What does it mean to be in a: Love Marriage by Monica Ali

Monica Ali has written her first novel since the popular and well-received Brick Lane. I was delighted to be given an ARC of this title and was eager to read it. To me, it was worth the wait between the two books.

First, think about the title. It is not Love, Marriage or Love and Marriage but Love Marriage. Readers learn that the title is not about the sequencing of relationships but rather about a love (not arranged) marriage. This seems to refer to the marriage between protagonist Yasmin’s parents but could also refer toYasmin’s upcoming marriage to Joe. Readers who follow the characters will learn, not surprisingly, that relationships can be complicated, fraught and sometimes places where there is dishonesty.

Yasmin is the child who has done mostly what was expected of her. She has studied hard and is in the process of becoming a doctor like her father. Yasmin’s brother is adrift as the book opens. He has a third class degree in Sociology so the world is not on his doorstep offering employment.

Yasmin is engaged to Joe. He is white and a fellow doctor. There is at least one big thing that he has not shared with Yasmin. Arif’s girlfriend Laura is pregnant and due shortly before Yasmin’s wedding. Early in the novel, Arif is not dealing with this. What will happen in each of these relationships?

Then, there are the parents. Yasmin and Arif’s parents were raised in India where they were of different castes. Yasmin’s father is a self-made man (mostly). Yasmin’s mother takes care of everyone. I love that she was described as short and cozy, not chubby. Was their marriage truly a love marriage?

Joe’s mother is a well-known feminist. Once she invites Yasmin and her parents over for a meal, all bets are off. Spiraling begins. For example, suddenly Yasmin and Joe may be married by an imam when they wanted a civil ceremony. As the reader continues this book that can be funny and poignant much will happen.

Love Marriage is an involving read. I recommend it.

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

Pub Date 03 May 2022

He had the moves: Elvis Presley

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#ElvisPresley #NetGalley

This time the Little Person with a Big Dream is Elvis Presley. How did this musical icon find his way? In this title, kids will have the chance to find out. As always, in this fine series, there are some additional resources at the end of the book.

Readers watch as young Elvis, who was born in a shack, becomes interested in music. With talent and perseverance, Elvis became the “King” of Rock and Roll, a new musical style. For it was Elvis who joined country music and blues in a new way that became known by that iconic term.

Elvis had a huge following for all of his performing talents including acting. Readers also learn that Elvis was loyal to his country and served in the armed forces. His dream brought him all the way from that shack to Graceland.

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

Pub Date 17 May 2022

It can be cruel: The Drowning Sea by Sarah Stewart Taylor

Maggie D’Arcy is back! This is the third in a series that I very much enjoy. These books can be read out of order but, if readers have time before this book’s pub date to read the other two, they are best read in order. There is a lot of backstory.

Maggie is surrounded by many people and their interrelationships. These are as much a reason for reading the novels as are the actual mysteries.

In this latest entry, Maggie and her daughter, Lilly, are spending a few months in West Cork, Ireland. They are there with Conor and his son. The history of Conor and Maggie’s relationship begins in one of the earlier books so, just for here, know that they are now a couple and that Maggie and Lilly are considering permanently moving from Long Island, New York to Ireland.

A lot happens in West Cork and Maggie, a (former) police detective, becomes very involved in all of the goings on. There are several murders, drug dealers, real estate development, immigration issues and more in these pages.

Part of the “more” has to do with goings on at an Anglo-Irish stately home in the past. Was a governess murdered? What is the story of the owner/artist who lived there with his family?

Police officers whom Maggie knew from previous cases are here along with a new detective, Ann, and various members of the force including one who is with the drugs squad. Readers also meet the people who live in the area and who are intimately involved in the events depicted. Readers also watch as Lilly falls in love with a young Polish immigrant.

This book at times moves a bit slowly over the course of its more than 350 pages. Nonetheless I enjoyed it. The sense of place is very strong. It felt a bit like I was on the cliffs overlooking the waters, on the village streets and in the homes of the characters.

Readers who already know Maggie will want to read this and catch up with her. New readers may be a bit confused at first but should be able to find their footing. Of course, they can go back to the earlier books to get a better grasp on Maggie, Conor, their pasts and more.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press-Minotaur for this title. All opinions are my own.

Pub date: 21 June 2022

The best kind of education: Forest School for Grown-Ups

Explore the Wisdom of the Woods

by Richard Irvine

#ForestSchoolforGrownUps #NetGalley

My local botanical garden boasts a beautiful forest. It serves as a place of peace and refuge for me. So, I was very pleased to receive an ARC on the wisdom to be found in the woods.

This title includes much that is of interest. For example, a year in the forest is described. There are then chapters on survival skills, foods, navigation, woodland skills, forest projects and more. Throughout, there are lovely line drawings and photos. There is so much packed into this 200 plus page book.

If you love the outdoors, give this title a look. It will teach you a great deal. I may never do some of these projects, like felling a tree, but it was fascinating to learn about them.

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

Pub date: 10 May 2022

From the Botanical Garden site:

For thousands of years, this old-growth Forest has changed, adapted and survived. When you visit the Forest, you will walk along Native American hunting trails, see marks left by glaciers, and pass under trees dating back to the American Revolution. The unique beauty and ecological importance of the forest are one of the reasons why the founders selected this site for The New York Botanical Garden in 1895.

Today this is the largest uncut expanse of New York’s original wooded landscape. The Forest remains a magnificent reminder of the beauty and resilience of nature in the face of complex human-caused disturbances. To preserve the Forest for future generations the Garden manages invasive species, plants native plants, and performs research.

From the publisher: