Translated by Nader Khalili

by Rumi

#TheFriendshipPoemsofRumi #NetGalley

If you are not familiar with Rumi, you may want to get to know his writings. Rumi lived in the 1200s but so much of what he wrote resonates today.

In this collection, readers can find Rumi’s views on life, friendship and relationships. The book is illustrated with patterned borders, perhaps reflecting Rumi’s religious beliefs.

I recommend the writings of Rumi. It may take a minute to acclimate to his voice but readers will be left with something to ponder.

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

Marilynne Robinson is a writer who cannot be rushed and the result shows in her beautiful novels. Gilead, the first novel to feature some of the characters in this newest book, was published in 2004. That was followed by Home in 2008, Lila in 2014, and now Jack.

Jack is the “bad boy” of the novels and the one to be featured in this one. The novel follows him as he tries to live his life. In part, the novel tells the story of Jack’s complex relationship with the Black woman with whom he falls in love. Given the historical time period of the novel, readers can be sure that this will be challenging.

Readers of Ms. Robinson’s novels will undoubtedly welcome this novel. However, I think that Jack could be read and would make an impression on readers, even if they have not read the earlier books. They may well want to go back to them though.

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

Some tie ins here. Many years ago, there was a movie made from Flowers for Algernon, there was a recent Perry Mason prequel and All Creatures Great and Small will be on PBS Masterpiece. Otherwise some biography, mystery, fiction and historical fiction. Enjoy.

The Environment

Explore, create and investigate!

by Jonathan Litton

#TheEnvironment #NetGalley

This cheerfully illustrated title provides a good introduction to the environment for grade school readers. They will learn what the environment is, and then about endangered species, greenhouse gases, how to limit a carbon footprint and more. Children will also be invited to complete projects including making your own microhabitats and making a mini greenhouse. There are also some fun quizzes. This book provides a positive resource that will teach children to respect and preserve the world around them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this engaging and thoughtful title.

In my opinion, every book here is a good one in its own way. Enjoy.

A Novel

by Jodi Picoult

#TheBookofTwoWays #NetGalley

Jodi Picoult is a fearless author who writes novels that address social concerns. Last year’s A Spark of Light was about abortion and the book before that, Small Great Things, was about race and privilege. Now, Ms. Picoult takes on what I think is a huge challenge, to write about death, life and the choices that we make. Readers should be aware that, as the story unfolds, there are many, many facts about ancient Egypt, death rites, physics and more.

This is the story of Dawn. Is she named Dawn because of the symbolism of a new day with its new beginning? Could be as each day she has choices to make.

The story begins with Dawn being given the chance to change her life after having been in a plane crash. Instead of going home, given the chance to go any where that she wants, Dawn goes back to Egypt. Egypt is where, in an earlier stage of her life, Dawn was a Ph.D. student and working on excavations. In her Egyptian existence, Dawn was very involved with fellow student Wyatt.

Dawn had left the dig when her mother became ill. This led her to meet Brian, whom she marries, and to her work as a death doula. Readers learn that a death doula serves a similar function to a birth doula; the doula is there to help the client with whatever they need. In this story, readers get to know one such client, Win, very well.

Dawn lives two lives over the course of the book. In one she is in Egypt, while in the other she is in Boston. What existence is the right one for her? Will they converge? How do we each live a meaningful life and also come to experience death? There are the huge questions contained in this novel.

The title of this book carries several meanings. There are two ways that Dawn could live her life. There is also literally a Book of Two Ways, a book that guided the ancient Egyptians at death.

If you are a fan of Ms. Picoult and/or if you are ready to take on some big themes and are happy to have your read interspersed with facts on an academic level, this could be the book for you. I found that this novel made me think. It made me care about the characters so I believe that Ms. Picoult has done it again. She has written that “big” novel.

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