Book Review, Books, poetry

Summer Reads and Snacks: Book Recommendations with a Twist

In my June Substack Post, I had fun matching summer reads to food and beverages. Although summer is half over, reading and snacking are not.

I recently finished two more books and recommend you borrow or buy them and take a read. (scroll to bottom)

Mona’s Substack

Two additional books:

If you’re a poetry fan, especially vivid poems that tell a story, then Richard Blanco’s HOMELAND OF MY BODY is a book you’ll love. The 117 poems focus on he and his mother’s homeland, identity, and the body. If I paired this with a beverage it would have to be non-alcoholic (water) because I’d be drunk and crying halfway through the book. Instead I’d have pieces of Ferrero Rocher chocolates to accompany the richness of the poems.

You know when a book is just so good you don’t want it to end? That’s how I felt about THE BERRY PICKERS by Amanda Peters. An indigenous family (Canada, Mi’kmaq) travel to Maine every year to harvest blueberries. Their four-year old daughter, Ruthie, goes missing from the fields, setting off a tragic mystery that haunts the survivors. In alternating chapters we hear from Ruthie and Joe, her brother, who was the last to see her. Pair this with iced tea and chocolate covered blueberries. But drink and eat slowly because you’ll read long into the night.

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Book Promotion, Books, Inspiration, The Garden of Second Chances

Be a Literary Advocate: 4 Simple Ways to Boost ‘The Garden of Second Chances

Dear Friends,

My Monday started off with a great surprise. My book is part of June reads for Ms. Magazine.

I’m releasing my book, The Garden of Second Chances, on June 6th. I’m humbled and thrilled by its positive reviews and reception.

If you’re willing and able, I’d be grateful if you could help support my book launch.

I’ve come up with 4 easy ways you can help me spread the word about The Garden of Second Chances.

  1. SOCIAL MEDIA: Check out my Instagram (@m.alvaradofrazier), Twitter (@AlvaradoFrazier), and Facebook, and share news about the book via social media (tag me so that I can thank you!).
  • BUY OR BORROW THE BOOK: Please consider buying the book if possible. Preorders and the first few days it’s on sale are VERY important for a new book launch like this. You can ask your local library to order the book. You can pre-order my book from several sources on my website, including Bookshop, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or Apple Books.
  • REVIEW: After you’ve read the book, post a review/rating in as many places as possible. Amazon if you purchased it from there or on your social media platforms. Reviews like yours will help potential readers decide whether or not to buy the book. The more reviews, the better. 

Whatever you decide, big or small, it helps and means so much. I’m grateful for every one of you and all you have done and do every day to rally behind me. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement in this nerve-wracking time.

P.S. Book lovers on Instagram know how to dress up a book!