Author: joycesmysteryandfictionbookreviews

The Marie Benedict is about Hedy Lamarr.  Still Life is the first in Louise Penny’s series. I still remember my first experience of reading Jane Eyre and how much more there is to the book than I realized then.  I hated the red room and Jane’s aunt.  What are your thoughts on this classic?

Do you, or a child of your acquaintance, know the story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson? Her biography is an inspiring reminder of what can be accomplished when a person has a dream and is willing to do everything possible to make it happen.

Young Mamie had a talent for baseball at a time when she was not welcome in the sport as a female and an African American. How did she deal with this? Elementary school readers will learn how Mamie became a pitcher and will witness the influence that she had. eventually being honored by the White House.

Mamie’s story is well told by the author and well illustrated as well. Together author and illustrator bring Mamie and the world that she lived in to life. At the end of the book, there is a list of additional resources. Mamie on the Mound is a perfect book for school libraries. I highly recommend it.

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

From the publisher:

The beginning of this novel asks that readers suspend disbelief.  Why were these five characters mysteriously invited to attend a society whose mission was not known?  The author implies that something higher than the fictional Gilda brought them together.  After all, this is a book that is published by a Christian publisher.

So…the five are the heir to a cosmetic company, a widower grieving for his wife, a divorced man wanting to see his children, an executive assistant who would feels qualified to be a CEO, and her former husband, an academic who is contemplating a difficult career decision.  The story of each of these characters, Coral, Ed, Chuck, Lexa and Jett is told in a way that keeps readers turning the pages.  There are romance, secrets revealed and healed, and deep friendships formed over the course of the novel.

SPOILER:  One of these characters makes a major life decision based on beling called to become an active Christian.  I won’t tell you who but in the context of the story, this felt slightly forced to me.  Otherwise, I found this novel to be an enjoyable, easy read .

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

#TheFifthAvenueStorySociety #NetGalley

As the author of this book readily acknowledges, it is not easy to be a teenager.  Pressures exist both from within and without.  Mindfulness offers one possible way of acknowledging what is happening and ameliorating stress.

This book offers an excellent introduction to mindfulness practice and information on its benefits.  The tone throughout is open, supportive and encouraging.  Chapters are divided into those on foundational meditations, followed by meditations for school life, friends and family, everyday life and self-care.  Additional resources are included at the end of the book.  These include websites, books, and apps.

Examples of foundational meditations  included are the body scan, a safe place visualization and sending kind thoughts.  More particular meditations are, for example, those on starting a new class, finding forgiveness, dealing with difficult people, loving your body and more.

Overall, this title provides excellent tips and meditations.  Suggest it to a teen you know and hope that it will help!

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

From the publisher:

Happy/Safe Place Visualization

Sometimes, you just need to take a break in a place where you feel safe and relaxed, even if you can’t actually go anywhere. This visualization practice is all about that happy and safe place.

In this board book, toddlers will delight in that old song about jumping on the bed. The illustrations are quirky and fun. As each monster falls, toddlers are invited to help by kissing the monster or putting on a band aid, etc. Young listeners will enjoy the repetition and soon may be singing themselves!

A little bit of everything here.  Hope you find something you like to start the year.

The author of this book recalls that she was a child who always questioned.  Often the author found her answers (or more questions) through her reading.  With this book, she is encouraging young readers to think deeply and not be afraid to question.

This book provides an introduction to philosophy and life’s big questions, as for example, what happens when we die, what is human nature and so much more.  This title is divided into five chapters, Identity, Life, Truth, Culture, and Creativity.  Within each are questions to explore and the thoughts of philosophers and thinkers on the topic.  For example, there are quotes on human nature from Plato, Salman Rushdie,  Noam Chomskey and others.  In a section on is god real, there are quotes from Maya Angelou and Karl Marx.

Early in the book, the author suggests ways to respectfully listen and disagree with others.  She also notes that everyone can change their mind about something.

This book is colorfully and brightly illustrated.  It is a great resource.

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

End your year with some good e book bargains.

I love this book!  The illustrations are so vibrant and appealing.  The story of Astrid is that of a girl who was thrilled to learn to read and enter fictional worlds.  She loved being a child and was not eager to grow up.  But, grow up she did and as a bit of a rebel.  Readers will learn that Astrid’s most famous character, Pippi Longstocking, got her name from the author’s daughter,  Karin.  Astrid eventually wrote these stories down and…the rest is history.

This is another excellent entry in a series that offers children the opportunity to learn about little people who grew up to be people who did big things.  As always, there is a timeline  biography at the end of the book with photos of the author.

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

#AstridLindgren #NetGalley

This book is full of all things ramen.  Learn about the history of ramen, the types of ramen that are popular in different regions and ramen culture. Then, learn about the six steps that lead to a delicious ramen.  These include soup/broth, tare (for example miso), aromatic oils and fat, noodles, toppings and the bowl.  There are then a number of recipes including Japanese Regional Ramen, Tonkotsue Ramen, Shoyu Ramen and much more.  Ramen lovers will have enough recipes to keep them busy through many meals.  The author grew up loving ramen and became more passionate about it after visiting New York’s Momofuku Noodle Bar as a restaurant reviewer.

In order to make the ramen recipes,  the pantry needs to be stocked with the right ingredients.  I felt that, as a novice, it would take me longer than the suggested time to prepare the recipe.  However, this is a delicious book for those who want to experiment with ramen.

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

From the publisher: