#EscapingDreamland #NetGalley

I have adored every book that I have read by Charlie Lovett and this title is no exception. It is so clear that this author loves all things book related. Each novel has a connection to something literary: in First Impressions, for example, it is Jane Austen and there is generally a dual time line.

Escaping Dreamland is another winner! This novel is a love letter to series books and New York. Any one who ever read Nancy Drew or the Hardy Boys and loved going from one title to the next will relate to the protagonist and the power of reading as expressed in this novel. I liked that there was credit given to those books that are not “great,” but are greatly loved.

In the dual timeline, much of the book takes place in the early 1900s and just before. Readers get to marvel at the Statue of Liberty when it was new and visit an artists studio that is frequented by the famous bankers and writers of the day, including Henry James.

The three protagonists in the past represent different cultures and childhood experiences. How they come together and what they do is one of the story lines. The modern parts of the novel are about a writer, his relationships, his struggles and his relationship to his beloved childhood series.

I absolutely loved this book. I am already longing for the next book by this author.

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

Who Gets In and Why

A Year Inside College Admissions

by Jeffrey Selingo

My children have been out of college for a while now but I still find the whole college admissions process to be fascinating. As a sociology major, I feel that there are great research projects to be done on the subject.

About twenty years ago, an author named Steinberg published a book called The Gatekeepers. Who Gets In and Why strikes me very much as an updated look at the issues addressed in that earlier title.

What readers will learn is that college admissions is a complex entity. Those who are naive may think admissions is all about rewarding the best or most hardworking students but that is not really the case. There are so many facets of the school’s own agendas that influence who does or does not get the coveted “yes” letter. Readers need only think of Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman to know just how true that is.

In this book, Mr. Selingo looks at the process from the perspectives of three different types of institutions, a private and a public university and also a liberal arts college. The result makes for a fascinating read.

College admissions will no doubt be affected by the Corona virus with questions about what will happen to campus life and more. Nonetheless this book provides a keen insight into what has been happening in higher education.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Ernest Shackleton

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara

#ErnestShackleton #NetGalley

Just looking at the cover of the latest entry in this excellent series makes me smile. Young Ernest invites young readers into his world in this well illustrated book.

Children learn early on that Ernest’s family had lived in the same village for over 150 years! How far away did his interest in exploration take him? How did he do it? Well, the author notes that Shackleton had four important qualities that would serve him well; optimism, patience, idealism and courage. He also knew that it was important for people to work as a team. Off Shackleton went one day with men, dogs and more including a cat named Mrs. Chippy to go on an amazing voyage. Readers learn that there was adversity and a need for courage in the journey. How did it end? Readers will enjoy finding out!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. This book is an inspiring entry for youngsters who dream of adventure.

Food Faces

A Board Book

by Deanna F. Cook

#FoodFaces #NetGalley

This is absolutely the most adorable book and I recommend it highly. Who knew that food could be so entertaining?

This title brings new meaning to play with your food! The youngest children will enjoy seeing the fun animals that are created from common foods like bread, cheese or strawberries. There are cows, kittens, monkeys, pigs and more!

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

The Transforming Friendship of Dorothy L. Sayers and C. S. Lewis

by Gina Dalfonzo

#DorothyandJack #NetGalley

Dorothy Sayers is well known for her series of Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries. Jack (more formally known as C.S. Lewis) wrote the classic children’s series which includes the beloved The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe.

Dorothy and Jack shared a love of writing but there was more. Each was also very interested in the Christian religion. In addition, the author of this title notes that both were intelligent and well-educated with each having attended Oxford. The introduction to this book details many other ways that the two had things in common and yet were different. For example, Dorothy had a better relationship with her parents while Jack had the happier marriage. (See Becoming Mrs. Lewis for a fictional account of his relationship.)

This book tells the story of the evolving relationship between the two. It began when Sayers wrote to Lewis and continued until her death. They met on occasion but, luckily for readers, they corresponded largely through letters.

Readers will learn a lot about both Jack and Dorothy in this book. If you are a fan of theirs, this title is worth a look.

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

There are a couple here that I have reviewed; Queen Bee and The Long Call. I’ve also read enjoyed Busman’s Honeymoon. Everyone seems to like The Dry and I have heard great things about the TJ Kline title. Enjoy.

Get Your Yoga On

30 Days to Build a Practice That Fits Your Body and Your Life

by Kino MacGregor

#GetYourYogaOn #NetGalley

This book looks like a great reference for those who would like to begin a yoga practice. The author suggests starting with just five minutes a day as one learns thirty basic yoga poses. Just a few of those included are the Downward Facing Dog, the Locust Pose, the Pigeon Pose and the Pendant Rose.

The author presents yoga as something that everyone can do, not just the most svelte and fit among us. She provides a history of yoga at the beginning of the book. Next come suggestions of ways to best practice yoga and then, of course, the poses.

With many photos, following the directions is pretty easy. That is not the same as saying that the poses are easy but, of course, practice is at the heart of yoga.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

An ABC of Equality

by Chana Ginelle Ewing

#AnABCofEquality #NetGalley There was no book like this when I was growing up. This is a modern, social justice based ABC. While its board book format makes this a book for toddlers to look at, the concepts are more sophisticated and for (slightly) older children…or the book can grow with your child. A few examples: D is for Difference, G is for Gender, P is for Privilege, etc. Each concept is explained in a positive way. The illustrations are bright, appealing and inclusive. This book is a good resource for opening discussion about how people treat one another. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review.

by Matt Nelson

#ThoughtsofDog #NetGalley

Pub date: October 27, 2020

This most sweetly illustrated title tells about the daily life of a dog (who seems much like a toddler), his “fren,” who is a stuffed elephant and their human. There are some adventures at home as well as in the wider world. There are movie nights, trips to the beach, a special sharing of the elephant on a bad day and more. Readers will also be delighted to share holidays including July 4th and Halloween with this appealing dog friend.

Readers who are looking for a quick escape will enjoy spending time in the pretty good world of dog and his friends.

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