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

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

 #TheCambridgeCentennialEditionofTheGreatGatsby #NetGalley

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.

This is the story of four friends who want to open a bookshop. They are Celeste who has recently been a carjacking victim; Toni, an influencer, with some big secrets; Leslie who is facing major crises with both her daughter and husband; and, Yasmeen who begins the book much less privileged than her friends.

This story was a bit over the top at times and melodramatic BUT I could not stop turning the pages. I really wanted to know how things would turn out for each of these women and their store.

As a bonus, the novel gives shout outs to a number of books. Readers may want to add some of these to their own lists.

Those who enjoy stories about friendship and women at crossroads will want to give this title a look.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An inspiring read about the power of women’s friendships and how learning to trust those one loves best can be risky but ultimately rewarding.” —Library Journal


“satisfying…Readers who enjoy stories about women overcoming life obstacles will be drawn in.” —Booklist

A Novel

by Jenny Colgan

#CloseKnit #NetGalley

Jenny Colgan writes stories that are always enjoyable. The locations are brought to life in a way that makes me want to book a plane ticket. The characters are people with whom I want to spend time. The plots are involving and just right for a break in the day.

This time the story takes begins in very northern Scotland. Readers meet Gertie. She is an island girl who thinks that she may want something more. What will she decide? How will Callum Frost fit into the story? Pick this one up to find out.

This book is perfect for readers who want a bit of escape, especially those who also like to knit. Those who’ve read other books by the author will be delighted to meet up with some friends from the earlier novels.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 06 August 2024

From the Publisher

In her novels, Fiona Davis brings the world of New York City to her readers. I have spent time at the Frick Mansion, the New York Public Library, the Chelsea Hotel and other locations with her as a guide. Each time Ms. David brings the landmark to life, sharing some of its history and mystique. This is exactly what she does in The Spectacular, where readers go to Radio City Music Hall and spend time with the famous Rockettes. As usual, Ms. Davis tells an involving story with not just the intriguing setting, but also good characters and an involving plot.

Readers get to know the members of the Brooks family. The father is a widower with a prosperous business and strong opinions. Judy is the less beautiful daughter, the one who works at her father’s company and seems to mostly do exactly what is expected. For her part, Marion is expected to be and do the same; she is supposed to marry the right sort of young man and he has just proposed to her early in the novel. However, Marion is more like her deceased mother who was artistic. Marion loves to dance and decides to take a chance, auditioning for the Rockettes. This decision to become a Rockette affects Marion’s family relationships. She wants their support but is not sure that she can count on them.

Marion also meets many new people, including Bunny (another dancer) and Peter, a psychiatrist, among others in her new life. Readers not only learn about these people, they also get to witness the grueling rehearsal schedule and indeed spectacular formations of the Rockettes.

At the same time there is a bomber in the city. How will that play at Radio City? What will be the impact on Marion and what role will take on in events?

The novel opens with Marion when she is older. It then goes back and takes readers on her journey. They will watch Marion as she faces real threats and emotional ones, all the while deciding what kind of life she wants for herself.

Here is yet another very good read by the author. Recommended for historical fiction and women’s fiction readers. It is a delight.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for this title. All opinions are my own.

FOUR STARS ****

Editorial Reviews

Review

“An engaging story…the novel is rich with historical details, and it comes most vividly to life in the passages about the Rockettes, with all the sweat, agony, and camaraderie that go into those miraculously perfect performances.” —Kirkus

“Davis masterfully draws Marion into the story, setting the scene for a cinematic conclusion. Readers will be attracted to the intriguing history and moved by Davis’ entrancing narrator.”
—Booklist

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/12/books/review/world-childrens-books.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/14/books/review/new-thriller-novels.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare

I reviewed the Jonasson

#HowtoThinkLikeaPoet #NetGalley

There are many omnivorous readers who nonetheless shy away from poetry. I think that this interesting title will perhaps change that for some.

This is a well written and engaging text. In chapters entitled How to Think Like…, readers come to understand something of the life stories and works of a number of poets. Some of them will, perhaps, already be known to readers while others may not. Just a few of those included here are Homer, Sappho, Rumi, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton, Dickinson, Hughes, Plath and many more

I very much enjoyed learning about each poet and about poetry itself. I have no hesitation in recommending this title. I think that it is one to read slowly and savor.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 05 November 2024

Helen Macdonald is the author of H is for Hawk. I loved that title about which I said at the time:
I read this book a year or so ago but have been thinking about it again for two reasons; first, in England, they are making a television series with the author as she trains her second hawk and the other reason is that I have been thinking about how we mourn and acknowledge deaths of those we love. This book has so much in it; there is biography, the training of the hawk and a great deal about T H White who had a very difficult time with his own hawk. T H White wrote one of my all time favorite books, The Once and Future King, so I was fascinated to learn more about him. Sadly, he had a rather tragic life. This book is highly recommended for nature lovers, lovers of T H White and those looking for a meaningful memoir.

So, I was extremely excited to learn that a new book by this author was being published. Ms. Maconald’s new title is a collection of essays. Each entry is short and the book can be read in any order that a reader would like.

Helen Macdonald is an exquisite observer of the natural world who describes her subject as love for the wonders of the non-humans around us. This book of essays is definitely one that I will dip into many times. I recommend that you do the same.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

A History of a Museum and Its People

by Jonathan Conlin

 #TheMet #NetGalley

Both those visiting New York and those who live here make their way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is an iconic institution that is filled with treasures. Visitors can literally travel the world within its many galleries.

The author points out this vastness of the Met in the book’s introduction. It is over two million square feet in size and covers four city blocks. Inside are over two million objects. The works range from those of the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans to the most modern of art in an expanding collection.

Some may visit the Met and not think further. Others may wonder how this majestic museum came to be. They can find out in this well researched title.

Learn…How did The Met become The Met? Who was involved? How were decisions made? Were there snags? Readers will find some answers in this long and detailed work. Just know that it may be best to read in small bits over time.

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

Pub date: 22 October 2024