I knew who Billy Collins was before receiving this most welcome e galley. As many are aware, he was an American poet laureate. As this year I am trying to read more poetry, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to savor the works in this collection.
What strikes me about the poet and his poems is how accessible and relatable they are and he is. There were so many times when reading this volume that I found myself nodding my head and wanting to share lines with others. Many of the poems relate day to day universal experiences. Throughout, the poet’s sensibility, sensitivity and humor are present.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. It is a special book.
The “Eleanor” of the title is, of course, Eleanor Roosevelt. She had most difficult early years and went on to live a truly remarkable life. How did Eleanor go from a child so alone in the world, an orphan at an early age whose mother ridiculed her and whose father loved her but suffered from alcoholism and an inability to cope with life, to a most admired woman? What was it like to be sent to school in England? What did it mean to have an uncle who was larger than life and a president? To fall in love with an ambitious, pampered cousin who could not be faithful and who also had serious health challenges? How did Eleanor go from an insecure young woman to a woman who was among the most admired in the world, a surrogate for Franklin and a first lady throughout WWII? Who did she lean on and love once she knew that Franklin had affections elsewhere?
All of these questions come under the scrutiny of Mr. Michaelis who has written an engaging and very readable biography of Eleanor. It covers her whole life and finds the sweet space between a serious biography and an absorbing read. I recommend it highly.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.
In my opinion, Val McDermid is one of the very best authors of mystery/police procedurals/suspense who is writing today. Her stand alone novel, A Place of Execution is extraordinary. She has another great one in The Vanishing Point. Then, of course, there are Ms. McDermid’s many series. The oldest are the Lindsay Gordon and Kate Brannigans and then there are the Tony Hill and Carol Jordans. However, my favorite series is the one featuring Karen Pirie. So, I was THRILLED to receive the ARC of Still Life from NetGalley. It absolutely dis not disappoint.
Karen Pirie is a DCI who is in charge of historical cases that generally have a connection in the present. She is based in Scotland although in this book she travels afield, including a trip to Paris. Each novel in the series has several story lines that come together. There is a lot going on in this one.
The books are perhaps read in order although that is not strictly necessary. That said, long term readers will feel for Karen as the killer of her significant other Phil is released from prison. How will this change both her life and that of the killer? Followers of the series will also enjoy being updated on Karen’s relationship with Hamish and the work of her sidekick Jason.
There are several plots. There is the presumed murder of a Scottish political figure in the past and the fate of his brother in the present. There is a body found in a camper vab that may belong to the artist girlfriend of a road accident victim. There are clues like OUDS, 12N, art works, the fate of a conceptual artist and more.
In less talented hands, plates could get dropped but Ms. McDermid is in fine command of her craft. My only criticism is that now I will have to wait at least a year to spend time with Karen again.
I highly recommend this one! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Get to know some members of a generation that is seeking change and who will inspire many. Those profiled here are trying to fix so much. They want no more massive shootings, a climate that can sustain us, LGBQT rights, to take care of people and so much more. Spend some time reading these inspiring profiles and think about what you can do to improve our lives and world. This is an important book as it reminds us to look further than our own self interest. It is filled with biographies, quotes, wonderful graphics and more. Share it with a young person that you know.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this beautifully illustrated title in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. It is funny and has great cartoonish illustrations. Young reader sleuths will observe as hen panics over her missing egg. What happened?
Hen and her friends, who are anthropomorphized, all react and have their ways of helping with the case. The group is not having success so they call in the goat detective. He has a few problems as he hilariously works to solve the case. Readers should chuckle over what ensues.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review .
This collection includes sixteen stories in all. Some feature characters that may be familiar including Heidi (of the Alps), Alice (of Wonderland),and Dorothy (of Oz). Other featured heroines may be less well known but all have interesting lives in these tales that can be read in any order.
The editor invites girls in as she suggests that they grab snacks, find a comfortable spot and become friends with the girls in these stories. Girls can then go on to enjoy the truly, beautifully illustrated tales that follow. All are adapted from well known classics. Readers can look for longer versions of those that are their favorites.
This book provides a chance to enjoy the wonders of escaping through literature. Share it with a girl you know…either read together or give it to her to enjoy on her own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.
This is a lovely cookbook that is full of delicious sounding recipes. The author begins this title with sections on The Mexican Pantry, Tools and Equipment, Roasting Vegetables and both Corn and Flour Tortillas. Then come the many recipes in categories including soups, mains, salsas and sides, and desserts and drinks.
It’s hard to pick just one from each category as there are so many but here is a sampling. There are Pozole Rojo, Picadillo, Salsa Verde Rostizada, Arroz con Leche and Cafe de Olla.
Those who already love or who would like to explore Mexican flavors at home, will enjoy this cookbook. The photographs are gorgeous and the recipes are clear.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Traditional Home-Style Recipes That Capture the Flavors and Memories of Mexico
by Mely Martínez
#TheMexicanHomeKitchen #NetGalley
This is a lovely cookbook that is full of delicious sounding recipes. The author begins this title with sections on The Mexican Pantry, Tools and Equipment, Roasting Vegetables and both Corn and Flour Tortillas. Then come the many recipes in categories including soups, mains, salsas and sides, and desserts and drinks.
It’s hard to pick just one from each category as there are so many but here is a sampling. There are Pozole Rojo, Picadillo, Salsa Verde Rostizada, Arroz con Leche and Cafe de Olla.
Those who already love or who would like to explore Mexican flavors at home, will enjoy this cookbook. The photographs are gorgeous and the recipes are clear.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title. All opinions are my own.
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 