www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/books/review/lucy-by-the-sea-lucy-barton.html

www.nytimes.com/2022/09/13/books/review/ian-mcewan-lessons.html

Great Short Books

A Year of Reading—Briefly

by Kenneth C. Davis

This book is a wonderful resource. It will have readers adding new titles to their wish lists or perhaps having a moment’s nostalgia for a book previously read. There are over fifty books featured. Just a few of those mentioned are Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, Charlotte’s Web by E B White, Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton and Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie. As can be seen, there are classics, popular fiction and even some children’s books.

For each title, there are sections. These include First Lines, Plot Summary, About the Author, Why You Should Read It, and What to Read Next. Each of these included much that is detailed and informative.

This is a book that bibliophiles and those who want good reading suggestions are sure to enjoy. Highly recommended.

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

Pub date: 22 November 2022

50 Essential ASL Signs to Help Your Child Communicate Their Needs, Wants, and Feelings

by Cecilia S. Grugan

#LearntoSignwithYourBaby #NetGalley

Recently I met a young baby who was using sign language to communicate with her adult. So, this book came to my attention at just the right time. Here are 50 signs that are considered to be essential by the author. Included are signs for everything from mealtimes to sleeping to playing and more.

While the author of this book is Deaf (read the book to find out why this is capitalized), she notes that sign language can be a helpful way to communicate with a baby who has no hearing issues also. It seems to be a very direct communication with single signs standing for actions, as for example, getting dressed. The author observes that sign language allows the baby to communicate back with their adult from a preverbal stage of development.

Before the sections of the books with the illustrated signs, the author offers a good deal of information. This part of the book is both interesting and helpful. The signs themselves are clearly illustrated.

Note that with the published book there will be videos for each sign.

I highly recommend this title to those with young babies and children. Of course it will take practice but it may well be a most useful way to spend time with a child.

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

Pub Date 25 Oct 2022,

Learn all the ways you can be a helper–from A to Z!

by Erica Harrison

This book of ABCs features ways that kids can help others and themselves. It is brightly illustrated with a diverse group of people. Among the 26 ideas are Eat healthy for E and Listen for L. This book sweetly encourages kids to be their best. Maybe adults can learn from this too.

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

#ABCforMeABCHelpfulMe #NetGalley.

Ageism Awareness Day creates the opportunity to draw attention to the existence and impacts of ageism in Australia. EveryAGE Counts is an advocacy campaign aimed at tackling ageism against older Australians. It is an important step towards changing community attitudes and building a world where all people of all ages are valued, respected, and their contributions […]

Ageism Awareness Day 2022 Every Age Counts! — Thoughts Become Words

“Life is creating order out of chaos on a daily basis. And that’s what a book is: You’re creating order out of chaos. But what astonishing order! What splendid chaos!” Kate Atkinson has written several books since her first novel in 1995, but the eight that could be considered crime or suspense fiction – five…

Kate Atkinson: A Crime Reader’s Guide to the Classics — CrimeReads

Tried-and-True Recipes for the Home Bartender

by Faith Hingey

In my opinion, cocktails have been enjoying a renaissance. However, they can get pretty pricey. If you want to host at home, here is a good resource. It is divided into sections on having the classics at home, followed by drinks made with gin, whiskey, brandy, rum and “other spirits and liqueurs.” There are also sections at the end of the book including one on cocktails by occasion.

This title is filled with recipes and photos. I enjoyed the first chapter with its explanation of the cocktail’s history and styles. This was followed by a section that made suggestions for stocking one’s bar in terms of both the alcohol and the glasses. Following this was information on cocktail making techniques. I learned quite a bit in this part of the book before going on to the directions for the 75 different drinks.

Each recipe begins with some history on that drink. There is then a list of the tools needed along with the ingredients and directions.

This book is a terrific resource. Just remember…please drink responsibly.

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

Pub date: 18 October 2022