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!

Some e boook bargains for January 29, 2020

Four Funerals and Maybe a WeddingBelgrave SquareConversations with FriendsWhen Hitler Stole Pink RabbitWomen in Sunlight: A Novel by [Mayes, Frances]Okay, so two books from long running mystery series are listed first.  Next is phenom Sally rooney’s first novel.  I included Judith Kerr’s children’s book because it is an important one and it seems appropriate to have something for families who have been thinking about the 75th anniversary of the freeing at Auschwitz.  Women in Sunlight is by Frances Mayes who can definitely write about Italy.

How to Go Anywhere (and Not Get Lost) A Guide to Navigation for Young Adventurers by Hans Aschim

This title offers elementary school aged readers an historical perspective on navigation along with fun navigation activities. The book starts with a timeline; this begins 70,000 years ago and moves to modern technology and the electric car.  We go on from there with chapters on topics including early navigators, the sun and stars, and more ending with a chapter on space.

This book has appealing, colorful illustrations that add to its content.  The activities should engage the audience.  For example, the first asks children to draw a detailed map of a place that they know. The author then asks kids to visit somewhere such as a friend’s house and to then make another map.  The point is that it is easier to be detailed about places that are well known to us.

After learning the cardinal directions, children learn how to read the trees and how to practicing this skill.  This is just a brief introduction to the riches of this title.

If you would like to get your child out of the house and interested in navigation, history, science and some fun that does not involve screens, consider this title.

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

#HowtoGoAnywhereandNotGetLost #NetGalley

Yum: Pizza School A Kids Cookbook for Aspiring Pizza Makers by Charity Curley Mathews

This cookbook that is aimed towards kids may also be welcomed by adults.  If you would like to create pizza at home, this is a great resource.  The book is divided into chapters on the three components of pizza; there are doughs, sauces and toppings.  Following these is a section on old school classics and then one on new school classics. Last there is a chapter called just for fun.

The book begins with a word to parents.  I like that the author uses a stop sign symbol to let kids know when they need to get assistance.  There is information related to safety, tools that are needed and more.

All in all this is a good resource with nice photographs illustrating the creations and clear directions which include tools that are needed and some extra facts of interest along with the recipe. ]

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

From the publisher:

pizza, bread, pizza cookbook, bread baking, yeast, flour, bread book, pizza, bread, pizza cookbook

Sample Recipe: Super Easy Red Sauce

Tools to Gather: Measuring Cups and Spoons, Kid-Safe Knife, Food Processor or Blender, Can Opener, Strainer

This simple sauce comes together without any cooking at all. You can use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season, or rely on canned tomatoes, which are available any time. Here’s a good tip: Remember to squeeze out the extra juices from the tomatoes and your sauce will be just the right consistency.

Instructions:

1. Chop the garlic in the food processor. In a food processor, pulse the garlic two or three times (hold your finger down on the pulse button and count to three each time) until it’s finely chopped.

2. Strain the tomatoes. Open the can of tomatoes and pour them into a strainer over the sink. The extra liquid will drain away.

3. Purée the sauce. Add the tomatoes, olive oil, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper to the garlic in the food processor. Turn the food processor on and let it run for 20 to 30 seconds, until all the ingredients are combined into a smooth red sauce.

SWAP IT: Add 1/2 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or dried herbs (such as oregano, rosemary, or onion powder) for another burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 garlic clove, coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 cup diced tomatoes (about 1 medium tomato or half a 14.5-oz can)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 5 to 6 fresh basil leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

#PizzaSchool #NetGalley

Ultimate Trivia, Volume 2 840 MORE Fun and Challenging Trivia Questions by Donna Hoke

I previously reviewed Volume 1 in this series.  I feel much the same about Volume 2.  This book provides a fun source for asking yourself questions or for setting up games with others either as individuals or teams.  Some pub quiz venues may also enjoy having this source of so many questions on so many subjects.

There are sections of Pop Culture, Geography, Sports and Science with many questions in each chapter.  If you enjoy Jeopardy, you will enjoy this book.

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

#UltimateTriviaVolume2 #NetGalley

The Elephants’ Guide to Hide-and-Seek by Kjersten Hayes

This silly story is geared toward children ages 4 to 8.  I think that it will appeal most to the younger listeners.

Elephant enjoys having human children as friends.  When they want to play hide and seek, of course Elephant agrees.  Naturally it is not the best game for someone of his size.

To the rescue come tips from the Elephant Hobby and Sport League purporting to help elephants to succeed at Hide and Seek.  This advice leads to adorable and funny illustrations that kids should love.

There is a sweet message of inclusiveness underlying this story.  Mostly, though, it is meant to be fun.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

Some e book bargains for January 28, 2020

A few notes.  I read the Peter Berger book during my first year of college and it made me a Sociology major.  Meet Me in Monaco is in my TBR.  It is partly about Grace Kelly.  When I was young I loved Cheaper by the Dozen, especially when they all had their tonsils out!  Underworld is part of the Daziel an Pascoe series.  I have read them all.  Enjoy!

Death by Chocolate Cherry CheesecakeThe Secret WifeInvitation to SociologyUnderworldMeet Me in MonacoCheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes

Pay mindful attention: Five-Minute Focus Exercises to Reduce Distraction, Improve Concentration, and Increase Performance by Tiffany Shelton

Just as I was thinking about sitting down to review this book, my phone rang.  Five minutes later it rang again and then again.  So, as you can see, I needed to focus again before returning to this review.  5 Minute Focus offers ways to do just that.  The book describes a number of situations and offers advice for how to mange them in a mindful manner.  A few examples with catchy titles include Case of the Mondays, Savor  Every Bite, Avoid the Afternoon Crash, Anxious Much? and A Remedy for Overwhelm.  For each there is something for the realer to try.  The suggestions are practical and designed to be accomplished within five minutes. For example, Sleep for Focus, suggests doing a body scan, something that mindfulness practitioners may already be aware of.

This book is worth a look. Keep it handy and perhaps it will help a bit when you are struggling.

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

#FiveMinuteFocus #NetGalley

From the publisher:

focus, psychology books, psychology, neuroscience, business books

Plan ahead: A fantastic resource: Buzz Books 2020: Spring/Summer by Publishers Lunch

This expansive resource is available at no charge at most on-line bookstores.  It includes extensive listings of titles that are coming out in all categories along with a number of book excerpts.  A few fiction titles that are forthcoming are those authored by David Nicholls, Katherine Reay, Susan Wiggs, Barbara Delinsky, Beatriz Williams, Alexander McCall Smith and Scott Turow.  There are books forthcoming fro Anne Tyler, Gail Godwin, and more.

Readers can look at titles by category; for fiction this includes big books, emerging authors, debut novels, commercial fiction and more.  Non-fiction seemed to me to include lots of political titles and titles about the struggles and triumphs of women.

Also take a look at biography and memoirs including books by Jennifer Finney Boyland, David Chang , Elijah Cummings and more. In addition,  as as noted above, there are fairly lengthy excerpts from some forthcoming titles.

Take a little time to see what you might like to read this spring.  You will find authors both old and new.

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