Weekly Reads Book Review: The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

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A copy of The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

  by Kelly O'Connor McNees was sent to me by a publisher.  This historical fiction is a must read for fans of Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women.   

When I first started reading the book, I was lost because I needed to refresh on Alcott's famous work Little Women because there are references made in the The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott.  So, what did I do?  Why re-read Little Women, then read McNees' book.  This made sense to me because I was able to see parallels in both books.

McNees does a nice job in imagining an unknown part of Alcott's life having relationships.  She bases her writing off of research she has done in trying to understand Alcott's relationships. McNees does bring an interesting point she mentions that Alcott burned letters once she finished reading them.  It does make a reader wonder if there was more to Alcott that we may never discover.

A highly recommend read.

Book Review: Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals by Valerie Baines

I was sent a copy of this book by a publisher for a book review.  

Although I can't draw to save my life, I love art and appreciate it greatly.  When I was sent this book, I was in awe of the techniques in the book.  I appreciated the artists greatly.  What talent and master in the art craft.

Learning your craft by studying masterworks is an age-old practice among artists-including those with a love of botanical art.  This is a must have book for those who don't have access to a museum filled with botanical masterworks nearby.  This book brings the masterworks to you.

Classic Sketchbook: Botanicals* is a must have for those who appreciate art and nature.  The book is a draw-in book that shows you how by taking a close look at the details of great floral paintings.  Valerie Baines, the author, coaches readers to try the techniques with the help of her suggestions.

Printed on quality uncoated stock and suited for drawing and watercolor, each spread will consist of two working parts.  The left-hand page features a close-up for a drawing or painting by a noted artist from the 19th century or earlier.  The right-hand page is for drawing, with Baines' brief coaching tips, observations, and a demonstrative sketch.  

I would highly recommend this book for artists who loves flowers and plants and those who also appreciate art.

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Book Review: Whispers from the East by Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz

"Through art, the truth is delivered for the viewer to experience."--artist Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz.

The world is full of art whether you have an artistic eye or not.  Everything has a shape and unique characteristics.  Art connects people emotionally, bonds  groups through symbols as well.

I got myself a copy when I found out that Ilham Badreddine Mahfouz wrote a book called 

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because she is a beautiful woman inside out.  Her art is a representation of her feelings and thoughts.  Her art reminds you that there is still pain and problems, yet there is still hope.  Whispers from the East * is a combination of combining the emotions and memories of  Ilham's life  with art.   Ilham includes her thoughts on the suffering of the Syrian people.  By using art, Ilham is able to convey the feelings of pain and suffering greater.  We are a visual society.  We like to see the world in terms of pictures and abstracts.  Perhaps, Ilham is correct in saying "Abstract art appeals to me for the mystery and imagination of expression it affords."  

With each art in the book, Ilham gives a reflection of thoughts and emotions.  She shows despite how humanity is fragile, humanity can succeed once we understand the pain of each other.  

 I highly recommend this book if you truly want to get a worldly view through the abstract of art.

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