Need some help? The Aging Well Workbook for Anxiety & Depression (Julie Erickson and Neil A Rector)

#TheAgingWellWorkbook #NetGalley.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has become a very popular and effective form of mental health treatment. In this title, the authors, both psychologists, offer CBT help to those who are aging and, at the same time, struggling with anxiety and/or depression. The authors are positive practitioners and guides who offer hope to their readers, while noting that a workbook is not a substitute for face-to-face treatment.

This book is addressed to those who are over sixty. It is noted that issues may present in unique ways in this age group and that there are particular aspects to this life stage.

This title is well organized and clearly written with sections that explain what CBT is and what depression and anxiety can look like. There are then chapters on ways to effect change. To name just two, the authors look at goal setting and self-monitoring.

The authors suggest moving through this book slowly and completing the exercises. Take time, consider each suggested practice and, hopefully, begin to feel more on top of things. Along the way, learn the difference between thoughts, feelings and physical sensations and learn how to rejig some unhelpful patterns of thinking. It may just help!

Many thanks to NetGalley and New Harbinger Publications, Inc. for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 November 2023

Now out: Crime Novels-Five Classic Thrillers 1961-1967

This title is not inexpensive but readers get five novels within this volume that comes in at over 900 pages so still pretty reasonable overall. The books that are included here reflect a transition in crime fiction away from the neater and less violent books of writers like Agatha Christie. Here, I would say, there is more gritty realism.

The general reader may well enjoy these stories. I think that anyone who wants to study mysteries in context and in an academic way will want to add this title to their collection as well.

Note: Books included are by Frederic Brown, Dan J. Marlowe, Charles Williams Dorothy B. Hughes and Richard Stark. Several of them are authors with whom I was not familiar.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Library of America for this title. All opinions are my own.

Readers won’t forget: The Door-to-Door Bookstore (Carsten Henn)

#TheDoortoDoorBookstore #NetGalley

Recently I have read a number of books about books, bookstores and readers. This may become one of my favorite sub genres. This novel, The Door-to-Door Bookstore, is a a love song to those who care about books, reading and friendship.

Carl, who is in his early seventies, has worked in a bookshop for many years. In addition to his daily job, Carl delivers beautifully wrapped books to a number of customers. He knows what kind of book each of these customers craves. Carl also thinks of each as a fictional character and book lovers will very much enjoy this aspect of the novel. For example, one is Mr. Darcy.

Carl has led a somewhat solitary life. Watch what happens when a precocious nine year old, inserts herself in his life.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own. This book really felt special to me and I highly recommend it.

Pub date: 04 July 2023

Let’s explore: Wild Houston

by Suzanne Simpson; John Williams

#WildHouston #NetGalley

I did not know much about Houston before reading this title. I didn’t even know that it was a “Bayou City.” Now I have learned much more and this book was an enjoyable way to do just that.

The book’s authors make an important point early on when they observe that nature can also be found in cities. That is the case of Houston and its environs as presented in these pages.

Readers will enjoy exploring the three sections of this book. The first is about landscape, people and organisms. Next are 101 spotlighted species; would readers have guessed that there were so many around the area? The third part (and my favorite) features twenty-five field trips. If I ever get to Houston I will know where to go and what to look for.

Those who live in Texas or plan to visit, give this one a look. It is a terrific resource. Those who may never get to Houston, there are many photos to inspire you

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

Pub date: 26 September 2023