#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Out, Mouse! by Valerie L. Egar

This looked cute and is!
Out, Mouse!
by Valerie L. Egar
Narrated by Paul Collins

Listening Length : 35 minutes
Audio Release date ‏ : ‎ May 12, 2021
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whistle Oak (April 6, 2021)
Reading Age: Ages 6 to 9
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 78 pages
Genre: Children's, Folk Tales, Mice, Multicultural
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 5.0.

Publisher's Summary
Mouse problems? Professor Dunderbutt advises writing a polite letter to the mice, suggesting a better place to live. If the first letter doesn't work, try again. And again. His method never fails. But...the two mice in Finn's cottage are fussy. They expect indoor plumbing. A library. Raisin scones. Finn searches the Irish countryside for a house that will please his unwelcome guests. He writes polite letters. Will the professor's advice work?
Based on an Irish folk belief, Out, Mouse! is a humorous early chapter book for children aged six to nine with the mice outsmarting Finn at every turn. Thirteen chapters with an author's note, narrated by British actor Paul Collins. May be used in conjunction with the paperback to aid word recognition and reading skills.
©2021 Valerie L. Egar (P)2021 Valerie L. Egar

Review:
Finn discovers two little mice are sharing his home, eating his breakfast and chewy on the morning paper. He researches how to address the problem and decides to implement Professor Dunderbutt's advice to write a polite letter suggesting a better place for the mice. They go and explore the recommendation, but later in the day he finds them returned to his cottage. He tries other properties, with more room, more food sources, more amenities, better views, by the sea, in the country, in the city, in a lighthouse or a castle... Each time the mice investigate but return. What is it they want?

The professor becomes annoyed and frustrated but modifies his angry outbursts to continue to write polite letters. Can he convince them to move out? The result, especially the conclusion, is quite cute.

I wanted a quick read/listen and this fit the bill. I also downloaded the book (adobe digital edition) and like the short chapters perfect for sharing with children. It is also a light delight for adults to enjoy too. I easily recommend this to readers who are looking for a quick, humorous read/listen.

Audio Notes: Paul Collins does a lovely narration with a distinct accent that puts one in the modest setting. I think children would enjoy listening too and I would love to share this with my grandchildren.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley and 2021Audio goals.

#NetGalley Audio Book Review: Old Abe by John Cribb

I totally enjoyed this although there is sadness of course.

Old Abe: A Novel
by John Cribb
Narrated by Gary Bennett

Length: 11 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 06-01-21
Publisher: OrangeSky Audio
Genre: Biographical, Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Content 4.5; Narration 4.5.

Old Abe: A Novel recounts the last five years of Abraham Lincoln’s life, the most cataclysmic years of America’s history. We are at Lincoln’s side on every page of this vivid novel as he presses forward amid disaster and comes to life once again fighting to save the country. The story begins in the spring of 1860 in Illinois and follows Lincoln through his election and the calamity of the Civil War to his assassination at the height of power. During the war, he walks the bloody battlefields of Virginia and Maryland. He peers down the Potomac River with a spyglass amid terrifying reports of approaching Confederate gunboats. Death stalks him: one summer evening, a would-be assassin fires a shot at him, and the bullet passes through his hat. At the White House, he weeps over the body of Willie, his second son to die in childhood. As he tries desperately to hold the Union together, he searches for a general who will fight and finds him at last in Ulysses S. Grant. Amid national and personal tragedy, he struggles to find meaning in the war and bring freedom to Southern slaves. Central to this novel is a love story—the story of Abraham and Mary Lincoln’s sometimes stormy yet devoted marriage. Mary Todd Lincoln’s strong will and ambition for her husband have helped drive him to the White House, but the presidency takes an awful toll on her, and she grows increasingly frightened and insecure. Lincoln watches helplessly as she becomes emotionally unstable, and he grasps for ways to support her. As Lincoln’s journey unfolds, Old Abe probes the enduring character and spirit of America. This story portrays Lincoln not only as a flesh-and-blood man, but a hero who embodies his country’s finest ideals. Set amid America’s most devastating tragedy, Old Abe captures the triumphs and defeats of one of the greatest leaders in US history, the one who set a divided country on track to become a great nation.

Review:
I was captivated by this historical fiction from beginning to end. I had to remind myself that it is fiction although I have little doubt that it is based on journals, notes and other historical support. Mr. Cribb makes Abe Lincoln a very real, beleaguered man who struggles with his leadership responsibilities while he leans on faith in God as well as a little bit of mysticism.

It has been years since I studied the Civil War so some of the details seemed new to me. The time frame is short, being the presidential election through the assassination and funeral. Everything focuses on Abe Lincoln, his personal thoughts, his family, friends in his cabinet and the pressures and stresses that challenge him.

I really wasn’t aware that President Lincoln had to deal with so much negative criticism and name calling, although it makes sense considering the divisions of the times. I also did not recall how fragile, and at times, unpleasant, Mary Todd Lincoln was. I had an Aunt who was devastated by the loss of a young son and Mrs. Lincoln had to cope with the loss of two. The deaths are a reason for extreme grief but no justification for social ineptitude, out of control spending for social impressions, and ugly personal interactions. I was sad to think Old Abe had to cope with these issues close to home while facing the severe issues of civil war, political pressures and threats of assassination. Of course, knowing how the story would end, expanded my sadness.

I was impressed how Mr. Cribb made the story so real to life. I loved the depiction of Old Abe’s relationship with his sons. The author also provides good insight on President Lincoln’s mindset and determination to save the Union, “… the last best hope” for freedom. I appreciated the inclusion of Frederick Douglas and his meetings with President Lincoln. I also liked the scenes of Lincoln interacting with political opponents, the different Union Generals, Confederate prisoners, and men and women in the street. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Civil War history.

Audio Notes: Gary Bennett does a good job with the narration. He provides a solemn delivery with voices that fit the characters. I am glad that I had the opportunity to listen to this.

Source: NetGalley 2021. This qualifies for 2021NetGalley, 2021Audio, and 2021Alphabet goals.

MBS May 2021 Reading List Wrap Up

MBS 2021 Reading List - MAY

Code for the list is:
A = Audible; ABB = Audiobook Boom
e = eBook; eA = eBook from Author; eT = eBook from Tour
NG = NetGalley
P = Print; PT = Print from Tour
LBC = Ladies Book Club
TBR = From the TBR shelves prior to 2020
Favorites for the month:

5 Stars = Jesus > Religion
4.75 Stars =  none
4.5 Stars = Malice in Miami and The Madman's Library

1. NG2021- #NetGalley Book Review: I'm On It (Elephant & Piggie Like Reading!) by Andrea Tsurumi; Genre: Animals, Children, Friendship; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0.
2. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Kasari Nexus: Rho Agenda Assimilation, Book 1 by Richard Phillips; Genre: Alien, First Contact, Sci Fi, Technothriller; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
3. A2021- Audible Book Review: Malice in Miami by Barbara Venkataraman Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
4. A2021- Audible Book Review: Zero Day Code by John Birmingham; Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Thriller, Military Science Fiction; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
5. ATBR- Audio Book Review: One Hit Wonder by Kristi Rose; Genre: Mystery, Women’s Detective; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
6. Author2021- Book Review: Save Me (Broken Idols #2) by M.C. Frank; Genre: Billionaire, New Adult & College Romance; My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0.
7. ATBR- Audible Book Review: The Traveler Series, A Post-Apocalyptic/Dystopian Adventure: Books 1-3 by Tom Abrahams; Genre: Adventure, Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.5.
8. ATBR- Audio Book Review: An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen; Genre: Classic, Drama, Poetry & Drama, Political; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
9. ATBR- Audio Book Review: You Dropped a Blonde On Me by Dakota Cassidy; Genre: Contemporary, Romantic Comedy; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
10. ATBR- Audible Book Review: Spring Clean by Dina Gregory; Genre: Fantasy, Light Humor, Short Story; My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.25; Narration 4.25.
11. NG2021- #NetGalley Book Review: The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching Genre: NonFiction, Educational, World History; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.
12. ATBR- Audible Book Review: A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3 James Howard Kunstler; Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.
13. ATBR- Audio Book Review: Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke; Genre: Christian, Inspiration, Self-Growth; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 4.75.

Total read = 13
TBR = 8
New Authors = 8
Audio/Audible = 11 (8 TBRs)
NetGalley = 2 (0 TBRs)
Author Review books (other than NG) = 2
Nonfiction = 1
eBook = 2 (0 TBR)
Print = 0 (0 TBR)


Goal Progress (to Date meaning through the end of the given month):
Goodreads Goal Read to Date: 65 of 124
TBR to Date: 53 of 90 total
Audio to Date: 44 of 64
NetGalley to Date: 16 of 24
Author Reviews: 7 of 12
Nonfiction: 7 of 12
TBR ebooks or Print: 7 of 24
• Series: 38 (11 continuing, 27 new)
• New to me Series: 27 (9 Yes to continue; 8 likely to continue, 8 maybe, unlikely 2)
• Finished for me Series: 0

Special Goals
• Seasonal title: 2 of 4: Winter, Spring
• Color in title: 5 of 8: Red, Black, Gold, Blue, Blonde
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Mixed media: 10 Jan + 6 Feb + 2 March + 1 April + 2 May (21 of 26) Remaining: A, K, O (read June), V, and Z
• Alphabet letters covered: 26 Audio only (not the same): 1 Jan + 3 Feb + 7 March + 5 April + 4 May (20 of 26) Remaining: I, K, N, Q, V and X

Sunday Post June 6, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday June 7, 2021

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? now at The Book Date (at Wordpress)

What Are You Reading? is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Work has continued well with everyone in office. We are starting to meet people without masks and have started to leave the door unlocked - although we will continue to stress the need for appointments rather than walk-ins.
More signs of normality are seen with staff making vacation plans and plans to attend weddings out of state, etc. I need to pick a couple of weeks for hubby and me to go north to visit.

This Saturday I attended a GFWC Florida District 2 meeting in Panama City. I drove down with another member from our Marianna Woman's Club. There were nine of us who attended.

I won a lovely book basket at the GFWC State conference I attended in Orlando a few week's ago. Another lady brought it back for me and I picked it up yesterday. I forgot to take a picture before I opened it but here are the contents - lots of positives from Suzy Toronto:

Our weather has been okay - not really too hot. This week we expect a couple days of rain and then more sunshine with Temps continuing in the range from high 80s to low 90s.

Listening and reading was good but slow this past week.  I only finished two audio books. I posted three reviews and my usual memes.

I visited only 15 blogs last week.
Shout Out this week to ElGee Writes. Gayathri describes her blog as an extension of her "love of reading, recommending books and talking about bookish things in real life."

Don't forget- Audible is offering free children's titles during these days at home.
Audiobooks.com is also offering free listens for children.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post May 30, 2021/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 31, 2021.

• NG2021- #NetGalley Book Review: The Madman's Library by Edward Brooke-Hitching Genre: NonFiction, Educational, World History; My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0.

• ATBR- Audible Book Review: A History of the Future: A World Made by Hand Novel, Book 3 James Howard Kunstler; Genre: Dystopian, Metaphysical Fiction, Post Apocalyptic; My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.25.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 4, 2021. Open Worldwide. Ending 6/10/2021.

• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke; Genre: Christian, Inspiration, Self-Growth; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 4.75.
• ATBR- Audio Book Review: Jesus > Religion by Jefferson Bethke; Genre: Christian, Inspiration, Self-Growth; My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0 Overall; Content 5.0; Narration 4.75.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 6, 2021.

Finished Reading:
1. Audio/Smartphone/NetGalley App (NG2021)

Old Abe: A Novel
by John Cribb
I totally enjoyed this although there is sadness of course.
Source: NetGalley 2021.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone/NetGalley App (NG2021)

Out, Mouse!
by Valerie L. Egar
Narrated by Paul Collins
This looked cute and is.
I wanted a quick read/listen to get in two books finished this week.
Source: NetGalley 2021.
Publisher's Summary
Mouse problems? Professor Dunderbutt advises writing a polite letter to the mice, suggesting a better place to live. If the first letter doesn't work, try again. And again. His method never fails. But...the two mice in Finn's cottage are fussy. They expect indoor plumbing. A library. Raisin scones. Finn searches the Irish countryside for a house that will please his unwelcome guests. He writes polite letters. Will the professor's advice work?
Based on an Irish folk belief, Out, Mouse! is a humorous early chapter book for children aged six to nine with the mice outsmarting Finn at every turn. Thirteen chapters with an author's note, narrated by British actor Paul Collins. May be used in conjunction with the paperback to aid word recognition and reading skills.
©2021 Valerie L. Egar (P)2021 Valerie L. Egar

Currently Reading:
1. NetGalley App/Smartphone (NG2020)

Day Zero
by C. Robert Cargill
This is a dystopian with humans and robots.
I am at 70% and engaged to see how it ends.
Source: NetGalley 2020.
Click on book title for full description.

2. Audio/Smartphone/NetGalley App (NG2021)

The Library of the Dead
by T. L. Huchu
Narrated by Tinashe Warikandwa
This might be a little dark for summer
but I've listened to the beginning and I'm curious.
Source: NetGalley 2021.
Sixth Sense meets Stranger Things in T. L. Huchu's The Library of the Dead, a sharp contemporary fantasy following a precocious and cynical teen as she explores the shadowy magical underside of modern Edinburgh.
When ghosts talk
She will listen
Ropa dropped out of school to become a ghostalker - and they sure do love to talk. Now she speaks to Edinburgh’s dead, carrying messages to those they left behind. A girl’s gotta earn a living, and it seems harmless enough. Until, that is, the dead whisper that someone’s bewitching children - leaving them husks, empty of joy and strength. It’s on Ropa’s patch, so she feels honor-bound to investigate. But what she learns will rock her world.
Ropa will dice with death as she calls on Zimbabwean magic and Scottish pragmatism to hunt down clues. And although underground Edinburgh hides a wealth of dark secrets, she also discovers an occult library, a magical mentor and some unexpected allies.
Yet as shadows lengthen, will the hunter become the hunted?
A Macmillan Audio production from Tor Books

3. Print (2021)

The Iron Triangle: Inside the Liberal Democrat Plan to Use Race to Divide Christians and America in their Quest for Power and How We Can Defeat Them
by Vince Everett Ellison
This is my fiction book for June.
I am only a few chapters in and still engaged by the arguments.
Source: Purchased in March 2021.
Click on book title for full description.

June 6, 2021 - I am on track again. I love seeing new things each time I read the Bible. I am glad to still be current with morning reading. (I got one day behind but and caught up again.)
I am reading/listening to the NLT Tyndale version of the Bible on You Version App so Hubby and I are reading the same passages each day.
No new study again this week.

I completed two books to review this week.
NetGalley shelf grew to eight this week as I added four titles.
Four author titles remain in queue. I'll be working on these next soon.
(Plus a few that I received from facebook links and newsletter sign-ups, not specific review requests.)
Still many titles through InstaFreebie and many new author requests I haven't replied to.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and (yours truly). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

As for MM, we’re looking for someone to volunteer to take over some MM duties. Sunday evenings are when we post MM for overseas participants and BTCOE posts go up on Friday afternoons. If you have interest please email: savvyverseandwit [at] gmail [dot] com.

I added four NetGalley books this week - three audio and one ebook.
I am eyeing some titles at Chirp but have resisted so far.
No free Kindle titles this week.
(Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

I received two audiobooks from NetGalley, 6/3/2021.

Dog Eat Dog, An Andy Carpenter Mystery
by David Rosenfelt
Narrated by Grover Gardner
I always am glad to receive this series/author that I enjoy so much.

The Library of the Dead
by T. L. Huchu
Narrated by Tinashe Warikandwa
This might be a little dark for me but I'm curious.
See more above under current reading.

I selected two "Read Now" titles - one audio and one ebook - from NetGalley, 6/5/2021.

A Good Day for Chardonnay, A Novel
(Sunshine Vicram #2)
by Darynda Jones
I liked book 1 of this series and I like this author.

Out, Mouse!
by Valerie L. Egar
Narrated by Paul Collins
Looked so cute. See more above under finished reading.

Won

NONE

Purchased

NONE

Free

No free Kindle titles this week.
Free titles often found at Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement June 6, 2021

We attended services online again this morning. Our church was celebrating five high school graduates. Pastor and our youth pastor shared some thoughts:
We stand by to support these young men and women.
Be an example to all the believers. Be a Leader!
It is time to mentor others; share your experiences.

Unfortunately the video cut off short again.

I chose some graduation quotes to add:

Neil Gaiman
Now go, and make interesting mistakes, make amazing mistakes, make glorious and fantastic mistakes. Break rules. Leave the world more interesting for you being here. Make good art.

Denzel Washington
Fall forward. Every failed experiment is one step closer to success. You've got to take risks.

Kerry Washington
Your life is your story, and the adventure ahead of you is the journey to fulfill your own purpose and potential.

Martin Luther King Jr.
Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.

JK Rowling
We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.

Nora Roberts
If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place.

Dr. Seuss
You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.

Louisa May Alcott
Life is my college. May I graduate well, and earn some honors.

I found this song to encourage young (and old) followers:

A Verse for Today:
1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.

Lord, I pray that I would take this encouragement to heart today.