Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

This book may well make you smile. The cartoonist seems to have a very good (and personal) understanding of what it is like to be in one’s 20s and navigating life. There is gentle humor on topics like hair that doesn’t cooperate, not being very tall, and dealing with relationships, schools and many other aspects of life.

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

#ILefttheHouseToday #NetGalley

The publisher of this book, Pen & Sword, previously issued a book called How to Survive in Ancient Egypt. I enjoyed that book so was delighted to have the opportunity to read the ARC of a book on surviving in Ancient Greece. (See archive for a review of the Egypt title).
If you are interested in the subject, this book is a treasure trove. Read about Athenian history and learn how the city was run. Learn more about the religion, the family the system of slavery and more. Find out how women were viewed by men, how children were treated and educated, where to shop, what a house looked like, jobs and more. This book includes so many interesting sections.
If you are a person who enjoys imagining life in other eras, give this book a try. I think that you will be fascinated.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#HowtoSurviveinAncientGreece #NetGalley

There is nothing like the bedtime story ritual for both children and adults. Reading a story together can be the perfect way to end a day.

This book contains eight short, engagingly illustrated stories. They feature simple story lines with animals. There is a lamb whose curiosity separates him from his mom, a rabbit who does not like loud noises, and a mouse who serves as a lighthouse keeper, among others.

Many thanks to NegGalleya nd the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Toddler and preschool listeners will enjoy these stories, I think.

pub date:  July 21, 2020

#ATreasuryofGoodNightStories #NetGalley

Fiction and letters from E B White. Is there something here that you would like to read?

I have known Stephen Fry as an actor, having watched an enjoyable series called Kingdom in which he starred. He is also a man with lots of personality. More recently, Mr. Fry has turned his hand to writing. A prior book of his, Mythos, was well received. Now we have this new book which re-imagines a number of Greek myths.
Eight heroes have their stories told here in a series of short chapters. The characters are Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, Orpheus, Jason, Atalanta, Oedipus and Theseus. Before starting on his tales, Fry includes helpful resources such as maps and a family tree of the Olympians. There are some helpful entries at the end of the book including a list of characters, monsters, mortals and more.
The book’s introduction sets the tone. The style is conversational and engaging. It is written in a present tense. Frye tells his stories well and with a sense of humor. The text is beautifully illustrated with many paintings.
If you would like to relax and have someone tell you a story, you should enjoy this title. I am eager to see the print copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

First off, let me say how much I like this book. It is easy to read, has some wit and is incredibly helpful. I love to write, but while my daughters knew of Oxford commas and FANBOY, I did not. For those who do not know, these are all about the uses of commas. I know that now. That tricky piece of punctuation and others are explicated here. I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to write better.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This title finds the sweet spot between a fiction adventure and a science book for kids. It is an illustrated chapter book for elementary school aged children that features a diverse group of explorers.
Meet Connor and his friends who are excited to have a new mission. Watch as Connor magically arrives at the exploration station to find out what his next task will be. Readers will discover that they are to help some whales.
This book appeals to its readers who are at the age when clubs and secrets are intriguing. I think that kids will learn a lot while following the protagonists’ adventures. Hopefully, a love of science will be introduced or reinforced.
At the end of the book are a quiz and a glossary. These both help to reinforce the learning that the text provided.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  July 7, 2020

#TheSecretExplorersandtheLostWhales #NetGalley

I am late in reviewing this title for which I apologize.  But…you can still read the wide-ranging articles included in this anthology.  They certainly have not dated in just a year.

The collection reflects a varied source list including The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The National Geographic, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine and more.  Just a few of the authors included here are Leslie Jamison, Jill Lepore and Caitlin Flanagan.  Topics range from Paul Manafort to MS-13 to Bret Kavanagh, just to name a few.

Pick up this collection.  It will provide ample food for thought and discussion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Two that especially appeal to me here…Mary Oliver.  I adore her writing.  I also really like McDermid’s Karie Pirie series.  Highly recommended.

I anticipate new books coming out in just the same way that kids anticipate those December holidays; I can’t wait. This reader has features seven intriguing entries, including one by Julia Alavarez, author of Afterlife, in it she talks about her family’s escape from the Dominican Republic. This is followed by a chance to start reading her new novel. The Mountains Sing is about the Viet Nam war. The author brings the children and women to life in this book. Also featured are entries by Jill McCorke, Richard Farrell, Larry Watson, Shruti Swamy and Caroline Leavitt. Each book excerpt is preceded by something that the author has written to introduce it. There is probably at least one title here that each reader will enjoy. Can’t wait for the pub dates.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheAlgonquinReaderSpring2020 #NetGalley