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!
Some have compared Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder to Harry Potter and I can see why. There is a magical setting (Miss Brickett’s instead of Hogwarts), a special training (to be an investigator as compared to a wizard), orphans (Harry and Marion), ghastly relatives (Dudley and his parents and Marion’s grandmother) gadgetry, friendships, secrets, maps, mysteries, villains and more.
If all of this sounds good to you, think of giving this 1950s set mystery a read. I think that you will enjoy it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This counting book is gorgeously illustrated with paper cut art. It celebrates the beautiful Salish Sea ecosystem. I met creatures that I have never before seen. There are, for example, two Banana Slugs, six Nudibranchs, 10 Sand lance and more. This book may well be enjoyed at least as much by adults as the children that they know.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This title is another in this educative and enjoyable series by Ms. Sanchez Vegara. This time children get to meet Stevie Wonder in this appealingly illustrated title.
Readers watch as little Stevie goes from banging on pots and pans to playing the harmonica and piano to…becoming Stevie Wonder! It is indeed a wonderful journey and an inspiring one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book poses a number of either or questions with the intent of encouraging discussion with others or one’s self. Many of the questions are lighthearted while others raise interesting questions as, for example, would you rather rule a superpower or a small country/ be president or a small town mayor. Others ask would you rather be a freshwater fish or a saltwater fish/have a noisy cat or a quiet dog/speak in a British accent or an Australian accent and so on. If these sorts of questions intrigue you, here you will find over 3000 of them.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Are you or someone you know a vegan? If yes, this book is sure to be a hit. It is also a terrific resource for non vegans. Imagine so many recipes all accessible in one large volume. Included are ideas for breakfast, salads, soups, hearty comfort food, sweet treats and more. There is even a section called Quick and Tasty for when time is scarce.
It is impossible to list even a fractions of the recipes included in this compendium. Just a few are those for French Toast Maple Syrup Muffins ; Cauliflower Rice with Spiced Walnuts;, Coconut, Zucchini and Mushroom Soup; Three Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart; Vegetable Pastitsio and Chestnut and Mushroom Bourguignon. Each recipe has clear directions and there is a photograph to accompany each.
This is a wonderful resource. Enjoy!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
I absolutely adore this book and will buy it once it is released so as to have it in my home library. The combination of verse and illustration is well executed. Each of the poems evokes a sense of a place, a season, a feeling or more. Starting with verses from Ecclesiastes and moving through poets in many time periods this book is an engaging resource. Gardeners and flower lovers, those who enjoy poetry, give this one a look!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
I alternated between reading and listening to this title. Both gave a good insight into the lives of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce. I did adore the narration and could hear that voice in my head when I was reading the text. The voices are beautifully captured in the audio.
So many find the works of James Joyce to be difficult to understand. It is fascinating to hear this icon simply referred to as “Jim” by Nora. It puts him in some perspective.
When the novel opens, Nora is working as a hotel maid. She meets Joyce on that fateful Bloomsday of June 16th and her life is transformed. Although he will not marry, Nora agrees to leave Ireland with her Jim as they seek a better life in Europe. It soon becomes clear that finding this life will not be easy. Readers become part of these characters’ worlds as their lives unfold.
Nora and Jim are earthy, bawdy lovers and their relationship is described in some detail. This adds to the aliveness and intensity of the characters and I feel belongs in the book. It is possible that some will wish for less of this description though.
I recommend this historical novel for its characterizations, details and keen look at the lives of these two well known Irish lovers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
The Great Gatsby is perhaps one of the greatest of American novels. It is one that is often read in high school but there is something to be said about rereading this book as an adult.
This graphic version of the novel can be enjoyed both by those new to TGG and by those who are revisiting the novel. The essence of the story is here. The illustrations are clever and definitely complement and enhance the story line. I liked that the text was creatively placed on the pages to best go with the drawings and add additional meaning.
Following the end of the novel, there is a good note by the author. It talks about how he came to work on the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Below are some thoughts from the last time I read this book for a class.
Chances are that you read The Great Gatsby when you were in high school. If some time has passed since your first reading of the novel, I urge you to read it again. I had read TGG when I was in college and had not thought about it too much since, except to recall that the paper I wrote on it got me my first A from a tough professor. Well, this was the last novel that we read in my summer Currents in the Modern Novel class and it was a stunner.
Start with the title…was Jay Gatsby great? Is the title genuine or meant to be ironic? Lots of discussion on this in class. What makes someone great? Is it their accomplishments? Is it who someone is inherently? What does it mean to have money? Does it make a difference as to whether it is “old” or “new?” Is it okay to “carelessly” take the things that one wants in life? What does it mean to be a “careless” driver? How do we organize our lives around dreams? What does it mean as these play out? Are dreams illusions?
There was also lots of discussion about capitalism in class. Is the novel an indictment of the capitalist system? Some critics say yes while others say Fitzgerald did not intend that. Your opinion?
I was more moved by Jay Gatsby after I finished the novel this time. Will you be? spend time with Jay, Nick (is he an unreliable narrator?), Daisy, Tom and Jordan and then let me know.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 