It would be fun to: EXPLORE BREATHTAKING PLACES IN THE WORLD

by Sati Achath

#DazzlingDestinations #NetGalley

Thinking about a trip? Want to go somewhere that may dazzle you? This book looks at attractions and more in a number of interesting travel destinations. These include Vietnam, Thailan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Tanzanio, Uganda, Poland, Romania and Bolivia. Each of these countries has been visited by the author.

Each entry includes lots of information. There is also artwork that I think was done by the author who writes in a style that directly addresses the reader.

Armchair or true travelers may enjoy taking a look at this title.

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

Pub date: 06 June 2022

This week’s The Short List suggestions:

Other e book bargains

by Susan Barba (Edited by), Leanne Shapton (Illustrated by)

#AmericanWildflowersALiteraryFieldGuide #NetGalley

Anyone who knows (or is) a nature lover, here is the perfect gift! Edited by a poet, Ms. Barba has organized a wonderful and diverse collection of poetry and prose about American wildflowers. She also writes an excellent introduction. There are contributors who are alive, dead, white, black, indigenous,male, female, so all welcoming and inclusive. Biographies of the contributors may be found at the end of the book. The water color illustrations throughout this title are gorgeous and coexist perfectly with the text. All in all, a delightful, thoughtful book and one to savor.

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: PUB DATE: 08 November 2022

by Jeanne and Mark K. Shriver (Authors); Laura Watson (Illustrator)

#PairsofPeople #NetGalley

Pairs of People is a counting book that features, not surprisingly, pairs of children and adults. Pairs from 1 to 10 and more are shown in inclusive, bright, colorful and appealing illustrations.

Of note is that this is also a book about community and people helping one another. That makes this book a bit different from other counting books that I have seen. It offers kids a nice message in a fun way.

Many thanks to NetGalley and 4U2B Books and Media for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 19 September 2022

A Novel

by Annie Hartnett

#UnlikelyAnimals #NetGalley

This unique and quirky novel was a book club pick for Good Housekeeping. It tells the story of Emma. She is a young woman who has had her struggles. She has left medical school and seemingly has lost her way.

Emma returns to the place where she grew up. Things are no easier there. Emma’s father is dying. Emma’s mother judges her. Emma’s brother has issues. Emma’s good friend is missing. There is much to cause despair.

This is a novel that invites readers into a world and asks them to consider some big issues. This is all done in a work that is both funny and heartbreaking at times as readers spend time with both human and animal characters.

Many thanks to Random House-Ballantine and NetGalley for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 12 April 2022. 345 pages

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“A quirky, poignant novel about family, community and love for our animal friends.”—The Washington Post

A Table for Two

by Sheryl Lister

A Table for Two invites the reader in with the cover’s idyllic table setting. Readers will wonder who that table is set for and how the relationships of those characters will develop.

Serenity and Gabriel are the couple in the story. One is a nurse, the other an app developer. Readers will watch as they get to know each other over meals at Serenity’s supper club. Will they get their happy ending? Read this food filled, small town romance novel to find out. It is an enjoyable quick read with likeable characters.

Many thanks to Forever-Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

Van Gogh at the Asylum

by Martin Bailey

#StarryNight #NetGalley

Van Gogh is an artist whose work is quite familiar. The Starry Night pictured on this book’s cover is one of his best known and most recognized paintings.

While Van Gogh was an icon who created gorgeous art works, he also struggled. Yes, many know about his ear but there is much more to his life story and works than that. In this book, a well-regarded art historian looks into Van Gogh’s experiences during the time that he was in the asylum. He offers much to think about for both art history students and others with an interest in this iconic painter.

This is truly a wonderful book. The author is an expert and relatable guide to Van Gogh’s life. From the beginning when Saint Remy is described, he invites the reader in. The book is beautifully illustrated with Van Gogh’s paintings. In addition, there are many photographs. Readers can see the page noting Van Gogh’s admission to the asylum for example as well as many of his works.

I highly recommend this title. I read an ARC and would love to see the finished book.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group-White Lion-Frances Lincoln books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 30 August 2022

by Tamara Berry

This book is the first in a new series by the author. Based on this one, I will definitely be looking for the second and third novels.

The cover tells the reader that this book is a cozy and it is but…a lot happens. The story’s protagonist is a thriller writer which I thought was a fun idea. She and her daughter are planning a summer together away from technology. They are not away from excitement and murder however. After reading this novel that has both good characters and plot, readers may be grateful for their own more quiet vacations but they will have had fun with this novel.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub Date 24 May 2022

From the Publisher

A Workbook for Daily Growth

by Jaime Zuckerman

#FindGoodHabits #NetGalley

Lots of people make New Year’s resolutions. I still find myself thinking about ways I might want to change when each September rolls around. It is ingrained in me to think of the start of a new school year as a time for new (and better?) beginnings. Whether or not that is true for you, this book by a psychologist is a helpful one for anytime that a person wants to consider how they do things and when they decide to make a change.

This title is divided into four big sections. These include Identifying Your Patterns and Habits; Healthy or Hurtful?; Changing Unhealthy Habits and Patters; and Maintenance Stage. The sections follow the progression of work that readers will be invited to complete. In addition the book included references and resources.

This book is attractive in appearance and full of things to think about and exercises and prompts that invite thoughtful investigation. It comes from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective. Both of these are evidence based systems of treatment. Lessons from mindfulness are also here.

The book’s format is that of a workbook. There is space to record responses to the prompts. This also offers the reader a resource upon which they can look back.

Those looking for some guided self-help may well want to take a look at this resource. It looks full of ways to reflect and live life in a way that one wishes.

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

Pub Date 23 Aug 2022