I was reading an article the other day about a bookstore in our community called Phoenix Books that had been around for 43 years. It is located in SanI was reading an article the other day about a bookstore in our community called Phoenix Books that had been around for 43 years. It is located in San Luis Obispo, CA for anyone who might be considering coming to visit one day. They are also proud of their online presence. Still, back to their brick-and-mortar reality. That is amazing, when you consider this store has overcome big box stores and the pandemic. One of the comments said by an enthusiastic patron was…
“People love books. They are repositories of knowledge. They will never go out of style.”
That is so true. And, that is what we can say about bookstores, too. We love the feel and experience of being in a bookstore. The smell of it. Going down the aisles. Looking at all the stacks and shelves of books available at our fingertips. In many ways it is almost orgasmic. (Please excuse my enthusiasm, here!)
So, why not read a book about bookstores? Not that readers haven’t read books about bookstores before. But this one wants to tell us a different story about bookstores, in a way. Like the importance of the UPS driver (devoted to delivering books), or Benjamin Franklin (he amassed books for discussion), or how Jeff Bezos created Amazon Books (a different way of selling books). A distinct perspective look, at bookstores.
It even has a story about the tuxedo cat, WonTon who presided over a store (Chop Suey) in Richmond, Virginia that made its’ debut in Gary Shteyngart’s 2018 novel, “Lake Success.”
Of course, many of us who love books about bookstores, have read lots of stories about cats in bookstores. And, to be quite honest, I believe, it intrigues us. It also appeals to the heart in us. We are attracted to the stories – especially if cats are on the cover and are incorporated as a part of the story, too. Dogs on covers and within the story will captivate us, too.
Mostly, this is the story of how much we as readers hunger for knowledge within books. Just like what the enthusiastic patron of one of my community bookstores said above. Does that mean we need this book to give us this?
It definitely is a vigorous defense of books, and I love that about it. And, it has its fun little facts in history, too. But is it a great read?
Well…I think it is anecdotal, and interesting, and somewhat thought-provoking, thoughtful and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of an all right read.
Or…maybe a fun in-between book while reading the novel you are attempting to get through.
This children’s book was quite the adventure. Four children crash-land when their pilot suffers a heart attack. They are alone and in peril in the lush Amazon rainforest. How will they manage on their own?
What the author does is provide a rich scene which will mesmerize young readers. Swimming with river dolphins. Discovering a ruined city. Eating bugs. What more could they ask for? Perhaps a mystery in which a map is discovered that the kids can follow?
Readers will enjoy the 4 young characters as they take off on their journey of self-discovery and immense bravery to tackle the unknown. There is a sense of warmth, love, hope and courage that permeates throughout the pages that makes this an enticing read....more
This is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful cThis is a stunning picturesque book that’s illustrations give you a sense of an abstract Paper Mache placement from fabrics to the page in beautiful colors.
The story takes readers to a pond (a small body of still water formed naturally) that explores pond life. Who lives in the pond? What do they do with their day? How do they grow and develop as creatures and/or plants from something small to mature?
The writing is poetic and thoughtful.
The author also provides notes about the animals and plants that inhabit the pond, which makes this a great learning adventure for kids.
This is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within tThis is part of a “baby animal series,” that captures the story of a baby sea otter utilizing an actual photograph of a baby otter throughout within the illustrations. It shares what the otter experiences in the ocean, and what he learns from his mother.
Readers will be captivated by the fun and exploration and learning that the otter experiences.
This is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various lifeThis is a beautifully illustrated story about 2 boys who have the adventure of coming to the ocean. They get to see and listen to all the various life and sounds that it provides.
Readers will be engaged in learning about sea life and sounds that will give them an appreciation of the beauty of ocean life.
This is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whateThis is the story of Wendell, a narwhal, a species of toothed whale that is native to the Arctic. And, Wendell just wants to make music. But for whatever reason he can’t seem to do it like his other fish friends, because of his tusk. Until one day he learns something more about what he can do.
With fun illustrations, kids will learn about how they can be something more.
Being alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But thatBeing alone and being lonely are 2 different things. Sometimes loud sounds or noises may be hard to handle, and so, it is easier to be alone. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you are lonely.
Only, the bird, knows this well. And, thus it becomes confusing for his other bird friends to understand. But Only, the bird, has a way of showing them. And, in so doing, everyone learns about the beauty of savoring alone time, but still having others in your life.
This is a wonderful little illustrated story that helps kids understand the difference between alone and lonely.
There is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a loThere is something on the hill, and it is making field mouse very curious. So, moving through the melting snow, off field mouse goes and collects a lot of friends on the way to find out what could possibly be on the hill.
This is a lovely little picturesque adventure for a lot of forest animals moving together to explore what could be on the hill.
It will be a wonderful reading adventure to guide kids to the various types of animals that live in the forest.
It’s raining outside, what are we going to do? Especially when you are a dog who likes to be outside. How do you get your human to pay attention to yoIt’s raining outside, what are we going to do? Especially when you are a dog who likes to be outside. How do you get your human to pay attention to you?
In this mostly wordless book filled with many different picture scenes, this dog will do anything – and the human is left to oblige. Can the boy go from a frown to a smile with the dog as they venture out?
“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motle“Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day.” – Dylan Thomas
As readers, our first introduction to this motley crew of senior citizens (for the most part) is when they are being commandeered by an officer of the law. Everyone has an opportunity to release their reasons for the officer to want to take them in. What kind of past are they hiding from, that all these guilty voices would be rising in this calamitous moment?
“How could you create a future when you had no past you would admit to?”
As it turns out, they all have come to the local senior center to find companionship. Told in multiple P.O.V.’s everyone has their own story and reason for wanting to find others. If nothing else, other than to overcome their own sense of loneliness as they recognize their advanced age and uncertain purpose at this stage of their lives. And, some come with a spectacular attitude.
“Where’s the fun in aging gracefully? Personally, I intend to age as disgracefully as possible.” (Hence: the title of the book!)
But as we connect with their inner lives, we watch how things change for them as they connect with each other. And, our curiosity as readers, especially with that introductory prologue, makes us wonder, who were they really before they were the people they are now?
They are on a mission to save their senior center. And, these gallant six geriatric individuals, along with a young man, an infant and child with his own issues…including a sweet dog named Margaret Thatcher, (or versions of that name) make their own splash into the hearts of readers.
Still, in some ways, it was difficult to fully engage with the plot. The characters weren’t always likable, or even always liking each other (in the beginning) and it took some time to connect with them. But eventually there were moments, out-loud-laugh moments, that made it easier to appreciate and understand them.
This may be a book that readers will just want to sit back, take it in, relax with it, and watch the trouble the characters seem to make. And not take yourself to seriously while enjoying the reading experience.
What happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? DWhat happens when you and your husband decide to be responsible for a sanctuary for elephants and rhinos, and then you find yourself suddenly alone? Do you give up on the dream or continue it? This was something the author had to face when her beloved husband passed away suddenly, and she was left to manage their Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa.
Her story provides something for wildlife lovers to truly appreciate as she shares the ongoing conservation saga.
Filled with personal stories, it is refreshing to read about the amazing creatures that inhabit our world, and the watchful care she and her staff provide to them, especially when under threat to poachers.
The author also includes photographs to add to the storytelling and connection readers will experience through her story.
Readers will no doubt feel touched, moved and amazed by the perseverance and responsibility and challenges of this life that are showcased throughout the book.
Her husband wrote, “The Elephant Whisperer,” that gave insights into their mission, but this book can be read as a stand-alone. Review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ...more
I understand this might be the first in the “Knockemout” series, which means readers can read this as a stand-alone.
This is a character-driven story,I understand this might be the first in the “Knockemout” series, which means readers can read this as a stand-alone.
This is a character-driven story, with main characters Knox and Naomi the ones readers will be watching most. It can be “spicy” so be prepared for this, as well.
So, how best to describe…
Riveting. Romantic. Steamy. Emotional roller-coaster (may be the reader, as much as the characters!). Likable characters. Great escape. Comfort read.
The book (which could have been paired down a 100-pages or more) still captured the heart and essence of small-town charm, a drama with twists and turns, and characters you truly wanted to enjoy and hope the best for as they worked through their life challenges.
Despite the rushed ending and a plot line that didn’t always feel realistic, readers can’t help but be taken in by the heart-felt, feel-good feeling experienced being in these characters orbit....more
Yesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that tYesterday, I picked this one up on my weekly visit to my local library. And, I was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of it.
This is a story…that takes few words. But those few words and charming illustrations show the importance of reading, libraries and books. It is so beautifully written, I felt myself mesmerized as I turned pages slowly. And, as I looked at the pictures, I imagined what each child must be feeling as they studied and experienced the pages, and read the words, or had them read for them, before turning to the next page.
Honestly, this one is a keeper, parents! Teachers, please include this one in your classroom, because this truly…is a story worth reading!
Please take time to read the last page of the book which is the copyrights page which names all the book covers that were illustrated throughout this story.
I love when an author has a purposeful name for their book, and we as readers get to spend some time with it trying “Where you are is where I belong.”
I love when an author has a purposeful name for their book, and we as readers get to spend some time with it trying to figure out what and why it was named the way it was, like this one.
With this book, could it be because Rafe and Jeremy as friends 15 years ago, got lost in the forest, and thus, as the lost boys, something changed because they were gone?
Or, could it have been when they were found, Rafe came back with no memory of what had happened to him, and thus he lost his story?
And, how will those two points even make sense to readers without continuing to turn pages?
Or, when Emilie came to Jeremy to find her sister, since now that is what Jeremy does, find lost girls, that perhaps they might have lost their stories, too?
Or, will Emilie’s entrance into the story be a catalyst to unraveling the mystery to Rafe and Jeremy, and possibly more?
Or, is there something about the forest of Red Crow that makes one wonder that maybe that is where stories end up? Lost?
Or, is there another mystery within this story that is bigger than we ever thought possible?
Well, I’d like to believe that with this little enriching, fairy tale of magic and mystery and love and (possibly) lost stories, it will capture readers in a way that makes those reading want to turn pages until answers are found.
And, because this is a story of unusually talented boys, now grown up, readers will undoubtedly want to know more about the main characters, Rafe and Jeremy’s back stories. And, will most likely be curious about the sisters, who are (possibly) lost and maybe…? (To say more would be a spoiler, and that is not my thing.)
I believe this is a story that is beautifully, and artfully told. With prose that guides readers through a unique magical realm that makes it hard to put this book down. And, that is what makes Shaffer such an exquisite storyteller.
The question remains, can we hope for a HEA ending? (Again, if you are looking for spoilers, you have come to the wrong place! ☺️) Just, take your chance on a little adult fairy tale.
Lastly...There may be some triggers within this story that are not always seen but may be alluded to (while some are obvious): domestic and family violence, adoption, depression, mental illness, death of parents, implied gay character....more
If you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, readers just might find themselves attracted to Isaiah Quintabe, better known as IQ, a 26-year-old African AmericIf you are a fan of Sherlock Holmes, readers just might find themselves attracted to Isaiah Quintabe, better known as IQ, a 26-year-old African American “private eye.” He takes on cases the police are less likely to involve themselves in. And, he is the star protagonist of this novel, which is this author’s debut.
Isaiah is a bit moralistic, who happened to love his older beloved brother named Marcus. This will be important for readers to understand because what occurred, molds IQ’s character.
We begin, when the author takes readers directly into a crime in progress. There is an obvious creepy guy with nefarious ideals towards an innocent teenage girl. And then there is IQ, a bystander witness. He goes into action with his deductive skills, recognizing that a possible crime is in process. He has interesting ways of processing this scene, and, quite the tools in his “toolchest” to thwart the crime.
Of course, IQ won’t stick around for the hero status, he’s not interested in the credit or the accolades. This is another aspect of IQ’s character that makes him so likable.
So, what happened in IQ’s past that makes him want to right the wrongs for the locals? What happened to Marcus? And what happened in IQ’s past that brought him to become this present kind of Los Angeles private investigator who is gifted like Sherlock Holmes?
While readers contemplate this through their swift turning of pages, a case comes. And it involves someone who needs help, and perhaps some dogs. Is this a take on the Hound of the Baskervilles? If it involves protecting a dog, or any dog, I am all in, and I think readers will agree, as well!
Oh, and IQ has a sidekick that is similar to Dr. Watson, of Sherlock Holmes fame, in Juanell Dodson, a war veteran. Readers should just go with it and appreciate what he and other characters add to the story!
There is action. It is gritty. (A bit of foul language for the sensitive ears.) There is that Los Angeles scenery. The investigations are good. And, it almost feels like it is being written for the screen. Hmmm…wonder who has the rights?
And, Isaiah is a fascinating character to want to follow into a future series. Will the author continue to follow his Sherlock theme – perhaps adding a Moriarty type nemesis presence? I understand his next book is called “Righteous.” Maybe it might be worth checking out, too.
Whatever is decided, I liked that IQ also had his own dog named Ruffin. That makes him worthy and watchable in my eyes!...more
As I may have mentioned in some previous reviews, in my youth I had cats. I loved their independence, and they fit my lifestyle as I was learning my oAs I may have mentioned in some previous reviews, in my youth I had cats. I loved their independence, and they fit my lifestyle as I was learning my own way in the world.
This book is a beautiful introduction to cats in a gloriously illustrated way. For anyone who is looking to learn about cats, every corner of the book offers an opportunity to teach. With cute pictorials, information paragraphs that tell anyone everything you would ever want to know about kitten “caboodle” this truly is the book readers will want to add to their personal library.
There is also a page on the zodiac of cats with suggested “cat” names. Interestingly enough, the picture showcased for my birth month of the zodiac, Sagittarius, featured a black and white cat, which was my first cat when I moved out on my own, Patches. How did this book know?
The book also shares feline folklore, fun stories on catnaps, ways to please a cat, when a kitty goes on the prowl, kitty moods, famous cats that have been memorialized in books and music; and, so much more.
For the love of cats, this will be a book that all cat lovers will want in their book collection! Especially since it has cut-out pages that open within. Like peek-a-boo moments with information behind the cut-outs. Children will especially love learning about cats in this way!
It seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t TemIt seemed only fitting that I would take this older Bones (2013) with me to my first I.V. immunotherapy session to fight my cancer. Why not? Isn’t Tempe Brennan, our favorite forensic anthropologist a fighter too? For whatever reason, I just feel at home in a Bones book. The characters feel like family, including her cat, Birdie.
Of course, going backwards, when I am already reading her most recent novels, reminded me that I had already read this one, but it was nice to re-visit it. It also reminded me how devoted she is to her cases. The importance she places on getting all the facts, her bossiness, her relentless pursuit for the truth, and her willingness to dive deep until she knows what really happened despite whether the victim was a “good” person or not. Because sometimes cops were just opinionated about the victims. And, she cared to know what really happened before putting the case to rest.
There is always good dialogue throughout, interesting banter, and of course, the never-ending tension with her soon to be ex-husband, Pete and what may come with her on-again-off-again partnership with Ryan. And, in this one, there will be some sadness that Ryan endures in this story, that will affect him deeply.
With this case, the more Tempe digs, the more she discovers, with the right amount of page-turning tension, which gives readers a very satisfying read.
As in all series, it is best to start from the beginning to get the full satisfaction of the characters back stories.
And, of course, as a treat, the author provides a “from the forensic files of Dr. Kathy Reichs” at the back of the book that should not be read until the end....more
We typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions boWe typically know this author for his Ladies Detective Agency series. He also has the Isabel Dalhousie and 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions book series, as well other stand-alone books. So, when I saw this one in the local library, I discovered that this series actually has been around since 2013. I guess I haven’t been paying attention!
So, with this series, we have Detective Ulf Varg who is well, odd. He also has a unique pet dog, Marten, who is deaf and can read lips. Yes, you heard me right.
Yes, this is quite the series, which takes place in a fictional, Scandinavian setting. Their cases, well, they are odd, too. A made-up missing boyfriend, paranormal goings on, a market trader who is wounded, but not seriously. And, then all the goings on with everyday life.
The crimes may be insignificant but the people interactions are interesting throughout the book. And, we can’t discount McCall Smith’s sense of humor as we watch Varg and all the other characters interact who are rather quirky, but likable. It is a quick, entertaining, easy read.
Even though this isn’t the first in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. But as in all series, it probably is best to start at the beginning. ...more
I love this “If you take a mouse” series. It is wonderfully illustrated and always has a sing-song-y type of lyrical story that will keep young readerI love this “If you take a mouse” series. It is wonderfully illustrated and always has a sing-song-y type of lyrical story that will keep young readers engaged.
In this particular story, it is Christmas themed and has a mouse enjoying coming along to the movies. And, oh my goodness, there are so many wonderful Christmas-y ideas that come up in this story too, for families to do with kids! What a clever mouse!
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