Category: Uncategorized

Anyone who has been through the process of that first. post college, job search knows how stressful the process can be. While it can be exciting to go out into the world hoping for the perfect (or good enough) position, it can also be stressful and try one’s self-confidence. Making time for reflection before the job search begins can be very helpful as the author of this book knows.

Kirk Snyder is a university professor who appears to have the credentials and experience to help those venturing out into the world. He created a class at USC to address the issues that he writes about and shares what he has learned in this book which offers a systematic approach to finding a good job with a good fit. The has three sections, one on defining one’s value in the job market, the next on finding a fit and the final section of getting a perfect position. Throughout he writes in a relatable style that includes many vignettes. All in all, he helps students to reflect, plan and look for a job.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This title could be a good gift (or gift (to one’s self) or for those in college and beyond.

#FindingWorkYouLove #NetGalley

Mystery and historical fiction.  Enjoy.

My daughters’ fifth grade math teacher would rejoice at this title. She felt that it was so important for girls to take for granted that they could do math, just as they could read. This title will reinforce that idea by sharing the stories of girls who loved math.
The girls featured here were born anywhere between the 1700s and 1900s so quite a time span. Included are Caroline Herschel, who discovered a comet; Florence Nightingale; Hertha Marks Ayrton who became an engineer and inventor; Marie Tharp who mapped the ocean floor; Katherine Jenkins, of Hidden Figures fame; Edna Lee Paisana who was a Native American statistician and Vera Rubin who studied dark matter.
This title is an inspiring one. Girls learn, they persist and they make a difference. What a message for all children to take in.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Anne Perry is a prolific writer of historical mysteries.  Long term fans have gotten to know the Pitts in two series.  They have also spent time with Monk, Hester and Rathbone and have read seasonal mysteries featuring these characters and those around them.  In addition, Ms. Perry wrote a four book series set in the period leading up to WWI.  In her latest entry in her newest series, Ms. Perry writes yet another most excellent story of intrigue, love, betrayal and loyalty; all these in the build up to WWII.  A Question of Betrayal follows last year’s Death in Focus, the start of a new and fresh series by this author.

A Question of Betrayal may be read as a standalone but will be most enjoyed by those who read last year’s first in the series.  Again, readers watch as (a now wiser) Elena works for the intelligence service, sent with her camera and wits to Trieste to rescue an agent and secure vital information.  The man she is to rescue is someone from her past.  No spoiler here…read the book and you will soon find out.  Although, readers feel secure that Elena should emerge safely as the last page is turned, Perry manages to make the book suspenseful.

Elena’s older sister Margot has a greater role to plan in this title as compared to the first.  What she learns will tie in to the case that Elena is working on and also connects to a close friend of their grandfather.  Her trip to a friend’s wedding in Germany as the power balance is shifting is vividly brought to life.

The story is set as the Nazis build up power.  Many want to prevent this and yet is it possible?  Ideals matter to these characters as readers will see.  They turn the pages as they  spend time in Trieste, Berlin and Britain in this wide ranging story.

Following a long and successful career, I admire Ms. Perry for setting out to do something new.  The result is nothing less than splendid.

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

AQuestionofBetrayal #NetGalley

pub date:  September 8, 2020

Some literary fiction and mysteries by two authors I recommend (Hill and Sten).  Note that those who like Sten may enjoy the MhZ network’s adaptation of the books.  It is called Sanham and is beautifully filmed.

The first thing that you (or a child) will notice is that this book contains not a single word of text. The pictures tell the story and convey both what is happening and the emotions of the characters.
This is a tale about becoming a family and how a family may not always look as we expect. The crane is caring for an egg; the bird is upset when the egg falls out of the nest…a spoiler (the egg survives). Enjoy the surprise of seeing who hatches and the relationship that ensues.
I like that this book has no text. Because of this a child and adult can tell the story and talk about it.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheEgg #NetGalley

Small Parts looks at the world and every day life through the prism of Legos. It is a wry take on common situations. Those who put this book together really know how to use their Legos to good advantage. A personal favorite of mine was the scene in which one Lego said to another, I feel like I am talking to a brick wall. If this humor appeals to you, you will enjoy this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

#LEGOSmallParts #NetGalley

Fans of historical fiction may want to read this newest title by Elise Hooper. Ms. Hooper also authored The Other Alcott and Learning to See (about Dorothea Lange). Both are in my TBR pile.
Ms. Hooper’s newest novel tells the stories of the first women to compete. in what is now called track and field, in the Olympics. Three main characters are featured along with many others. The three are Betty, Louise and Helen. They are not like one another in personality, where they live, in their challenges or in their families but they are all talented athletes. Ms. Hooper brings them and the time period to life in this novel.
The beauty of historical fiction is how it brings the past to life in a way that involves the reader. This book does that well and I recommend it. This title may be a good one for high school aged girls as well. As they more freely compete in athletics, they may be interested to know what it was like for girls like them in the past.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#FastGirls #NetGalley

“Hooper celebrates three unheralded female athletes in a tale spanning three Olympiads…For fans of historical fiction about real people, and stories about little-known female heroes breaking through barriers.” (Booklist (starred review))

Some good choices here.  I have read and can recommend the series of books by Barry Maitland, one is featured here.  I also enjoyed all of the books in Reginald Hill’s Dalziel and Pascoe series; one is here.  I want to read Sweet Little Lies and the second in the series.  A third is coming soon. I enjoyed and reviewed The Banker’s Wife; if you liked books like Pavone’s The ExPats, you should like this one.  And there is also a Donna Leon.  Enjoy.

See archive for my review.