What to read next: the newest Rainbow Rowell, the book behind the hit TV show ‘Presumed Innocent,’ and more

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Excellent animal books for the dog days of summer

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Check out the August Sarah Selects book club pick

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Before there was the world-famous hit-making Dave Brubeck Quartet, there was a far less popular Dave Brubeck Octet. Brubeck formed the group in 1946 at Mills College in Oakland, California, where he enrolled on the GI Bill to study under the French neoclassical composer Darius Milhaud. His bandmates were also Milhaud’s pupils: tenor saxophonist David Van Kriedt […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2024/08/06/take-eight/

Sophia Rose is revisiting her teen years with My Borther Michael by Martha Stewart. Come see why she loved revisiting this story on audio. Travel, adventure, romance and suspense await you in this 1959s classic tale.

My Brother Michael
by Mary Stewart
Narrator: Jasmine Blackborow
Length: 10 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.2x

ONLY A MOMENT BEFORE

Camilla Haven is on holiday alone, and wishes for some excitement. She had been sitting quietly in a crowded Athens cafe writing to her friend Elizabeth in England, “Nothing ever happens tome…”

Then, without warning, a stranger approached, thrust a set of car keys at her and pointed to a huge black touring car parked at the curb. “The car for Delphi, mademoiselle… A matter of life and death,” he whispered and disappeared.

From that moment Camilla her life suddenly begins to take off when she sets out on a mysterious car journey to Delphi in the company of a charming but quietly determined Englishman named Simon Lester. Simon told Camilla he had come to the ancient Greek ruins to “appease the shade” of his brother Michael, killed some fourteen years earlier on Parnassus. From a curious letter Michael had written, Simon believed his brother had stumbled upon something of great importance hidden in the craggy reaches of the mountainside. And then Simon and Camilla learned that they were not alone in their search…

The ride was Camilla’s first mistake… or perhaps she unintentionally had invoked the gods. She finds herself in the midst of an exciting, intriguing, yet dangerous adventure. An extraordinary train of events turned on a nightmare of intrigue and terror beyond her wildest daydreams.

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Sophia Rose’s Review

Originally published in 1959, Mary Stewart penned a captivating holiday adventure for a single Englishwoman traveling abroad in a masterful style. With Mary Stewart, the setting is as much a key player as her characters and plots and My Brother Michael was no exception.

I devoured every Mary Stewart title I could get my hands on back in my teen years and then they came to my attention once again when her titles were re-released in audio format. I had vague memories of most of them or no memory at all so I was tickled to snatch this one up as a perfect summer ‘armchair traveler’ read that took me to the Greece of sixty years ago. This is a classic now, but it still shines as brightly as ever and passed the test of a reread so well.

With irony layered on thickly, the story begins when a young English woman moping about her holiday feeling rather flat because she’s touring Greece on a pinched budget. Lo and behold the catalyst for her big chance at adventure lands in her lap. Good on Camilla for not missing fate’s tempting opportunity.

I enjoyed Camilla as the story narrator. She’s an everyday average working gal getting over a relationship that didn’t work out and she intrepidly steps out on faith from the get go when she takes the car and sets out to find this ‘Simon in Delphi’. Simon captivates her and his story of a murdered brother, stolen English gold and guns, and an odd clue referencing Greek mythology. Camilla is a woman of sense and proportion so she feels fear and inadequacy, but she pushes forward anyway. Like most Mary Stewart stories, the reader gets a fusion of amazing setting and atmosphere- this time its Greece- people, culture, and history- and a slow-build suspense with a whiff of romance.

The audio narrator, Jasmine Blackborow, was new to me, but I thought she did a bang up job. She told the narration bits with good pace and tone, caught the characters well, and didn’t trip over the accents. I would definitely listen to more of her work.

All in all, this was a wonderful and nostalgic experience rediscovering Mary Stewart is as stellar as I remember. Definitely a recommend to those who like the old-style romantic suspenses written by one best in the genre.

Amazon | Audible

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/08/my-brother-michael-by-mary-stewart.html

Captain Bacawly And The Breakaway Bandits by Jimmy Jungles is a captivating young adult novel that transports readers to the enchanting world of a thirteen-year-old boy named Jimmy, who lives among a community of animals. This tale explores the growing tensions between Jimmy and his animal friends as they navigate their unique society. When pirates enter the scene, the story escalates into an exhilarating conflict between Jimmy and these new foes.

More than just a tale of adventurous teen spirit, the narrative is rich with conflict, rivalries, and eccentric friendships, all set against a fascinating and believable animal world. The story is enhanced by stunning illustrations and unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged throughout. Jungles skillfully invites readers to join Jimmy on his quest to save the island of Wazoo and restore peace to its inhabitants. Jungles’ writing style is both clever and engaging, filled with imaginative yet realistic characters. The story begins with Jimmy recounting a dream that transports him away from his treehouse in the jungle of Wazoo, an exotic island he calls home. This dream sets the stage for his mission to save the island. The plot is continuously paced and meticulously crafted to capture and maintain the attention of young readers. Packed with surprising twists and satisfying outcomes, the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Jungles’ characters are well-developed and endearing, making the plot even more compelling. The incredible illustrations further bring the story to life. Readers find themselves as fond of the animals as Jimmy is, thanks to Jungles’ vivid and heartfelt depiction of these characters.

Captain Bacawly And The Breakaway Bandits is an entertaining and lively story that appeals to readers of all ages. Jimmy Jungles’ talent as a writer is evident from the start, making this an engrossing and enjoyable read, particularly for a youthful audience.

Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0CWKV3X2H

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/06/captain-bacawly-and-the-breakaway-bandits/

Miranda Fights follows the gripping journey of Miranda Quinn, a determined attorney and former talk show host, who delves into a tangled web of human trafficking and corruption. Set in the quiet town of New London, Miranda’s mission begins with her legal aid work and quickly escalates as she uncovers a series of disturbing disappearances. As Miranda juggles her demanding career, personal life, and a deeply troubling case, she must navigate dangerous waters to seek justice for the vulnerable girls caught in the crossfire.

From the start, I was hooked by the novel’s engaging premise and well-paced narrative. Gail Ward Olmsted perfectly balances the thriller elements with heartfelt moments, creating a story that’s both suspenseful and emotionally resonant. The character development is particularly strong, especially Miranda, who is portrayed as a complex and relatable protagonist. Her interactions with colleagues, clients, and family members add depth to her character and make her struggles and triumphs feel personal and impactful.

One thing I really liked about this book was Olmsted’s ability to weave in social issues without coming across as preachy. The book tackles the grim realities of human trafficking with sensitivity and realism, highlighting the importance of advocacy and legal intervention. Specific scenes, such as Miranda’s support group sessions and her conversations with Detective Dennis Reynaldo, bring the issue to the forefront in a way that’s informative and gripping.

Miranda Fights is a compelling thriller that combines legal drama with a strong social message. Olmsted’s writing is engaging, and her characters are well-crafted, making it easy to become invested in their journey. This book is perfect for fans of legal thrillers, crime dramas, and anyone interested in stories that shine a light on important social issues.

Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0DBJ3DN4N

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/06/miranda-fights/

It’s here! The Pendant & The Prophecy, the thrilling second installment of The Forbidden Tears Series. “Mammon said I was lucky it was she who found me. That I had no idea who was looking for me. ‘Dastardly fiends with horrible plans’. It begs the question – Who will they send after me next?” Brie and her guardian angel Cameron are summoned to Elysium with their friends in tow to solve the mystery of Brie’s pendant and answer for Cameron’s crimes. Will his motives matter? Will their relationships survive? Will the court allow Brie to keep her memories? And what fresh Hell descends upon the Virginia shores hidden within that strange storm? The Pendant & The Prophecy, by award-winning authors Sam Withrow & Amelia Pinkis. Grab your copy today and delve into a world where angels, prophecies, and secrets intertwine.

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/06/the-pendant-the-prophecy/

The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip, written by Jill Macdonald and illustrated by Anniella Ragaza, tells the heartwarming story of Sophie, a young rescue dog known for her playful antics, as she embarks on a journey to her new home. What should be a joyous occasion is instead filled with anxiety and uncertainty for Sophie as she navigates through the unfamiliar faces and smells of the airport, heading towards her adoptive family. With her hopes for a wonderful new experience tempered by fear, Sophie finds comfort and guidance from a newfound friend, police dog Maverick.

Macdonald’s story is not just a beautifully illustrated tale of new beginnings; it is also a valuable resource for young readers dealing with anxiety and change. Through Sophie’s experiences, readers are introduced to coping mechanisms and appropriate ways to manage stress. Macdonald skillfully breaks down complex terms into kid-friendly language, enriching the story with new vocabulary related to stress and anxiety. The unique blend of an engaging narrative with practical life lessons makes Sophie Takes a Trip a standout in children’s literature. The book provides a touching and relatable story while imparting essential skills for managing anxiety—skills that can be challenging to convey to both children and adults. This installment of Sophie’s Tales is an invaluable addition to family and school libraries, offering guidance for parents, teachers, and counselors alike.

The Tales of Sophie Shenanigans: Sophie Takes a Trip is a must-have for anyone seeking a heartwarming story that also teaches vital coping strategies. It is a beautifully crafted tale that promises to resonate with young readers and their families, helping them navigate the complexities of change and anxiety together.

Pages: 34 | ASIN : B0CX2NNNH9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/06/the-tales-of-sophie-shenanigans-sophie-takes-a-trip/

Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t?: Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life combines real-life stories with research-backed strategies, providing a comprehensive resource that can rekindle a teen’s enthusiasm for learning. What was the inspiration for writing a book on this topic?

A student asked one of my (Becca’s) colleagues, who was teaching a class on study skills, “Can you help me give a sh*t about high school? I want to, but I just don’t know how.” That colleague came to me and another colleague for advice. In the process of offering support, I realized that most of the books out there only offer token anecdotes about students’ experiences, without really collaborating with them on building solutions. So I began interviewing young people about their most and least engaging experiences in high school, and what made the difference between them. In the process, my first interviewee, Grace, became my co-author. We interviewed high school and college students from across the country, and integrated their anonymized stories into insights for parents and educators in this book.

How much research did you undertake for this book and how much time did it take to put it all together?

It took us about two and a half years to conduct the research, write, and revise this book. We formally interviewed 20 young people from all over the country and identified the themes in their experiences. We also reviewed secondary research from education and psychology to confirm if the themes students were surfacing had shown up for other researchers, and interviewed professionals (educators, researchers, and psychiatrists) and parents to generate actionable insights for the end of each chapter.

What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?

The most important idea is that student motivation, like any human motivation, doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s not just a personality trait that some people have and other people don’t. It’s heavily influenced by environmental factors, and students, educators, and parents can do things to make those factors more supportive of motivation. If you make environments that support what we refer to as the ABCs of motivation (ability, belonging, and choices), motivation increases.

The other key idea is that this can’t happen for people, it needs to happen with them: students, educators, and parents need to collaborate to build solutions together. Parents and educators also struggle with their motivation – they’re overburdened and stressed out, frequently in situations that limit their own ABCs. Respectful, creative, and thoughtful collaboration is the only sustainable way to build solutions that will work for everyone.

What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t??

If you’re a student, parent, or educator feeling overwhelmed, stressed out, or apathetic about school – you’re not alone! These are flip sides of the same coin, and a natural response to a system that, on the whole, isn’t designed to help anyone in it maintain sustainable motivation for learning, curiosity, and growth. At the same time, waiting on systemic change can take too long for the people stuck in difficult situations right now. This book will help give ideas on what to do right now to improve motivation, as well as start conversations that can improve the broader system over the long term.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Instagram | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/08/06/the-abcs-of-motivation/