Now in My Bookbag: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, by Phaedra Patrick

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for providing honest feedback to the publisher.

This book elicits a wide range of emotions. It is moving, enlightening, and life affirming. The story tastefully handles matters of grief and loss. The premise of the story creates a lot of interest throughout, and it is a refreshing concept. It is quirky and imaginative, and I could not put this book down.

Arthur is lovable, eccentric, and lonely. The mystery about the early life of his Miriam finally opens him up to living again.The characters are an eclectic mix, and they relate to each other fascinating ways. It is a privilege to tag along with Arthur on his adventures.

I shed a few tears, laughed out loud, and felt the need to add a bit of adventure to my own life. There are a few phrases that become lost in translation for me, as I am an American reader/reviewer. However, it is not necessarily detrimental to the enjoyment of the book, which I highly recommend.

4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Behave, by Andromeda Romano-Lax

This book reads as part fiction, part textbook, and part cautionary tale. Because it is based on a true story about scientists and scientific research, it contains a lot of terminology reminiscent of college textbooks. I feel as though that makes this a rather dry, sometimes boring read.

As to the fiction, it is a great idea to create the story around Rosalie Rayner Watson. She is the woman behind the man, Dr. John Watson… behavioral scientist from the early to mid 1900’s. With her as the subject, author Andromeda Romano-Lax has the autonomy of artistic license in her writing. I find it unfortunate that the story is rather lackluster. Although, there are a few parts of the book that elicit some emotion.

I did find this book mildly enjoyable, and mildly interesting. 2 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Franny and Toby, by Tetman Callis

I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback for the author and publisher, and an honest review.

This is a truly delightful book, perfect for children from 3rd to 6th grade. Told mostly through the voice of Franny, a cat who can read, this story it very appealing. Author Tetman Callis promotes topics like friendship, family, adventure, and the value of reading. It has great characters that are fun and entertaining. There is just enough light suspense that will appeal to the targeted age range.

The story could be condensed a bit, but reads well as is. I believe this book will be an enchanting tale for children, and a great addition to libraries everywhere. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Before the Fall, by Noah Hawley

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This book is very interesting. It is a study of the way that even small decisions and chance encounters can spin lives onto a completely new course. Author Noah Hawley philosophically examines the lives of the characters that are central to the plane crash, as well as the lives of the characters that become central to the story following the crash.

What results is an in depth read, full of tragedy and suspense, that is quite engrossing. The bit of backstory given for each character reveals their paths to convergence. I find artistry in the prose Hawley writes, however I wish there was a bit less philosophy here and there.

I really like the way this author weaves the backstories together with events following the crash to create a tapestry of the truth, sprinkling clues together with possibilities to keep me guessing until almost the end.

My favorite thing about this story is the bond between the unlikely survivors of the crash, Scott and JJ. Hawley leaves me believing that each of them will breathe life back into the other. 4 3/4 stars

Expected release date: May 31, 2016

About Author Noah Hawley

Born New York City, The United States

Website http://www.noahhawley.com

Twitter noahhawley

Genre Literature & Fiction

Noah Hawley is an American film and television producer, screenwriter, composer, and author. He is the author of three novels including A Conspiracy of Tall Men, Other People’s Weddings and The Punch. For TV he wrote and produced the television series Bones (2005-present) and also created The Unusuals (2009) and My Generation (2010). Hawley also wrote the screenplay for the film Lies and Alibis (2006) starring Steve Coogan and Rebecca Romijn.

Now in My Bookbag: The Lie Tree, by Frances Hardinge

I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

What a phenomenal work! Books this exceptional are far too rare. Author Frances Hardinge has a special gift for prose.

Setting descriptions breathe life into Vane Island, from Faith’s first assessment of her new home, until the story’s last syllables are written. The characters are splendid in their complexity. This book is well thought out,  and so well written.

Hardinge outlines the mindset of the scientific naturalist, as well as the thinking of those more devoutly religious. The elegance of this story however, is its success in coloring all of the grey areas between the two. The Lie Tree is suspense and mystery, sins and absolution, self-righteousness and self-recremination.

This book is a fantastic find, one which I hope to share with as many discerning readers as possible. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Reading Up a Storm, by Eva Gates

I was given an advance copy of this book by the publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Expected release date: April 5th, 2016

I really enjoyed this book. It is the third book in the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series. It is a lighthearted murder mystery that is a cross between Nancy Drew, and Murder She Wrote. I like the characters, the setting, and the idea that a library could exist within a venerable old lighthouse. I truly love Charles, the cat, who seems to be imbued with knowledge and powers beyond the scope of a normal cat. I applaud author Eva Gates for supporting the concept of a public library system, and for her emphasis on engaging younger generations in the love of reading. Despite a couple of holes in the logic process of the story, I find the book charming. 4 stars

What I Am Reading

Through Netgalley, I have the wonderful opportunity to read and review books that I may not have ordinarily noticed. I previously read, and reviewed, two books I found at Netgalley: Ties That Bind, & The Golden Anklet.

I am currently reading a novel titled Viral Justice (Biological Response Team), by Julie Rowe. I should be finished later tonight and will have my review done tomorrow.

Here is the jacket blurb about Viral Justice:

As a general’s daughter, Alicia Stone has fought twice as hard for everything she’s earned in the military. A Special Forces consultant with black belts in three martial arts, she’s as strong as her surname implies. No one dares call her Alicia—no one but Colonel Robert Maxmillian, head of the Biological Response Team.

With Alicia at his side, Max must lead the team into northern Iraq to investigate a virus—or is it a weapon—killing the area’s population. Charged with guarding his body, she can’t help wanting his hands on her body. Max would be the perfect fling. But he demands more.

The heat builds between them, but danger quickly follows. As the two get closer to the source of the virus, they’ll have to risk their future to outsmart a scientist with nothing to lose.

Now in My Bookbag: Ties That Bind, by Debbie White

The publisher of this work provided, through NetGalley, a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Author Debbie White has written a story that has an interesting plot. The events depicted are fairly easy to follow, and the details understandable. The main character, Patsy, takes us on an incredible journey through her life story.

There are many ups and downs throughout. The potential to connect with the segment of readers who are adopted, or know only one birth parent, presents during Patsy and Charles’ expedition to investigate Patsy’s true lineage. The last fourth of the book, or so, elicits several emotions, and offers plenty of opportunity for tears. This is the part of the book that provides the strongest connection to most readers.

However, there is much work to be done on the punctuation… especially commas. There are a very many places that are missing appropriate commas, plagued with too many commas, or a comma is simply inserted at the wrong place. The book needs another proofread. Also, a few of the sentences need restructuring, and the flow needs a bit of work. I am sure that another edit can rectify these concerns.

I like the concept of the book. I love the focus on family. There is an honesty concerning topics like depression, child neglect, and the search for biological connections to the past, and it is very refreshing. I can also appreciate White’s attention to detail on the realities of aging, care taking, and death of a loved one.

With some tweaking, this can be a great book, rather than a good read.  3 1/2 Stars