A Memoir

by Julia Zarankin

#DreamscapeMedia #NetGalley

One of the great pleasures that I have had during Covid, although there are not many, has been visiting my local botanical garden on a regular basis. I love walking through the woods and being in the wetlands as these are places where I hear, and sometimes see, the birds. I recognize only a few but am learning from some of the birdwatchers that I meet, all of whom are happy to share their knowledge. I know robins, cardinals, bluejays, etc. and have now seen a hawk, a red bellied woodpecker and an owl. But enough about me since I did not write or narrate this book.

Field Notes tells a beautiful and interconnected story of a woman’s life and her evolution as a birder. It was not the expected route for an emigre daughter of classical music teachers but the journey has been memorable. Share all that the author has learned and experienced as she connected with nature and herself. The narrator is engaging; I felt as if I was listening to a friend.

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

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021

by Christianne Jones

Poor Donut. She stopped enjoying the summer when she started to worry about school. The more those around her told her not to worry, the worse it was. Until, one day, she met Cookie who told Donut about how she crumbled. The two talked about their worries, things that might help and the concept of doing things in one’s own way and time.

If you know a child who worries a lot, think about reading this book with them. The illustrations are kind of ridiculous but I think that is this book’s way of making it easier to approach such a difficult subject. Make this a book that a child can return to and, please, encourage them to find their way.

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

Pub Date 01 Jan 2021  

An Alphabet of Alphabets

26 alphabetical games, from A-Z!

by AJ Wood; Mike Jolley

This is a fabulous, fun and interesting alphabet book. Each letter of the alphabet has its topic; for example, B for Birds. N for Neighborhood and right on through Z for Zoo. There is an intricate colored drawing for each of the letters. Within them, children look for objects in alphabetical order or any order they choose, of course. For example, in the bird entry, they will find an albatross, a bluebird,a cockatoo…until finally a Zebra finch. There also seems to be a mouse in each spread. The book offers lots to see and learn while being entertaining.

I enjoyed this title. I think that children will too. Maybe this is just the thing for a car trip or some fun at home.

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

From the publisher:

K is for Kitchen

Can you find all of these in the kitchen chaos?

So much of the recently published fiction on WWII has taken place in Europe. That makes perfect sense but, of course, America was impacted as well.

In this historical novel, the story is set in Hawaii and centers on a group of characters, including those of German and Japanese heritage, whose lives were upended.

Readers will follow protagonist Lana as she reacts and acts in response to the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, This title also is about Lana’s personal life, including her father’s legacy and her romantic life.

Consider this one if you would like to read an America based WWII story.

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

101 Lasagnas & Other Layered Casseroles

by Julia Rutland

This cookbook has sections on recipes that feature meat, poultry, seafood or are vegetarian. There is also a section on desserts (in case you are hungry after the filling main course!)

The book begins with helpful sections on topics including the pros and cons of different pans, hints on cooking noodles, types of cheese, sauce varietiesand more.

There are loads of enticing recipes, everything from deep dish sausage and spinach lasagna to Asian short rib lasagna, to chicken and artichoke lasagna to many, many more. The directions for all are clear.

If you are looking for some hearty meals this winter, take a look at this book. It certainly made me hungry.

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

by Edited by Sid Holt for the American Society of Magazine Editors

Go to any article in this collection and you will find something meaty and interesting to read. Entries are from publications including The New York Times Magazine, The Washington Post Magazine, Fortune Magazine, The New Yorker and The Georgia Review, among others. All of the entries’ writers were either a finalist or prize winner in categories including Reporting, a Single Topic Issue, Feature Writing, Profile Writing and more.

This is a collection that includes many serious and thought provoking reads. It is definitely worth the reader’s time and attention.

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

Pub date: December 29, 2020

I reviewed and very much enjoyed this book. It is definitely worth a look.

Having just reread Pride and Prejudice, I am eager to read this story about Charlotte Lucas.