Many know Amy Tan because of her novels including the wonderful The Joy Luck Club. Here readers get to spend time with a Tan who wants to feel closer to the natural world. It is an incredible treat!
This title is in the form of a journal. I found it to have many insights and observations. To add to the gorgeousness of this title, the illustrations are by the author herself.
Those who already know Tan’s novels, as well as those who love birds and/or nature, and spending time with a wise woman, need to pick up this title when it is released.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage and Anchor as well as NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
The NYT published a booklist not long ago and this title was on it. Encouraged by someone I know, I finally read this long and immersive novel.
A simple description of the plot-a boy and hismother are at The Met when there is an explosion. Theo’s mother is killed. Theo, without fully meaning to, finds himself in possession of the famous Goldfinch painting. The book is about what happens from that point on.
The novel is rich with characters. To name a few, start with Boris. He is a schemer and survivor who becomes Theo’s friend. There are the females in nTheo’s life, especially Pippa (whom he adores) and upper class Kitsey, sister of close friend Andy. Also important is father figure Hobie. All this just scratches the surface in a book with many people.
There are also many places including. New York, Las Vegas and Amsterdam. All are important to Theo, the painting and the plot.
This is a modern Dickensian novel. I am still thinking about how it ended.
Blog readers, what was your opinion on this one? I would love to know.
Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb have mastered the art of writing together. This book reads seamlessly and I have no absolute idea of where one author’s voice ends and the other begins. This was also true in their earlier collaboration, Meet Me in Monaco, a book that I very much enjoyed. I loved this one too.
Christmas with the Queen was exactly the kind of read that I was looking for, one that would transport me to another time and place. The story opens in 1952 when London was enveloped in a murky fog. Elizabeth was new to the throne. The novel goes on to cover a five year period (with some back history).
The story principally follows two characters, each of whom has an interesting profession and story. Jack is working in the Sandringham kitchens during the festive period. Olive is a trainee reporter with the BBC. When her boss became ill, she travels to Sandringham to write a seasonal story. These two (re) meet and readers follow them over the years.
There is enough detail to bring Sandringham, the Queen, her corgis and the royal experience to life. It is delightful to observe Elizabeth in the novel. There is a charming scene fairly early in the book when Elizabeth strolls into the room where a star struck Olive is sitting. She will reappear.
This is a charming and lovely book. Readers will want the best for these characters.
If a reader wants to get into the Christmas spirit without the frenetic quality of holiday life, come to this book with a cup of tea and relax. I am very glad that I did just that.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have adored every book that I have read by Nina George starting with The Little Paris Bookshop. To me, her books are quite special. I think that is why I held this one back-just so I would know that there was a Nina George for me when I needed it.
This is the story of Marianne who needs to/wants to change her life. She has been in an exceedingly difficult marriage for one thing. Go on a journey with her. You will be glad that you did.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book that I have read by Ellery Adams and I truly enjoyed it. The protagonist, Nora, is a bookseller who believes that there is a book that is just right for each customer’s particular emotional state; the notion that one could get meaningful suggestions from a bookseller was lovely in this day of internet sales. I enjoyed the many literary references and the back stories of the protagonists. There are also hints of romance. If you like cozies, I would recommend this book highly.
This board book has very sweet, engaging and adorable illustrations. The accompanying text shows all the things that brothers do together including not always getting along (but also learning to say “sorry”).
Any home with young brothers in it, might want to add this one to their library.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Familius for this title. All opinions are my own.
Anyone who enjoys cupcakes (and that includes most of us) will want to give this book a look. It is filled with information, tips and techniques, and, of course, many recipes. Learn about batters, buttercream and more.
The recipes are organized by occasion, season, holiday, those for kids, and more. The illustrations are mouthwatering.
Those who want to bake will definitely enjoy this title.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Cider Mill Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 