Category: Uncategorized

I have known Stephen Fry as an actor, having watched an enjoyable series called Kingdom in which he starred. He is also a man with lots of personality. More recently, Mr. Fry has turned his hand to writing. A prior book of his, Mythos, was well received. Now we have this new book which re-imagines a number of Greek myths.
Eight heroes have their stories told here in a series of short chapters. The characters are Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, Orpheus, Jason, Atalanta, Oedipus and Theseus. Before starting on his tales, Fry includes helpful resources such as maps and a family tree of the Olympians. There are some helpful entries at the end of the book including a list of characters, monsters, mortals and more.
The book’s introduction sets the tone. The style is conversational and engaging. It is written in a present tense. Frye tells his stories well and with a sense of humor. The text is beautifully illustrated with many paintings.
If you would like to relax and have someone tell you a story, you should enjoy this title. I am eager to see the print copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

First off, let me say how much I like this book. It is easy to read, has some wit and is incredibly helpful. I love to write, but while my daughters knew of Oxford commas and FANBOY, I did not. For those who do not know, these are all about the uses of commas. I know that now. That tricky piece of punctuation and others are explicated here. I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to write better.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This title finds the sweet spot between a fiction adventure and a science book for kids. It is an illustrated chapter book for elementary school aged children that features a diverse group of explorers.
Meet Connor and his friends who are excited to have a new mission. Watch as Connor magically arrives at the exploration station to find out what his next task will be. Readers will discover that they are to help some whales.
This book appeals to its readers who are at the age when clubs and secrets are intriguing. I think that kids will learn a lot while following the protagonists’ adventures. Hopefully, a love of science will be introduced or reinforced.
At the end of the book are a quiz and a glossary. These both help to reinforce the learning that the text provided.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

pub date:  July 7, 2020

#TheSecretExplorersandtheLostWhales #NetGalley

I am late in reviewing this title for which I apologize.  But…you can still read the wide-ranging articles included in this anthology.  They certainly have not dated in just a year.

The collection reflects a varied source list including The Atlantic, The New Yorker, The National Geographic, Esquire, The New York Times Magazine and more.  Just a few of the authors included here are Leslie Jamison, Jill Lepore and Caitlin Flanagan.  Topics range from Paul Manafort to MS-13 to Bret Kavanagh, just to name a few.

Pick up this collection.  It will provide ample food for thought and discussion.

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

Two that especially appeal to me here…Mary Oliver.  I adore her writing.  I also really like McDermid’s Karie Pirie series.  Highly recommended.

I anticipate new books coming out in just the same way that kids anticipate those December holidays; I can’t wait. This reader has features seven intriguing entries, including one by Julia Alavarez, author of Afterlife, in it she talks about her family’s escape from the Dominican Republic. This is followed by a chance to start reading her new novel. The Mountains Sing is about the Viet Nam war. The author brings the children and women to life in this book. Also featured are entries by Jill McCorke, Richard Farrell, Larry Watson, Shruti Swamy and Caroline Leavitt. Each book excerpt is preceded by something that the author has written to introduce it. There is probably at least one title here that each reader will enjoy. Can’t wait for the pub dates.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#TheAlgonquinReaderSpring2020 #NetGalley

Ms. Sancez Vegara does a beautiful job telling the story of Jesse Owens. While reading this book, young readers will learn about Owens’s many incredible athletic achievements, while also learning about the racism and hardships that he endured. This entry is most highly recommended. As always, the illustrations enhance the text.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

This book encourages families to unplug and try other kinds of activities, everything from playing board games to nature walks to crafts to cooking and more.  The case is very well made.  Early in the book, it is suggested that kids and their families try to unplug from devices for even as little as 30 minutes.  They know that this can be a challenge.

The book is divided into sections based on the seasons.  For instance in spring, there is a suggested scavenger hunt.  Summer suggestions include a bark and leaf boat regatta, while for fall, you could make bonfire bread or baked apples.  One of the winter suggestions is building a snow fort.

This book has many photos throughout.  They add to the text and are quite appealing.  In all, this is a good book to get folks away from devices and into the real world.

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

pub date: June 23, 2020

#TheUnpluggedFamilyActivityBook #NetGalley

Laurie King began writing historical mysteries featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes a number of years ago.  She began with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice, a book that I loved, and has now made it to her 16th and  newest novel, Riviera Gold.

There are many authors who write stories based on Sherlock Holmes. I think that the books by Ms. King are among the best in the genre.  In time, the story has made it to the Jazz Age and the novel has a mix of historical and fictional personages.  Among the real people are Gerald and Sara Murphy, but our intrepid duo is more interested in Mrs. Hudson.

There is murder and more in this title that I recommend.  Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#RivieraGold #NetGalley

The Finney books are modern classics.  I reviewed the Anna Lee Huber (see archive).  February House is about a very interesting group of people including Auden, Carson McCullers, Benjamin Britten, the Bowles, and Gypsy Rose Lee.  They once lived together in a Brooklyn, New York commune.