I alternated between reading and listening to this title. Both gave a good insight into the lives of Nora Barnacle and James Joyce. I did adore the narration and could hear that voice in my head when I was reading the text. The voices are beautifully captured in the audio.

So many find the works of James Joyce to be difficult to understand. It is fascinating to hear this icon simply referred to as “Jim” by Nora. It puts him in some perspective.

When the novel opens, Nora is working as a hotel maid. She meets Joyce on that fateful Bloomsday of June 16th and her life is transformed. Although he will not marry, Nora agrees to leave Ireland with her Jim as they seek a better life in Europe. It soon becomes clear that finding this life will not be easy. Readers become part of these characters’ worlds as their lives unfold.

Nora and Jim are earthy, bawdy lovers and their relationship is described in some detail. This adds to the aliveness and intensity of the characters and I feel belongs in the book. It is possible that some will wish for less of this description though.

I recommend this historical novel for its characterizations, details and keen look at the lives of these two well known Irish lovers. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.

The Great Gatsby: A Graphic Novel Adaptation

A Graphic Novel Adaptation

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby is perhaps one of the greatest of American novels. It is one that is often read in high school but there is something to be said about rereading this book as an adult.

This graphic version of the novel can be enjoyed both by those new to TGG and by those who are revisiting the novel. The essence of the story is here. The illustrations are clever and definitely complement and enhance the story line. I liked that the text was creatively placed on the pages to best go with the drawings and add additional meaning.

Following the end of the novel, there is a good note by the author. It talks about how he came to work on the book.

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

Below are some thoughts from the last time I read this book for a class.

Chances are that you read The Great Gatsby when you were in high school. If some time has passed since your first reading of the novel, I urge you to read it again. I had read TGG when I was in college and had not thought about it too much since, except to recall that the paper I wrote on it got me my first A from a tough professor. Well, this was the last novel that we read in my summer Currents in the Modern Novel class and it was a stunner.

Start with the title…was Jay Gatsby great? Is the title genuine or meant to be ironic? Lots of discussion on this in class. What makes someone great? Is it their accomplishments? Is it who someone is inherently? What does it mean to have money? Does it make a difference as to whether it is “old” or “new?” Is it okay to “carelessly” take the things that one wants in life? What does it mean to be a “careless” driver? How do we organize our lives around dreams? What does it mean as these play out? Are dreams illusions?

There was also lots of discussion about capitalism in class. Is the novel an indictment of the capitalist system? Some critics say yes while others say Fitzgerald did not intend that. Your opinion?

I was more moved by Jay Gatsby after I finished the novel this time. Will you be? spend time with Jay, Nick (is he an unreliable narrator?), Daisy, Tom and Jordan and then let me know.

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Captain Tom Moore became quite famous in England during Covid. At a rather old age, he completed a challenge and raised a great deal of money for the NHS. Young readers will learn that he wanted to thank the NHS for help hat was given to him after a fall.

Tom is portrayed as a person on the move, from his first steps through military service to his famous Covid help walks. He is seen as a man of character, friendship and loyalty. What a role model for young children!

This adorably illustrated title is another wonderful entry in this series. I recommend it.

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

Learn How to Draw 75 Cats in All Their Glory

by Olive Yong

Kawaii is a style of art that is adorable and endearing, whatever its subject. That said, those who love cats are certain to enjoy this title. It features felines at play, being curious, eating and more. Those who spend time with this book will learn how to draw many delightful cats. Each of them, as for example, the observer or the runner is broken down into easy to follow steps for making one’s own drawing. The book even includes a couple coloring pages at the end. Plus, I enjoyed the cartoons. All in all, a great resource for cat doodlers.

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

Pub Date 09 Feb 2021  

For Those Who Work or Watch or Weep

by Tish Harrison Warren

This title offers a personal look at a prayer. It begins at a difficult moment in the writer’s life. The author, an Anglican priest, opens her book with a very moving account of a pregnancy loss that led to a potential loss of faith and a trip to the emergency room. In that moment, she and her husband, also a priest, recited a prayer of Compline, relying on a practice with a long historical timeline to sustain them. Having such words at hand provided a connection that was essential. The author moves broadly from this incident to the role of nighttime prayer over the course of this book.

This title acknowledges the ways in which we feel smaller at night, more vulnerable and more frightened. The Compline prayer can add something beautiful and comforting to life at these times. Prayer as ritual is acknowledged and the author takes a deep dive into the individual concepts of the Anglican nighttime prayer. She is an excellent companion and a thoughtful one.

Readers are invited to go on a journey with the author. Those, both Christian and not, will take something away from this thought provoking and moving read.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
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by Liesbet Slegers

This cheerfully illustrated book clearly explains what happens when a child goes to see the optometrist. Everything is carefully detailed and presented in a non-scary and interesting way. This book offers a wonderful chance to let your child know what to expect at their appointment. Read it before going. It is quite well done.

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

Pub Date 06 Apr 2021  

by Abbey Williams

This book about all kinds of families has the most vibrant and engaging illustrations! The text celebrates all kinds of families, those formed by adoption, straight or gay couples, single parent families and those that are blended. Plus other kinds of families are included too. There are foster families and extended families for example. All are presented as equally loving and valid options.

This title also includes concepts about family. There are entries on traditions, joy, unconditional love and more.

Having worked in adoption, I am mildly critical of the entry for “A.” I would have preferred a description other than that of a child being “given” to the adoptive parents. Why not say something about the birth parents making a plan for their child’s adoption? They feel excluded here.

All in all, this book provides a good look at the many ways that adults and children come together. It will help children to broaden their concept of what a family is.

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

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021  

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

Feisty, talented, outspoken Megan Rapinoe is the latest little person with a big dream in thisseries of short biographies for young children. Kids will hopefully be inspired by this amazing soccer player and activist. I know that I was!

There are interesting facts for kids here. For example, Megan is a twin and she had a brother with whom she loved to play soccer. Readers will also learn that Megan felt different from others growing up and that soccer was a refuge for her. It also provided her with a college scholarship. This book also touches on Megan’s identifying as gay and her belief in rights for all.

The illustrations in this title are sprightly and fun. They add to the accompanying text. All in all, an excellent entry in this long running series.

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

Pub Date 02 Feb 2021