Now out:

The Cambridge Centennial Edition of The Great Gatsby

Edited by James L. W. West III with an introduction by Sarah Churchwell

Many can recall having The Great Gatsby assigned as a high school read. Some loved it while for others it may not have been the right book at the right time.

I have found that I have gotten more from Gatsby each time I read it, first in college and much later as an auditor in an English class. There is much to be gleaned from its pages.

Anyone who would like to round out their understanding of the novel and its author will want to dive into this Cambridge University Press edition. It brings the work to vivid life. Seeing pages from the novel in various iterations reminds the reader of what it means to write, something that can be forgotten with the ease of editing on computers. Readers get a sense of what it was like for Fitzgerald to write and correct his MS.

I also liked the many photos, everything from the Fitzgerald family passport to places and references that were important in Gatsby and more. In addition, there is much to read. Learn about the text’s history and editions, alternative passages and more.

Highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cambridge University Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

The Cambridge Centennial Edition of The Great Gatsby - banner
'an extraordinary resource and a companion for life' Elif Shafak
'Teachers,students,lovers of the novel have long needed a readily accessible edition' Jonathan Bate
'This fascinating and comprehensive new edition… includes detailed analysis' Jillian Cantor

Is it possible to: Read Yourself Happy

How to Use Books to Ease Your Anxiety

by Daisy Buchanan

#ReadYourselfHappy #NetGalley

Daisy Buchanan has written this book from the heart. She shares her own history of anxiety with this book’s audience and details how reading has helped her to cope and grow. Buchanan wants these good things for other as well and offers some hope in these pages. Buchanan knows that we live in times that often feel unstable. She offers suggestions for developing a reading habit that is beneficial and offers growth for those with (or without) anxiety.

Read Yourself Happy includes chapters will titles like Read Yourself Calmer, Read Yourself Secure, Read Yourself Funnier, Read it and Weep, to name just some. There are thoughts, interviews and book suggestions throughout.

Dip in anywhere or read in order. Hopefully, the reader will feel better for it.

Recommended to: Most of us.

Many thanks to NetGalley and DK-DK Red for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 February 2025

Advance Praise

‘Daisy’s words never fail to make me feel less alone.’ Dolly Alderton

‘Daisy Buchanan is already my go-to person for reading recommendations, and now she’s sharing her wisdom with the world! I can’t think of a better guide to the books that can heal, soothe and inspire us.’ Katherine May

‘Daisy writes about anxiety with real honesty and kindness’ Marian Keyes

Girls Like Us (Alger) is an e book bargain

I very much enjoyed Cristina Alger’s last book. The Banker’s Wife was suspenseful, fast read with both good characters and good settings. So, I was very excited to be given a copy of the author’s newest novel in exchange for my honest review. Thanks NetGalley and e publisher.

Girls Like Us does its author proud. It, too, is an exciting, fast paced story with a great setting. This time, the locations are all in Suffolk County, New York. Towns in that county like Southampton are populated by many fabulously wealthy and (self) important folk, especially during the summer. Nearby, in towns like Hampton Bays and Riverhead, the locales are not as gentrified and are where many of those who care for the summer dwellers reside. Ms. Alger clearly knows her geography and presents both places with accuracy.

Nell, the protagonist of this novel, works for the FBI. She was injured on her last case and has come to New York following her father’s death. She and he lived in Hampton Bays, on the grittier, more realistic end of Suffolk County. Nell’s father was a Suffolk County cop. Was his death in a motorcycle crash an accident or murder? Did he kill his wife when Nell was just a young child? What was happening at the parties of the wealthy Mr. Meachem? Why were young Latinas being murdered? Who is covering up what and for whom? Who are the guilty parties? There are questions and questions that are answered over the course of this excellent summer read.

Pick up Girls Like Us if you enjoy suspense stories. Like me, I hope that you will enjoy spending time with Nell and in her world.

An e book bargain: The Maui Effect by Sara Ackerman

Native Hawaiian Ackerman sets her newest novel in a place she knows well and clearly loves. I am sure that, like Iwa, she is concerned about the ecology of the island.

Two people meet. They are Iwa and Dane. Each has feelings for Hawaii though their work and hopes for the island may differ. When they meet, what will happen? How will their pasts influence their futures? Throw is rain forests, surfing, Portugal and the novel moves forward.

Those who like books with settings that are vividly brought to life will enjoy this title. The same is true for those who like to read romances.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the team at HTP for this title. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

They say opposites attract but are they meant to last?