Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

Mystery, suspense and Joan Didion.

Sandhamn sounds like an idyllic place to spend the summer…except that bad things keep happening there as readers of this series know. In this entry in Swedish author Sten’s series about Nora, Thomas and those who surround them, it is Midsummer Eve. This is a time for revelry and much partying by those who are teens. However this year some pretty bad things happen as readers who pick this up will learn.
Ms. Sten’s books are always involving and sometimes tragic. Still, I enjoy spending time with these characters and in this place. Nordic noir is pretty popular now but these title do not seem to get much attention. The series is definitely worth a look in my opinion.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

I always look forward to reading the latest entries in this wonderful series that features little people with big dreams.  This time Ms. Vegara Sanchez is writing about the artist Basquiat.  She is joined by the illustrator who contributes a great deal to the look and feel of this title.

Young readers will learn that Jean-Michel loved art from the young age of four.  He found his calling early in life.  Children will learn that he had his own unique contributions to make to the art world and that he became close friends with another well known artist, Andy Warhol.

Kids who read this book will know that art can be made in many ways.  That is a good lesson to learn along with the reminder to follow one’s passion.

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

Pub Date 16 Jun 2020

#JeanMichelBasquiat #NetGalley

Children have such wide ranging interests and are curious about so many things.  Many will have been bitten by a mosquito at some point.  For kids who like insects or want to know more about that itch, this is a good resource.  It is geared toward elementary school aged children and is full of facts.  Accompanying these facts are cartoon illustrations that are pretty funny.

So young entomologists here is a good resource for you.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

Pub Date 14 Jul 2020

#TheMosquito #NetGalley

Suspense and a couple of classics; I’ve also included Learning to See about Dorothea Lange.  Right before the world changed I saw an exhibit of her work.  It was inspiring so I am excited about reading this one.  Ms. Hooper also wrote The Other Alcott and has a new book coming out in July.

A lot of choices today.  I sent a separate post on Mary Oliver but again say how much I love her poetry.  I think that it will resonate in our current climate.  The Trollope title is free.  MIss Silver is quite old fashioned but some may enjoy these classic mysteries. So, fiction, poetry, classics, mystery, historical fiction, there is a lot to choose from.

Well, we may all be stuck at home but we can travel the world while there by enjoying cuisines from many places.  If Italy is on your list of food capitals, take a look at this fantastic collection of 100 recipes.  I became quite hungry while reviewing this book!

This title is divided into sections including appetizers, soups and salads, risotto and polenta, sauces and pasta, pizza and bread, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, vegetables and dessert and drinks.  There are additional reference sections at the end of the book.

Just a few of the recipes include those for minestrone soup, risotto with porcini mushrooms, spaghetti alla carbonara, fried meatballs, tuna meatballs, Sicilian eggplant stew, and tiramisu.  The recipes are clear and generally have no more than seven steps, with some having even fewer. So, stretch you culinary range and enjoy some great food while stuck at home with these recipes that can be made by the average person.

Many thanks to Callisto for this lovely cookbook in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

From the publisher:

Log on to Amazon and you will see that there are nine books from around the world available for free to celebrate world book day.  Some of them look interesting.

I absolutely adore the poetry of Mary Oliver. It is simple yet deep; it is also profound and moving. I often start my day by reading a poem from this wonderful anthology.  It is an e book bargain at $1.99 today.  I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

“In “Devotions: The Selected Poems of Mary Oliver” (Penguin), one of our most beloved writers offers both the best of her work and a spiritual road map of sorts. Spanning more than 50 years and featuring more than 200 poems, the collection shows Oliver, in the early years, turning away from grief and finding in nature a “vast, incredible gift.” Over time, as she carefully observes and records, Oliver extols the beauty and complexity around her and reminds us of the interconnectedness of living. She also asks important questions, such as “have you ever dared to be happy/ … have you ever dared to pray,” and “Tell me, what it is you plan to do/ with your one wild and precious life?” Those lines resonate as much today as when she first penned them decades ago. No matter where one starts reading, “Devotions” offers much to love, from Oliver’s exuberant dog poems to selections from the Pulitzer Prize-winning “American Primitive,” and “Dream Work,” one of her exceptional collections. Perhaps more important, the luminous writing provides respite from our crazy world and demonstrates how mindfulness can define and transform a life, moment by moment, poem by poem.” —The Washington Post

The title of this series is most apt when it comes to Greta who is truly a little person with a big dream; it is one that she fights for.  The incomparable Ms. Vegara Sanchez does a wonderful job of telling the story of this young eco activist.  Children will be inspired and, hopefully, will see that they can make a difference.

Young readers will learn that Greta had a relative long before her birth who worried about the environment  When this concern took hold in Greta, she could not let it go.  Readers find out that Greta had elective mutism and Aspergers.  Rather than seeing these as bad things, the author points out that these are the very things that have helped Greta to remain true to her resolve to do something about climate change.

The simple text is accompanied with brightly colored and appealing illustrations.  Together author and illustrator work together seamlessly in this excellent addition to the excellent series.

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

Pub Date 26 May 2020

#GretaThunberg #NetGalley