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

When I see Marie Benedict’s name on an historical fiction title, I always take notice and want to read the book. This autor’s wide ranging subjects have included the Carnegies, the Churchills, Agatha Christie and others. Always, the novels have accurate historical detail and a readable and interesting story.

This time, Ms. Benedict turns her attention to Rosalind Franklin. She was a female scientist in a man’s world and one who did not receive the recognition that she deserved for many years. Follow the life and scientific journeys of this woman whose work is essential to our understanding of DNA. She was decidedly an outsider as she lived and worked in several countries but always endeavored to move forward in the pursuit of scientific discoveries. Her story is inspiring and reminds readers of the importance of following one’s dreams and working hard to achieve them.

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

Pub date: January 2022

From the Publisher

	The Other Einstein	Carnegie’s Maid	The Only Woman in the Room	Lady Clementine	The Mystery of Mrs. Christie	The Mitford Affair
Don’t miss these inspiring reads from Marie Benedict!	The story of not-so-famous scientist Mileva Marić, who not only loved Albert Einstein, but also shaped the theories that brought him lasting renown.	Discover the story of one brilliant woman who may have spurred Andrew Carnegie’s transformation from ruthless industrialist to true philanthropist.	Based on the incredible true story of the glamour icon and scientist Hedy Lamarr, this book celebrates the many women in science that history has overlooked.	The ferocious story of Clementine Churchill, the ambitious woman who did not flinch through the sweeping darkness of war, and who would not surrender to expectations or to enemies.	A thrilling reconstruction of one of the most notorious events in literary history: Agatha Christie’s mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926.	An explosive novel of history’s most notorious sisters, one of whom will have to choose: her country or her family?

Where to Start When You Don’t Know What to Say to God

by Lisa Whittle

In this book’s introduction the author observes that she often has read prayer books that have left her feeling uninspired. She found that her own simple prayer of just five words offered her what she needed to move forward. And so, the seed for this book of one sentence prayers was sown.

Included here are prayers for 40 days. A few of the five words that make up a prayer are Thank you for carrying me, and I need you desperately today. Each of these sentences is followed by several pages of thoughts about the words. Included are a bible passage for each.

This book has a clearly Christian orientation and will most appeal to those of that faith.

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

Pub date: 01 October 2017

The World’s Most Controversial Books, Past and Present

Do you think that books should be banned? Who should decide? Or…should readers themselves decide what they want to read? These questions have recently come to the forefront once again.

This book is fascinating. A perusal of its contents shows that book banning has been going on for centuries. It also informs the reader that books once banned are not banned for evermore.

For example, the first section of the book includes The Canterbury Tales, a title that is now often studied in schools and universities. Other examples of previously banned books include Frankenstein, Madame Bovary, Their Eyes Were Watching God, The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird and in the 21st century, The Kite Runner and The Hate U Give. These are just a few of the many books included in this title.

The book begins with a short introduction. The perspective offered is that censorship is generally counterproductive and often controversial. Following this section each title is described and its history and reasons for censorship given.

Browsing through this book will be interesting as readers look at books that they have either read or not picked up. In the end, I think that it invites its readers to think and care about this important issue.

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

Pub date: 30 August 2022

The Short List-under ten dollars

Other bargains:

The Best International Crime Fiction Out This June and July

The Best International Crime Fiction Out This June and July

— Read on crimereads.com/the-best-international-crime-fiction-out-this-june-and-july/

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

The author of this series does a terrific job of finding little people with big dreams. Each entry offers children an introduction to a person who once was young, followed a dream and achieved something that they very much wanted.

This time the profile is of astronaut, Neil Armstrong. What could be a bigger dream than leaving earth behind for space? How did he get from childhood to this incredible adventure? Young readers and listeners will enjoy finding out how, starting at age 6 and eventually leading to becoming the first to take a step on the moon.

The illustrations will add to a child’s experience with this book. They do such a fine job of showing space.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 16 August 2022

A Visual Guide with ASL Signs, Lessons, and Quizzes

by Travis Belmontes-Merrell

Those who want to learn ASL or who are simply curious about this language will want to give this book a look. The author has divided lessons into sections including the basics, greetings & people, thoughts & feelings, daily routines and more.

The author is an excellent guide to learning sign language. Travis also introduces readers/practitioners to facets of deaf culture and more. The book begins with a helpful introduction and tips for using the book. In addition, the photos throughout offer extremely helpful guidance.

This title provides an excellent introduction to its topic. Highly recommended for its audience.

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

Pub Date 02 Aug 2022

A Novel

by Jennifer Weiner

Every summer I look forward to a long, immersive read by this author and this year is no exception. The Summer Place, at over 400 pages, is populated with many characters and situations that draw the reader in.

There are plans for a wedding. Ruby and Gabe are young but think that this is what they want. They met as students at NYU and spent time living with Ruby’s family during Covid, eventually announcing that they want to have a simple Cape Cod wedding.

Ruby grew up as a strong willed girl and is a strong willed young adult. Her father Eli raised her as a single parent for a number of years. Readers will learn why and what secret he carries. Eli has a second marriage and family when he marries Sarah who had been Ruby’s teacher. They are enjoying a good life as the story begins.

Sarah has her own backstory of dreams deferred or let go. Her mother is a wealthy author. Veronica has been widowed and has some history as well.

Sarah’s twin brother is still finding his way when he is introduced to the story. He has been unlucky in love and uncertain of what he wants from life. He has tended to rely on others for answers.

Gabe, Ruby’s fiance, was raised by a single parent. She, too, has a story. It may surprise you with its plot twist.

What will happen as all of the story lines and characters intersect and interact? Readers will enjoy finding out. Ms Wiener really knows how to tell her story and keep track of everyone.

Enjoy this one if you want an ultimate summer/beach read. You won’t forget this wedding day.

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

Pub Date 10 May 2022

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Summer Place:

“[A] funny, tender read. A new novel from Weiner heralds the start of beach reading season, so prepare your collections accordingly.” —Booklist (starred review)

“The Summer Place is so good, it will be on every beach this summer. [It] gets at the core of just how life’s twists and turns, choices and moments can consume us – and how beautiful that entanglement can be, despite the hardships…with its Cape Cod setting that evokes seashells, cool water, melting ice cream and summer bliss, it’s sure to be the must-have beach bag item this year.” —USA Today

“A meditation on mothers and daughters, Weiner’s latest novel also explores class conflicts, identity issues and real estate dramas.” —The New York Times

“From steamy affairs to juicy family secrets, bestselling author Jennifer Weiner’s scintillating beach read has it all.” —Apple Books

“The natural beauty of the Outer Cape is the backdrop for plenty of family drama and romantic intrigue in Weiner’s latest novel, which incorporates the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic but still manages to feel breezy and delicious to read.” —Emma Specter, Vogue