Unique, original, funny, poignant…I find that all of these words can be overused when praising books but this time, in my opinion, they are truly deserved. This novel is like none other that I have read although there is some connection to The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano in terms of what does it mean to become a parent when a woman does/did not wish to. Otherwise, the protagonists of the two books are quite different.

Lessons in Chemistry includes such a wonder box of treasures. Why is there a dog named 6:30 of all things? What will you think of his tragedy early in the book but his vigilance afterwards? Will you enjoy his empathy and understanding along with his understanding of a wide vocabulary? What would lead a baby to be named Mad? What are ergs doing in the story?

Readers become intimately acquainted with the idiosyncratic Elizabeth Zott. She is a woman placed in the wrong time by history. It is the 1950s into the 60s. She WANTS to be a chemist and a working woman who is respected but the times challenge her. Look for her work around to solve this.

Lessons in Chemistry refers, in part, to the science of cooking. What leads Elizabeth to be the host of TV cooking show? She is no Julia Child to be sure.

I loved this book! There were times when I laughed out loud. Anyone who may have found the transition to a life full of baby demands will know what Elizabeth is experiencing. There were many moments when I felt for the characters as they tried to get through their lives.

I highly recommend this title. Let me know what you think.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Strikingly relevant…Darkly funny and poignant…Lessons in Chemistry’s excellent experiment [is] quirky and heartwarming.”—The Atlantic

An Awesomely Fun Guide to the World of Finance!

by Heidi Fiedler

#TheKnowNonsenseGuidetoMoney #NetGalley

In my opinion, every child should have access to this title. It will help them to develop a most important life skill, understanding where money comes from and its importance. There are many colorful engaging illustrations along the way and the text is involving, not dry. Children will learn about why and how we use currency, credit cards, bitcoin and more. They will find out what purpose banks serve, what writing a check means, how one can invest and many other things. This title truly provides a basic financial literacy course in easy and digestible form. This is just what kids need, even if they do not know that was the case; they soon will.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Walter Foster, Walter Foster Jr Books for this title. All opinions are my own.

A Novel

by Lian Dolan

I very much enjoyed this novel and recommend it to those who are looking for a story with a protagonist whom they will enjoy getting to know and, even better, Paris! Some background: Joan is the daughter of an artist and model. She has had a bit of difficulty finding her way but is working in a museum that features some of her father’s work. He was in a plane on 9/11 which, of course, drastically altered life for the family. As if that were not enough, Joan’s husband has kept a secret that has destroyed their marriage. Would you do what Joan does? She goes to Paris (!) to visit an old friend and to deliver some art work to a potential customer. Something goes very wrong though. What will Joan do and what will happen to her? Who was that mysterious man with whom she spent time? Will traveling to Paris help Joan to find what she is looking for, both literally and emotionally? Turn the pages of this one to find out.

An added bonus is that Ms. Dolan knows her art. I enjoyed reading about museums and the real life artists mentioned in the novel.

This was an engaging read. I was always hoping for a few more minutes of time to catch up with Joan. I wanted to travel along with her as she visited well-known Paris locations and grew.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for this title. All opinions are mine. This book is published today!

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Dolan spins a story that is both heavy and light, spanning continents and exploring relationships. With a hint of Dan Brown and a splash of Jamie Brenner, this book will appeal to a variety of readers, especially those who enjoy character-driven fiction.” — Booklist

“Dolan’s clever latest…does a fantastic job depicting Joan’s love for her father and heartache over his death. This has a bit more substance than the standard Parisian romp.” — Publishers Weekly

Extraordinary Mothers and Daughters

Stories of Ambition, Resilience, and Unstoppable Love

by Emily Freidenrich

This is a lovely book and one that is certain to be (deservedly) popular. It would make a wonderful Mother’s Day gift or a gift for a new mother who could derive inspiration from those who became moms before her. This title will also be of interest to those who are fascinated by women’s life stories and/or by women in the arts.

Some of the mother-daughter pairings include Ingrid Bergman and Isabella Rosselini; Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross; Phoebe Eprhron and Nora Ephron; Tina Knowles Lawson and her daughters Solange and Beyonce; Nina Simone and Lia Simone Kelly, and many more. For each there is a photo, biographical information and thoughts that the family members have about their relative. Throughout, there are also some floral illustrations.

The pair’s stories are organized into sections. Some of these include

Like Mother, Like Daughter: Following in her footsteps and in her embrace

Side by Side: Mothers and daughters as peers and costars, best friends and biggest fans

To Thine own Self: Reconciling your shadows and finding the light of your own way, and several other chapters as well.

This book is so well designed and a pleasure to read. Go in order or dip in randomly. Readers will enjoy the experience either way.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

From the Publisher

Explore the true stories of iconic mother-daughter duos

From old Hollywood starlets to rock stars to sporting legends, read how these mothers and daughters are inspiring as individuals while supporting each other to reach greater heights.

Featuring collaged portraits by contemporary artist Natasha Cunningham, this keepsake book is the perfect gift to give to your mother or daughter to remind her how extraordinary she is.

Celebrate these iconic family stories in a new and colorful way

Debbie Reynolds, Carrie Fisher, and Billie Lourd	Diana Jiménez Medina and Salma Hayek	Jeon Young-nam and Sandra Oh

Katy Schafer and Hunter Schafer	Solange Knowles, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Tina Knowles

Pirate Adventure

by Lily Murray

In her earlier titles, Ms. Murray invited readers to participate in jungle and space adventures. In this newest book, the adventure is with pirates. In each of these delightfully illustrated books, the author invites children to make up a story. They get to pick characters, people to take with them, modes of transport, problems, solutions and more. Each time a child uses this book, they can make up a new tale.

Encourage your child to use their imaginations and to (maybe) share their story with you or write it down. Hopefully, they will enjoy the autonomy involved in choosing their own adventure and the way in which to tell it.

Many thanks to Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This book will be published on 03 May 22.

by Edward Hirsch

Edward Hirsch is surely qualified to author this title. He has authored a number of books of both poetry and prose. I previously reviewed his 100 Poems to Break Your Heart.

This is an erudite, personal, well-edited collection of poetry ranging from Phyllis Wheatley through Joy Harjo. Just some of the poets whose works are here include Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, Amy Lowell, Marianne Moore, T.S. Eliot, Langston Hughes, Muriel Rukeyser, Gwendolyn Brooks and, John Ashbery among many others. This is truly a college level poetry class in a book. I highly recommend it. The Heart of American Poetry is a title to which I will return again and again.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the Library of America for this title. All opinions are my own. Note that all profits from this title will be used to support the mission of the nonprofit Library of America.

This title will be published on 19 Apr 2022

Many people in the U.S. are familiar with Robin Roberts as she is the face of a popular morning TV show. I don’t usually watch morning TV but was aware of some of Roberts’ story and the challenges she has faced in the past.

In this book, Ms. Roberts is looking forward to each day with hope and optimism. She shares her beliefs and ways of approaching daily life in these pages; she was encouraged to do so by those with whom she was in daily touch during Covid.

The book is divided into sections including The Joy Mindset. Positive on Purpose and, Stronger than You Know. Some of the chapters within these sections include Happiness vs Joy; Give Thanks for the Glass; When Fear Knocks, Let Joy Answer; and Vulnerability is Strength.

Looking for some wisdom with spirituality? If yes, pick this one up. I have enjoyed the timespent with this title. Robin Roberts has given her mind and spirit to this volume.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this title. All opinions are my own.

This title will be published on 12 Apr 2022.

A Timeless Coloring Book

by Katie Vaz

The hardest thing about reviewing this title is that I have an e galley. I really wanted to use some colored pencils and see the results. So, I may well decide to purchase this one when it is released.

Cottagecore is a coloring book that will undoubtedly help people to destress. The drawings are engaging and peaceful. This is a book to enjoy.

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

This title will be published on 19 Apr 2022.