This is the first book in the Maisie Dobbs series. I really enjoyed listening to Rita Barrington narrate the audiobook edition.
I had heard of this serThis is the first book in the Maisie Dobbs series. I really enjoyed listening to Rita Barrington narrate the audiobook edition.
I had heard of this series before, of course, but had never decided to jump in until I saw an opportunity to discuss it in various groups here on Goodreads.
Filled with exposition about Maisie's childhood and early adult years during the war, this book deftly pulls the reader in, to love Maisie's courage and cheer for her successes. The ending, while sad, was foreshadowed throughout the tale and actually brings some much-needed catharsis.
I look forward to reading more of the books in this series....more
This book presents four Native American folktales featuring coyotes. This collection depicts the coyote in "...the prominent role of creator, messengeThis book presents four Native American folktales featuring coyotes. This collection depicts the coyote in "...the prominent role of creator, messenger, and, above all, trickster." (p. 7)
The stories are very short, printed in a large font. And the illustrations are fantastic. They are mostly realistic images in earthy tones, with some animals portrayed with anthropomorphic touches to add some humor to the stories.
interesting quote:
"Coyote, though his antics, teaches us the importance of listening, paying attention, and respecting all that surrounds us." (p. 7)...more
This book is based on a true story and tells of a young girl's attempts to find her place in a new country.
Her desire to belong, make new friends, anThis book is based on a true story and tells of a young girl's attempts to find her place in a new country.
Her desire to belong, make new friends, and be a part of her new country's Christmas customs and celebrations will resonate with young children who feel out of place.
Many reviewers criticize the unfavorable comparison between the Christmas and Chanukah celebrations, but I view it as more of a struggle to belong in a new place.
The illustrations are nicely detailed and realistic.
This is an old book that shows conservation efforts to protect injured and endangered animals from around the world.
I got this book and a few others This is an old book that shows conservation efforts to protect injured and endangered animals from around the world.
I got this book and a few others from the National Geographic Books For Young Explorers series from my mom & dad for Christmas when I was 7 and found them around our house as we're trying to downsize in preparation for a move....more
Intriguing tale of the supernatural in a not-quite post-apocalyptic Scotland. It's the second book in the Edinburgh Nights series and reminds me stronIntriguing tale of the supernatural in a not-quite post-apocalyptic Scotland. It's the second book in the Edinburgh Nights series and reminds me strongly of the Lockwood & Co. series by Jonathan Stroud.
I really enjoyed listening to Tinashe Warikandwa narrate the audiobook edition.
I had originally thought this book would be appropriate for middle grade readers, but the content and language push it solidly into young adult. Which is too bad, because typically middle grade readers like to read about characters slightly older than themselves and this might have otherwise been a good fit....more
This book offers a fascinating and somewhat dire look at the current and potential pandemics caused by fungi, affecting species across the globe.
DiscThis book offers a fascinating and somewhat dire look at the current and potential pandemics caused by fungi, affecting species across the globe.
Discussions include fungi affecting humans, potatoes, bats, trees, frogs, bananas, and other life forms. And while terrifying, some hope for our ability to use science to overcome or avoid the effects exists.
It's a cautionary book about our mixed results from attempts to genetically modify or counteract against fungi, and the hubris of combating nature....more
This is an interesting travelog, told by two very funny comedians. The book is filled with short entries about the various places they've traveled andThis is an interesting travelog, told by two very funny comedians. The book is filled with short entries about the various places they've traveled and anecdotes about the people they met, the food and beverages they consumed, and the cultural norms they noted....more
interesting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISBN13):
" child rearing and nursing ." (p. )
"This article is nothing more than prefrontal lobe B.S. interesting quotes (page numbers from edition with ISBN13):
" child rearing and nursing ." (p. )
"This article is nothing more than prefrontal lobe B.S. There is no way an infant's brain patterns are permanently psychologically damaged at such a young age. There is no way that your prefrontal cortex will permanently adopt patterns that will translate into adulthood. No way. If that would be the case, then the last three generations to rule this earth - Boomers, Preboomers, Generation X - would all have been emotionally unstable and plagued with psychological issues.
Well, then, I thought to myself, I rest my case." (p. )
"The rise of loneliness..." (p. )
"...The harsher the parenting people were exposed to as young children, the more prone they become to support authoritarian or aggressive policies..." (p. )...more
I listened to Sea of Tranquility first and got to know some of these characters from a different perspective. So I was excited to learn more about theI listened to Sea of Tranquility first and got to know some of these characters from a different perspective. So I was excited to learn more about their lives and the interconnected ways in which they interact....more
This book chronicles the journey that the author took from being born in Nigeria, to living in Russia, to moving to Canada and discovering his passionThis book chronicles the journey that the author took from being born in Nigeria, to living in Russia, to moving to Canada and discovering his passion for ice hockey. It also highlights the racism, isolation, and trauma he experienced being one of the only black players. This is a very cautionary, but uplifting story that shows how more needs to be done to combat racism and support social justice initiatives....more
Somewhat dated, this book covers myriad school subjects from A to Z. Basic science, history, math, language, and literature topics are briefly explainSomewhat dated, this book covers myriad school subjects from A to Z. Basic science, history, math, language, and literature topics are briefly explained and most entries are in a list format....more
This book offers a fascinating perspective on opportunities and challenges we face in the 21st century. I was very impressed with Yuval Noah Harari's This book offers a fascinating perspective on opportunities and challenges we face in the 21st century. I was very impressed with Yuval Noah Harari's previous books, Homo Deus: A History of Tomorrow and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, so I expected good things from this book as well.
The narrative covers many touchy topics ranging from politics to religion to climate change to social justice to the role of technology in our lives. He does not shy away from providing his opinion in a highly convincing manner, and while I agree with most of what he has to say, I'm sure the book may anger many.
Overall, I really enjoyed listening to Derek Perkins narrate the audiobook edition and I look forward to Mr. Harari's next book.
interesting quote (page number from hardcover edition with ISBN13 978-0525512172):
"Many pedagogical experts argue that schools should be switching to teaching 'the four Cs' -- critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity." (p. 266)...more
interesting quote (page number from edition with ISBN13 ):
"If definitive proof emerges that we're living in a simulation, the correct response to thatinteresting quote (page number from edition with ISBN13 ):
"If definitive proof emerges that we're living in a simulation, the correct response to that news will be: 'So what?' A life lived in a simulation is still a life." (p. )...more
While Simu Liu is arguably a bit young to have written a memoir, the fact that he has woven the stories of his grandparents and parents along with hisWhile Simu Liu is arguably a bit young to have written a memoir, the fact that he has woven the stories of his grandparents and parents along with his own really gives the reader some insight into the hard work, sacrifice, and drive that is not uncommon in immigrants' lives....more
While nothing in this book truly surprised me, it really solidifies how this administration was nothing less than a dumpster fire. I will mention thatWhile nothing in this book truly surprised me, it really solidifies how this administration was nothing less than a dumpster fire. I will mention that the fact that we were a hair's breadth away from withdrawing from NATO took my breath away. As we rapidly approach the midterm elections, I wish with all my heart that the voters realize how close we have come to losing our democracy and the soul of our nation.
It's a long audiobook and I had to listen to it at a rapid playback speed in order to finish it before my loan expired. I really enjoyed listening to Michael Quinlan narrate the book.
interesting quotes:
"Kelly was beyond furious, recalled a close colleague. He pressed Trump to reverse himself. 'If you don't support John McCain's funeral, when you die, the public will come to your grave and piss on it,' an angry Kelly told the President. 'This guy's a hero, regardless of what you think about it.'"
"Even in death, though, McCain had the last word. He left a farewell letter, 'To my fellow Americans,' to be read by Rick Davis, his former campaign manager. It was his final rebuke to Trump and all that he represented. 'We weaken our greatness when we confuse our patriotism with tribal rivalries that have sown resentment and hatred and violence in all the corners of the globe. We weaken it when we hide behind walls, rather than tear them down; when we doubt the power of our ideals, rather than trust them to be the great force for change they have always been. "
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