Now out: A History of Art in 21 Cats (Gould)

A History of Art in 21 Cats: From the Old Masters to the Modernists, the Moggy as Muse: an illustrated guideThis book is very clever, funny and yet full of art history. It is a wonderful way to learn about or review art movements. The facts are well researched while the art reflects each period. Covering everything from Ancient Egypt, the Renaissance, Fauvism, De Stijl to Abstract Impressionism and more, the book provides a thorough introduction to art movements. I even learned about several art periods that I did not know including CoBrA and the Young British Artists.

For each era, there is one large and other smaller illustrations. There are sections of the painting techniques and the artists of each movement. For example, the Fauves use of bright colors and collage are noted. For this section the illustration is of a cat that could have been painted by Matisse. For on Pop Art there are cat food cans that are recognizable as being in Warhol’s style. At the end of the book there is a timeline which provides a helpful additional reference.

I will enjoy going back to this book time and again. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the fun and informative read.

Here is the publisher’s description for readers’ additional a-mews-ment:

Become litter-ate in the basics of important art movements through a host of beautifully illustrated cats, each one inspired by a specific period in art hiss-tory: Surrealism, Cubism, Abstract Expressionism, Ancient Egyptian (of course), and many more. From Claude Meow-net to Jackson Paw-llock, these creative cats will introduce you to key themes and artists you won’t soon fur-get. Purr-haps even inspiring you to make your own version!

A couple of e book bargains for August 17, 2019

 

Help, Thanks, WowAmerican Princess

I think that Anne Lamott is very wise.  This book of hers is on sale today.

From Booklist

Inspiriting, trenchant, and funny, best-selling Lamott takes an imaginative do-it-yourself approach to spirituality in her disarming and stirring essays. Unabashedly emotional yet practical and sharply attuned to the absurdities and tragedies of life, she focuses on prayer in this mighty little volume, defining it as “communication from the heart to that which surpasses understanding.” If you are uncomfortable addressing God, Lamott suggests praying to “the Good.” The point is to make contact with “the Real, with Truth, with the Light.” To take a moment to focus and breathe. She cites three basic themes. Asking for help, she writes, “is the first great prayer.” Giving thanks is essential, and not only when things are going well. One also benefits from summoning gratitude for hard truths and tough challenges. “Wow” is the joyful expression of wonder in response to astonishing moments great and small. With a stand-up comic’s snap and pop, candid and righteous Lamott tells hilarious and wrenching tales about various predicaments that have sparked her prayers and inspired her to encourage others to pray anytime, anywhere, and any way. –Donna Seaman
[A] prayer manual for people who wouldn’t be caught dead reading prayer manuals… anybody who gets it as a holiday gift will likely just say, ‘Thanks. Wow.’” —Publishers Weekly

“A refreshingly simple approach to spiritual practice in a pint-sized reflection on prayer… Lamott manages to deftly convey the idea that in trying to control things, we’ve largely lost our ability to see the good and the miraculous in everyday life… there’s more here than meets the eye.” —Kirkus Reviews

American Princess is about Alice Roosevelt who was quite the character. Enjoy getting to know her in this historical novel.
“The wild, wonderful, outsize personality of presidential daughter Alice Roosevelt is on full and fantastic display in this lightly fictionalized take on her unapologetic, unconventional life….Alice herself would undoubtedly have loved this take on her unorthodox life—as will the many destined to read it.”—Publishers Weekly

“An absorbing portrait of a woman who lived life on her own terms.”—Booklist

“Readers will be enthralled by Alice’s wit and adventures…as Thornton expertly weaves the events of her life.”—Library Journal

For those who sew: Sew Cute Quilts and Gifts (Matsuyama)

I would be the first to say that I have no talent for sewing.  I still remember my skirt and jumper from home ec in seventh and eighth grades; neither was a great success.  So, I am not sure that I would be successful in making these projects but I can tell you that they are so cheerful and appealing that just looking through the book was a delight.

The author describes her works as “happy and lovely,” as indeed they are.  There are instructions for making a number of bags and pouches and also decorative objects for the home.  The directions appear to be detailed and helpful.

I enjoyed looking through this book and feel inspired.  Maybe you will too.

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

Time to Laugh: The Big Book of Silly Jokes for Kids (Roman) #TheBigBookOfSillyJokesForKids #NetGalley

This book, that is a compilation of many, many jokes is sure to please kids with a sense of humor. A few examples:

What kind of haircuts do bees get? Buzzzz cuts

What do you call Santa when he stops moving? Santa Pause

What has to be broken before you can use it? An egg

I call my horse mayo and sometimes Mayo neighs.

The book is divided into sections including Q and A, Knock, knock jokes, tongue twisters, puns, riddles and more. As a bonus there are introductions to the various types of jokes and some fun facts.

So, have some fun, tell some jokes and enjoy this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for an honest review.

Now Out: Chelsea Girls (Davis)

The Chelsea GirlsFiona Davis sets her novels in iconic New York City locations. She has told stories set at the Barbizon Hotel for Women, The Dakota, Grand Central Station and now at the Chelsea Hotel. In each of her three prior novels, the narrative took place during two eras; in this book, the author follows two characters in the same time period. They are actress Maxine and would be actress and playwright, Hazel.

The novel opens with Hazel joining a USO troop in Italy during WWII. These scenes were so evocative, both in terms of the war and the emotions raised for the performers. This beginning left me feeling very excited about the rest of the book except…for a while, I then found the narrative less engaging. However, round about chapter 18 there was a twist and I again became very involved in the story and the characters’ lives. It is worth sticking with the book in my opinion.

Much of this book centers on the activities of HUAC, the House Un-Amercian Activities Committee. Who is a Communist? Who is being targeted unfairly? Should we be rooting people out and encouraging them to turn on others? What are the consequences to everyone when a government sponsored witch hunt is going on? You will think about these issues as you read and may also find the subject relevant in our current political climate.

In addition to HUAC, the reader spends time at the Chelsea Hotel, the Tonys, on Broadway and more. There are actors, government workers, names dropped of famous and real Chelsea Hotel denizens and more. Most of all, readers will connect with Hazel and Maxine, their friendship and its challenges.

All in all, this was a good read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-galley. All opinions are my own.

Just out: Things You Save in a Fire (Center)

I truly enjoyed this author’s novel, How to Walk Away, so immediately requested this e galley when I saw it on NetGalley. I had a bit of a wait before I was approved but luckily I was!

This book is about Cassie, a seemingly tough, no nonsense, keep all emotion at bay firefighter. Cassie has been hurt and traumatized in the past. Her mother left the family on Cassie’s 16th birthday, a high school boy violated her; she does not believe that she wants more than work and routine.

The plot takes Cassie from Texas to Rockport, MA where she agrees to help her ill mother, but only for a year. Cassie vows not to get close. She gets a job in a new firehouse. The antics within in terms of initiations are vividly described. The author credits her husband, a volunteer firefighter for their authenticity.

Cassie joins the fire station on the same day as “the rookie.” Their relationship forms the core of the novel, along with Cassie’s evolving relationship with her mother.

The book is a good, quick read. There is some philosophizing by Cassie’s mother that adds dimension to the novel. If you are a reader of this author’s novels or enjoy women’s fiction, give this one a try. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the book in exchange for my honest review.

Now in paperback: The Kennedy Debutante

The Kennedy DebutanteThis novel is a richly imagined, evocative and detailed portrait of life in England, Europe and the U.S. in the years surrounding WW II.  The book focuses on the Kennedys and their circle.

Readers will spend time with staunchly Catholic parents, Joe and Rose, who have many aspirations for their children.  Joe Jr. and JFK are portrayed as they fall in love and commit to service in the war.  Rosemary and her emotional struggles are described and the younger Kennedy children also have a place.  The book though is most especially the story of Kathleen (Kick) Kennedy and her friends, colleague, romances and search for meaning.

Kick falls in love with England where she strives to find a worthwhile life while also enjoying a busy social life with her friends, including Deborah Mitford and her circle.  Kick is always aware of what is expected of her as a Kennedy but struggles with this.

Nowadays when marriages are not universally expected to take place between people who are the same (the same race, religion, socioeconomic status, etc.), it is hard to recall that this was not always the case.  However, when Kathleen (Kick) Kennedy, of Irish background and Catholic, falls in love with Billy, an aristocratic British, Protestant, her parents clearly do not approve.  How Kick chooses to live her life forms the core of the novel.  I do not want to put in any spoilers so will stop here.

I found The Kennedy Debutante to be an excellent historical novel.  I hope that you will too!

Critical Praise for the book:
“You will be swept up, first and foremost, by its vivid, captivating heroine. Kick Kennedy was naive and privileged, to be sure, but in Maher’s masterful portrait, she is also a bold young woman living at a precarious moment in history, eager to make her mark on the world as fearlessly as she will follow her heart.”—Julia Glass, Author of A House Among the Trees and the National Book Award–winning Three Junes

“Maher’s assured debut, set against the backdrop of World War II, explores the life of JFK’s younger sister Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy…This immersive, rich portrait of a complex young woman from one of the world’s most famous families will hold readers in thrall.”—Publishers Weekly

You are a Fantastic You (Dufayet) #FantasticYou #NetGalley

Fantastic You is an entry in the American Psychological Association’s book series for kids. In this one, children are gently and sensitively taught about self care. This includes everything from being kind to oneself to learning techniques to cope with stress and disappointment. This is a positive, upbeat title that gives a clear message to a child; you do not have to be perfect and you have agency. The book is not preachy but is helpful with great illustrations. I would have welcomed it when I was a kid.

Note: There is a helpful section for adults at the end of the book.

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

Now Out: Just Like Beverly (Conrad)

Just Like BeverlyWhen I was a child, one of the first chapter books that I loved was called Ellen Tebbits. Years later, I introduced my children to Ramona and Beezus. Then, more recently I read about Beverly Cleary’s 100th birthday. Clearly, she [s known to me as a beloved children’s author.

This book, that is illustrated with humor and a sense of nostalgia, tells the story of Beverly. She was a child with a vivid imagination who, at first, did not like school. Having a teacher who took a special interest in her helped to change this as did having a seventh grade teacher who encouraged her to use her imagination.

Beverly Cleary went on to become a children’s author who wrote stories based on her experiences and her sense of the kinds of books that children want to read. She started with Sparerib (Ribsy) and Henry and progressed from there.

This book includes the illustrated biography along with more detailed information at the end of the book. Young readers and author hopefuls will enjoy this story as will those who have read books by the talented Ms. Cleary.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this e galley in exchange for an honest review.

From the Publisher