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!

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.

Restorative Yoga for Beginners Gentle Poses for Relaxation and Healing by Julia Clarke

With chapters that describe restorative yoga and tell what one needs to know to begin, readers are prepared to work on the poses that follow.  Next is a chapter on “the basics” which includes nine poses.  This is followed by chapters on poses for stress relief, pain relief and other poses for healing.The  book then has a chapter on sequences and one on breathing and meditations.  So, as you can see, this book is pretty comprehensive, especially as each chapter includes multiple poses. The book ends with sections on resources and references.

In explaining what restorative yoga, a form of hatha yoga, is the author states:

Instead of moving through challenging standing poses, the therapeutic practice of restorative youga uses supported position to invoke deep relaxation to settle your mind and harmonize your physiology.

Sounds good to me!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book which includes clear directions and illustrations.  All opinions are my own.

#RestorativeYogaforBeginners #NetGalley

From the publisher:

#RestorativeYogaforBeginners #NetGalley

Some e book bargains for January 25, 2020

Death by DumplingFeel FreeMy Name Is Mary Sutter

I just bought My Name is Mary Sutter.  Although not the same, it reminds me of a book that I am currently reading and enjoying called The Gilded Hour which I am really enjoying.  TGH is a LONG novel so still a little while before a review.  For now, see below:The Gilded HourThis is about two female doctors in 1800s New York and those around them.

Compelling….This satisfying read, rich in interpersonal relationships of many kinds, is part romance, part mystery, and part serial-killer thriller.”—Booklist (starred review)

How we come to be: All Ways Family by Noemí Fernández Selva

Adults often feel flummoxed when the time comes to talk to children about “how babies are made.”  This book with its appealing multicultural illustrations helps come to the rescue.

All Ways Family is geared towards six to ten year olds, although I would just recommend this as a guideline.  The  book’s approach is to have children talk about their families.  Readers starts with Paula, who goes to see the ultrasound with her heterosexual parents.  When Paula returns to school with the ultrasound, her teacher talks to the class about reproduction.

This book is very inclusive.  The classmates go on to hear from children where there was assisted reproduction and families formed by adoption.

The book provides an introduction to talking about “All Ways” families may be formed.  It can help adults to begin a discussion with children who are at that age where adults need to begin this conversation.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book ine exchange for an honest review.

#AllWaysFamily #NetGalley

You can do it: 5 Weeks to Self Confidence A Guide to Confronting Your Inner Critic and Controlling Your Relationship with Your Thoughts by Lynn Matti, MA, LPCC

This resource begins with a chapter entitled Understanding Your Self-Confidence followed by Beginning Your Journey. Then follow chapters that go week by week. The first is on Setting Goals, the next on Meeting and Confronting Your Inner Critic, the third is on Transforming Your Relationship with Your Thoughts, the fourth is about Beliefs and Values,  with fifth, Communication and last a chapter entitled Your Confident Future.  In addition there is a list of resources at the back of the book.

The author shares her personal journey in the introduction.  She has clearly suffered and moved to a better way of living her life, breaking away from addiction toward understanding and becoming a therapist after returning to school in her 40s.

This book is grounded in the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) nad Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).  Both involve well known and respected therapeutic methods.  The book also includes many quizzes and other activities that focus on understanding one’s self and being able to make positive changes.

The author relates to the reader in a conversational style.  She makes it easy for the reader to consider her points without becoming defensive.

All in all, I found this book to be an excellent resource.  It could be used on its own or perhaps used together with a therapist. Buy it if you would like to feel anywhere from a bit to a lot better about yourself.

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

From the publisher: 

self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidenceself confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence, self confidence

#5WeekstoSelfConfidence #NetGalley

You can do it: How to Cook for Beginners An Easy Cookbook for Learning the Basics by Gwyn Novak

The author of this book states that it is truly for beginning cooks so don’t be afraid to engage with it, even if you do not think that you are a kitchen whiz.  The writer begins by letting you know what you need to have in your kitchen.  She then moves on to skills including boiling, pan cooking and baking.  The last part of the book includes a number of recipes that are described as easy.

The author explained concepts very clearly as for example the differences between sell by date, use by date and expiration date.  There is also a section on “cooking lingo” which includes definitions that are quite helpful.  Readers will also learn what it means to whisk, fold, and stir and also how to rough chop, dice and more.

The recipes themselves are presented very clearly.  For example the recipe for Pasta Bolognese first describes what the dish is.  Next the tools that are needed are listed, followed by the ingredients and the recipe.  The recipe itself is easy to follow as are the other recipes in the book.

This cookbook has many beautiful photographs and also pictures that show techniques.  These very much enhance the text.

I rate this cookbook highly.  It would make a perfect gift for anyone who is starting to live on their own or who needs to boost their kitchen confidence.

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

From the publisher: 

#HowtoCookforBeginners #NetGalley

Cookbooks for Beginners,Cookbooks for Beginners,Cookbooks for Beginners,Cookbooks for Beginners

SAMPLE RECIPE: CACIO E PEPE

Rolling Boil: A very vigorous boil in which large bubbles continuously make their way to the surface and are not slowed by stirring the pot. Follow the directions for how to boil water (page 43).

1. Fill a large stockpot two-thirds full with water. Add the salt and stir to dissolve. Place the pot over high heat, cover it, and bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the linguine to the boiling water, stirring immediately so it doesn’t stick to the pot and itself. Cook the pasta for 9 to 11 minutes (depending on the pasta you use), uncovered, until al dente (see page 13).

3. While the pasta cooks, melt 2 tablespoons of butter with the olive oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the pepper to the pan and cook until it is fragrant, about 1 minute.

4. Using a ladle, pour 1 cup of the pasta cooking water into the pan. Use a whisk to incorporate.

5. Once the pasta is cooked, using tongs, transfer the pasta from the pot of hot water to the sauté pan. Toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce.

6. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, continuing to toss the pasta thoroughly.

7. Add the cheeses, and toss the pasta continuously until they begin to melt. Remove the pan from the heat when you see that about half the cheese has melted.

8. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water to loosen the mixture.

9. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but it’s hard to take it away if you add too much. Garnish the finished dish with extra cheese, if you like.

TOOLS AND INGREDIENTS:

  • Box grater, ladle, large sauté pan or skillet, large stockpot with lid, tongs, whisk
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
  • 1 pound linguine or spaghetti
  • 4 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, large grind, plus more as needed
  • 11/2 cups freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus more for garnish
  • 11/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish

Now out: Search and Find A Number of Numbers 1 book, 100s of things to find! by AJ Wood

This book provides a fun way to consolidate the skills involved in learning to count. It starts with one, of course, and by the end of this title gets to 100. Along the way, children will find many things to count and look for. This title makes counting fun and I think that children will enjoy it. The illustrations are appropriately complex, fun and colorful.

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

From the publisher:

numbersCan you find 9 odd socks, 9 jumpers, 9 missing shoes, 9 t shirts, 9 pairs of glasses, 9 gloves, 9 pairs of underpants, 9 hats, and 9 pairs of trousers? What other clothes can you see?

numbersNow for a real counting challenge! Can you count 100 yellow safety helmets on the busy building site?

To see what is not easy to see: Hidden Places An Inspired Traveller’s Guide by Sarah Baxter

The range of hidden places that is featured in this book is wide.  There are European spots in Great Britain, Scandinavia, France and more.  There are also destinations in African, Asia, Australia, Canada and the U.S.  Truly a world tour for armchair travelers.

In the introduction the author talks about what hidden means in the context of this book; her answer is wide ranging.  What I take from it is partly the amazing sense of discovery and opportunity for some insight that one can find in unexpected locales.

The text in this title is accompanied by lovely illustrations.  The paintings are appealing and definitely made me wish that I could visit some of these places.

The author writes evocatively as this example from her first hidden place shows:

Tyneham:

There are no parcels piled up in the post office these days; no jars of liquorice on the counter nor sounds of telegrams being relayed form the back room.  ..The terraced cottages once quaintly thatched, lie ruined and roofless…this solemn little village has lost its villagers.  Or rather, they’ve lost it.

Readers who continue on will learn why this is the case and how they can visit.

I found this unusual travel book to be intriguing.  I think that I will purchase a copy when it is published.

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

From the publisher:

#HiddenPlaces #NetGalley