Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too!

This anthology includes brief biographies of many highly accomplished people who have a disability.  In reading this title, kids can read about those who are well known, from Beethoven to Frida Kahlo to Stephen Hawking to Helen Keller and many more.  There are also entries about people whom I never knew before, as for example, the physicist Gustav Kirchhoff and Nabil Shaban, an actor and writer, or lawyer Catalina Devanda or athlete Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah..

Of interest is that the author of this collection herself has a disability.  She introduces her book by sharing a bit of her own story.  The author and those she features shine brightly as they are portrayed in her highly readable style.

Each entry is short and beautifully illustrated, making it very easy for young readers to become engaged.  There are also sections including a glossary and a list of resources.

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

pub date:  July 7, 2020

#IAmNotaLabel #NetGalley

This is a photo of the Jane Austen museum in Chawton.

For some reason, during the corona virus pandemic, I have been spending a lot of time in virtual Italy reading mysteries that are set there.  My guides, until I read this novel, were Donna Leon and her Inspector Brunetti, and Andrea Camilleri and his Detective, Montalbano.  Their novels feature an engaging protagonist, beautiful locations and, VERY IMPORTANT, delicious food.

So, I was curious about this book set in Tuscany and happy to receive an ARC.  I was not disappointed.  This novel, the start of a new series, and its detective, fit right into the sub genre of Italian police stories.

The protagonist of Murder in Chianti is widower and former New York City police detective, Nico.  He has moved to Chianti following the death of his wife, Rita.  Rita has a cousin in Chianti who owns a restaurant, one source of the delicious sounding food in the novel.  Food wise, I would give a lot to get breakfast where Nico does each day.  I also would like to sample some of the alcohol mentioned in the book, especially the red wines.

Around Nico are the police officers who want his help in solving a case, Perillo and Daniele.  The murder of the story has ties with the past.  The victim left Italy a number of years ago and became a successful vintner in California.  Why did he return to Italy?  How does this visit lead to his death?  Who will be hurt as the case is solved?

This was a very readable book and one that I enjoyed.  I recommend adding it to your TBR list.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an hoenst review.  I look forward to the next novel in this seris.

pub date:  July 7, 2020

#MurderinChianti #NetGalley

This is an absolutely adorable book for young children. It gently, sweetly and humorously illustrates ways to be kind. The illustrations are delightful, to the muted side but in a good way. Highly recommended!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this read in exchange for an honest review.

This book may well make you smile. The cartoonist seems to have a very good (and personal) understanding of what it is like to be in one’s 20s and navigating life. There is gentle humor on topics like hair that doesn’t cooperate, not being very tall, and dealing with relationships, schools and many other aspects of life.

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

#ILefttheHouseToday #NetGalley

The publisher of this book, Pen & Sword, previously issued a book called How to Survive in Ancient Egypt. I enjoyed that book so was delighted to have the opportunity to read the ARC of a book on surviving in Ancient Greece. (See archive for a review of the Egypt title).
If you are interested in the subject, this book is a treasure trove. Read about Athenian history and learn how the city was run. Learn more about the religion, the family the system of slavery and more. Find out how women were viewed by men, how children were treated and educated, where to shop, what a house looked like, jobs and more. This book includes so many interesting sections.
If you are a person who enjoys imagining life in other eras, give this book a try. I think that you will be fascinated.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#HowtoSurviveinAncientGreece #NetGalley

There is nothing like the bedtime story ritual for both children and adults. Reading a story together can be the perfect way to end a day.

This book contains eight short, engagingly illustrated stories. They feature simple story lines with animals. There is a lamb whose curiosity separates him from his mom, a rabbit who does not like loud noises, and a mouse who serves as a lighthouse keeper, among others.

Many thanks to NegGalleya nd the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review. Toddler and preschool listeners will enjoy these stories, I think.

pub date:  July 21, 2020

#ATreasuryofGoodNightStories #NetGalley

Fiction and letters from E B White. Is there something here that you would like to read?

I have known Stephen Fry as an actor, having watched an enjoyable series called Kingdom in which he starred. He is also a man with lots of personality. More recently, Mr. Fry has turned his hand to writing. A prior book of his, Mythos, was well received. Now we have this new book which re-imagines a number of Greek myths.
Eight heroes have their stories told here in a series of short chapters. The characters are Perseus, Heracles, Bellerophon, Orpheus, Jason, Atalanta, Oedipus and Theseus. Before starting on his tales, Fry includes helpful resources such as maps and a family tree of the Olympians. There are some helpful entries at the end of the book including a list of characters, monsters, mortals and more.
The book’s introduction sets the tone. The style is conversational and engaging. It is written in a present tense. Frye tells his stories well and with a sense of humor. The text is beautifully illustrated with many paintings.
If you would like to relax and have someone tell you a story, you should enjoy this title. I am eager to see the print copy.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

First off, let me say how much I like this book. It is easy to read, has some wit and is incredibly helpful. I love to write, but while my daughters knew of Oxford commas and FANBOY, I did not. For those who do not know, these are all about the uses of commas. I know that now. That tricky piece of punctuation and others are explicated here. I highly recommend this title to anyone who wants to write better.

Many thanks to the publisher, Callisto, for this read in exchange for an honest review.