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Publication Date: 13th Sep 2022
4.3 Stars
One Liner: Brooding and darkish; introspective without being too heavy.
How We Disappear is an anthology of short stories and a novella on the theme of disappearance. It encompasses stories from different regions, communities, and social structures. The writing is evocative without being dramatic. In fact, it seems matter of fact and yet delivers emotions with full force.
The tone, POV, and narration change from one story to another. Some are in the first person, while some are in the third person. Each story is distinct, though not all make the same impact.
While the overall theme of disappearances creates a sense of vagueness and haziness, some stories are a little too vague to understand. This is my first book by the author, and I’m totally impressed by her writing style.
What You Can't See in the Picture: A story about a facial recognitionist and a missing girl with face blindness. A solid start to the book. Introspective police procedural with human emotions and bonding as an underlying theme.
Salt: Too short a story about a woman who chooses to disappear with a lover.
Fleeting Gravity: Story of Brandy, a mixed-race Cree. A melancholic tale about life, loss, acceptance, loneliness, and society. It is sad and peaceful at the same time.
How Do You Thank a River: A story about a cowboy’s life and the famous Red river in the region. The ending is left open for interpretation.
Delight: The story of a confectionary maker and a man who claims to be different from others. The hopeful ending might be a bit cliché to some, but it was perfect for me. We need a small ray of hope to keep living.
Agatha: A Life in Unauthorized Fragments: My absolute favorite! It is Agatha Christie’s life story told in fragments- just like her mystery books. I love it.
Birdman: The story of an American woman’s journey to Belgium to find her father’s grave. It starts slow and reveals the layers in the plot through the woman’s thoughts and actions. A heartwarming story.
Billy said this really Happened to Lucy: A little girl grieving the death of her mother and a mysterious snake that talks to her. A message about grief, mourning, and letting go.
In a Sulfate Mist: Finding new love, mayflies, doubts, acceptance, and taking chances. Short yet impactful.
Those who have Gone: A story about a New York woman who arrives in Arizona looking for a fresh start yet clinging to the past. A vivid story about life, relationships, and trusting oneself to make the right decisions.
If You had Stopped: A fragment of a community’s life in the second person POV. The woman says it all without saying much. Deep, sad, and defeated acceptance.
Notes to the World: A story about two different people who don’t meet but have a common point. Set in Russian winter, it is the story of resilience and determination.
An Aura Surrounds the Night (novella): A bittersweet story of Mercy and Melody. It comes from Mercy’s POV, revealing her family dynamics and her life over the years. The story was a bit confusing as she refers to her parents as mother and father and by their names. It’s not entirely linear. From what I understood, the story takes a sort of U-turn to have an introspective ending.
To sum up, How We Disappear: Novella & Stories is a collection of darkish, brooding, and melancholic stories with a few hopeful ones added to the mix. I’d love to revisit some of the stories one day in the future.
Thank you, NetGalley and Press 53, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#HowWeDisappearStories #NetGalley
4.3 Stars
One Liner: Brooding and darkish; introspective without being too heavy.
How We Disappear is an anthology of short stories and a novella on the theme of disappearance. It encompasses stories from different regions, communities, and social structures. The writing is evocative without being dramatic. In fact, it seems matter of fact and yet delivers emotions with full force.
The tone, POV, and narration change from one story to another. Some are in the first person, while some are in the third person. Each story is distinct, though not all make the same impact.
While the overall theme of disappearances creates a sense of vagueness and haziness, some stories are a little too vague to understand. This is my first book by the author, and I’m totally impressed by her writing style.
What You Can't See in the Picture: A story about a facial recognitionist and a missing girl with face blindness. A solid start to the book. Introspective police procedural with human emotions and bonding as an underlying theme.
Salt: Too short a story about a woman who chooses to disappear with a lover.
Fleeting Gravity: Story of Brandy, a mixed-race Cree. A melancholic tale about life, loss, acceptance, loneliness, and society. It is sad and peaceful at the same time.
How Do You Thank a River: A story about a cowboy’s life and the famous Red river in the region. The ending is left open for interpretation.
Delight: The story of a confectionary maker and a man who claims to be different from others. The hopeful ending might be a bit cliché to some, but it was perfect for me. We need a small ray of hope to keep living.
Agatha: A Life in Unauthorized Fragments: My absolute favorite! It is Agatha Christie’s life story told in fragments- just like her mystery books. I love it.
Birdman: The story of an American woman’s journey to Belgium to find her father’s grave. It starts slow and reveals the layers in the plot through the woman’s thoughts and actions. A heartwarming story.
Billy said this really Happened to Lucy: A little girl grieving the death of her mother and a mysterious snake that talks to her. A message about grief, mourning, and letting go.
In a Sulfate Mist: Finding new love, mayflies, doubts, acceptance, and taking chances. Short yet impactful.
Those who have Gone: A story about a New York woman who arrives in Arizona looking for a fresh start yet clinging to the past. A vivid story about life, relationships, and trusting oneself to make the right decisions.
If You had Stopped: A fragment of a community’s life in the second person POV. The woman says it all without saying much. Deep, sad, and defeated acceptance.
Notes to the World: A story about two different people who don’t meet but have a common point. Set in Russian winter, it is the story of resilience and determination.
An Aura Surrounds the Night (novella): A bittersweet story of Mercy and Melody. It comes from Mercy’s POV, revealing her family dynamics and her life over the years. The story was a bit confusing as she refers to her parents as mother and father and by their names. It’s not entirely linear. From what I understood, the story takes a sort of U-turn to have an introspective ending.
To sum up, How We Disappear: Novella & Stories is a collection of darkish, brooding, and melancholic stories with a few hopeful ones added to the mix. I’d love to revisit some of the stories one day in the future.
Thank you, NetGalley and Press 53, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#HowWeDisappearStories #NetGalley
Publication Date: 23rd August 2022
4.5 Stars
One Liner: So cute! Entertaining, enjoyable, and sweet
Mika Moon is a witch and a part of the secret society that meets once every three months. The rules are simple. Stay low, don’t call attention to your witchy magic, and stay away from other witches.
Mika is used to the rules but yearns to talk about her witching abilities without exposing herself. A social media account seems like a great way to achieve it until she gets an offer to teach three young witches to control and use their magic.
Nowhere House seems to be overflowing with magic, and Mika slowly realizes it is a home she never had. But she and the people of Nowhere House have to deal with a few issues before thinking about the future. Will Mika risk everything to protect a family she recently got to know? What about her future?
The story comes in limited third-person POV of Mika (and Jamie).
My Observations:
The book has diverse characters, and some of them work well (read my note at the end for more but finish the review first).
Some characters are basically tropes, but they still come alive on the page. The kiddos, Rosette (10, black), Terracotta (8, Vietnamese), and Altamira (7, Palestinian), are such little cutie pies! Each of them has a definite personality.
The pacing is steady, though it slips a little in the last part. A lot happens too, but it works out pretty well overall.
Magic is an integral part of the story and blends really well with the setting and atmosphere.
Mika is a lovely character and easy to root for.
The attraction between Jamie and Mika is more of a slow burn and suits the storyline. It is a bit predictable, but that’s what this genre is about. The predictability is comforting.
The book is all cutesy and sweet yet deals with important topics like family, relationships, loneliness, friendships, etc.
The writing style is easy to read. It is lighthearted and filled with enough quirks to make you chuckle.
*****
Note:
I saw some reviewers tagging the book as Indian rep (and a few more relevant tags). Mika is an Indian raised and bought up in Britain by a Britisher. Now Mika is as Indian as Aavakaya is British, which is a big fat zero.
I have no issues with this because the story justifies it. But Mika is not an ‘Indian’ Indian. It didn’t even occur to me that she was Indian despite the hints strewn in the first half. I imagined her more as a mixed-race Britisher at the most.
If the Indian rep is important to you, this book doesn’t deliver in that category. But if you just want a super cute witchy story, you’ll enjoy it a lot more. Forget the rep and imagine Mika any way you want.
*****
To sum up, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a sweet book with loveable characters. It’s a perfect read for a lazy afternoon.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #IrregularWitches
*****
P.S: Aavakaya is a spicy raw mango pickle made in Andhra Pradesh (South India).
4.5 Stars
One Liner: So cute! Entertaining, enjoyable, and sweet
Mika Moon is a witch and a part of the secret society that meets once every three months. The rules are simple. Stay low, don’t call attention to your witchy magic, and stay away from other witches.
Mika is used to the rules but yearns to talk about her witching abilities without exposing herself. A social media account seems like a great way to achieve it until she gets an offer to teach three young witches to control and use their magic.
Nowhere House seems to be overflowing with magic, and Mika slowly realizes it is a home she never had. But she and the people of Nowhere House have to deal with a few issues before thinking about the future. Will Mika risk everything to protect a family she recently got to know? What about her future?
The story comes in limited third-person POV of Mika (and Jamie).
My Observations:
The book has diverse characters, and some of them work well (read my note at the end for more but finish the review first).
Some characters are basically tropes, but they still come alive on the page. The kiddos, Rosette (10, black), Terracotta (8, Vietnamese), and Altamira (7, Palestinian), are such little cutie pies! Each of them has a definite personality.
The pacing is steady, though it slips a little in the last part. A lot happens too, but it works out pretty well overall.
Magic is an integral part of the story and blends really well with the setting and atmosphere.
Mika is a lovely character and easy to root for.
The attraction between Jamie and Mika is more of a slow burn and suits the storyline. It is a bit predictable, but that’s what this genre is about. The predictability is comforting.
The book is all cutesy and sweet yet deals with important topics like family, relationships, loneliness, friendships, etc.
The writing style is easy to read. It is lighthearted and filled with enough quirks to make you chuckle.
*****
Note:
I saw some reviewers tagging the book as Indian rep (and a few more relevant tags). Mika is an Indian raised and bought up in Britain by a Britisher. Now Mika is as Indian as Aavakaya is British, which is a big fat zero.
I have no issues with this because the story justifies it. But Mika is not an ‘Indian’ Indian. It didn’t even occur to me that she was Indian despite the hints strewn in the first half. I imagined her more as a mixed-race Britisher at the most.
If the Indian rep is important to you, this book doesn’t deliver in that category. But if you just want a super cute witchy story, you’ll enjoy it a lot more. Forget the rep and imagine Mika any way you want.
*****
To sum up, The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches is a sweet book with loveable characters. It’s a perfect read for a lazy afternoon.
Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #IrregularWitches
*****
P.S: Aavakaya is a spicy raw mango pickle made in Andhra Pradesh (South India).
4.2 Stars
Do you want to know about some really dark and disturbing stories from the past? Be it nature’s abnormalities, scientific creations, or works of genius (and wicked), this book is a compilation of some creepy and scary stories from around the world.
Dr. Leila McCreebor finds her great-grandfather, Dr. McCreebor’s notes in the attic and shares them with us in this book. The book starts with a note and is divided into the following categories:
• Artificialia (art pieces and automata)
• Naturalia (natural objects, people, and animals)
• Spiritualis (spirit world)
• Scelus et Supplicium (crime & punishment torture devices)
• Scientifica (scientific instruments)
• Magicae (magic)
• Morteum (death)
The recurring aspects in the book are the human obsession with the dark and the endlessness of cruelty. The death and torture devices are a tiny glimpse into the world of power. There are way too many devices created to punish women. This one didn’t even include the breast extractor device used to torture women accused of witchcraft and later used on the indigenous people during the Portuguese Inquisition.
I know a few of these topics, courtesy of movies (hint: Indiana Jones) and historical fiction novels. Many other stories were new to me. I’m still debating if I should be fascinated by these or worry about human depravity. Oh, well. At least, no one can say we are the worst generation with history like this.
I love the point about not taking the objects home but sketching and making notes. This reminds me of the stolen artifacts in the British Museum. If only there were more Dr. M’s!
On a lighter note, the illustrations are sharp and suit the theme perfectly. The entire book has this creepy, fascinating feel to it. It almost seems like watching a horror movie. ;)
If you love reading about strange, bizarre, and odd stories hidden in the pages of history, pick this one. Kids will like the light-hearted writing style and the illustrations. This isn’t for everyone, though. Some of it is ‘eww’ and not for the fainthearted.
To summarize, World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories is an intriguing collection of dark and creepy stories for the brave.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#WorldofWeird #NetGalley
Do you want to know about some really dark and disturbing stories from the past? Be it nature’s abnormalities, scientific creations, or works of genius (and wicked), this book is a compilation of some creepy and scary stories from around the world.
Dr. Leila McCreebor finds her great-grandfather, Dr. McCreebor’s notes in the attic and shares them with us in this book. The book starts with a note and is divided into the following categories:
• Artificialia (art pieces and automata)
• Naturalia (natural objects, people, and animals)
• Spiritualis (spirit world)
• Scelus et Supplicium (crime & punishment torture devices)
• Scientifica (scientific instruments)
• Magicae (magic)
• Morteum (death)
The recurring aspects in the book are the human obsession with the dark and the endlessness of cruelty. The death and torture devices are a tiny glimpse into the world of power. There are way too many devices created to punish women. This one didn’t even include the breast extractor device used to torture women accused of witchcraft and later used on the indigenous people during the Portuguese Inquisition.
I know a few of these topics, courtesy of movies (hint: Indiana Jones) and historical fiction novels. Many other stories were new to me. I’m still debating if I should be fascinated by these or worry about human depravity. Oh, well. At least, no one can say we are the worst generation with history like this.
I love the point about not taking the objects home but sketching and making notes. This reminds me of the stolen artifacts in the British Museum. If only there were more Dr. M’s!
On a lighter note, the illustrations are sharp and suit the theme perfectly. The entire book has this creepy, fascinating feel to it. It almost seems like watching a horror movie. ;)
If you love reading about strange, bizarre, and odd stories hidden in the pages of history, pick this one. Kids will like the light-hearted writing style and the illustrations. This isn’t for everyone, though. Some of it is ‘eww’ and not for the fainthearted.
To summarize, World of Weird: A Creepy Compendium of True Stories is an intriguing collection of dark and creepy stories for the brave.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Wide Eyed Editions and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#WorldofWeird #NetGalley
Publication Date: 23rd Aug 2022
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining
Tracy Crosswhite is working on cold cases, trying to bring closure to grieving families in whichever way possible. Anita Childress contacts Tracy to find out more about her missing mother, Lisa Childress, who disappeared when Anita was two.
Lisa Childress was a start reporter working on explosive cases twenty-five years ago. She leaves home one night to meet a source and vanishes. Her husband, Larry Childress, becomes the prime suspect, though there is no proof. Anita is tired of the speculations and the cloud hanging over their heads. She was to move on.
Tracy realizes there’s too much to do when she goes through Lisa’s notes. The reporter was working on four potential exposes involving big names and a serial killer. As Tracy digs deeper, things start to make more sense. However, it also puts her in a difficult position. It’s not just about helping Anita but a tough fight for justice that can bring to the light the biggest scandal ever.
The story comes in the limited-third person POV of Tracy Crosswhite.
My Observations:
I jumped right in by starting with this one. It’s the ninth in the series but works very well as a standalone. A wee bit of it reminded me of In Death series by JD Robb (police procedurals will have common elements).
This book is a bit dialogue heavy as Tracy talks to many people, and some have a lot to say. It’s not action-intensive, though I can’t say if that’s common in the series or if this book is an exception.
The book has a decent pace (though it dips in the middle and picks up in the second half). The threads come together well, and we can connect the dots before it is revealed.
Tracy’s family life (husband and a sixteen-month-old) blends well with her profession. It’s not easy, and Tracy has to make a few compromises.
The prologue is perfect. The story depends on it. There’s an epilogue, which answers some questions and raises a few more. It is the launch pad for the next in the series (I’ll read that one).
The ending is anti-climatic and feels like a deflated balloon. I’m a little disappointed, but I see why it’s done. The case itself is such that quick action wouldn’t be possible.
I know I missed most of the dynamics between Tracy and others in the previous books. However, it’s easy to go with the flow. The characters are well-etched and do their job.
To sum up, What She Found is an entertaining police procedural without high voltage action but a well-done plot. Grab it when you want something less intense yet engaging.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #WhatSheFound
3.8 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining
Tracy Crosswhite is working on cold cases, trying to bring closure to grieving families in whichever way possible. Anita Childress contacts Tracy to find out more about her missing mother, Lisa Childress, who disappeared when Anita was two.
Lisa Childress was a start reporter working on explosive cases twenty-five years ago. She leaves home one night to meet a source and vanishes. Her husband, Larry Childress, becomes the prime suspect, though there is no proof. Anita is tired of the speculations and the cloud hanging over their heads. She was to move on.
Tracy realizes there’s too much to do when she goes through Lisa’s notes. The reporter was working on four potential exposes involving big names and a serial killer. As Tracy digs deeper, things start to make more sense. However, it also puts her in a difficult position. It’s not just about helping Anita but a tough fight for justice that can bring to the light the biggest scandal ever.
The story comes in the limited-third person POV of Tracy Crosswhite.
My Observations:
I jumped right in by starting with this one. It’s the ninth in the series but works very well as a standalone. A wee bit of it reminded me of In Death series by JD Robb (police procedurals will have common elements).
This book is a bit dialogue heavy as Tracy talks to many people, and some have a lot to say. It’s not action-intensive, though I can’t say if that’s common in the series or if this book is an exception.
The book has a decent pace (though it dips in the middle and picks up in the second half). The threads come together well, and we can connect the dots before it is revealed.
Tracy’s family life (husband and a sixteen-month-old) blends well with her profession. It’s not easy, and Tracy has to make a few compromises.
The prologue is perfect. The story depends on it. There’s an epilogue, which answers some questions and raises a few more. It is the launch pad for the next in the series (I’ll read that one).
The ending is anti-climatic and feels like a deflated balloon. I’m a little disappointed, but I see why it’s done. The case itself is such that quick action wouldn’t be possible.
I know I missed most of the dynamics between Tracy and others in the previous books. However, it’s easy to go with the flow. The characters are well-etched and do their job.
To sum up, What She Found is an entertaining police procedural without high voltage action but a well-done plot. Grab it when you want something less intense yet engaging.
Thank you, NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #WhatSheFound
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4.5 Stars
This is a heartwarming book about Jake, a little doggy, who is grateful for the things in his life. The book is about how we have so much to be thankful for and should learn to appreciate the little things in life. Our senses, nature, water, wind, food, home, friends, etc., are something to cherish rather than take for granted.
The book helps kids (and adults) look at themselves and their surroundings in a fresh light. The illustrations are adorable. Each page has Jake and his other animal friends enjoying the things they are grateful for. There’s a bit of humor at places to prevent the book from being preachy.
Jake got lost when he was just one year old. Someone found him on the streets and took him to the Humane Society. A part of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the society and other rescue shelter homes.
To Summarize, Grateful Jake is a lovely book with a gentle reminder to slow down and look around. To quote Jake, we can always find something for which to be grateful.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #GratefulJake
This is a heartwarming book about Jake, a little doggy, who is grateful for the things in his life. The book is about how we have so much to be thankful for and should learn to appreciate the little things in life. Our senses, nature, water, wind, food, home, friends, etc., are something to cherish rather than take for granted.
The book helps kids (and adults) look at themselves and their surroundings in a fresh light. The illustrations are adorable. Each page has Jake and his other animal friends enjoying the things they are grateful for. There’s a bit of humor at places to prevent the book from being preachy.
Jake got lost when he was just one year old. Someone found him on the streets and took him to the Humane Society. A part of the proceeds from the book will be donated to the society and other rescue shelter homes.
To Summarize, Grateful Jake is a lovely book with a gentle reminder to slow down and look around. To quote Jake, we can always find something for which to be grateful.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#NetGalley #GratefulJake
Pub: 6th Sep 2022
4.5 Stars
I love it!
In 1880, The British Society of Natural Sciences received a letter from a mysterious lady scientist, Darcy Delamare, about her adventurous trip and the discovery of mermaids. Darcy Delamare sailed aboard the HMS Challenger as Daniel Dawson (in disguise because men didn’t like women in the field of science) in December 1872. This book contains her notes and observations about the scientific voyage and mermaids from around the world.
A Natural History of Mermaids is what I’d call an encyclopedia of mermaids. Darcy Delamare starts with a brief history of mermaids in different cultures (Mesopotamia - Oannes, Syria - Atargatis, Greek – Triton, etc.). She goes on to provide information about the types of mer (maids and men) in different regions (from the Arctic to Tropical and Deepwater). She mentions fake mermaid sightings and captures as well.
Do you know:
• There are mer in the Polar Regions, and some look like walrus.
• Mer has ten types of tails!
• Mer lay eggs but feed milk to kiddo mers (these littles are the cutest, I tell you).
• Mers migrate and can sleep when standing.
• They are friends with sea horses and use hand signs to communicate (they say Namaste to each other!).
• Mer communication might sound like a song (and, no, they sure don’t sing songs to lure sailors).
• Ocean forests, mangroves, reefs, etc., provide great camouflage for mer. They need it, too, considering the risk.
And guess what? The mermaid from Hindu and Thai epics of Ramayana is also mentioned. We call her Suvarchala, a sea maiden (rather a huge fish). The stories of her and Hanuman ji are varied (quite common), but yes, we know her. :)
The illustrations are fantastic. If they look so so good in an electronic copy, I can imagine how marvelous they would be in a hard copy. Sigh! Mer come in all shapes, sizes, and colors (literally). I like that the mermaids have covering on their chest, be it seaweed, shells, or just hair. The mer tails sparkle on some pages. I could stare at the illustrations for hours and not feel the least bit inclined to close the book.
I had to reduce 0.5 stars because of the font size. Seriously, publishers, please spare our eyes. Tiny font means I had to change the layout and enlarge it, which makes it difficult to scroll. I’m not sure how the font will be in the physical copy. The book dimensions need to be fairly big for kids to read without squinting at the page.
The information can be overwhelming if you read the book in one go. Spread it over a week or more to enjoy the book to its fullest. The bits of dry humor act like perfect seasoning. The book does end on a bittersweet note, a small reminder about the unfairness of society, but, oh, well.
To sum up, A Natural History of Mermaids is THE book for kids who love mermaids and aquatic life. There’s so much to learn, not just about mer but also about the seas and oceans.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#ANaturalHistoryofMermaids #NetGalley
***
P.S: There’s no upper age limit for this book. Grab it if you like mermaids. ;)
Check out the review on my blog for a couple of pictures from the book (I figured it's easier to hyperlink a blog than to post images on GR).
4.5 Stars
I love it!
In 1880, The British Society of Natural Sciences received a letter from a mysterious lady scientist, Darcy Delamare, about her adventurous trip and the discovery of mermaids. Darcy Delamare sailed aboard the HMS Challenger as Daniel Dawson (in disguise because men didn’t like women in the field of science) in December 1872. This book contains her notes and observations about the scientific voyage and mermaids from around the world.
A Natural History of Mermaids is what I’d call an encyclopedia of mermaids. Darcy Delamare starts with a brief history of mermaids in different cultures (Mesopotamia - Oannes, Syria - Atargatis, Greek – Triton, etc.). She goes on to provide information about the types of mer (maids and men) in different regions (from the Arctic to Tropical and Deepwater). She mentions fake mermaid sightings and captures as well.
Do you know:
• There are mer in the Polar Regions, and some look like walrus.
• Mer has ten types of tails!
• Mer lay eggs but feed milk to kiddo mers (these littles are the cutest, I tell you).
• Mers migrate and can sleep when standing.
• They are friends with sea horses and use hand signs to communicate (they say Namaste to each other!).
• Mer communication might sound like a song (and, no, they sure don’t sing songs to lure sailors).
• Ocean forests, mangroves, reefs, etc., provide great camouflage for mer. They need it, too, considering the risk.
And guess what? The mermaid from Hindu and Thai epics of Ramayana is also mentioned. We call her Suvarchala, a sea maiden (rather a huge fish). The stories of her and Hanuman ji are varied (quite common), but yes, we know her. :)
The illustrations are fantastic. If they look so so good in an electronic copy, I can imagine how marvelous they would be in a hard copy. Sigh! Mer come in all shapes, sizes, and colors (literally). I like that the mermaids have covering on their chest, be it seaweed, shells, or just hair. The mer tails sparkle on some pages. I could stare at the illustrations for hours and not feel the least bit inclined to close the book.
I had to reduce 0.5 stars because of the font size. Seriously, publishers, please spare our eyes. Tiny font means I had to change the layout and enlarge it, which makes it difficult to scroll. I’m not sure how the font will be in the physical copy. The book dimensions need to be fairly big for kids to read without squinting at the page.
The information can be overwhelming if you read the book in one go. Spread it over a week or more to enjoy the book to its fullest. The bits of dry humor act like perfect seasoning. The book does end on a bittersweet note, a small reminder about the unfairness of society, but, oh, well.
To sum up, A Natural History of Mermaids is THE book for kids who love mermaids and aquatic life. There’s so much to learn, not just about mer but also about the seas and oceans.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#ANaturalHistoryofMermaids #NetGalley
***
P.S: There’s no upper age limit for this book. Grab it if you like mermaids. ;)
Check out the review on my blog for a couple of pictures from the book (I figured it's easier to hyperlink a blog than to post images on GR).
Publication Date: 01st Sep 2022
3 Stars
One Liner: Okayish; could have been better
Present Day-
Robyn lives with her father in his small apartment, helping him with the map shop. Her life has been the same for seven years when a tragic incident changed her life forever. The discovery of an exquisite map sparks an interest in her. Robyn starts to investigate and find more about the map with her father’s encouragement. Where does it lead her? How does it change her life?
1569-1581-
Frieda had to flee her home and find safety in London. The Spanish intolerance for anything non-Catholic has destroyed all that she held dear and continues to give her nightmares. When her cartography skills put her in the Queen’s (Elizabeth I) sights, Frieda realizes she is under attack once again. This time, she has more to lose (husband and son) and will do anything to keep them safe. Can she succeed against political power and hate?
The story comes in the limited third-person POV of the main characters, Frieda and Robyn.
What I Like:
The historical part deals with the Spanish Inquisition (the killing of Protestants across Europe) during the 16th century. It’s a change from the WWII stories.
The historical setting is well-done. The descriptions feel a bit overdone at times, but they paint a clear picture.
The scenes where Frieda works on the maps are my favorite. It’s one of the reasons I requested the book. The information about cartography, the tools, and the process is a treat to read.
What Didn't Work for Me:
I pretty much have no zero expectations from the contemporary track in dual timelines as most books I read have a strong historical track but a weak contemporary one. This book is no different, except that the historical part also didn’t create as much emotional impact as I expected.
Frieda suffers from PTSD, and her entire story is woven around it. It feels too much after a while, especially with the Spanish Ambassador threatening her multiple times. The relationship between Frieda and others just doesn’t feel authentic. In fact, Frieda’s character appears half-removed from the setting except when she is creating maps.
The contemporary track is boring. Robyn’s loss should have made me feel more empathetic. Sadly, it doesn’t. That aside, her investigation proceeds with minimum hiccups. Everything happens with ease. Even the roadblocks aren’t frustrating enough.
There are a couple of random scenes that seem paranormal. I like paranormal stuff, but not when it doesn’t blend with the main narrative or appears out of nowhere and vanishes again.
The climax is decent, but even that is easy. Despite the plot being set in an intense period, the story feels a bit too light. Intensity is missing almost throughout (except in the Prologue, which is very well done).
To summarize, The Mapmaker's Daughter could have been a great read but didn’t meet my expectations. It’s an okay read, with cartography being the highlight. I’m a minority (right now), so others might like it more than I did. Read 5-star reviews before deciding.
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
3 Stars
One Liner: Okayish; could have been better
Present Day-
Robyn lives with her father in his small apartment, helping him with the map shop. Her life has been the same for seven years when a tragic incident changed her life forever. The discovery of an exquisite map sparks an interest in her. Robyn starts to investigate and find more about the map with her father’s encouragement. Where does it lead her? How does it change her life?
1569-1581-
Frieda had to flee her home and find safety in London. The Spanish intolerance for anything non-Catholic has destroyed all that she held dear and continues to give her nightmares. When her cartography skills put her in the Queen’s (Elizabeth I) sights, Frieda realizes she is under attack once again. This time, she has more to lose (husband and son) and will do anything to keep them safe. Can she succeed against political power and hate?
The story comes in the limited third-person POV of the main characters, Frieda and Robyn.
What I Like:
The historical part deals with the Spanish Inquisition (the killing of Protestants across Europe) during the 16th century. It’s a change from the WWII stories.
The historical setting is well-done. The descriptions feel a bit overdone at times, but they paint a clear picture.
The scenes where Frieda works on the maps are my favorite. It’s one of the reasons I requested the book. The information about cartography, the tools, and the process is a treat to read.
What Didn't Work for Me:
I pretty much have no zero expectations from the contemporary track in dual timelines as most books I read have a strong historical track but a weak contemporary one. This book is no different, except that the historical part also didn’t create as much emotional impact as I expected.
Frieda suffers from PTSD, and her entire story is woven around it. It feels too much after a while, especially with the Spanish Ambassador threatening her multiple times. The relationship between Frieda and others just doesn’t feel authentic. In fact, Frieda’s character appears half-removed from the setting except when she is creating maps.
The contemporary track is boring. Robyn’s loss should have made me feel more empathetic. Sadly, it doesn’t. That aside, her investigation proceeds with minimum hiccups. Everything happens with ease. Even the roadblocks aren’t frustrating enough.
There are a couple of random scenes that seem paranormal. I like paranormal stuff, but not when it doesn’t blend with the main narrative or appears out of nowhere and vanishes again.
The climax is decent, but even that is easy. Despite the plot being set in an intense period, the story feels a bit too light. Intensity is missing almost throughout (except in the Prologue, which is very well done).
To summarize, The Mapmaker's Daughter could have been a great read but didn’t meet my expectations. It’s an okay read, with cartography being the highlight. I’m a minority (right now), so others might like it more than I did. Read 5-star reviews before deciding.
Thank you, NetGalley and Avon Books UK, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley
Publication Date: 18th August 2022
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Mixed feelings
The Aylward women of Nenagh, Tipperary, will always support each other. Their conversations might seem otherwise, but their house is a safe haven from the brutal outside world.
Mary Nana, Eileen, and Saoirse lead a happy life despite everything. Who cares for troubles when you can laugh them off after a dose of drama? The story starts with Saoirse’s birth and takes us through her life’s journey as a child, teen, and woman of the Aylward family.
Set in the rural estate of Tipperary in Ireland, the book comes in a disjointed stream of consciousness from the limited third-person POV of Saoirse.
My Observations:
I didn’t know what to expect, but this book sure was different. The writing style is raw, disjointed, and semi-stream of consciousness narrative. There are no quotes for dialogues. Everything is lumped into the same paragraph. I got used to the style soon enough. It suited the characters.
The character arcs revealed themselves as the story progressed. The main ladies had distinct personalities yet were similar in many ways.
Being literary fiction, the pacing was slow and determined to stay that way. The writing was evocative without being lyrical or heavy.
The heaviness came from the storyline and the characters. Still, it didn’t get overwhelming at any point.
The chapter titles were a treat. They gave clear hints about what would happen in just a word. I began guessing the plot would go based on the chapter titles (and, no, this is not a mystery book).
What didn’t work for me was the shift in focus in the second half and the lack of focus on the title. Sure, the title was used multiple times in the book, but the impact wasn’t there.
There was liberal use of the F-word. While I don’t mind it, I did skim through them when it got too much.
The book belonged to Saoirse mostly, and the title belonged to her mother, Eileen. It seemed as if the book shifted focus at one point, though it came back towards the end.
The story takes place from 1982 to the late 1990s or early 2000s. Yet, it has a strong historical feel throughout (even when mobile phones were used). Since I like historical fiction, it worked well for me.
The ending was rather intriguing and cool. I loved it. It’s not until then that I realized what the phrase, ‘their story begins at an end and ends at a beginning,’ in the blurb meant.
To summarize, The Queen of Dirt Island is the story of three strong women who decided to live their lives on their terms and love each other no matter what.
Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and Doubleday, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#TheQueenofDirtIsland #NetGalley
*****
3.5 Stars
One Liner: Mixed feelings
The Aylward women of Nenagh, Tipperary, will always support each other. Their conversations might seem otherwise, but their house is a safe haven from the brutal outside world.
Mary Nana, Eileen, and Saoirse lead a happy life despite everything. Who cares for troubles when you can laugh them off after a dose of drama? The story starts with Saoirse’s birth and takes us through her life’s journey as a child, teen, and woman of the Aylward family.
Set in the rural estate of Tipperary in Ireland, the book comes in a disjointed stream of consciousness from the limited third-person POV of Saoirse.
My Observations:
I didn’t know what to expect, but this book sure was different. The writing style is raw, disjointed, and semi-stream of consciousness narrative. There are no quotes for dialogues. Everything is lumped into the same paragraph. I got used to the style soon enough. It suited the characters.
The character arcs revealed themselves as the story progressed. The main ladies had distinct personalities yet were similar in many ways.
Being literary fiction, the pacing was slow and determined to stay that way. The writing was evocative without being lyrical or heavy.
The heaviness came from the storyline and the characters. Still, it didn’t get overwhelming at any point.
The chapter titles were a treat. They gave clear hints about what would happen in just a word. I began guessing the plot would go based on the chapter titles (and, no, this is not a mystery book).
What didn’t work for me was the shift in focus in the second half and the lack of focus on the title. Sure, the title was used multiple times in the book, but the impact wasn’t there.
There was liberal use of the F-word. While I don’t mind it, I did skim through them when it got too much.
The book belonged to Saoirse mostly, and the title belonged to her mother, Eileen. It seemed as if the book shifted focus at one point, though it came back towards the end.
The story takes place from 1982 to the late 1990s or early 2000s. Yet, it has a strong historical feel throughout (even when mobile phones were used). Since I like historical fiction, it worked well for me.
The ending was rather intriguing and cool. I loved it. It’s not until then that I realized what the phrase, ‘their story begins at an end and ends at a beginning,’ in the blurb meant.
To summarize, The Queen of Dirt Island is the story of three strong women who decided to live their lives on their terms and love each other no matter what.
Thank you, NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, and Doubleday, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#TheQueenofDirtIsland #NetGalley
*****
Spoiler
TW: Violence, Suicide, Hints of Sexual Assault, Infidelity
4.5 Stars
One Liner: Wonderful!
Ophelia Bottom wants a normal life with normal parents, a normal school, and a home that doesn’t have wheels. As the daughter of traveling actors, her life seems to be no less a drama from the Shakespearean era.
When an unexpected incident forces the Bottom family to stay in Stopford for a few weeks, Ophelia thinks this is her chance to have a normal life (even if temporary). However, the town’s motto, Plastic Is Fantastic – Different Is Dangerous, makes Ophelia realize that this isn’t the kind of normal she wanted.
What’s more, she may have to risk everything to solve the mystery behind the motto and its aftereffects on the townsfolk. Can Ophelia Bottom get to the bottom of things?
The story comes from the first-person POV of Ophelia.
My Observations:
Ophelia is a sweetheart! I love how her character’s depth is revealed as the story progresses. She starts off like a regular pre-teen but goes on to show her grit and maturity. Merry was another lovely character.
The use of capitals when the dad speaks and italics when the mom stresses every word was a great touch. The capitals initially put me off, but it didn’t last long. The explanation is right at the beginning of the book, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at it.
The setting is vivid and clear. I could easily picturize Stopford town, the school, the kids, and just about everything. This book would make a good screen adaptation. It is easy to visualize the book from start to finish.
The book deals with a few topics like plastic waste, environment protection, bullying at school, being ‘normal’ vs. by different, being true to oneself, and so on. But there’s no preaching. No one lectures on moral values. Everything is integral to the plot. Take an element out, and the story will be affected in some way. That’s how it should be done, IMO.
The twists in the plot are easy to guess (it is MG fiction, after all). Yet, I loved the last twist and the ending. It is just how a children’s book should be.
The narration further picks up pace during the climax and does justice to the build-up. It is easy to become a part of the story and root for Ophelia. Kids will enjoy the adrenaline-packed action scenes.
The second half gave me Robo/ Enthiran vibes (by director Shankar with Rajnikanth in the lead). I won’t say more as it will lead to spoilers.
There’s a wee bit of repetition, but I don’t mind ignoring it in MG fiction.
The story is fast-paced and keeps you hooked. I wish I could’ve read it in a single sitting. If you have 2+ hours to spare, grab this one. You won’t be disappointed.
To summarize, The Dangerous Life of Ophelia Bottom is a delightful and fun novel for children dealing with an important topic. It’s pretty much a complete package.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Children's Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#TheDangerousLifeofOpheliaBottom #NetGalley
******
P.S: A big thank you to Rosh for recommending the book. I saw it twice on NG and decided to try it later. Her strong recco changed my mind. Guess I had to read it now. The author’s kiddo book, [b:Shoo!|60711740|Shoo!|Susie Bower|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648518272l/60711740._SX50_.jpg|95714652]is one of my favorites this year. Needless to say, I’ll be keeping an eye out for other releases by Susie Bower.
One Liner: Wonderful!
Ophelia Bottom wants a normal life with normal parents, a normal school, and a home that doesn’t have wheels. As the daughter of traveling actors, her life seems to be no less a drama from the Shakespearean era.
When an unexpected incident forces the Bottom family to stay in Stopford for a few weeks, Ophelia thinks this is her chance to have a normal life (even if temporary). However, the town’s motto, Plastic Is Fantastic – Different Is Dangerous, makes Ophelia realize that this isn’t the kind of normal she wanted.
What’s more, she may have to risk everything to solve the mystery behind the motto and its aftereffects on the townsfolk. Can Ophelia Bottom get to the bottom of things?
The story comes from the first-person POV of Ophelia.
My Observations:
Ophelia is a sweetheart! I love how her character’s depth is revealed as the story progresses. She starts off like a regular pre-teen but goes on to show her grit and maturity. Merry was another lovely character.
The use of capitals when the dad speaks and italics when the mom stresses every word was a great touch. The capitals initially put me off, but it didn’t last long. The explanation is right at the beginning of the book, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at it.
The setting is vivid and clear. I could easily picturize Stopford town, the school, the kids, and just about everything. This book would make a good screen adaptation. It is easy to visualize the book from start to finish.
The book deals with a few topics like plastic waste, environment protection, bullying at school, being ‘normal’ vs. by different, being true to oneself, and so on. But there’s no preaching. No one lectures on moral values. Everything is integral to the plot. Take an element out, and the story will be affected in some way. That’s how it should be done, IMO.
The twists in the plot are easy to guess (it is MG fiction, after all). Yet, I loved the last twist and the ending. It is just how a children’s book should be.
The narration further picks up pace during the climax and does justice to the build-up. It is easy to become a part of the story and root for Ophelia. Kids will enjoy the adrenaline-packed action scenes.
The second half gave me Robo/ Enthiran vibes (by director Shankar with Rajnikanth in the lead). I won’t say more as it will lead to spoilers.
There’s a wee bit of repetition, but I don’t mind ignoring it in MG fiction.
The story is fast-paced and keeps you hooked. I wish I could’ve read it in a single sitting. If you have 2+ hours to spare, grab this one. You won’t be disappointed.
To summarize, The Dangerous Life of Ophelia Bottom is a delightful and fun novel for children dealing with an important topic. It’s pretty much a complete package.
Thank you, NetGalley and Pushkin Children's Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#TheDangerousLifeofOpheliaBottom #NetGalley
******
P.S: A big thank you to Rosh for recommending the book. I saw it twice on NG and decided to try it later. Her strong recco changed my mind. Guess I had to read it now. The author’s kiddo book, [b:Shoo!|60711740|Shoo!|Susie Bower|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1648518272l/60711740._SX50_.jpg|95714652]is one of my favorites this year. Needless to say, I’ll be keeping an eye out for other releases by Susie Bower.
A short piece in experimental style where the mother 'teaches' the dos and don'ts of how a woman should be. The mother's tone alters between scathing comments, warnings, and insistent nudging to make her daughter read between the lines.
The writing style is blunt with repetitions to drive the point home. The whole thing is one huge para (of ~700 words) and naturally made me feel suffocated (huge paras are a pet peeve). The ending rather puts the rest of the content in a different light. It makes one wonder what the mother is really trying to tell her daughter.
The writing style is blunt with repetitions to drive the point home. The whole thing is one huge para (of ~700 words) and naturally made me feel suffocated (huge paras are a pet peeve). The ending rather puts the rest of the content in a different light. It makes one wonder what the mother is really trying to tell her daughter.