One of my favorite moments in George Balanchine’s Rubies is when the soloist, known as the “Tall Girl,” emerges from the corps de ballet and finds herself at center stage. She carefully places each foot in a wide second position—an exaggerated stance, feet apart and turned out—and beckons the four men of the corps toward her. They […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/17/dancing-laser-beams-balanchine-rubies/
We closed our annual Fiction Issue while I was on the West Coast. Between checking layouts and getting illustration revisions, my hosts and I swam in Scotts Flat Lake and made strawberry milkshakes. One day we took the train from Colfax to Truckee, which crosses the Donner Pass. Painting from a moving vehicle is my version of […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/07/17/over-donner-pass-leanne-shapton/
Sophia Rose is here with a women’s fiction romance that is sure to charm. Check out her thoughts on The Sawmill Book Club by Carolyn Brown. I am sure you’ll want to pack your bags and head to this Texas, small-town and meet its residence.
The Sawmill Book Club
by Carolyn Brown
Genres: Women’s Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
A restless woman discovers the comforts of small-town Texas—and more—in a bighearted novel about the next chapters in life by New York Times bestselling author Carolyn Brown.
Unsure of the future but ready for risks, Libby O’Dell trades big-city life for whatever the back roads hold. In this case it’s the small community of Sawmill, Texas, where Libby’s taken a temporary job putting an antique store in order. Her new boss, Benny Taylor, a handsome charmer with a three-legged dog named Elvis, isn’t a bad change of scenery, either.
Across the street Benny’s surrogate grandmothers—the widows Minilee and Opal—are ready with homemade corn bread, sweet tea, and an invitation for Libby to join their book club. Even if it is mostly a gathering for local gossip and meddling. The ladies’ main agenda: find Benny a wife. Except Benny’s not looking, and Libby’s only passing through until she decides what direction she’s headed next.
Truth is, Sawmill is starting to feel pretty nice. Benny, even nicer. Time will tell if this meantime job in a stopover town is just what Libby’s been looking for—and where she belongs.
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After being laid off, a woman decides to look at a job offer at a country antique shop that takes her right back to the past she determinedly left behind. Finding solace, friendship and a little something more was like finding a rare treasure tucked back on the shelf. Carolyn Brown delivers once again with another heart-felt woman’s fiction featuring healing, friendship, and a dollop of romance.
The Sawmill Book Club is a standalone women’s fiction that introduces Libby, who starts out with a hard crust about her and a need to shift for herself. Slowly her dismal childhood is revealed, but at first, one learns she’s averse to anything having to do with antique shops or the region of Texas she once called home. Yet, here she has to contemplate returning to that old part of Texas for a really good job offer that she has a unique skill-set for at an antique shop whose owner also needs someone to keep the books.
The Sawmill Antique shop was once a sawmill and now it’s a small community of three, four if you count Benny’s old police dog with three legs. Libby has been a loner, but she doesn’t resist very hard when Benny, his dog, old widows Minilee and Opal draw her in with friendship and kind interest. They can all see she’s had something in her past to make her reserved, but give her the space to unbend to them slowly.
Meanwhile, meals with the others, book club with four old feisty gals, working the busy weekends selling antiques, straightening up Benny’s disaster of an office, hunting up antiques to sell, and fending off a would-be gold digger after Benny with a nice winding, running path along the river and a private apartment at the back of the old gas station provide the catharsis Libby needs to open up to life’s enjoyments, friendships, and a spot of romance with handsome sweet Benny.
As Libby’s story came out, my heart broke for the little girl who had her basic needs met by the grandmother who raised her, but often was left alone to fend for herself even developing night terrors and never shown an ounce of tender care or love. Her grandmother cared more for gambling with her friends and I was wary of finally finding out why the woman was so cold to her son’s child. Libby had a box that was sent her after her grandmother’s death and she wouldn’t open it for the longest time. Yes, part of me was curious if there would be an explanation, but part of me dreaded what it would be and how it would affect Libby’s new-found joy.
The backdrop elements of a book club with fun discussions and antiquing activities, mentions of the delicious meals, and even a fun farmer’s market were a fun and fascinating addition to the charming characters and the gently-paced plot.
The Sawmill Book Club was another comfy, satisfying read, full of simple life, friendship, down earth humor, and love that is Carolyn Brown’s specialty.
Amazon* | Audible
*kindleunlimited
Author Carolyn BrownNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carolyn Brown was born in Texas and raised in southern Oklahoma. These days she and her husband make their home in Davis, Oklahoma, a small town of less than three thousand people where everyone knows everyone, knows what they are doing and with whom, and read the weekly newspaper to see who got caught. A plaque hangs on her office wall that says I know the voices are not real but they have such great ideas. That is her motto and muse as she goes through the days with quirky characters in her head, telling their stories, one by one, and loving her job. She has been married almost half a century to a retired English teacher that she calls Mr. B and he does not read her books before they are published because she cannot afford a divorce. They have three grown children.—and enough grandchildren to keep them busy and young. When Carolyn is not writing she likes to sit in the back yard and watch the two tom cats protect the yard from all kinds of wicked varmints like crickets, other cats, spiders and blue jays.
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Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/07/the-sawmill-book-club-by-carolyn-brown.html
Learning to recognize triangles is a crucial milestone in children’s development, enhancing spatial perception and introducing fundamental mathematical concepts. Lisa M. Weckbacher’s What is the Shape of My Ears? addresses this beautifully through the engaging story of Pearl the miniature donkey and Duke the miniature horse. Over breakfast, these farm friends discuss their responsibilities in keeping the farm safe by listening for predators, a task at which Pearl excels. Duke believes Pearl’s success is due to the shape of her ears, prompting a conversation about the differences in their ear shapes and leading to an exploration of triangles, their angles, and their identification in the environment.
Weckbacher’s storytelling provides an excellent framework for explaining geometric concepts. Her clear and engaging narrative is complemented by charming illustrations that reinforce the roles of lines and points, making the learning process enjoyable. Set on a picturesque farm with a variety of animals, the story remains captivating through the characters’ humorous observations and their learning journey.
The friendly interaction between Pearl and Duke, marked by mutual respect and eagerness to learn, sets a positive example for young readers. The book also includes additional sections for parents and teachers, offering tips on explaining different types of triangles and distinguishing between triangles and pyramids, making it a comprehensive educational resource. One notable aspect is the introduction of new vocabulary, which may be challenging for some children. However, these terms are well-explained and visually represented, aiding understanding. Weckbacher’s meticulous attention to detail enriches readers with insights into spatial thinking and the significance of ear positions in donkeys. This thoughtful approach makes What is the Shape of My Ears? an ideal book for fostering a love for both reading and mathematics.
What is the Shape of My Ears?, by Lisa M. Weckbacher, is a delightful and educational story that will captivate young readers. Its blend of engaging narrative, charming illustrations, and clear explanations makes it an excellent resource for parents and educators. This book is perfect for children who are beginning to explore geometric concepts and for anyone looking to instill a love of learning and curiosity about the world around them.
Pages: 36 | ASIN : B0D4HLM54V
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/17/what-is-the-shape-of-my-ears/
Morocco: A Remembrance of Childhood is a nostalgic journey through the author’s early years spent in various locales, with a significant portion dedicated to his time in Morocco. This memoir captures the essence of a childhood filled with adventure, discovery, and the bittersweet transitions that come with growing up in a military family. The narrative begins with James Farmer’s vivid recollections from as early as three years old, setting the stage for a life marked by constant movement and rich, diverse experiences.
Farmer’s writing is imbued with a sense of warmth and authenticity, making the reader feel as though they are sitting across from an old friend, listening to stories of bygone days. One of the strengths of this book is its ability to transport the reader to various settings, from the mundane routines in small-town America to the exotic landscapes of mid-20th century Morocco.
The book excels in painting a vivid picture of the time and places it covers. Farmer’s portrayal of Hutchinson, Kansas, as a quintessentially American town of the 1950s is rich with details that evoke a strong sense of place and time. His reflections on the cultural and social norms of the era provide a valuable historical context that enriches the narrative. Similarly, the descriptions of Morocco, with its contrasting landscapes and unique cultural milieu, offer a fascinating glimpse into a world that many readers may find unfamiliar yet captivating.
While I thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt and engaging memoir, I feel that some of the author’s reflections may not resonate with all readers. Farmer’s ability to recall his early years with such clarity and emotion is truly commendable, and his stories are likely to strike a chord with anyone who has experienced the joys and challenges of a roaming lifestyle. The book is particularly well-suited for readers who enjoy memoirs and historical narratives, as well as readers interested in the cultural contrasts between mid-century America and North Africa.
James B. Farmer’s memoir is a poignant and evocative exploration of a unique childhood. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for an intimate, personal account of growing up in a time of great change, both at home and abroad.
Pages: 573 | ASIN : B0D2B21Y5V
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/17/morocco-a-remembrance-of-childhood/
Step onto the construction site and immerse yourself in the world of mighty machines! Dumpers, trenchers, and more are hard at work, with people operating these massive vehicles to accomplish impressive feats. In The Wheels on the Trucks, by Jessica Lee Anderson, young readers are treated to a delightful rhyming tale that showcases their favorite construction vehicles in action.
Adapted to the familiar tune of “The Wheels on the Bus,” this versatile book can be read or sung, providing endless enjoyment for children and parents alike. The vibrant illustrations by Praneeth Madushanka bring the story to life, featuring highly-detailed and realistic depictions of various construction vehicles. These illustrations strike a perfect balance, offering storybook charm without being overly cartoony, making them appealing to young readers who appreciate quality art.
One of the standout features of this book is its commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the additional pages that provide even more information about the vehicles featured in the story. This attention to detail enhances the educational value of the book, making it a truly exceptional addition to any child’s library. The Wheels on the Trucks is the perfect read for its educational content, diversity, accessible text, and captivating illustrations. If your child loves learning about vehicles, this book is sure to become a favorite that you will read together time and time again.
Ideal for readers of all ages, The Wheels on the Trucks combines fun rhyming text with stunning visuals, creating an unforgettable adventure in the world of construction. Don’t miss out on this remarkable book – it’s a must-have for any young fan of big construction machines. I eagerly anticipate more outstanding children’s books from this talented author and illustrator duo.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0D5FNHM5V
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/17/the-wheels-on-the-trucks/
Western Lights by C.P. Schaefer is a thought-provoking sci-fi novel set in a near-future world on the brink of irreversible climate disasters. The story follows biologist Sara Gathers, pilot Mason, and NOAA associate Ethan as they investigate alarming polar anomalies. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they are transported back in time, where they realize that the key to preventing future climate crises lies in altering past events.
One aspect of Schaefer’s writing that I particularly enjoyed is how he makes complex scientific concepts accessible without oversimplifying them. The discussions around methane emissions and pole reversals are well-explained, allowing readers to grasp the gravity of the environmental threats without feeling overwhelmed. The use of various graphs and subheadings at the beginning of each chapter is helpful, though the consistency of these subheadings could be improved for better flow.
The character development is another strong point. Sara, Mason, and Ethan are well-rounded characters, each with distinct voices and perspectives that add depth to the narrative. The multiple points of view keep the story engaging as we see the unfolding events through different lenses. Some parts of the plot feel a bit convenient, and there are moments where the prose tends to repetitively state certain facts, which could have been streamlined for a more polished read. The narrative maintains a good pace, and the stakes are high enough to keep readers invested in the outcome. The time travel element is handled intriguingly, adding a layer of complexity to the plot without detracting from the main environmental theme.
Western Lights is a compelling read for sci-fi enthusiasts and those passionate about environmental issues. Schaefer successfully combines scientific intrigue with an engaging storyline, making it a book that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on real-world environmental challenges. I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a blend of science fiction and environmental advocacy, as well as those who appreciate a well-crafted time travel narrative.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0CW18MGZK
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/17/western-lights-2/
Stella and the Berry Bay follows a little girl about to start school who finds out her family is moving to a new house and town. What was the inspiration for your story?
Stella and the Berry Bay like the other books in the Stella Series, are very dear to me. They contain many things that I have experienced myself.
Stella is not just a character but a reflection of my childhood. Many events and places from my past have found their way into the books about Stella and her friends. This story is a journey back to the time when I, like Stella, enjoyed the freedom of riding a little red bike in a safe country village.
But before I reached that point in my life, I had to experience the same challenges as Stella when she unexpectedly had to move. Writing a book about families moving to new places felt important because it has become increasingly common. Many children have to experience leaving their roots. As parents or educators, we must know how to treat the pain and discomfort associated with moving. Rooting in a new environment needs support.
It’s not easy for all children to get to know new schools, classmates, friends, places, and hobbies. In the worst case, a family move can instantly turn everything familiar upside down, making the child feel insecure. Parents don’t always pay enough attention to a child’s troubles because they might change jobs simultaneously. Also, making everything work in a new home takes time and energy.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Many things in this book are essential to consider when a family moves.
The children must be included in the preparations as early as possible to have enough time to prepare for a significant life change. This includes practical tasks like packing and arranging new living situations, which are important. However, the utmost importance lies in the mental transition from familiar surroundings to new experiences.
Primarily, it revolves around fundamental safety, focusing on whether the family remains united and addresses core family concerns. The subsequent consideration involves friendships, anticipating adjustments, especially with long-distance moves.
This book aims to emphasize the indispensable role of adults in the family’s moving journey. They contribute at various stages—from preparations and farewells to embracing the new chapter. Even seemingly insignificant keepsakes and memories can hold profound sentimental value.
Initially portraying Stella’s poignant challenges, the book gradually shifts focus towards the opportunities and friendships awaiting her in the new locale. These connections provide her with the strength to confront another hurdle, particularly the strict teacher overseeing her class at the new school.
Did you include any memories or emotions from your own childhood in the character of Stella?
I have used plenty of my childhood memories and personal experiences in all three Stella books I have published so far. Writing them gives me lots of fun because I can relive the best moments of my early years—not forgetting some challenges I had to conquer. I hope that both the ups and downs are something the young readers can enjoy and also use as building blocks in their own lives. Stella reminds me a lot of myself as a child. She loves independent nature trips, makes a lot of friends of all ages, and enjoys her little red bike.
In the first Stella book, Stella and the Magic Stone, I describe a particular summer in her life. She enjoys the freedom her little red bike represents and is not particularly intrigued by her parents’ constant blueberry picking – both very familiar elements in my childhood. Trying to find valuable or at least beautiful stones by hitting them to pieces was something I used to do. Thunderstorms with lightning were common in Eastern Finland’s lake district; they even burnt houses and destroyed forests and fields. However, the most prominent theme in this book is Stella’s relationship with her Grandpa, which reflects my Dad, who ended up in the hospital decades later and had to be woken up.
This book, Stella and the Berry Bay, is also very personal. As a child, I experienced the same situation as my main character. I was looking forward to getting into a nearby school, but things changed when our family moved to a country village twenty-five kilometers away. I said goodbye to my friends and headed towards the unknown. In my hand, I was tightly holding the teddy bear postcard given by the club aunt. I didn’t meet her ever after. Fortunately, the change turned out well for me in the end, and I have many good memories from that small village and a lot of inspiration for children’s books.
Also, the third book, Stella and the Spiky Friend, is based on my childhood and focuses particularly on one of my extraordinary adult acquaintances in the village—namely, the pharmacist who was feared by children and adults as well!
To put it short, Stella and her environment reflect, in many respects, my person and my life. I guess that village and its people meant to me the same as “Noisy Village” with its people meant to Astrid Lindgren.
Is there a topic you have always wanted to write about but have not yet found the right storyline for?
As for the children’s stories, I have been lucky to publish over sixty books in English already and even more in Finnish. The flow is constant, and new ideas keep developing smoothly in my mind.
The challenges of unfinished book plans and ideas mainly relate to my dreams of writing even more for adults. So far, I have published primarily short stories. But it would be wonderful if I could sometimes write something “longer” for adults. My life experience and the winding road from a small village to completely different environments and responsibilities would undoubtedly help me with this task. I feel that even we adults are all surprisingly small in front of the greatness of life – we carry inside us birth and death, joy and sadness, dreams and disappointments from the beginning till the end.
At least, that’s how I feel, although I tend to offer children the brighter side of life and encouragement for surviving even the more challenging days.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/07/17/a-reflection-of-my-childhood/
Best romance books of July 2024, as chosen by the Amazon Editors
Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light
What to read next: a juicy family drama, a funny rom-com, a hot summer novel
Original source: https://www.amazon.com/amazonbookreview/editorspicks.html%3Ftheme=light?ref_=abr_widget_nav&theme=light