Member Blogs Archive > November 2017
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from Journey of a Bookseller
Mad Hatters and March Hares: All-New Stories from the World of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland by Ellen Datlow
Thu, 30 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkIf you thought Alice and the Jabberwocky were strange enough in the original tale, you'll have a lot more odd characters to think about now...Tor Books and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published December 12th.These tales are dark and some of them are horror tales but my favorite ones were the ones that were just a bit odd. My favorites were:Mercury by Prya SharmaAll the King's Men by Jeffrey Ford (starring Humpty Dumpty)The Flame After the Candle by Cathrynne M Valente (a bunch of short tales used to make a whole)Moon Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
The Politics of Mark Twain
Thu, 30 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkMark Twain’s politics can be slippery to pin down, in large part because the modern popular conception of Twain is of a man who loathes and disrespects politics. By all accounts Twain himself did everything in his power to foster that conception. He may not have given the quote about politicians and diapers which is often erroneously attributed to him (that they “should be changed often, and for the same reason”), but he did assert that “often, very often, in matters concerning religion and politics a man's reasoning powers are not above the monkey's,” and that “In religion and politics Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
The Soldier's Curse by Thomas Keneally, Meg Keneally
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkThis book was fascinating. It's set in New South Wales and is a prison camp for English prisoners. One of them is a man who worked as a legal clerk and then forged a certificate to work as a lawyer. He's found out and after serving time in more than one facility, he finds himself here. The good news is that he gets chosen to work as a clerk for the commander and he doesn't have to do the other ugly jobs. The bad news is there's an assistant to the commander that doesn't like him. It doesn't take long Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Murder in the Family by Faith Martin
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 08:30:00 PermalinkThe job Hillary has now is a promotion but she's bored. Supervising and pushing paper is not her thing. She doesn't mind training new officers but she'd rather be doing investigations than paperwork. When she gets her wish and is sent back to investigations, she finds they are replacing her with the cop that tried to put her in jail for her dead husband's crime. She's not happy, but she doesn't have time to think about it. She gets assigned a new murder case right away...Joffe and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
The Schomburg Center Purchases James Baldwin Archive
Wed, 29 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkAre you familiar with the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture? If not, you should be. It’s a division of the New York Public Library (NYPL) system, located on Malcolm X Boulevard in Harlem. The Schomburg Center has a Manuscripts, Archives and Rare Books Division that is open to researchers, in addition to divisions devoted to art and artifacts, moving images, recorded sound, and photographs, among others. There are a lot of good reasons to visit the Schomburg, but today we want to tell you about a recent addition: James Baldwin’s archive. Read More -
from Tavistock Books
A How-To Guide for Buying Antiquarian Books as Christmas Presents
Tue, 28 Nov 2017 10:40:39 PermalinkHere we present to you a (bit of a tongue-in-cheek) guide for buying Christmas gifts this holiday season… in an antiquarian fashion, of course! 1. Know your Subject. Not your book subject, that is. We mean your audience, your gift taker, the subject of your love, attention and wallet. They may not be readers! (We […] Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Mrs. Claus: Not the Fairy Tale They Say edited by Rhonda Parrish
Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkThis Mrs. Claus is not that smiley nice lady that hands out apple cider and cookies (or milk if you choose). These ladies (if you can call them that) are more dangerous than they are sweet. These fantasy tales are great fun to read. Want to get in the mood for Christmas? Read these tales to learn what not to do.World Weaver Press sent me an ARC of this book to read for review (thank you). It will be published today.Red to Hide the Blood by Hayley Stone, which is the last story in this anthology, was one of my Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
Twelve of Leo Tolstoy's Most Brilliant Quotes
Tue, 28 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkFew authors are as widely revered as Leo Tolstoy. Many regard him as the quintessential novelist, if not the best writer to ever work with the form. His reputation remains bolstered by an abundance of superlatives, often from most accomplished peers: James Joyce called “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” “the greatest story that the literature of the world knows,” while Virginia Woolf declared him “the greatest of all novelists.” It is settled, then—Tolstoy writes incredible stories. But how does his work stand up to quotation? Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Where We Belong by Lynn Austin
Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkThey were lucky enough to grow up in a home where their father allowed them freedoms other women weren't allowed to have. They even went to college in a day and age when women didn't. They were supposed to get married, have children, and attend functions and entertain for their husband. These women wanted to travel and they did...Bethany House provided me with a copy of this book to read for review (thank you). It has been published.This story moves through the present and the past. Their memories of the past show you how they matured and how they survived Read More -
from ten pound island book company
Can You Believe…
Mon, 27 Nov 2017 07:18:48 Permalinkit’s that time of year already? In a welcome change from our usual bookish frenzy, here’s how we spent the weekend Once again, the Gibson family Gourmet Tree Christmas tree farm is open for business, offering 100% gluten free gourmet trees©, wreaths, kissing balls, a welcoming camp fire, and lots of good cheer THE STAFF […]The post Can You Believe… appeared first on Ten Pound Island Book Company. Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Mosquitoes Don't Bite Me by Pendred Noyce
Sun, 26 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkNala is very lucky. Mosquitoes don't bite her. I wish I had that skill, they love me...Tumblehome Learning sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you). It has been published and you can grab a copy now.I learned things reading this book. Nala's father was a Kenyan and whatever is protecting her from mosquitoes must have come from his heritage. Her mother is in a wheelchair now after an accident, so she doubts she'll ever see her father soon. Then a scientist finds out about her skill and he wants to study her. Her mother Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Altered to Death: A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery by Christina Freeburn
Sun, 26 Nov 2017 08:30:00 PermalinkFaith is gathering historical information for a scrapbook that will be displayed in the historical museum. When she has an opportunity to visit a long abandoned home that had belonged to the first family in town, she's happy. She's sure she can find some cool things for her scrapbook. It's what the work crew finds that creates the most excitement, though. They've dug up a dead body...Henery Press and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published November 28th.Everything about this family is a secret. They left town suddenly. No one remembers much Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Honey Moon Dog Daze by Sofi Benitez
Sat, 25 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkHoney is looking for a way to earn money. She decides try dog walking. She gets her girlfriend who is neighbor of hers to go into business with her. But it's harder than it looks...Rabbit Publishing and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It has been published.I love dogs so I had to read this one. The first dog they get under contract is a St. Bernard. They are young girls and this dog is bigger than both of them. When they go to the door to talk to the owner, they almost run Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
Give the Gift of Books: Your 2017 Holiday Gift Guide
Sat, 25 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkIt’s the most wonderful time of the year! And why not give the most wonderful gift of books this holiday season? Perfect for the avid reader on your list and for collectors of all kinds, books make for timeless, treasured, and meaningful gifts. Whether you’re in the market for collectible editions or a good reading copy, follow the links below to learn more about each title. We’ve broken down our selection into categories for ease of browsing, so grab a mug of coffee (or hot cocoa, or peppermint tea), sit back, and take a look at our holiday gift guide Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Harry Moon Halloween Nightmares by Mark Andrew Poe
Fri, 24 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkHarry might have overcome Titus' bullying but they aren't friends. There's talent night competition for Halloween and Titus is determined to win it!Rabbit Publishers and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published, so you can grab a copy now.This book is even more fun than the last one. In this one, Harry gets a rabbit he can pull out of his top hat. It's even more special because the rabbit is magic and he can fly! The practice performance makes it look like Harry will win it but Titus is determined...When the Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Harry Moon Wand Paper Scissors by Mark Andrew Poe
Thu, 23 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkHarry Moon's town has a bully. He likes to pick on Harry. Little does he know that Harry has magical powers...Rabbit Publishing and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It has been published.This series would be great for middle graders. The stories are exciting and there are puns and jokes interspersed in the chapters. After all, Harry Moon gets teased because the older boys mooned the younger ones when they were going by on the bus to go to the away game. Now they call him "Hairy Moon" and laugh.When Harry was born, his mother Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
How Thanksgiving Became a Holiday
Thu, 23 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkWe’re all familiar with the old Thanksgiving narrative in the United States. The Mayflower came rolling into Plymouth Harbor in 1620, the Pilgrims tried to build a life for themselves (and weren’t doing a great job), and the Wampanoag tribe came to the pilgrims’ aid and taught them how to plant corn, fish, and hunt. This ultimately led to a beautiful friendship, which was celebrated with a community feast of gratitude—a tradition continued to this day. Right? Wrong. Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Ludlow Lost by Kate Robinson Dunne
Wed, 22 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkThis is a fun middle school read. It's fantasy filled with creatures humans don't believe in...Two Pigeons Press and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It has been published and you can buy a copy now.He's kidnapped by a fairy, two goblins take him and the fairy to a boat filled with them and a banshee is the captain. It's not looking good for Ludlow.He has several adventures on board as he adjusts to life at sea and to hearing a banshee wail. Both are awful but he can used to the sea. Not Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
Happy Thanksgiving: The Books We're Most Thankful For
Wed, 22 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkIt’s that time of year when we stop, take a moment, and reflect on the things in our lives for which we are the most thankful. Family. Friends. Health. A good job. A nice home. These are usually the things that top the list. But as we discuss quite often on this blog, the books, poems, and stories that populate our lives can be just as important, meaningful, and influential to how we live our lives and our overall worldview. As Rob Gordon said in the novel High Fidelity, the pieces of art you like and identify with matter, and Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Little Pierrot V.1 Get The Moon by Alberto Varanda
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 12:30:00 PermalinkHe's an odd looking young boy and he likes to keep to himself. His best friend is a snail...Lion Forge and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It has been published and you can grab a copy now.This is simple picture book without much text. Even small ones can enjoy the illustrations and antics of little Pierrot. He visits the moon and the stars. He even hooks his soccer ball in the moon slice and brings it down to earth by accident.This story is dreamlike and changes on each page. Children will love imagining Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Christmas on the Coast by Rebecca Boxall
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkThis based on historical facts but it's fiction. Despite that, this story makes a chill run up and down my spine. Imagine being on a small island and the Germans come in to occupy the land...Lake Union Publishing and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It is being published today.When Libby's best friend turns on her after her mother's death, she can't figure out why. Stella tells her to ask her father. She feels her family was betrayed by Libby's family. She finally gets an opportunity to ask and he shares her great aunt's Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
A Brief Guide to Great Writers from India
Tue, 21 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkIndia’s literature is just as vast and complex as the diverse, densely populated nation that produced it. Even if we limit ourselves to Indian literature written in English, we are still presented with a multicultural tapestry stretching back more than a century, from Rabindranath Tagore, who won India’s first Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for his “profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful” poems and songs (eat your heart out Bob Dylan) to modern writers like Aravind Adiga (author of 2008’s Man Booker-winning debut The White Tiger). While one article can never encapsulate the entirety of an ever-growing canon, it can Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
The Body in the Casket: A Faith Fairchild Mystery by Katherine Hall Page
Mon, 20 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkFaith is asked to cater a birthday party for an older man at his home. He wants her to live in over the weekend for the party. She's open to that and agrees. Then he tells her the real reason he wants her there. Someone sent him a casket and he thinks it's a death threat. She can't argue about that...William Morrow and Edelweiss shared a copy of this book with me for review (thank you). It will be published December 5th.Faith works with his butler getting everything set up and learning her duties. She finds that the owner has Read More -
from ten pound island book company
The Dog Ate My Homework
Mon, 20 Nov 2017 08:12:46 PermalinkThe Ten Pound Island mainframe is in the lab for overhaul, and I’m forced to do all my computer chores on my teeny weenie backup brain. Hence, the brevity of this blog entry, which reflects the drop in capacity from tera to giga to mega to kila. Actually, I’m quite fond of my little Toshiba […]The post The Dog Ate My Homework appeared first on Ten Pound Island Book Company. Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Accessories to Die For by Paula Paul
Sun, 19 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkThis story was set in Santa Fe. I live in New Mexico, have visited Santa Fe and I know about their Old World charm. I had to read this book.Alibi and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published December 5th.Irene used to be an assistant district attorney in New York, but her mother has asked her to come home. She's fearful of dying alone. Irene's mother frustrates her but she understands her need for company. She comes and she sets up a high end second hand store for recycled designer duds. Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Somebody at the Door: British Library Crime Classics by Raymond Postgate
Sat, 18 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkGossip can kill. If only people minded their own business and not everyone else's.Poisoned Pen Press and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published December 5th.This story wanders around a bit. You hear about other characters before you get to the meat of the story. A man dies at home. His wife finally calls the doctor. The doctor isn't sure if the death was natural or not, so another doctor is called in. The second doctor said someone had used mustard gas to kill him. The unfortunate part of the tale Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
Ten Quotes From Margaret Atwood, an Oracle of Our Time
Sat, 18 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkReaders have adored Margaret Atwood since her debut novel, The Edible Woman, animated the anxieties and torments of contemporary female life. Ever since, Atwood has continued to write first-rate fiction, exploring themes of feminism, oppression, dystopia, and environmental disaster, earning her a dedicated and enthusiastic readership. The times have only caught up with her, vindicating those concerns and speculative scenarios that seemed excessively alarmist forty, thirty, or even five years ago. It is no wonder that in her long career, Atwood is probably more famous than she has ever been, now with a smash adaptation of her 1985 novel, The Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Chained: A Kate Turner DVM Mystery #3 by Eileen Brady
Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkWhen Kate visits a dog owner to examine a cut on the dog, the owner shows her an old bone the dog brought home with him. The tone changes when Kate tells her the bone is human...Poisoned Pen Press and Net Galley allowed me to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published December 5th.Kate visits several homes to take care of their animals and she picks up gossip on the way. When the body is identified as a high school student who disappeared ten years ago, his family asks her to look into it. She takes Read More -
from Books Tell You Why
Learning About the Baghdad Book Market
Fri, 17 Nov 2017 08:00:00 PermalinkIf you’re interested in rare book collecting or Arabic literature, we cannot emphasize enough the significance of the Iraqi literary and cultural traditions, and the importance of reimagining Baghdad outside the Western context of war, violence, and dictatorship. In 2015, the Los Angeles Times published an article entitled, “Iraq Book Market Comes Back to Life Seven Years After Bombing.” A number of other western and Arab media sites posted similar pieces, recalling a destructive bombing and signs of recovery in the nation’s capital city. Those stories were referring to Al Mutanabbi, or Mutanabbi Street, in Baghdad. For years, the street, Read More -
from Journey of a Bookseller
Dead Man's Chest by Kerry Greenwood
Thu, 16 Nov 2017 09:00:00 PermalinkPhryne is off for a holiday, taking her girls, her companion Dot and the dog, Molly. They are going to do some swimming, eating out when they like, and just generally do some relaxing. When they arrive at their destination, she finds that the staff that wasn't to meet her is gone. The back door was open, their furniture is gone, and there's no note or no sign of them...Poisoned Pen Press and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published December 5th.They search the house and grounds but find no one. Luckily Ruth Read More