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

by Rebel Girls

#RebelChangemaker #NetGalley

I have been a big fan of the Rebel Girls books for a while. Along with the Little People, Big Dreams series they offer kids a look at what others have done. Hopefully this both helps to appreciate those who have come before and to motivate kids to believe in themselves and their aspirations.

This collection includes stories of 100 young changemakers following a foreword by Bindi Irwin and an introduction. How wonderful that there are 100 people who are inspiring. Each entry includes biographical information and illustrations. Here are everyone from a swimmer to a musician to a singer/songwriter, to a scientist and inventor, a soccer player, a sailor, a painter, a blacksmith and more. So, yes, there is a strong message that girls can aspire and do!

This book belongs on both family and school bookshelves. Its wide scope is just terrific.

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

Pub date: 04 October 2022

by Kerri Kokias

This book offers children a perspective that they may not have fully developed. It is sweetly illustrated and shows a number of dualities that a child may experience. A few examples…Busy and Bored, Homesick and Adventurous, or Brave and Afraid. Looking at this book with an adult may well open up some good conversation with a child you know.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can press. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 04 October 2022

A Novel

by Julia Whelan

Sewanee has not had an easy time of it. As the novel opens she is on a plane where a few embarrassing things happen. One of these is that a four year old repeatedly quizzes Sewanee about her eye patch. The author skewers a certain school of parenting in the scenes that follow. This is indicative of the tone of this novel.

Sewanee is on her way to Las Vegas where she will attend a book convention and also meet up with her closest friend Adaku, an actress. Sewanee has stopped acting and is now an audio book narrator. The book that she listens to in the beginning of the story is also satirized.

What happens as the story advances will include changes for Sewanee. This arc begins with a one night stand. Readers will hope that she gets her happy ending.

Author Whelan has narrated audio books herself which adds authenticity to the narrative. That said, I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. It took me awhile to feel immersed in the story. I feel in the minority as Taylor Jenkins Reed, Emily Henry and Jodi Picoult, all authors I very much like, have endorsed this one.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 02 August 2022

In Less Than a Week and Also for the Rest of Your Life

by Rachel Madorsky, LCS

#HowtoLoveYourself #NetGalley

Why is it so difficult for some people to love themselves? They may treat others with understanding and compassion without offering the same understanding to themselves. This book by a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist and coach is here to offer some hope. She is optimistic and believes that great change can happen in just a week.

What follows in this titles looks to me like a series of affirmations and suggestions for things to think about. They may be helpful to many. Throughout are doodle like illustrations that accompany the text.

A couple of ideas from the book . Say could rather than should to yourself. Slow down when trying to imagine what is needed at any given moment.

This title will be helpful for those in need of garden variety encouragement. Those with deeper issues or depression may also enjoy this title but I do not think that it will fix everything. Think in those situations of accessing additional emotional health services.

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

Pub date: 31 October 2022

A Novel

by Poppy Alexander

#TheLittlestLibrary #NetGalley

Jess has experienced loss in her life. Her parents died in a car accident when she was only four and, as the book begins, her beloved grandmother recently lost her struggle with cancer. To top all of this off, Jess has been let go from her librarian job. NOTE: These are not spoilers as all of this is learned very early in the book.

Jess moves to a small village after these recent events. Oddly, there seems to be a red phone box on her property. Curious, she goes to a village meeting to find out what the phone box means to her. Watch as she decides what to do with it.

This novel is an easy read. There are a number of characters and lots of books. If these things appeal to you, this will offer you a pleasant read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and, Avon and Harper Voyager for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 19 Jul 2022

www.nytimes.com/article/best-judy-blume-books.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/09/15/books/review/new-pyschological-thrillers.html