Now out: London-A Guide for Curious Wanderers

Thinking of traveling to England’s capital? Are you just an armchair traveler? Want to get a unique take on London? Whichever applies, this book is a good guide.

Readers are offered four walks through London. The first goes from Tower Hill Station to Liverpool Street Station. Next is Tottenham Court Road Station to Trafalgar Square. Third is London Bridge Station to Borough Station. Finally, there is a walk from Westminster Station to Berkeley Square.

Each walk has a theme. For example, the first one focuses on London’s buildings. They go from Roman ruins to skyscrapers.

In the introduction, the author states that he wants to show explorers lots of hidden corners. He also want to provide an “ability to read London.” Sounds good.

This book has lovely illustrations, a plethora of sites to see, informative and brief descriptions, and maps to help on the way. Each site’s address is also provided.

Recommended for someone who has the time and inclination to explore an amazing city.

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

Four stars

They sure do: Rebel Girls Level Up

#RebelGirlsLevelUp #NetGalley

This book follows a formula that continues to work well for Rebel Girls. Each book in the series is about an area where women have excelled and an area where girls can imagine their own success. This time each two page entry is on a person in the gaming world with 25 stories in all. Some of the women featured include Anne Shoemaker (game designer), Maddie Messer (Gamer) and Poikimane (streamer), along with many more.

Thought gaming was dominated by boys/men? Well, these folks prove that theory is wrong.

As is often true in the Rebel Girls books, there are additional sections in the back of the book. These include writing and drawing activities and a section called Keep Playing.

Once again, this title is a good one for home and school libraries. I love how Rebel Girls believes in its audience.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 20 June 2023

What happens on: The Best Bad Day Ever (by Marianna Coppo)

#TheBestBadDayEver #NetGalley

Any child who has woken up grumpy will enjoy this book and, especially, its illustrations. How does a bad day get better? Turn the pages to find out in this cute title.

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

Pub date: 18 July 2023

Now out: Emma of 83rd Street

Jane Austen’s Emma is one of my favorite books by the author. It has been loved by readers as well. Purists may not want a retelling of this funny and insightful story but I think that those who liked the original could definitely enjoy this one.

The story is updated to New York City’s Upper East Side, one of the most prosperous neighborhoods in Manhattan. As in the original, some people close to Emma have moved; her sister has gotten married and many of her friends have left for time abroad. Emma, herself, is a bit at loose ends, even as she attends grad school.

Characters that readers enjoyed in Emma are here. Her father is now a health food purist. Knightley is her best friend (will there be romance?) and, yes, Emma still thinks that she knows what is best for others. In this novel, it is Nadine with whom Emma becomes friendly and (overly) involved.

All of the elements of the original are here in a charming update. The authors clearly know their Austen. Recommended for those who like classic updates and romantic comedies. If a reader enjoyed Sittenfeld’s, Eligible, I think that they may enjoy this one even more.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for this title.

Four stars

From the Publisher

Emma of 83rd Street
Emma of 83rd Street
Emma of 83rd Street
Emma of 83rd Street

Editorial Reviews

Review

“[A] charming debut… The authors bring plenty of wit to this classic friends-to-lovers tale. Readers will fall in love with Emma Woodhouse all over again.”—Publishers Weekly 

 “Belleza and Harding have created a glamorous romp that is heartfelt, steamy, and romantic… For fans of the movie Clueless and retellings of classics.”—Library Journal

Rebel Girls-Notes to Share

Rebel Girls had a nice idea with this title. Included inside are inspirational notes, pick me-up notes, messages that can be personalized, fun facts, and jokes. All can be torn out and can easily take up a home in a lunch bag, backpack or other place where kids keep things. They offer an easy way to cheer up a child’s day. Ideal for girls around 9-11, in my opinion.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 18 July 2023

Book Review: ‘The Making of Another Modern Motion Picture Masterpiece,’ by Tom Hanks – The New York Times

Whimsically chronicling the creation of a Marvel-style movie, “The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece” sags under a deluge of detail.
— Read on www.nytimes.com/2023/05/07/books/tom-hanks-the-making-of-another-major-motion-picture-masterpiece.html