Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!
Great reads for adults and children!
Posting late today because I was enjoying fall at the botanical garden. Still, lots of good choices today. I’ve read lots of these: Have His Carcase, Bethlehem Road, Unto Us a Son is Given, Eligible, Can You Forgive Her, The Ghost Fields, The Nun’s Tale, Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, The Age of Innocence, The Citadel, and Shem Creek. All good. Happy reading.
The author of this title clearly loves Frida Kahlo. She has immersed herself in the life of this artist by spending time at La Casa Azul (Frida’s home) and by letting the spirit of this artist infuse her. Ms. Davis has also researched Frida’s life and work.
This book includes much biographical information on Frida; her life had contradictions and these are explored. There are many quotes throughout the illustrated text. Ms. Davis also looks to Frida as someone who can guide readers on good ways to live their lives. The book looks at this topic from several points of view including confidence, pain, creativity, style, love, heartbreak, sex, identity, and friendship. For example, the author notes the famous eyebrows and sees them as a way of loving/accepting herself, implying that there are ways that readers can practice their own self-acceptance.. Other suggestions include things like the using a creative outlet to help build inner strength.
If you are a fan of Frida Kahlo or if you enjoy self-help books, this book may appeal to you. Many thanks to the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Whether you live in New York, have visited or, would just like to know more about this city, this eclectic title may pique your interest. In it, the editors of the iconic New York Magazine share all sorts of information on this metropolis.
The introduction points out the ways in which Manhattan has constantly adapted and changed. For example, as the editors point out, South Street once contained warehouses while Soho had factories. Now, these neighborhoods are filled with trendy shops and restaurants. Industries changed also; once there were no longer so many factories other industries thrived here including publishing and finance. And so it goes, in this constantly evolving city. Get to know it through this title which takes innovation as its theme.
The book is arranged with alphabetical entries. so, for example, A has everything from Abstract Expressionism (which began here), to the Algonquin Round Table to the Automat and more. There are so many entries in this book. Readers can go in order or dip in and out. They will find something interesting wherever they land. Just a couple of others from the beginning of the alphabet are Big Bird and the Crossword puzzle.
This book would make a good gift for anyone who loves the city or wants to know more about it. With its many illustrations and entries, it is an entertaining read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date 02 Feb 2021
The Survivors was my first encounter with a novel by Jane Harper although I have several of her books in my TBR pile. I only regret that it took this long to spend some time with this excellent author.
The Survivors is a bit of a slow burn of a book. It is set on Tasmania in a small community that is heavily impacted by the sea around it. The location with its small town, the beach, the caves and more is brought to vivid life. (Interestingly, I read that the author often thinks of place as one of the first things when she embarks on a novel).
There are many characters and they have numerous interconnections. Some are alive and some, who are no longer living, are those who were important to the novel’s characters in the past. Past tragedies, mysteries and disappearances all have their parts to play. There is also a murder in the present.
A sculpture called The Survivors was commissioned after a disaster at sea. But…there are other survivors as well. So, think about the title as you read.
This is a complex, rich novel and one that I highly recommend. I listened to it and the narration was very good. The male reader had the Australian accent that perfectly matched the story that he was reading.
Whether in book or audio format, I recommend this one highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
#PeoplewhohelpusAtTheHospital #NetGalley
This is a short book about those who work in the hospital. With its vivid pictures and rhyming text it provides a quick look at some hospital workers. While not extensive, this book provides a nice, un-scary view of a hospital and can help a child to see some of what happens there.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: November 10, 2020
A variety here. Enjoy.
#NightNightNorman #NetGalley
This is a sweet and engaging story with absolutely charming and, at times, amusing illustrations. Young horse lovers will truly enjoy it as will the adult who reads the story to them.
What happens to Norman after Ellie says good night to him? How will he spend his time until the morning? Young children will delight in finding out as they share in his adventures.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
#WaystoSayILoveYou #NetGalley
This appealingly illustrated picture book shows some of the many ways that animals and people demonstrate their love and care for one another. The text is rhyming which should appeal to its young audience.
Children will see everything from people dancing, to peacocks spreading their fans, to frogs puffing up and people holding hands. The simple story shows the importance of connection and caring.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Three stars
#SherlockHolmesPuzzlesVisualPuzzles #NetGalley
The author of this book invites the reader to be an assistant to Sherlock Holmes. Can you do the job? I confess that I was not really up to it.
Each of the 100 puzzles in this book begins with a picture. Beneath is a clue as to what the solver is looking for. The puzzles are all of this same type.
In order to solve these, you need a good spatial sense and an eye for detail. Do you want to take on the challenge?
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: October 27. 2020
#TheMinotaurSampler #NetGalley
This title provides a generous sampling of four titles that will be coming out soon. For each book, there is a description of the author and the book’s plot. These are followed by several chapters from the books. There is definitely a long enough extract that readers will know if they want to read thenovel in its entirety.
Readers of mystery and suspense, take a look. You may find something to get you through the next few months.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: November 3, 2020
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 