre, that she falls in love and that some unexpected things happen to her. That is the Virgin River formula.
Kaylee’s romantic foil is Landry, an artist and dog trainer. He helps Kaylee to overcome her fear of dogs and to move forward even as she recognizes that she will always miss her mom.
The relationship that Kaylee had with her mom is lovingly described and maybe even idealized a bit. I suspect that many readers will wish for the same closeness, acceptance and encouragement that Kaylee’s mom gave her.
There are other characters in Kaylee’s orbit but readers will perhaps most enjoy that the names of all the characters from the earlier novels are called out here. While many make an appearance, it is Jack and Mel who are most featured.
As an extra treat, the story is seasonal. Readers will enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas in this most perfect of towns. I especially enjoyed the description of the tree lighting.
This is a sweet novel. I don’t know if Robyn Carr will write about Virgin River again. Regardless, this novel is a gift to her fans.
An additional bonus in the novel is a section describing the making of the TV series and Ms. Carr’s visit to the set. There is also a long excerpt from one of her other novels.
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! 