Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

Dear Mrs. Bird is an engaging and warm first novel. Readers who enjoyed The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society are almost certain to rate this book highly. Mrs. Bird is an out of touch editor at a woman’s magazine during WW II who is responsible for the agony column. Sadly, she deems most letters “unsuitable” for answering. Enter Emmy; young, naive, and trying to cope with bombs and disasters in London. She begins to answer letters as Mrs. Bird and you need to read the book to learn what happens. This novel at first seemed like it would be light but it has substance. Themes of love, friendship and how to relate to others all have their place. I highly recommend Dear Mrs. Bird! I would like to write her a fan letter. Thanks for this read NetGalley.

This review is for the adults, despite the book being named for a princess.  Princess Mary is read number two for the 19th Century Novels on Adultery class. The tone of the book is somber.  The narrator, Pechorin, is narcissistic and seemingly unable to connect to others in a genuine or meaningful way; instead, he manipulates and justifies his actions.  Princess Mary, a young girl, is fair game to Pechorin who plays with her affections.  One point of discussion in class centered on whether Pechorin is likeable or has redeeming qualities.  If you want to know…read the story.  Spoiler alert, Lermontov shared the same fate as one of his characters.

This is an appealing read aloud that focuses, as the title states, on how to behave at school. The illustrations are amusing and add to the messages in the text. A great way to review what is expected of your child without coming across as too preachy or strict. This book offers a delightful way to talk about manners and behavior.

#TheGigglyGuideOfHowToBehaveAtSchool #NetGalley

Another charming story for young children in the Hooray For series which celebrates family. The author states early on that all dads are different before going on to describe the relationship between a father and son as they share their activities and their days. There are children’s activities at the end of the book that can further discussion. A fun read with lively illustrations.

#HoorayForDaddy #NetGalley

From NetGalley…”Members who are auto-approved by four or more publishers receive this badge.”  I am reminded of Girl Scout badges.  There is that sense of accomplishment and acknowledgment.  Thanks NetGalley!

This semester I am auditing a class on Adultery in 19th Century Literature.  It promises to be intriguing and interesting.  The first book assigned was Indiana.  This is the first novel that George Sand, a pseudonym for a female author, wrote.  The story shows the same double standards for men and women that continue to exist today.  Read to learn more about what “love” and “marriage” meant during the 1800s.  See who you feel empathy for and decide what you think of the ending.

FYI… I will continue to talk about the readings for this class as the semester progresses.  Has anyone taken a class like this?

“Congratulations on writing 100 posts on Joyce’s mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!!”  Thank you WordPress and thanks to all of you readers.  I always welcome your opinions and thoughts.  Here’s to 100 more!

Baby Bird has one perfect wing and one that limits his ability to fly despite his many efforts. This is a story about how meeting a new friend can change perspective and help one to cope with challenges. A clear message contained in a short children’s story. As usual with this publisher, the illustrations are appealing.  Thank you NetGalley.

#BabyBird #NetGalley

If you enjoyed books like The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See, you might enjoy this book as well.  Map of the Heart is women’s fiction but good women’s fiction.  It is about loss and love and the ways that loss impacts future relationships and risk taking.  The protagonist, Camille, is a photographer who restores old photos.  In the novel, through her photography, she uncovers the history of her father and grandparents who lived in France during WW II.  Tragedy has made Camille cautious; the reader watches as she slowly learns to again take chances and live fully.  The book takes place in both the present and in a French town that was occupied by the Nazis.   I recommend it.

Book Buzz provides a terrific service to avid readers. Here we are with the March issue. Take a look and see what needs to be placed on your TBR pile!