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

Death of the celebrity novelist: what the Granta list tells us about fiction

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/fe57787e-d958-11ed-89ad-19e3cfc05db4?shareToken=05f87ff7cd6678544706d622deaa5540

www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/books/books-india-kerala.html

#TravelGamesforBigThinkers #NetGalley

Yes, we live in a world of computers and i pads but sometimes it can be nice to see a kid engage with a pencil and paper game book. Here is a good one that is part of a series. It is well organized with the first part of the book including two player activities such as dancing man (awfully called hangman in the past) or dots, for example, and the second half of the book including one player puzzles such as sudoku and word searches. This would make a great item to pack before taking your child on a trip.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Collins Reference for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 10 March 2023

A Practical Guide for Living

by Kira M. Markoff, LCSW-C

#MindfulnessandMe #NetGalley

Have you ever wanted to learn more about mindfulness? Wanted to see if its’ practices could help you? If yes, this title provides a good guide and introduction.

The book begins with some history of mindfulness and its wide usefulness across many religions and belief systems. Ms. Markoff then goes on to offer an 8 week introduction toaspects of this way of life. Chapters discuss Presence, Breathing Techniques, Body Related Practices, Working with Emotions, Traditional Mini-Meditations, Breathing Plus, Chakras and Creating Connections along with Where to Go From Here. There are many practices to try. Just one example is Thich Nhat Hahn’s Anger Mantra which is clearly explained. There is also a recommended reading list.

The author invites readers to engage and see if mindfulness makes sense for them. She also suggests that readers can explore chapters in any order. Markoff notes that some readers may want to try out mindfulness with an in person guide in addition to with a book.

There is a good exploration of concepts in here. Readers may well refer back to this title many times.

Many thanks to NetGalley and John Hunt Publishing Ltd for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 01 June 2023

30 classic lullabies and rhymes to read aloud

by Chloe Giordano

#ReadtoYourBabyEveryNight #NetGalley

This is exactly the kind of book that I love for developing the very earliest literacy and love of books in the littlest ones. It will provide such an enjoyable experience for both adult and child.

Here is a compilation of well known rhymes. Some of these are Sing a Song of Sixpence; To Market, to Market; Brahms’ Lullaby; All the Pretty Little Horses; Sleep, Baby, Sleep and many more.

The book has sweet and gentle illustrations. These add to the peaceful experience of this bedtime read.

This would make an absolutely perfect gift for a new family!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 20 June 2023

Here is a fairly long (365 page) book in which readers can immerse themselves and enjoy a bit of escapist fiction. The novel is a dual timeline one that has good characters and intriguing settings.

In 1900, Alice is the main character. She is looking to escape her life and takes the opportunity to leave England for Europe. She has that fairly well-known experience of meeting a stranger on a train. This leads to ripples and repercussions. Some of these have to do with ancient Knossos, definitely a part of the story that was interesting

Somewhat similarly named Eloise’s story is told 100 years later. And, what will readers make of her last name, De’ath? To escape a widowhood in which she is not mourning, Eloise escapes to Crete where Alice went all those years ago.

How will the lives of these two women intersect? In what ways are they alike and different? What will be learned about the Forgotten Palace and ancient history? How will Ariadne, a woman from Greek legend, fit in the story? It was a fun read to find out the answers.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who enjoy women’s fiction with a historical twist.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 April 2023

Note: For those who are interested, this title is available on kindle unlimited. It can also be purchased from other retailers and in other formats.

From the Publisher

www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/books/anne-perry-dead.html

Some people describe the experience of parenthood as a great adventure. It can be that but, to use that image, sometimes the adventure becomes fraught. Whenever a child faces challenges, parents feel challenged as well. They don’t always know the best thing to do and this lack of confidence can make a difficult situation worse. It could be a great help to pick up a book, at these times of long or short term crisis, that feels like it will really help. I think that this book will.

The author is described as a complex care pediatrician. I did not know that there was such a specialty but it is clear that Dr. Fradkin knows whereof she speaks. Of course, readers should not rely only on a book but, in conjunction with other resources, this title offers warm and helpful guidance. It is divided into four useful sections: Build a Solid Base, How to Take Action, Managing Emotions and, The Long Run.

One thing that I very much liked about this title was the ways in which the author shared some of her own experiences. This helped to make her feel like a guide who could be trusted.

I recommend this book for families and professionals both. It is a terrific resource.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 11 April 2023

From the Publisher

Enjoyed and reviewed by me

I’ve enjoyed and reviewed books by this author