Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

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!

Now out: Who are they? We Are The Beatles

by Zoë Tucker

#WeAreTheBeatles #NetGalley

The publisher notes that this book is part of a series of books on friendships. It is an interesting lens through which to view the Beatles. In this brightly illustrated book, readers see John and Paul meet. Following on this is the gradual evolution of the group as George and Ringo are added. The four are shown as working hard and having a bit of stage fright but, of course, the music they played changed the world.

Adults who like the Beatles will enjoy this book along with the children in their lives. It is a reminder that even the most famous among us were once young and finding their way.

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

Pub date: January 5, 2020

Let’s enjoy:

A Year Full of Celebrations and Festivals

by Claire Grace

#AYearFullofCelebrationsandFestivals #NetGalley

This title is bright, colorful and packed with celebrations. It is organized by seasons. To give a few examples, spring occasions include St. Patrick’s Day, Hanami, Easter and Earth Day among others, while summer has entries on International Children’s Day, Barunga and Palio di Siena, for example. Autumn holidays include Diwali, Thanksgiving and The Pearly Kings and Queens Harvest Festival among others and a few of the winter times include Bodhi Day, Chinese New Year and The Festival of the Dancing Masks.

Young readers can find out more about holidays they know while also broadening their knowledge of world culture and holidays. All in all, this is a very nice and inclusive title and a good one for home or school libraries.

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

pub date: January 5, 2021

Who will you become? Baby Young, Gifted, and Black

With a Mirror!

by Jamia Wilson

#BabyYoungGiftedandBlack #NetGalley

This is a book that will teach the littlest listeners and lookers that they can aspire to do anything and everything. A child can grow up to “spread joy like Stevie Wonder” or to “reach for the stars” like Mae Jemison and so much more. A number of highly accomplished Blacks from many fields are here in this title including the Obamas, the Williams sisters and others. The illustrations are bright, colorful and represent their subjects well.

I recommend this title for all kids. It is a book that shows how full of amazing achievements people are.

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

Pub Date 05 Jan 2021

What will be key? The Unlocking Season

A Joanne Kilbourn Mystery

by Gail Bowen

#TheUnlockingSeason #NetGalley

The Unlocking Season is the nineteenth title in the popular Canadian series featuring Joanne Kilbourne. I have read some, but not all, of the books. My impression is that the more familiar readers are with Joanne and those around her, the more they will enjoy this book. It can be read as a first introduction as well but it is quite possible that a reader would then want to return to older stories in order to fully understand this title’s complexities.

In this entry, there is a lot about Joanne’s family history. She was raised by a father who was not her birth father and a documentary is being made about them both. Readers also spend some time with Joanne’s half sister. The family, like many, has a tangled past.

When something happens to the friend and colleague of Joanne’s who is helping with the script, Joanne wants to know what happened. What did? Why? Read the book to find out and to deepen your relationship with the characters.

I toggled back and forth between the book and the audio for this one. I enjoyed both.

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

It’s approaching: The Shortest Day by Colm Toibin

#TheShortestDay #NetGalley

Colm Toibin is a beautiful writer. I adored his novel, Brooklyn, and there are other titles by him that I would like to read. The Shortest Day by this favorite author is a short story and one that seems appropriate for this time of year with the solstice approaching.

The Shortest Day is a gorgeous story written by a master. I was immersed in its world so quickly. The tale is about an archaeologist who is researching a site, Newgrange, that brings to mind a sacred site like Stonehenge. He is a man of reason and proofs. Readers observe him, his wife and his personality.

Within Newgrange are the spirits of those from a time almost before time. These spirits have personalities, vanities, tempers and other qualities of humans. They await a special light that comes only once each year on the shortest day. This light sustains them in times ahead. The spirits do NOT want an archaeologist to visit at this sacred time.

From this set up, what happens? I highly encourage you to read this short story to find out. I was engrossed in this tale while I was told a story by a most competent, capable and intriguing master.

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