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The Story of Florence Merriam Bailey

by Andrea D’Aquino

This beautifully illustrated children’s book tells the story of Florence Merriam Bailey. She was a child who loved nature and who was lucky enough to have parents who valued exposing her to the world around her. Florence especially loved birds. She studied them and did all that she could to ensure that they were allowed to live. Florence gave people tools for seeing and thinking about avian life that did not involve taking feathers for hats or shooting birds for sport.

This book, which also has some resources and additional information at the back, may be enjoyed by young children who are interested in the environment. Those who also love Miss Rumphius may enjoy this title.

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

Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021

Cloud Cuckoo Land is probably one of the most anticipated and hyped books to be released this fall. It is a novel that will intrigue, challenge and be long remembered by its readers.

Anthony Doerr is incredibly intelligent in how he has crafted his story. He also demonstrates a deep knowledge of mythic tales and history as he tells a story that begins with an ancient text that binds the entire narrative together. This is the myth of Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Doerr’s novel takes place in Constantinople in the 1400s during a siege, in the U.S. in recent history (going back before the Korean War and moving to now), and in a distant future. Each of these worlds is so vividly portrayed and each is unique. The feat of creating these disparate worlds that feel so real is worthy of praise.

The characters who populate these eras are richly vivid and readers will ache for them. They include Omeir and Anna who are on the opposite sides of Constantinople’s ramparts, Zeno and Seymour in the present, and Konstance in the future. Each has those to whom they are connected, along with worries and concerns. Readers may well have favorite characters. I admired Anna but found myself most drawn to Konstance.

There were times when I wanted to discard this novel. The pain of some of the characters felt like too much. Nonetheless I kept going as I wanted very much to understand how the plot strands would join. Of course, they are all reading the same ancient text but there will be more.

Anthony Doerr loves libraries and this is clear throughout the story. The magic, knowledge and anchor that they bring to their patrons is made most evident. In fact, the novel is dedicated to librarians.

Cloud Cuckoo Land is not All the Light We Cannot See. It is its own work and will be judged on its merits. It is a book that will make many of its readers think and care deeply. I highly recommend it.

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

by Jeannie Chin

Includes a bonus novella

If you enjoy books by Robyn Carr or Debbie Macomber, you may want to take a look at this romance. It has the small town vibe of these other authors. There are also some “will opposites attract?” elements to the story.

Meet June, who is Chinese American, and Clay, a war vet trying to fulfill a friend’s dream. Each is hoping for success for their business. Both are very motivated. Will they help each other? Will they get the financial security that they need? Will they fall in love.? Read this one to find out.

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

The Malory is free.

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www.nytimes.com/2021/09/24/books/review/anthony-doerr-cloud-cuckoo-land.html

This has spoilers. I have my review on the blog.

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Write. Draw. Reflect.

by Matilda Tristram

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.

Four stars

From the Publisher

A unique insight into recording your daily life and embracing the ordinary through comic art

The 52 sections in the book can be completed in any order. Start with a prompt that appeals to you. If you find any subject particularly inspiring, do continue with it outside of this book.

Or you might find that some of the starter subjects don’t appeal as much, in which case use those sections to continue with other narratives that you are enjoying. You could ignore the frames provided and divide your pages differently, if you like, with similar or larger boxes. It will be a record of your life that grows with you.

As I got further into writing and drawing this book, I noticed my drawings improving. It’s tempting to start again at the beginning and redo the whole thing – but that’s just what happens with drawing, and with any kind of creative art: the way you work will always develop and change.

ME / MY HOME

Take inspiration from yourself and your immediate surroundings, from everyday rituals, activities or spaces, to objects or garments that mean something to you. Enjoy thinking about how each experience or thing makes you feel and write those fragments down.

ME / MY HOME

THE WORLD AROUND YOU

MODERN LIFE

FAMILY & FRIENDS