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

A few more choices for today.  Meet Me at the Museum is one that I owuld like to read.  There will be a tv series of the Korelitz novel.

Women’s fiction including historical fiction and a thriller in Reconstructing Amelia, a mystery, a free DH Lawrence title, the story of a vet (and basis for a tv series) and a book on the history of religion by a very well known scholar.  Pretty good choices in my opinion.  See my archive for a review of The Grace Kelly Dress.  I enjoyed it.

A family story, a women’s fiction title, a couple of mysteries, and American classics with one for children and one for adults.  The Baum book is free.

This book has such sweet and fun illustrations.  The text tells the story of a young girl going to her karate class.  Many aspects of karate are clearly explained in the text by the author, a karate champion herself.

This book provides an excellent introduction to what a student can expect if they start lessons. There are rules and discipline along with co-operation, fun and learning.

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

Pub date:  May 5, 2020

Sometimes it can be nice for kids to do something that is not screen related when traveling. This book reminds me of the kinds of amusements that were available before ipads; there is a place for this kind of book that I think will keep kids entertained while at home or on the go. This fun looking book is filled with activities and puzzles. There are spot the difference puzzles, matching games, mazes, dot to dots, coloring, quizzes and more. The activities are packed into a brightly illustrated book sure to provide hours of fun. Think about this book for a child you know who is in early to mid elementary school.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

Sophie and her Dad are invited to Olive’s birthday party. They get ready by dressing up and making food to bring with them. When it is time to attend the party, how do they get there? They go by elevator!
As Sophie and her dad make their way to the tenth floor, the elevator gets pretty crowded! Young listeners will enjoy the exuberant illustrations as everyone squeezes in. When they arrive, there is a good party.
That’s it. This is a simple but fun book that young listeners will enjoy. The illustrations show a diverse group of people who enjoy being together. That is an added bonus of this title that is geared toward young children.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this cute read in exchange for an honest review.

From the publisher:

I found this to be an absolutely brilliant book. John Carey, an Oxbridge professor, is an erudite guide to learning about poems and poetry. But, he is not only an intelligent guide, he has written a book where I wanted to keep turning the pages.
This book encompasses the history of poetry from the earliest epics, such as The Gilgamesh Epic, and moves through the centuries, ending in chapter 40 with modern poets including Maya Angelou and Mary Oliver. I could list so many, many of the included poets but will pick just ten to give an idea of what the book contains: Homer, Dante, Donne, Milton, Wordsworth, Eliot, Pound, Elizabeth Bishop, Auden and Stevie Smith.
To give an example of the flavor of this title, chapter one is about the Gilgamesh Epic. The story itself is clearly recounted but the author gives so much more than this; for example, there is discussion about how this story relates to other biblical tales and poetry’s depictions of death as a central issue for all. This expansiveness leaves the reader with much food for thought.
Professor Carey sees that music and poetry are analagous; one gives us the best of noise while the other may give us the best of words. (This is my understanding of what he said).
I recommend this book most highly. Even before our current crisis, 2020 was becoming the year of exploring poetry for me. This book will enhance my understanding and experience as I continue my journey..
Many, many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book in exchange for an honest review. I found it to be a special book.

This book is geared towards Christian readers but you do not have to be Christian to take in its messages of how to live life, ways to cope and acceptance. There are short entries with something to think about in each. If you would like to start or end your day thinking about the big issues (often manifested in small ways), this may be a title for you.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

#YouBelong #NetGalley

From the publisher:

The story of Alan Turing is beautifully told in this new title in the Little People, Big Dreams series. Nothing is glossed over as the story is told not only about the breaking of the Engima code but also Turing’s being gay and the way that he was treated in England.
Readers of this title who may feel a bit alone or different will be encouraged by learning about all that Alan did, after he faced the loss of a person very important to him. This book could be a great jumping off point for talking with a child.
Alan’s story is told in a matter of fact style. The illustrations are lovely, expressive and greatly enhance the text.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read a book in one of my favorite series.

From the publisher:

Little Alan was a boy from London who grew away from his parents. He was so shy and inward that nobody expected much from him. But sometimes that’s just the kind of people who do the things no one can imagine.

The first thing that you (or a child) will notice is that this book contains not a single word of text.  The pictures tell the story and convey both what is happening and the emotions of the characters.

This is a tale about becoming a family and how a family may not always look as we expect.  The crane is caring for an egg; the bird is upset when the egg falls out of the nest…a spoiler (the egg survives).  Enjoy the surprise of seeing who hatches and the relationship that ensues.

I like that this book has no text.  Because of this a child and adult can tell the story and talk about it.

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

Pub date:  August 15, 2020