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This is a good short story that deals with the ghost of a dog. It was an interesting read and the little bits of incidents that happened added to the plot.
4.5 Stars
Islands in the Stream is a collection of 49 poems divided into two categories. The first is Nature’s Rhapsody, a delightful string of poems that show the poet’s love for Nature. The second is Life’s Foibles, verses filled with musings, memories, desires, simple pleasures, and more.
The poems are poignant, playful, mesmerizing, heartwarming, soothing, and warm. Each poem evokes a different emotion, and the reader will move on to the next one with a light smile on their lips.
The imagery is strong and paints a vivid picture of the poem, luring the reader into another world. Most poems are of a decent size (neither too short nor too long). It’s the right dose without overwhelming the reader.
The refrain in the title poem is my absolute favorite. The rhythm in When Roused from Slumber has such a lovely feel to it.
Though it’s hard to pick a few poems, my favorites are-
• Ode to Night
• Dusk’s Promiscuity
• Romance of the Fireflies
• Breezes
• I Miss
• Lost Nonage
• The Waves of Memory
• Your Letter
• Freedom
• Chords of Pain
Each of them is different yet has the same power to weave a trance-like state around the readers. I only wish the author used a few simpler words. Her vocab is rather extensive, and having to look up a dictionary when reading is poem can dampen the feeling.
Being the poet’s friend, I already know how wonderful her poems are. Reading a selected part of her works as a single collection gave me immense happiness. I wish her loads of success and hope for more books from her.
Islands in the Stream is a collection of 49 poems divided into two categories. The first is Nature’s Rhapsody, a delightful string of poems that show the poet’s love for Nature. The second is Life’s Foibles, verses filled with musings, memories, desires, simple pleasures, and more.
The poems are poignant, playful, mesmerizing, heartwarming, soothing, and warm. Each poem evokes a different emotion, and the reader will move on to the next one with a light smile on their lips.
The imagery is strong and paints a vivid picture of the poem, luring the reader into another world. Most poems are of a decent size (neither too short nor too long). It’s the right dose without overwhelming the reader.
The refrain in the title poem is my absolute favorite. The rhythm in When Roused from Slumber has such a lovely feel to it.
Though it’s hard to pick a few poems, my favorites are-
• Ode to Night
• Dusk’s Promiscuity
• Romance of the Fireflies
• Breezes
• I Miss
• Lost Nonage
• The Waves of Memory
• Your Letter
• Freedom
• Chords of Pain
Each of them is different yet has the same power to weave a trance-like state around the readers. I only wish the author used a few simpler words. Her vocab is rather extensive, and having to look up a dictionary when reading is poem can dampen the feeling.
Being the poet’s friend, I already know how wonderful her poems are. Reading a selected part of her works as a single collection gave me immense happiness. I wish her loads of success and hope for more books from her.
4.2 Stars
The story takes place in Scotland, 1765. Kitty, aka Katherine Nairne, barely 20 years old and from a rich, influential family, marries Thomas Ogilvie, 40 years old, suffering from stomach ulcers, and belonging to a poor Scottish family.
The book starts with the wedding and moves on to show how Kitty’s youthful stupidity, Thomas’s laidback approach, Patrick’s happy attitude, Lady Eastmiln’s actions in the past and the present, and the hidden agenda of Anne Clarke end up ruining and taking lives.
The atmosphere on the cover picture and the little piece of news that the book is based on a true crime made me request this book.
For someone whose Scottish stories have been limited to historical romances with the lairds, this book was a fresh and interesting take set in the same land. The Ogilvies are not rich. But they are not poor. Their lives are the opposite of what Kitty was used to. Her dreams of having a lovely marriage with her husband don’t come true.
Away in Edinburgh is Alexander, another member of the family who has never gotten the love he deserved. Anna Clarke, a relative and a mistress, offers a simple solution. Then begin the mind games and manipulations.
As readers, we know every thought and action before the characters can even comprehend them. We see what is happening and can guess what would happen (to an extent). We know whether or not Kitty killed her husband. There is injustice, and there is karmic justice. But ultimately, lives have been lost. Is it only greed? No. Alexander’s motives and actions stem from something far more personal.
What about Anne Clarke? She is the key character in this book. It’s her brain that plots and executes. Yet, underneath it, all lay emotions that never let her lead a happy and contented life.
The actual trial starts somewhere after 70% or 75% of the book. It doesn’t last long either. But the focus of the book is not the trial. It is the people, the characters, and their personalities that keep us engaged.
We could say they have been stereotyped a little, but that only makes us want to roll our eyes or smack them on their heads. The writing is steady. It starts slowly and still hooks us. The observations about the settings, the characters, and their actions are woven into the narrative with ease. Even when there was an information dump at one place, it had subtle insights that would later make sense.
I wouldn’t call it a delightful book, but it sure was entertaining. The dry humor and ironic undertones added to the narration.
Fans of historical fiction and crime (without gore) will enjoy this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sapere Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheCaseofKittyOgilvie #NetGalley
The story takes place in Scotland, 1765. Kitty, aka Katherine Nairne, barely 20 years old and from a rich, influential family, marries Thomas Ogilvie, 40 years old, suffering from stomach ulcers, and belonging to a poor Scottish family.
The book starts with the wedding and moves on to show how Kitty’s youthful stupidity, Thomas’s laidback approach, Patrick’s happy attitude, Lady Eastmiln’s actions in the past and the present, and the hidden agenda of Anne Clarke end up ruining and taking lives.
The atmosphere on the cover picture and the little piece of news that the book is based on a true crime made me request this book.
For someone whose Scottish stories have been limited to historical romances with the lairds, this book was a fresh and interesting take set in the same land. The Ogilvies are not rich. But they are not poor. Their lives are the opposite of what Kitty was used to. Her dreams of having a lovely marriage with her husband don’t come true.
Away in Edinburgh is Alexander, another member of the family who has never gotten the love he deserved. Anna Clarke, a relative and a mistress, offers a simple solution. Then begin the mind games and manipulations.
As readers, we know every thought and action before the characters can even comprehend them. We see what is happening and can guess what would happen (to an extent). We know whether or not Kitty killed her husband. There is injustice, and there is karmic justice. But ultimately, lives have been lost. Is it only greed? No. Alexander’s motives and actions stem from something far more personal.
What about Anne Clarke? She is the key character in this book. It’s her brain that plots and executes. Yet, underneath it, all lay emotions that never let her lead a happy and contented life.
The actual trial starts somewhere after 70% or 75% of the book. It doesn’t last long either. But the focus of the book is not the trial. It is the people, the characters, and their personalities that keep us engaged.
We could say they have been stereotyped a little, but that only makes us want to roll our eyes or smack them on their heads. The writing is steady. It starts slowly and still hooks us. The observations about the settings, the characters, and their actions are woven into the narrative with ease. Even when there was an information dump at one place, it had subtle insights that would later make sense.
I wouldn’t call it a delightful book, but it sure was entertaining. The dry humor and ironic undertones added to the narration.
Fans of historical fiction and crime (without gore) will enjoy this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sapere Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheCaseofKittyOgilvie #NetGalley
4.2 Stars
On the Trapline is a beautiful story of a grandson knowing more about his grandfather’s childhood on the trapline. The story shows how the Cree tribe lived together on the shores, had to relocate, and got displaced over the years. The trip may be a small one, but it is filled with such poignant memories and details of the past. This is a beautiful and sweet story told in a simple manner. The illustrations set the tone of the book, and the use of Cree vocab was wonderful. It’s so important for the current and next generations to know their roots. We need more such books in every country.
I wish there was a little more detail, but then I understand this is a children's book, and too much information can be overwhelming.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada and am voluntarily leaving a review.
On the Trapline is a beautiful story of a grandson knowing more about his grandfather’s childhood on the trapline. The story shows how the Cree tribe lived together on the shores, had to relocate, and got displaced over the years. The trip may be a small one, but it is filled with such poignant memories and details of the past. This is a beautiful and sweet story told in a simple manner. The illustrations set the tone of the book, and the use of Cree vocab was wonderful. It’s so important for the current and next generations to know their roots. We need more such books in every country.
I wish there was a little more detail, but then I understand this is a children's book, and too much information can be overwhelming.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.2 Stars
One look at the title, and I knew I had to read this one. The author tackles the issue of dance and gender quite well in this cute book. Despite some of the famous classical dancers being men, this lovely art form is not considered masculine enough for boys. Kathakali is probably one where men are prominent.
The book shows a young boy, Varun is attracted to the rhythm of dance beats and finds himself wanting to learn Bharatanatyam. After he’s ridiculed and laughed at for it, the boy finally finds enough confidence when his thatha (grandfather) dances and displays his talent.
The book reminded me of a dance program at a wedding from more than 17 years ago. A father-son duo performed Dasavataram on stage, and it was mesmerizing! I still remember it.
The author mentions how dance is seen more as an activity rather than an art form. Indian classical dance is graceful and expressive (be it the mudras or the facial expressions). The sound of the anklets in sync with the musical beats is the best thing one can listen to.
Though the book is more enjoyable for Indian-Americans, it can be read by a wider audience as well. I love how the students in the dance class belong to different ethnicities. The illustrations are just as good and suited for the target audience. The Indian in me wants something more desi.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Yali Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
One look at the title, and I knew I had to read this one. The author tackles the issue of dance and gender quite well in this cute book. Despite some of the famous classical dancers being men, this lovely art form is not considered masculine enough for boys. Kathakali is probably one where men are prominent.
The book shows a young boy, Varun is attracted to the rhythm of dance beats and finds himself wanting to learn Bharatanatyam. After he’s ridiculed and laughed at for it, the boy finally finds enough confidence when his thatha (grandfather) dances and displays his talent.
The book reminded me of a dance program at a wedding from more than 17 years ago. A father-son duo performed Dasavataram on stage, and it was mesmerizing! I still remember it.
The author mentions how dance is seen more as an activity rather than an art form. Indian classical dance is graceful and expressive (be it the mudras or the facial expressions). The sound of the anklets in sync with the musical beats is the best thing one can listen to.
Though the book is more enjoyable for Indian-Americans, it can be read by a wider audience as well. I love how the students in the dance class belong to different ethnicities. The illustrations are just as good and suited for the target audience. The Indian in me wants something more desi.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Yali Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars
This book is a winner! The illustrations are fantastic, and the moral is bang on. Henry is a little boy who reads stories to his chicken friends each day after school. But he gets a video game and stops reading to play games. He ignores the chickens, and one of them is mighty upset. Finally, the chickens get his attention and show that they want to read books.
Kiddos with noses in their phones rather than books should give this a read. Even chickens love books, so why not humans? The illustrations are so colorful and bright that I’m sure kids will love this one as a picture book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Hunt Haven Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheChickenWhoLovedBooks #NetGalley
This book is a winner! The illustrations are fantastic, and the moral is bang on. Henry is a little boy who reads stories to his chicken friends each day after school. But he gets a video game and stops reading to play games. He ignores the chickens, and one of them is mighty upset. Finally, the chickens get his attention and show that they want to read books.
Kiddos with noses in their phones rather than books should give this a read. Even chickens love books, so why not humans? The illustrations are so colorful and bright that I’m sure kids will love this one as a picture book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Hunt Haven Press and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#TheChickenWhoLovedBooks #NetGalley
The book is about Maddie’s adventures on a Saturday outing with her grandpa. They go to meet different people in the street, make new friends, and have fun. Most importantly, they respect others and are kind to animals.
The illustrations are cheerful and lively. The writing could have been a little better. But I guess it’s suitable for the target audience. I felt the story a little rushed. Maybe a slightly slower pace would have created a stronger connection.
Overall, this is a sweet and warm book that shows the importance of everyday interactions and friendships.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#MaddiesSaturdaytoRemember #NetGalley
The illustrations are cheerful and lively. The writing could have been a little better. But I guess it’s suitable for the target audience. I felt the story a little rushed. Maybe a slightly slower pace would have created a stronger connection.
Overall, this is a sweet and warm book that shows the importance of everyday interactions and friendships.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and BooksGoSocial and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#MaddiesSaturdaytoRemember #NetGalley
4 stars
Smile and Say Hi is the story of Mike, a shy little kid who couldn’t talk to strangers. A team of dragons visits him one night and takes him to a dragon race. He gains confidence after that and starts to make friends at school.
The illustrations are vibrant. The story is presented in a rhyming verse. Some of it seemed a little forced, but the overall presentation was rather cute. This book would be a lovely gift for shy kids to gently urge them to take a step forward and try to talk to others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Mascot Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Smile and Say Hi is the story of Mike, a shy little kid who couldn’t talk to strangers. A team of dragons visits him one night and takes him to a dragon race. He gains confidence after that and starts to make friends at school.
The illustrations are vibrant. The story is presented in a rhyming verse. Some of it seemed a little forced, but the overall presentation was rather cute. This book would be a lovely gift for shy kids to gently urge them to take a step forward and try to talk to others.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Mascot Books and am voluntarily leaving a review.