I know that the novels of Fredrik Backman have been incredibly well received by readers, yet I had never read one of his novels before coming to Anxious People. This book is an excellent read with a unique authorial voice and an understanding of both its characters and the universality of some aspects of the story. There are so many quotes that I will remember from this book.
The novel’s story arc has to do with a robbery, but one that never really happened. It is more about the people who happened to be affected by it, simply because of where they were at a particular moment in time. Readers get to know each of them well. There is humor and tugging at heart strings as readers make their way through the short chapters.
One of my favorite books is Bel Canto which also has as its premise the taking of hostages. This one is quite different but both are memorable and worth the reader’s time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
I have read and reviewed two of these titles and want to read the others.
On Carnegie’s Maid:
Imagine that your family sends you (alone) to the U.S. because of financial hardship in Ireland and you will need to support your relatives back home. Imagine that you are able to take on someone else’s identity to become the servant of Andrew Carnegie’s mother. Will you be found out? Will your position be secure? These are among the premises of this richly detailed historical novel. Relationships between upstairs and downstairs, specifically between Clara and Andrew Carnegie are a major part of this novel. Read it too to learn more about the business world and women’s roles in the post Civil War U.S. Overall, an enjoyable read.
On Lady Clementine
Lady Clementine is a wonderful historical novel and one that I highly recommend. As can be seen from the title, it is the story of Clementine Churchill, wife of Winston. The story is told in Clementine’s voice and Ms. Benedict inhabits that so well that, while reading, I truly felt that Clementine was telling her story. The book focuses quite a bit on WWII but there was much before that in Clementine’s biography and these earlier times also captured the author’s attention.
Readers learn that Clementine’s childhood was rather insecure and find out why this was so. The losses she experienced and her opportunities to marry before meeting Winston are detailed.
Clementine and Winston had many years together prior to WWII. Readers experience the ups and downs of their relationship, Winston’s political and military woes and their significant family tragedy. Winston’s neediness and strong need for Clementine to be available become quite clear. Readers also witness Clementine’s mental health struggles and the challenges that she faced as a mother. Throughout there is the lens of Clementine finding her own voice and her desire to be appreciated and recognized for the incredible woman that she was.
I give this novel 5 stars, something that I rarely do. I recommend it that highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for this read in exchange for an honest review.
This accessible title for kids is a fine survey on many aspects of music’s production from its beginnings over 40,000 years ago to today. Ways in which music has evolved includes everything from the materials used to make instruments, to how we listen. For example, in the past, one had to be physically present to hear music. This evolved over time to radio, records and life now where any musical piece can be located through one’s computer or other device like an ipad. This evolution is the subject of much of this short title.
Understand more about why you like certain music. Find out the name and story of the “Man” who “changed music forever.” There are short playslists included as well as a timeline and glossary.
This book provides an intriguing, easy way for children to understand more about music’s evolution over time.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
The author of this title feels passionately about the ways in which writing comics can be helpful to the one doing the drawing and captioning. It may also be helpful or inspiring or humorous or…to others if shared. The comic offers a visual way of thinking that can be augmented with text. The cartoon can make a point, evoke emotion, provide catharsis or more.
Ms. Tristram began making comics when she was diagnosed with cancer. Expressing herself with this form was important to her and she shares why this is so.
After a detailed introduction, there are a number of prompts. These are followed by pages where the owner of the book can make their own comics. She shares her own on each subject and these help to put budding artists in the spirit to create.
For those who are looking for ways to express themselves, this book may be quite intriguing. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sharing it. All opinions are my own.
There were many things that I liked about this book:
The illustrations that are bright and vibrant
The diversity in the illustrations with people of different races and also showing a male nurse. Often children think that only females can be nurses.
The descriptions of some of the jobs that a nurse might do and the different patients that they may help.
My one niggle: The nurses are all clearly taking orders from the doctors. Of course this is what happens but, in the real world, I think that nurses use their voice and expertise more. Some of what is described sounds like jobs that a nurse’s aid might do.
Still, I recommend this title overall. It demystifies the nurse’s work and what it is like to be in the hospital. It may inspire some to become nurses in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
A Big Activity Book for Kids about the Amazing United States
by Nicole Claesen
#Funwith50States #NetGalley
Readers of my blog know that I am a fan of activity books. I think that it is helpful to offer children activities that use crayons and pencils, not just screens. Activity books can also be great sources of entertainment when kids are spending long hours in cars or other forms of transportation.
This activity book on the fifty states is an excellent one for its age group. There is a section of interesting facts for each state, always followed by an activity. It could be a code to break or a word search puzzle or a spot the difference challenge, or maybe a maze or matching game, to give just some examples. Information is also included on each state’s capital, population, region, when it acquired statehood, state flower and bird and state nickname.
Let a child you know have the chance to learn about the U.S. while being entertained.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
From the publisher:
Turn your road trip into an interactive adventure with 100 activities+ to learn about the states and territories while having fun! Activities include word searches, matching games, mazes, and more!
Become a code-cracker and reveal fascinating facts!
Get creative while learning about state flags!
Put your navigations skills to the test with awesome mazes!
![Marie Benedict Historical Fiction Bundle by [Marie Benedict]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51Y1sI0p8RL.jpg)
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 