Carol's Notebook – Page 147

Coronavirus: A Book for Children by Elizabeth Jenner, Kate Wilson, and Nia Roberts

April 27, 2020April 27, 2020 by Carol2 Comments

Coronavirus: A Book for Children is free from Nosy Crow publishing to download or read-online. The book answers key questions in simple language appropriate for 5 to 9 year olds: • What is the coronavirus?• How do you catch the coronavirus?• What happens if you catch the coronavirus?• Why are people worried about catching the coronavirus?• Is there a cure for the coronavirus?• Why are some places we normally go to closed?• What can I do to help?• What’s going to happen next? The facts are presented in a clear, easy to understand way, even while admitting that we don't know everything about the new illness yet. It's calm and concise. It talks about how we can catch the virus and what happens if we do, but isn't scary about it. The illustrations are colorful and inclusive. We learn why it's best to stay home right now, but acknowledges we, children and adults, can be worried and bored and angry and that's...

A Scandal in Belgravia by Robert Barnard

April 27, 2020April 24, 2020 by Carol2 Comments

I picked A Scandal in Belgravia up at a library book sale. I had never heard of Barnard before, but the title grabbed my eye because of the Sherlock episode. After i read the blurb on the back it sounded like one I'd enjoy and I think it was like 50¢. I have to say I'm really pleased I picked it up. Peter Proctor, a former politician, is writing his memoirs. Or at least trying to. But his mind keeps going back to the murder of his friend, Timothy Wycliffe, some 30 years ago. I liked the pace of this mystery. It's an old murder. The police think they knew who did it and the killer is safely out of the country. There's no rush; no one's in danger; there's nothing to be gained by solving the case aside for peace of mind - and maybe a book that will sell better than his memoirs. Peter can go around talking to people,...

Sunday Salon – 4/26

April 26, 2020April 27, 2020 by Carol4 Comments

Thanks to Deb at Readerbuzz for hosting The Sunday Salon. Stop over there or at the Facebook Group to participate. It’s been pretty quiet around here. Not much choice really. I think Ohio might start re-opening some on May 1, but I'm not sure what that will look like or how/if it will change anything for me. Week’s Highlight: We cheated a little and went over to my mom's for dinner. It was nice to hang out with her for a while and she made cream puffs, which I love. Reading: I’ve had lots of time to read, both at home and at work. And I finished two books during the readathon Saturday. Last week’s post: The Automaton’s Wife by Vered EhsaniThe Last Emperox by John ScalziA Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda JonesGhosts of Tsavo by Vered Ehsani I may have already finished my book for The Classics Club 23rd spin. I'll post a review soon. Looking ahead a bit. The Can You Read a Series in a Month? Challenge hosted by...

Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon

April 25, 2020April 26, 2020 by Carol5 Comments

It's the day! And I don't work tomorrow. And I don't have anywhere to go today. So it's time to read. I'll be trying to update this post throughout the day/night. I'm also on Twitter and Instagram. Opening Survey: 1)What fine part of the world are you reading from today? And what time is it where you are? I am in eastern Ohio. The Readathon started at 8:00 a.m., but I'm starting at 10:00. I slept in a bit. 2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? I don't really have much of a game plan, but my Classics Club spin book is supposed to be delivered this afternoon, so I might read a bit of that. 3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? I have an apple turnover to bake. And we're ordering delivery or pick-up for dinner, which is about as exciting as food gets around here lately. Am I the only one who's tired...

The Automaton’s Wife by Vered Ehsani

April 24, 2020April 21, 2020 by Carol4 Comments

The Automaton's Wife is an amusing, quick read, although I do suggest reading the first in the series before this one. Bee continues her adventures in Africa with the help and also complications of her friends and family. This time around she meets a large bat, her husband's ghost has seemingly disappeared and her horse is posessed by a snake spirit. In the meantime, a local woman has been found dead in a mysterious manner. I like the Kenya 1899 setting and the author provides a brief fact or fiction section after the story. Bee and her family don't fit in, but they are doing their best. Bee tries to keep an open mind when dealing with people, but she is a part of her British culture. Bee also learns a few things about her past that puts her prejudices in a different light. It's a cute series. It's light and enjoyable. And Bee is fun to hang out with....

The Last Emperox by John Scalzi

April 23, 2020April 21, 2020 by Carol1 Comment

I have problems with series ending. Either I love the series and don't want it to end or I get bored with the series and don't make it to the end (which happens more often). Trilogies simplify the issue a little. There's only three, so chances are if I enjoyed the first one I won't have gotten bored yet by the time the third rolls around. On the other hand, there's only three and I want more time in the world with the characters. The Interdependency falls into the second category. I love it and want more. Maybe a follow-up trilogy. Please. First off, don't read The Last Emperox as a stand alone. Read the first and second, in that order. Meet the characters, discover the world, learn the politics, get an idea of the science. (I'm not really sure how scientific the science is, but that's beside the point. Don't worry that this is too sciencey, it's not.) The Last...