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ClareR (5854 KP) rated Sistersong in Books

Aug 9, 2021  
Sistersong
Sistersong
Lucy Holland | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, LGBTQ+, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Sistersong is a stunning story, steeped in the mythology of Ancient Britain. It’s set in Dumnonia (a real place - I googled it. It was in SW England where Cornwall, Devon and some of West Somerset are now), at a time of great change and fear. Christianity is making itself known, and the Saxons are a very real threat. King Cador has lost his magical connection to his Land, due to the threats and sermons of a priest called Gildas. With this loss comes the danger of the Dumnonians being unable to protect themselves effectively, and the land not providing food for them.

Cadors three daughters do still have that magical connection. The story is told from their perspective. The eldest, Riva, has been badly burnt in the past, and whilst she can heal others, she can’t heal herself.

Keyne, although born female, has never felt female and longs to be recognised as a man.

Sinne, the youngest, lives for love and flirtation.

 When an emissary from another kingdom arrives, he drives a wedge between Riva and Sinne. They see their chance at escape from the Hold. Whilst this is happening, Keyne trains with Myrdin, in the hope that he’ll be recognised as next in line to the throne.

I loved this book - it has all of my favourite elements in a story: mythology, history, magic, lies, deceit, the love of family and siblings, along with the themes of duty and identity. It really packs a punch. The world building is fantastic, and thoroughly immersive. Highly recommended!
  
A Celebration of Autumn (Mariana Books Rhyming #3)
A Celebration of Autumn (Mariana Books Rhyming #3)
Roger Carlson | 2020 | Children
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Have you wanted your child or children to learn about the seasons? Most if not all children know there are four seasons in a year. I just read another book that deals with the season we call "Fall" called "Autumn." The book's name is "A Celebration of Autumn" by Roger Carlson.

The book talks about the month changing and temperatures drop. "A Celebration of Autumn" is the third book in the series. What a fun way for this book to start. The first paragraph in this book is below:

When August fades and turn to September,
and you start to feel a nip in the air;
it can only mean one thing:
Autumn is nearly there!

Children will learn about the season. They will also learn to rhyme as well. Kids will want their older siblings or parents to read this book repeatedly if it's not a favorite already. What fun activities can children come up with that goes on during this season. The illustrations are colorful and bright. The colors remain shown and represented nicely throughout the book.

I know they mention two autumn holidays that we celebrate during this time. Can you name them? We have fun and games for one and the other we get together as a family to have a meal. Autumn is when children are getting ready to go to school or started school for the year. I am surprised the school does not get a mention in the book. It deals with the different seasonal changes and temperatures that we deal with this season.
  
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas
Adam Kay | 2019 | Biography, Health & Fitness, Humor & Comedy, Medical & Veterinary
10
7.6 (9 Ratings)
Book Rating
Another amazingly funny look at the life of a doctor, but this time over the festive period.
I don’t think I will ever tire of reading Adam Kay’s work, from the diary entries full of sarcasm to the explanatory footnotes with a touch of humour, he makes his books so easy to read.
This book shows how medical staff don’t get the standard couple of weeks off that most people seem to get where they can binge on cheese and wine and forget which day of the week it is, whilst watching rubbish TV. They still have to work, and sometimes it’s the worst time of year because of people overindulging and not being careful with the most ordinary of tasks.
I don’t know how he manages to keep his sense of humour throughout both books and throughout his career in medicine, but I’m so glad that he does.
The final chapter was the most poignant one for me, where he talks about thanking the medical professionals with small gestures such as a Christmas card or donating to a charity. It shows that even though he is no longer in the profession, it isn’t too far from his heart (probably because his siblings still work in the profession) and he wants to make it better for those that do pull the short straw at Christmas.
Another brilliant read from Adam Kay, I can’t wait to read more from him (hopefully!). My only regret? Not reading this one around Christmas!