Old God’s Time by Sebastian Barry review: a gem of a novel
A short story
From The New York Times
From The New York Times
Why Mariah Fredericks Is Taking on the Lindbergh Kidnapping – From the Nanny’s Perspective — CrimeReads
Reality often plays a role in fiction. There are contemporary “ripped from the headlines” stories—these days often with a podcaster as the protagonist— lining the shelves are novels inspired by murders, kidnappings, bank robberies and airplane hijackings among many other bad acts. And then there are historical mysteries peopled by bold faced names of the…
Why Mariah Fredericks Is Taking on the Lindbergh Kidnapping – From the Nanny’s Perspective — CrimeReads
It is a challenge: Commitment
A novel
by Mona Simpson
#Commitment #NetGalle
Mona Simpson has written a number of highly regarded works of fiction, of which this is her latest. In Commitment, she pens a story of family and the sorts of stresses and bonds that join its members. Single mother, Diane, has done everything and more for her son and daughter; it has not always (or often) been easy. Children, Walter, Lina and Donny have their own deep wishes and needs. All will be challenged.
There is a double (at least) meaning in this book’s title as it refers to both relationships (family and friend) and psychiatric issues. All of these kinds of commitments are explored in the hands of this capable writer.
Publishers Weekly calls this one “deep and tender.” I think that readers will agree. They may also find it a bit slow moving.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 21 March 2023
Now out: Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage
by Rebel Girls
AliciaAlonsoTakestheStage #NetGalley
Rebel Girls has done a fantastic job with this series of biographies about girls/women who faced challenges and successfully dealt with them. These are chapter books with short(ish) sections and good illustrations. They are just a bit over 100 pages long. To me, they seem just right for those in second or third grade and up.
This time, one of the best known dancer’s story is told. Life was not always easy for Alicia as she faced a serious vision problem that, in a less strong person, might have been career ending. How did she manage not to give up and not to hold back?
Young readers will enjoy getting to know Alicia, who adored dance from an early age, studying dance in Spain and Cuba before moving to New York with a young Senor Alonso. I loved the story of how she got her first pair of ballet toe shoes. Readers will be cheering for Alicia as she becomes the person that she dreamed of being.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Rebel Girls for this title.
From the Publisher
About the Rebel Girls Chapter Book Series
Introducing stories based on the lives of incredible women throughout history, each stunningly designed chapter book features full-color illustrations and bonus activities to encourage kids to explore the various fields in which each of these women thrived.
Introducing Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage
A creative reimagining of the life of Alicia Alonso as she adapts to disability and dances all over the world
She dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina and no obstacle could keep her from the stage.
New from Rebel Girls: Alicia Alonso Takes the Stage – a historic retelling of this world-renowned ballerina’s resilient rise. Perfect for the rebel dancer in your life!
Inside the Chapter Book
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Full-color Illustrations Featuring full-color illustrations by artist Josefina Preumayr, which depict Alicia Alonso at all ages and her dancing on stages around the world. | Bonus Content This book includes bonus exercises and challenges for young readers to encourage creativity and confidence through movement. These activities were developed in partnership with Smashworks Dance, a New York-based dance company advocating for human rights through arts activism. | Arts in Action The arts are a key component of STEAM education, and arts education has proven to teach creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and inspire confidence in students. Alicia Alonso’s story shows how dedication to the arts as a performer can lead to success in the business of the arts as well. |
See what readers are saying!
- “With this powerful, hope-filled story of overcoming one’s obstacles, readers will close this book and feel inspired to leave a legacy of their own.” -School Library Journal
- “Cheerful persistence and chatty relatability recur in this fictionalized biography of Cuban prima ballerina Alicia Alonso.” -Publishers Weekly
| Ada Lovelace Cracks the Code | Madam C. J. Walker Builds a Business | Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains | Dr. Wangari Maathai Plants a Forest | Chapter Book Collection | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explore more titles in the Rebel Girls chapter book series | Uncover the groundbreaking inventions of Ada Lovelace, one of the world’s first computer programmers. | Learn the exciting business of Madam C. J. Walker, the hair care industry pioneer and America’s first female self-made millionaire. | Explore the thrilling adventures of Junko Tabei, the first female climber to summit Mount Everest. | Discover the inspiring story of environmental activist Dr. Wangari Maathai as she plants a seed to change her community. | Rebel Girls’ favorite stories together in an inspiring chapter book set that introduces five trailblazing women thr |
Some e book bargains for 2.17.23
Try to understand: ADHD and Your Marriage
Here is a book that will be of interest to its intended audience and also by those who know someone with ADHD. It offers, not only a description of the impact that ADHD can have, but also offers thoughts on ways to manage, cope and grow.
Many topics are covered; everything from ADHD symptoms to the impact of ADHD on the person diagnosed, to how to sustain a relationship that is a good one. There is a chapter, too, that is written for the partner without ADHD. Finally, I would say that that there is some pertinent relationship advice for everyone in these pages.
This book was written by someone with ADHD so the perspective feels most genuine. The author generously shares some of her history.
One drawback of this title, is that it can be general. It obviously will not be relevant to everyone with ADHD as people are not all the same. Still, take a look to see if it makes sense for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: November 2022
Let’s order: Death and Croissants
A Novel
by Ian Moore
I definitely found the title and cover of this lighthearted mystery to be rather appealing. What could be better than a good story accompanied by the classic French breakfast?
I was not familiar with the author who is a British comedian. That explains the tone of the story. Here is a rather hapless hotel owner who gets sucked into an adventure by an exotic guest of his establishment. It becomes a bit crazy with even hints of the Mafia. How will it all get resolved? Read this one to find out. It is a book that shows what can happen when one ventures (way) out of a comfort zone.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 14 March 2023
