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!

Who do you want to lead? Votes of Confidence, 2nd Edition A Young Person’s Guide to American Elections by Jeff Fleischer

Talk about a timely book release as this title is published right in the middle of a Presidential election year.  Votes of Confidence is a thorough guide to the election process.  It is written to give students in high school a sense of what the election process and their government are about.  It could also be a great resource for adults who need a refresher for themselves or so that they can talk with the children in their lives about the United States democracy.

There are chapters on American government, how voting works, political parties and ways to get involved in the political system.   There is also an important chapter titled Voting with Confidence.

The book is factual but I do note that the author has a point of view.  Clearly noted in the introduction are Trump’s use of false information and conspiracy theories, along with mention of Russian interference in the election process.

This book looks like a valuable resource.  It is jam packed with information and much food for thought. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#VotesofConfidence2ndEdition #NetGalley

Editorial review:

“The first edition of this book was published in the midst of the 2016 election. In the introduction of this second edition, Fleischer states that it was in the aftermath of that election, amid the current climate of fake news and misinformation, that he felt it was vital to update the book so that young people are more informed about how the government works. The census bureau predicts that ‘the post-1980s generation will be 36.5 percent of eligible voters by 2020.’ Fleischer clearly and understandably explains how the American government came to be and how it’s supposed to work. He describes the three branches, how a bill becomes a law, reasons for and against the Electoral College, primaries, and national, state, and local general elections. Political parties, campaigns, debates, financing, gerrymandering, voter suppression, and ballot initiatives are covered. The text emphasizes what young people need to know to vote, where to get accurate political information, and how to become more involved in politics. Back matter includes source notes, additional resources, index, sidebars, charts, illustrations, and photographs. Fleischer avoids making the topic dry or boring by using conversational language (stinks, BS) and includes surprising facts that make this a very readable, engaging, and entertaining history of American elections and politics for young people. Highly recommended.“―starred, Booklist

Just out: 30-Second Literature The 50 most important forms, genres and styles, each explained in half a minute by Ella Berthoud

Whether you were an English major or not, you may find this short book to be an excellent resource on all things literary. Some of the concepts covered are the oral tradition, early modern literature, the ballad, satire and so much more.

The author notes that “Through literature, as readers we gain insight into worlds we could never have dreamt of…” She also notes that literature connects us to each other. True readers know just how true this is and how amazing literature can be. This book will enhance readers understanding of many things literary.
The authors ambitious plan is to briefly reflect on the novel, literary prose, poetry, drama, literary devices and literary styles. You will know what a Gutenberg parenthesis is and way vorticism mean as you read and these are only two of the many included definitions. Review your favorite kinds of fiction from historical novels to fantasy, with everything in between.
I recommend this cleverly illustrated and written volume. I feel like I already know more than I did before I opened this book.

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

Now out (and highly recommended): Trace Elements A Comissario Guido Brunetti Mystery by Donna Leon

Where I live, the weather is currently cold and the days are short. When Trace Elements takes place during a summer in Venice, it is as hot as hot can be. Clothes are sticking, meals need to be light and our detective, Guido Brunetti is mystified by the tourists who want to be in Venice at this miserable time. I could feel the heat and the need to drink mineral water. All of this is to say that Ms. Leon is a master at creating her scenes and characters. When Brunetti was eating his cheese and salad, I salivated. When I followed this essentially good man throughout the story, I wanted to know him and his colleagues as real people. When Brunetti was with his wife, Paola, I wanted a marriage like theirs. All of this adds verisimilitude to a novel that, in parts, is deeply tragic.

Tue story begins when Brunetti and a female colleague go to visit Benedetta, a women in hospice care, who is dying a miserable death from cancer. Readers will feel great sympathy for this character’s suffering. Before she dies, Benedetta presents Brunetti and Claudia Griffoni with something to investigate. They learn that Benedetta’s daughters are about to become orphans as Benedetta’s husband recently died in a crash. Was his death an accident? If it was murder how, if at all, does it relate to his job?

In Trace Elements (an apt title), the crime as it relates to Venice feels all too plausible. Ms. Leon has done her research and written a believable and sad tale of human corruption and its consequences. Wrong actions happen but the reasons for them differ.

This title is the latest entry in Donna Leon’s long running series about Guido Brunetti. It is a most excellent novel and I recommend it highly.

Now out: The Grace Kelly Dress A Novel by Brenda Janowitz

The Grace Kelly dress is, of course, inspired by the beautiful wedding gown that Grace Kelly wore although this story is not about Grace Kelly. Rather, it is about three women and one wedding dress that was inspired by the one worn by Princess Grace.

Rose’s story begins in the 1950s in Paris. Rose is an orphan who works in an atelier as a seamstress. The very talented Rose makes a wedding dress for the lovely Diana and, while doing so, they become friends despite the class barriers. Rose is attracted to Diana’s brother Robert but he is engaged to someone else. What will happen?

In the 80s, Joan seems to have the perfect, if conventional and guarded, life. She is engaged to someone who is perfect on paper but…is he the right one for her? What is the story of her sibling who died?

Unconventional Rocky, Joan’s daughter, is conflicted about wearing her mother’s wedding dress although not about her fiancee. Can she make it into something that makes sense for her?

Around these primary characters, there are many others whose stories are also told. The emotions, mistakes, regrets and decisions that these characters make form the basis of the novel as each makes the dress her own.

The Grace Kelly Dress is women’s fiction with conflict and fairy tale. Try it on for size if you would like a light read.

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

Would you date this man? Wife After Wife by Olivia Hayfield

Wife After Wife by [Hayfield, Olivia]The term guilty pleasure comes to mind when I think about Wife After Wife.  It is the sort of novel that I read both enjoying it and wondering if it was not the best use of my book time.

The story is an updated version of Henry VIII and his six wives.  It is clever in its concept and characters. Harry (Henry)is the head of a firm that publishes celebrity magazines.  He is wealthy, sexy and seemingly attractive to all of the women he meets and he meets many.

In talking about the wives and mistresses the characters are clearly identifiable.  I won’t go through them all but first wife Katie has trouble with pregnancies, faces miscarriages and her only child is Maria. All much like the historical first wife.   Katie tries but is depressed.  No surprise that Harry is attracted to others and they divorce.  In one of many clever twists, Katie moves to Wales and lives at a wellness retreat.

And so it goes with modern women and wives in Harry’s life.  They are well described and there are a number of enjoyable cultural references.

This book will not offer you deep food for thought.  It is escapism pure and simple.  If that appeals to you, you might give this title a try.

 

Now out: Hurry Home, Harriet A Birthday Story by Lucy Barnard

Adults will surely know where this story is heading but young children may not. This short picture book is illustrated in a bright and cheerful way; it is full of anthropomorphised animals and appealing scenes.
In the story, it is Harriet’s birthday. She is sad because no-one is acknowledging her special day, even though it is made clear that she is a kind and helpful friend. Harriet is grumpy and plans to have her own celebration when…
Young listeners will enjoy the ending to this book. For adults, there are some discussion questions and activities at the end so that they can extend the story with children.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.