“Light in Corvallis,” photo (from Aug. 2022) by Nancy Ellen Row, use pic with permission only, please.

I will tell you a little about each book and then move along, because today is dreary and misty and I’d rather be reading than writing. But this is an interesting batch, so here we go…

• “The Bookshop on the Corner,” by Jenny Colgan (author of “Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop” and others) (William Morrow-HarperCollins, 2016, 370 pages). Such fun, this one.
• Having a little love affair with “Pack of Two: The Intricate Bond Between People and Dogs,” by Caroline Knapp (who also wrote “Alice K.’s Guide to Life” and “Drinking: A Love Story) (Dial Press, 1998, 249 pages). After losing both of her parents, and giving up alcohol after two decades of drinking, Knapp was looking for some meaning in life. She found… Woof! I think many of us can relate. Poignant and straight-ahead read.
• “The Davenports: More Than This” is the second title in this regal, elegant and saucy series from author Krystal Marquis (Dial Books/Penguin Random House, 2024, 379 pages). Love it, love the characters, and love the descriptions and plots of Marquis’s novels.
• “One Long River of Song: Notes on Wonder,” is a book of essays, each different, each its own animal, by the late, great Brian Doyle. This is a Little Free Library find and I’m happy to add it to my collection. Looking forward to starting it. (Little, Brown and Company/Hachette, 2017, pages.)
• “The New Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha,” (published a long time ago, contains so many books, so many pages). My copy dates back to college, when I took one of my fave English classes ever, “Bible as Literature,” with one of Portland State University’s most esteemed scholars, Professor Deanne Westbrook. My heart forever. I’m reading through Psalms at the moment. It always helps. For those of us who are into the Bible, I mean.

The pick of the week is… the Bible. Just because it includes stories that are both uplifting and terrifying, lol. Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. All for now, see you next time!

WM

(“These Two”; photo by Rawley/use with permission only, please)

Up first this week: Books for the holidays and yes, I know I’m early, or late, depending on your schedule. Order or shop for them now and thank me later. Belated (in my humble opinion) is always better. Then it’s a gift and a surprise. xoxoxo WM

• • “Santa Mouse Finds a Furry Friend,” is a new story from “Santa Mouse” author Michael Brown, who dreamed up the original story when he found a piece of fabric decorated with a small Christmas mouse. I loved this book when I was a kid, and a whole new generation is now being introduced to our friend. Sweet and charming illustrations are by Robert McPhillips (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, $18.99). “One Christmas Eve, as they set out in boots and suits so neatly dressed, this little friend asked Santa  Claus which gift did Santa think was best. ‘Well,’ he said, ‘we need good foor, warm clothes to wear, a place to live. But sometimes it is friendship that can be the finest gift to give.'”
  • And just for fun and happiness, here are two little board books: “Light,” by Ruth Forman, with illustrations by Katura Gaines and “What’s Mine is Yours,” by Hannah Eliot, with illustrations by Sally Walker (both from Little Simon/Simon & Schuster, 2024, $8.99 apiece.) In “Light,” a child takes a journey, his eyes laughing bright, seeing all… just like you. In “What’s Mine is Yours,” a mother and child spend peaceful time sharing everything — pancakes, smiles and wonders. Quiet and delightful.
  • Well, hello, again, Airi Sano, Prankmaster General, how’ve you been, kid? “International Menace” is the latest novel in the series by Zoe Tokushige, with illustrations by Jennifer Naalchigar (Philomel/Penguin Random House, 2024, grade 3 and older, $14.99). Airi and family leave Hawaii for the summer to visit her grandparents and cousins in Japan. I’m sure it will be a typical boring vacation, lol. I love Airi, her hijinks, spirit and big heart, and I also love the roadmaps, clues, keys and illustrations sprinkled throughout the books. They make it really fun and engaging for readers.

The pick of the week is… “Light,” for the perfect illustrations and the uplifting story.

Disclaimer: All of the books included in today’s post were sent to me free for review purposes. Disclaimer here. See you next time!

WM