Frank Bruni is a long term columnist with the New York Times and a writer who ably reflects what is going on in the world around him (and us). That is true here.
The cover of this book is quite evocative and points to how many are living now-instead of pouring oil on troubled waters, many seem to be reaching for the gasoline. Why so much grievance? Why so little understanding?
Bruni goes through many of the current grievances. Many of these will be familiar to readers who may have already formed their own opinions. Keep reading though because Bruni also has suggestions about how to do better. There are also suggested readings.
Note: those who regularly read Bruni’s columns may well find some familiar material here.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Shanghai, the setting for this historical thriller, had a place in WWII history of which many may not be aware. It became a place to which many Jewish people fled when they were trying to escape the horrors in Europe. This was because of the relative ease in entering the country. In the hands of capable author Joseph Kanon the city and its inhabitants come to life in this rather twisty tale.
Readers meet Daniel Lohr who is seeking safety by traveling from Germany to China. On his way there he meets Leah with whom he connects. They are two of the many characters in this story that brings Shanghai and its varied lements, including the criminal, to life.
Publishers Weekly gives this one a starred review noting the atmosphere, suspense, dialogue and more. I do agree with this while noting that some readers may find it a bit challenging to keep all of the characters and plot straight. I think that those who like historical thrillers and those who have read other books by Kanon will want to give this one a look.
Many thanks to Scribner and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
It is very easy to recommend this graphic biography of Van Gogh. I so enjoyed reading the biography and seeing the illustrations. Told by Vincent’s sister in law, readers learn about his and brother Theo’s early life, Vincent’s art works, personal life and struggles. It is a wonderful resource.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.
This book introduces the concept of emotions to toddlers. Reading, talking about and looking at the colorful and expressive pictures in this title will begin the process of a child’s learning to identify their feelings. Kids are encouraged to consider each emotion that it is featured and when they feel it.
This book offers a good take on its subject. Acknowledging how one feels and recognizing the emotions of others are important life skills. This title shows that learning to do so can begin at an early age.
Many thanks to Callisto Publishing-Callisto Kids and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.
90-Day Challenge to Sharpen the Mind and Strengthen Cognitive Skills Enlarged Print, Easy to Hard!
by Lana Barnes
Here is another in a series of puzzle books for “brain training.” These puzzles may in fact be good for you (note the 90 day challenge) but I mostly do them because I think that they offer a fun challenge.
There are six different types of puzzles included in this title. They are logic grids puzzles, sudoku, calcudoku, battleship, kakuro, and Masyu (a puzzle with which I was unfamiliar). There are three sections, each of which includes some of the puzzle types, with harder puzzles being added as one goes along. Puzzlers can choose to go in order, or if they feel more skilled, they can advance to a harder section. Try puzzles that you already know that you like or learn something new. There are full directions for each type. However, the puzzles are approached, have fun!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. I plan to get the hard copy of this title so that I can do all of the puzzles. All opinions are my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Zeitgeist for this title. All opinions are my own.
When I have the opportunity to both read and listen to a book I am happy. I can read when I am sitting and can listen when I am out and about. This synchronicity worked perfectly while I enjoyed The Murders in Great Diddling.
The cover and title give some sense of this as a British mystery and indeed it is. Great Diddling is in Cornwall. It is a community where the people who live there know one another.
The story begins when there is an outdoor tea party. Owner of a grand (if rundown) estate has invited the villagers to a tea party. This device leads to a rapid introduction to many characters for the reader.
There are the manor owner, Daphne and her assistant Margaret. There is Daphne’s difficult and disliked nephew. There are author Berit and Sally, daughter of her agent, and hopeful employee of Berit. There is a couple; James has a stake in a hotel and Penny has a stake in defending her husband. There are owners of village businesses whose doors are to be closed and others as well.
There is an explosion and in its aftermath a body is found. I will leave it to the reader to find out who the victim is. Suffice it to say, there are many with motives.
This is the lead in to a long, fun and involving story. Take the time to enjoy it. I did. Note how much there is about books, lots of books in this one as you read or listen.
I found the narration to be spot on. The reader was British and helped to create the atmosphere of the story in a delightful way.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Dreamscape Audio for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 13 August 2024
For audio book: #TheMurdersinGreatDiddling #NetGalley
This book is a wonderful resource. It will have readers adding new titles to their wish lists or perhaps having a moment’s nostalgia for a book previously read. There are over fifty books featured. Just a few of those mentioned are Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Charlotte’s Web by E B White, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. As can be seen, there are classics, popular fiction and even some children’s books.
For each title, there are sections. These include First Lines, Plot Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What to Read Next. Each of these included much that is detailed and informative.
This is a book that bibliophiles and those who want good reading suggestions are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for this title. All opinions are my own.
One year I purchased the Bibliophile desk calendar and absolutely adored it. I also own Bibliophile. Both are truly designed for people who love books. This title is too. The illustrations are so engaging and the book titles just call out to readers to investigate. As the title suggests, this time Jane Mount hopes to encourage readers to broaden their literary experiences.
There is so much within these pages. There are sections on classics and several on legends including, for example, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Isabel Allende and others. There are also sections one everything from contemporary fiction to family sagas to speculative fiction to mysteries and horror. There are also mentions of influential book people, little free diverse libraries, writing rooms and more. In addition, there are titles for children and middle grade readers and just way too much else to list here.
A note about the illustrations. I love the piles of books whose spines I can easily read in the pictures. They are just full of titles to add to TBR lists.
I love this book. I hope that you will too.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Five stars
From the Publisher
Diversify your reading list
Jamise Harper (founder of the Diverse Spines book community) and Jane Mount (author of Bibliophile) have come together to create Bibliophile: Diverse Spines, a richly illustrated and vastly inclusive collection that uplift and celebrate the works of underrepresented authors.
Jamise Harper
Jamise Harper is the creator of the #diversespines hashtag and the Diverse Spines book community on social media, which highlights literature by Black women and women of color, as well as Spines & Vines, a blog dedicated to book and wine pairings. She lives in the Washington, DC, metro area.
Jane Mount
Jane Mount is an illustrator, designer, and writer. In 2008, she founded Ideal Bookshelf, a company that makes things for bibliophiles. She currently lives in a log cabin in Hawai’i with her husband, weird cats, and a freckled puppy.
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Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 