Early Audiobook Review: The Big Book of Useless Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Facts You Won’t Be Taught in School by Neon Squid, Narrated by Tim Campbell

The Big Book of Useless Knowledge: 250 of the Coolest, Weirdest, and Most Unbelievable Facts You Won’t Be Taught in School by Neon Squid, audiobook narrated by Tim Campbell, is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024.

Heard about the lizard that shoots blood from its eyes? Or the ancient Romans who used pee as mouthwash? Did you know that going on a roller coaster can cure kidney stones? In this compendium of obscure facts, listeners will be treated to baffling knowledge they would never learn at school. Broken into chapters including geography, space, and history, a team of experts has scoured the world to find the silliest and most pointless facts that it has to offer.

The Big Book of Useless Knowledge offers readers, and listeners, facts that are organized in logical grouping to interest and entertain them. Weird and odd facts are my favorite kind, and I have been around a bit longer than the target audience, so I will admit hat I knew more than a few of these facts. However, I did still learn some things and was entertained. There is humor in describing some of the facts- making the read more engaging for readers of all ages. I think it will appeal to many readers, and maybe would be good for listening as a family on a car trip. The one thing that I did not like about the audiobook is something they have tagged as a selling point. There is background music and sound effects through out the entire book. I found them distracting, and since they seemed to only directly relate to the facts being discussed on occasion, I thought they were overdone. A few well thought out and placed sound effects would have served the audiobook better. 

Audiobook Review: What Do Bees Think About? by Mathieu Lihoreau, Narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick

What Do Bees Think About? by Mathieu Lihoreau, audiobook version narrated by Elliot Fitzpatrick, is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2024.

Have you ever observed a bee up close and wondered what was going on inside its head? Like ours, insects' brains take up most of the space in their heads, but their brains are smaller than a grain of rice, only 0.0002% as large as ours. But what purpose does the insect brain serve, and how does that drive their creativity, morality, and emotions? Bees in particular exhibit unexpected and fascinating cognitive skills. In What Do Bees Think About? animal cognition researcher Mathieu Lihoreau examines a century of research into insect evolution and behavior. He explains recent scientific discoveries, recounts researchers' anecdotes, and reflects on the cognition of these fascinating creatures. Lihoreau's and other scientists' research on insects reinforces the importance of protecting and preserving insects such as bees: after all, our survival on the planet is deeply dependent on theirs. This book provides an eye-opening window into the world of insect cognition and echoes an important ecological message about bees—they are intelligent creatures sharing the same fragile ecosystem as us.

What Do Bees Think About? is an interesting and informative read. I have read quite a few books about bees, but this was the first that focused on their learning and though processes rather than just the basics of beekeeping and behavior. I thought the scientific focus are highly engaging and I learned a lot about the cognition of bees and other insects. I will admit that there were moments when my mind wondered during some of the more technical moments of the book- but that is much more on me than the book. I think this is a great read, or listen, for those interested in the intelligence and learning capabilities of creatures that are so often dismissed as 'just insects'. 

Book Review: I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl, Volume 1, by Kashikaze

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl (Volume 1) by Kashikaze is a manga style graphic novel. Quintessential good girl Sakurai finds herself trapped in the middle of a bribery scheme. Her teacher offers to write a recommendation letter in exchange for luring a truant student into attendance. Sakurai pins down the reclusive transfer student Honda, but there are strings attached. Honda demands that Sakurai grant one wish every day. The first wish is a kiss—and Sakurai finds herself feeling very eager to please.

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl is a graphic novel about a budding friendship that did not have the most natural beginning- blackmail. It is nice to see the two girls get to know each other, with the possibility of more than friendship clearly an option. It is well drawn and engaging. My only issue was that I think I might have read this before as a webcomic or something since it all seemed very familiar- and not just because it leans heavily on the tropes of the subgenre. It was cute, fun, and is a great start to a series about figuring out who you are and how you feel about those around you.

Early Book Review: Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places by Claire Kann is currently scheduled for release on May 21 2024. Lucky Hart has a special affinity for the supernatural but almost no one takes parapsychology seriously. She’s estranged from her family, lost her friends, and has been rejected from graduate school. Twice. But her big break finally arrives when she gets insider info about a troubled production company. Every actor on their new show mysteriously quits after spending three nights inside Hennessee House, an old Victorian with a notorious reputation. After scheming her way onto the show to investigate, Lucky meets Maverick Phillips and chemistry instantly crackles between them. He tempts her in ways no one ever has, challenging and supporting her, and making her finally feel seen. Their connection is so palpable everyone notices it–including Hennesee House. Now Lucky and Maverick’s relationship has a challenger: the lonely, sentient house desperate for her undivided attention. As love begins to clash with career, Lucky refuses to choose one over the other because everyone deserves a happily ever after, even houses with haunted hearts. But when all her plans begin backfiring one-by-one, she realizes that if she wants to have it all? She'll have to risk everything.

Looking for Love in All the Haunted Places is a very engaging read that had me guessing at both the paranormal mystery and the relationships and where they might go. I enjoyed getting to know Lucky, Maverick, and the rest of the crew. I thought the premise and the slow reveal of several aspects of the story was very well done, and I loved the entire ride. There were a couple moments when I was worried for Lucky's safety- but I was enthralled in figuring out what was actually happening with the house and how this group might find their way. I will be looking for more from this author.

 

Book Review: Sharks! Sharks! Sharks! by Susan Martineau, Vicky Barker

Sharks! Sharks! Sharks!, written by Susan Martineau and illustrated by Vicky Barker is a children's nonfiction book that offers hundreds of fascinating facts about the amazing world and lives of these often misunderstood creatures of the deep found throughout the world's oceans. There are detailed drawings of many different species, as well as facts about what they eat, how they take care of their baby sharks, their social circles, and how we can preserve them. Find out which sharks can glow in the dark, and which ones like to hang out in the coral reef. You'll even find out what sharks were like in the past and how they have evolved.

Sharks! Sharks! Sharks! is a well illustrated and written book. The information is interesting and accessible, and I found the artwork to be a pretty perfect blend of realistic and cartoon- able to give a real idea of the details without ever being scary or sterile. I thought the page layouts were very well done- keeping the reader's interest and keeping them fully engaged with the book on several levels- making this a great book for independent reading and for sharing with those that the text might be a little too much for. I appreciated the inclusion of a glossary of 'special shark words' at the end of the book as well as the reminder that sharks are living creatures in trouble because of stereotypes and fear. Young readers with an interest in nature, the oceans, or sharks will get the most out of this read- but I think everyone can enjoy it. 

Book Review: Crowned A Traitor: Book One (A Hellish Fairytale Universe) by Kate Callaghan

Crowned A Traitor is the first book in the Hellish Fairytale Universe series by Kate Callaghan. Heir to Hell and the Dark Forest of Malum, Klara has been called upon to take her place as High Queen of Malum. Though Klara has no intention of ruling, her guardians want her head on a spike. Klara's only option - escape to Kalos, Fae ruled lands free from Dark Magic. To survive the perilous journey, she needs help. A Leprechaun with a talent for smuggling. A mischievous Demon with swaying loyalties. The soul of a greying Warlock. Lycaon siblings with a talent for deception. Destiny has an awful habit of catching up with those who run.

Crowned A Traitor is an interesting start to a fantasy series. I thought the world building was well thought out and provided some twists and turns. It was in engaging story, with plenty of action and putting the world and some of its inhabitants on the page to help paint a picture of where the main characters and series might go from here. I must admit that there story did not quite grab me they way I had hoped. I see potential in the series, but some of the twists and turns just did not really work for me and I failed to connect to the characters. I do think that this book, and following series, will be a hit for some readers. 

Book Review: Aftermarket Afterlife (InCryptid) by Seanan McGuire

Aftermarket Afterlife by Seanan McGuire is the thirteenth book in the InCryptid, and the first focusing on Mary- the family's babysitting ghost. For those that enjoy audiobooks, the audiobook editions of this series are very well done (including this title).

Mary Dunlavy didn't intend to become a professional babysitter. Of course, she didn't intend to die, either, or to become a crossroads ghost. As a babysitting ghost, she's been caring for the Price family for four generations, and she's planning to keep doing the job for the better part of forever. With her first charge finally back from her decades-long cross-dimensional field trip, with a long-lost husband and adopted daughter in tow, it's time for Mary to oversee the world's most chaotic family reunion. And that's before the Covenant of St. George launches a full scale strike against the cryptids of Manhattan, followed quickly by an attack on the Campbell Family Carnival.  It's going to take every advantage and every ally they have for the Prices to survive what's coming—and for Mary, to avoid finding out the answer to a question she's never wanted to know: what happens to a babysitting ghost if she loses the people she's promised to protect?

Aftermarket Afterlife offers readers exactly what they want and expect from the continuation of this series. I really enjoyed getting to see the characters and plot points of the last twelve books come together here. We get Mary's history and huge movements in the larger story lines. There is so much going on here- and fair warning for very attached readers- not everything turns out the way you want or are prepared for. This is very much for fans of the series- for whom this is an absolute much read (or listen), but I do not recommend to newcomers to the series because there are just so many threads coming together here that they would be beyond lost. 

Early Book Review: Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim is a middle grade graphic novel scheduled for release on May 14 2024. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers. That is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved, or not. What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer. If she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Summer Vamp is a fun and entertaining read about embracing and owning the interests that make us different. I thought Maya was a well written character, one readers could empathize with and relate to even if they did not always agree with her words or choices. Her fears and doubts are universal, at least in my opinion, and I loved going along as she got a little more comfortable in her own skin and found her friend group. I think upper elementary and middle school readers will get the most out of this read, but older and younger readers that are interested will enjoy it just as much. 

Early Book Review: Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim is a middle grade graphic novel scheduled for release on May 14 2024. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers. That is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved, or not. What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer. If she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Summer Vamp is a fun and entertaining read about embracing and owning the interests that make us different. I thought Maya was a well written character, one readers could empathize with and relate to even if they did not always agree with her words or choices. Her fears and doubts are universal, at least in my opinion, and I loved going along as she got a little more comfortable in her own skin and found her friend group. I think upper elementary and middle school readers will get the most out of this read, but older and younger readers that are interested will enjoy it just as much. 

Book Review: The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson

The Lost Forest: An Unexpected Discovery beneath the Waves by Jennifer Swanson is a nonfiction book for children. After local fishers noticed a large swarm of fish in an unlikely area in the Gulf of Mexico, a team of divers found the remains of a forest deep beneath the waves. The ancient trees had been undisturbed for more than fifty thousand years before finally being uncovered by Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Acclaimed science writer Jennifer Swanson brings readers along with a group of scientists as they work to explore and map the site, collect samples of cypress wood, and learn about the marine creatures that live here—namely, shipworms. Page Plus links lead to videos of the scientists at work.

The Lost Forest is an intriguing read and it was very informative. I like that the book detailed the scientific process, as well as the human experience and curiosity, which gives readers a solid understanding of why people are driving to take part in these expeditions and this kind of research. I learned a great deal about the processes involved, as well as things I never knew existed like the shipworms that can help scientists uncover information and questions that I never would have thought to ask. I also liked that the book included QR codes so that interested readers could more closely explore what it might have been like to be there on the expedition. I think this will appeal to many readers and could be a great start on a school project or setting up the fascination on some aspect of the science for someone's future course of study and career. 

Early Book Review: Loch Ness Uncovered: Media, Misinformation, and the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time by Rebecca Siegel

Loch Ness Uncovered: Media, Misinformation, and the Greatest Monster Hoax of All Time by Rebecca Siegel is a middle grade nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on April 23 2024.

In 1934, a man was walking by a lake in the Scottish Highlands when he saw a long-necked creature swimming in the water. He grabbed his camera and snapped a photo. When the photo landed on the front page of the Daily Mail, it shattered the belief that paranormal creatures were pure fiction. But amid the monster-hunting craze, complex conspiracies soon emerged. The Loch Ness Monster became more than a mysterious sea creature—it became a phenomenon that caused people to question their assumptions and dig for the truth.   Meticulously researched through primary sources and in-depth interviews with key figures, Loch Ness Uncovered is the fascinating true story of the conspiracy that sparked intrigue worldwide.

Loch Ness Uncovered is a book with solid research and many details about the Nessie legends that I did not know previously. I liked the inclusion of archival images, and the context of what else was going on in the world and how the known news cycles effect the way things were reported and viewed. The depth of information is amazing and I appreciated it throughout the book.  The images and text were well balanced and the text was engaging and entertaining to read. I am a firm skeptic, with the caveat that I still think there are things to discover out there in the world. While on the face of it I agree with the book, that Nessie is a combination of many things but not a monster living in a loch.  However, I did wish that the tone was a little less judgmental. It was clear within the first chapter that the author had little empathy for those that believe (or want to believe) that Nessie could be something more than a hoax, a scam, or a log or known animal in the water. It is possible to point out the problems in a sighting and possible motivations behind claims as well as the psychological and sociological reasons why someone might believe something without distain.

Early Book Review: The Astronomers' Library: The Books that Unlocked the Mysteries of the Universe by Karen Masters

The Astronomers' Library: The Books that Unlocked the Mysteries of the Universe by Karen Masters is currently scheduled for release on April 23 2024.

Humankind has looked to the heavens since the dawn of time, wondering what is out there, as well as how everything works and (originally) who was responsible for it. Every tribe, race and civilization has wondered about our place in the universe and what lies beyond and what lies within it, below our feet. Lately, attention has turned to the origins of the universe. From the turn of the millennium, knowledge and ideas were recorded, first on tablets or rock, then in the form of simple manuscripts, and eventually in a much more elaborate fashion as illustrative, engraving, and printing skills evolved. As far back as the tenth century, Persian scholars such as Abd al-Rahman al-Sufi was recording his findings, observations and speculations on the wider universe, in his Book of Fixed Stars. The focus turned to Europe in the Middle Ages, with Germany, Holland and England the centers of study and publication. Following the “Copernican Revolution”, observation and study underwent a radical change, paving the way for astronomers such as Kepler, Galilei and Newton to shed further light on the nature of the planets and stars of our known systems, and the ground beneath our feet. Each of those famous names contribute to the illustrated books that are featured within.

The Astronomers' Library is a well researched and documented book that explores some of the most important and influential astronomy books from the last 800 years. As someone that has always been fascinated with the subject, I found the combination of information about the history or the field and its texted enthralling. I thought the illustrations and photographs use enhance the understanding and keeps the reader fully engaged with the book while also encouraging further exploration of the featured texts and times.  I felt that I learned a great deal from this read, and am likely to revisit it because it was an enjoyable read while also being informative. I also appreciated the list of more modern texts recommended by the author at the end of the book.

Book Review: Bespoke & Bespelled by Karen Healey

Bespoke & Bespelled by Karen Healey is a contemporary romance with a touch of paranormal mystery. Stitch-witch and costume designer Marnie Taylor knew she was taking a risk when she left her solid studio job in L.A. and returned to New Zealand for a job on the film adaptation of her favorite fantasy book series. But she didn’t expect supernatural sabotage on set – or her inconvenient but pressing attraction to the leading man. A-lister Rider Adams was excited for something new – the lead in an adaptation of an iconic series. Instead, he’s trapped with a terrible script and a cursed production plagued by mysterious problems from flat tires to costumes that seem to almost magically resize overnight. And for some reason, he can’t stop making an idiot of himself in front of the gorgeous costume supervisor.

Bespoke & Bespelled is a fun and fast read with some great characters. I thought Marnie was a well thought out character that I enjoyed, although I still would have liked more from and about her. I felt like I got even less about Rider and the secondary characters. I liked them, and I liked the witchy and mystery aspects of the story as well. I just felt like there could have been more of everything. More backstory of the main players, or more group interaction with the movie cast and friends, more detail on the growth of friendship and romance. All the pieces were there, but I felt more like I read the overview rather than the nitty gritty, which is what I love to read about. The book is sweet and entertaining, a great one day or weekend read that you can enjoy in the moment without getting overly attached to any of the characters. 

Book Review: The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal by Chris French, Narrated by Michael Langan

 The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal by Chris French, audiobook narrated by Michael Langan, is an introduction to the world of paranormal beliefs and bizarre experiences. Ghostly encounters, alien abduction, reincarnation, talking to the dead, UFO sightings, inexplicable coincidences, out-of-body and near-death experiences. Are these legitimate phenomena? If not, then how should we go about understanding them?  Chris French investigates paranormal claims to discover what lurks behind this "weird shit" and provides authoritative evidence-based explanations for a wide range of superficially mysterious phenomena, and then goes further to draw out lessons with wider applications to many other aspects of modern society where critical thinking is urgently needed. Using academic, comprehensive, logical, and, at times, mathematical approaches, The Science of Weird Shit convincingly debunks ESP, communicating with the dead, and alien abduction claims, among other phenomena. All the while, however, French maintains that our belief in such phenomena is neither ridiculous nor trivial; if anything, such claims can tell us a great deal about the human mind if we pay them the attention they are due.

The Science of Weird Shit is a great listen, and I am sure a wonderful read. The narration is very well done and well worth this listen for audiobook fans. I thought this book was well balanced, there is some levity here but never at the expense of those with claims of experiencing something they felt was unexplained. French explains the scientific, phycological, and physiological explanations for some claims, explores the mathematical aspects of chance and how they contribute as well. The lens of science and exploration instead of just the idea of proving people wrong or foolish is a delightful change from some other books on the topic.  I love that French describes in detail how the experiments he shares are designed and carried out- and the reactions to the results. I also love the fact that the book also makes the point that while so much has been explained, and proven about specific things, that there is so much left in the world to figure out that one day we just might find some aspect of the world that is currently viewed as paranormal or weird just might have something to it that we can measure and study to better understand the world around us, and ourselves.

 

Early Book Review: The Incredible Octopus: Meet the Eight-Armed Wonder of the Sea by Erin Spencer

The Incredible Octopus: Meet the Eight-Armed Wonder of the Sea by Erin Spencer is a children's nonfiction book that is currently scheduled for release on April 16 2024. Readers are introduced to the fascinating biology of the octopus, from its 3 hearts and 9 brains to suction cups and how they work, and learn all about what it’s like to be an octopus: how they use camouflage and ink, what they eat, and how they reproduce (nests and eggs!). The book also explores the  intelligence and playfulness of this animal—and, of course, the famous stories of octopuses who escaped their tanks. Readers will meet 13 different species of octopuses and find out what makes them unique, from the most venomous and best disguised to the deepest and coldest. They'll also get a glimpse into exciting octopus research, technology inspired by octopuses, and ways to help conserve our oceans.

The Incredible Octopus is an interesting book that will hold the interest of young readers that have interest in animals, the ocean, and science. I thought the text and facts were well written and chosen. I also like that they addressed the octopi versus octopuses debate.  I liked that there was a glossary, information and links for further research, and books that readers might want to explore for further reading.

The Incredible Octopus is an informational, interesting, and engaging text for your readers interested in the octopus.

Early Book Review: Hidden Places by Claudia Martin

Hidden Places by Claudia Martin is currently scheduled for release on April 14 2024.  From the psychedelic salt mines of Yekaterinburg in Siberia to the rugged, green-tinted Copper Canyon in the Sierra Madre in Mexico, Hidden Places roams across the globe in search of hidden treasures and secret places off the beaten track. Explore the Silfra Deep Trench in Iceland, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet to create a remarkable rift and freshwater dive site; experience the weirdest of woodland walks through the Crooked Forest in Pomerania, Poland, where a grove of 400 pines are uniformly curved; marvel at the colourful, gold-plated temple of Doi Suthep in northern Thailand; or visit the world’s highest sand dune, Grande Dune du Pilat, on the Bordeaux coast. Each location is accompanied by a caption explaining the geography and history of the place. Illustrated with 180 colour photographs, Hidden Places ranges from the sparse landscape of the Arctic Circle to the rich rainforests of the Amazon basin. Read this book and discover the special, hidden places that will come to define your bucket list – many of which are much closer to home than you think.

Hidden Places is a lovely collection of images with a brief disruption about each photograph and what really makes the location special and relatively unknown by travelers. I thought the chosen photographs were stunning, and they focused on the wonders of the landscape for the most part but with select human structures where appropriate. I am not much of a traveler, but I found that this book gave me a bit of wonderlust. However, I am going to channel that into finding some quiet and beautiful locations a little closer to home than those in this book. 

Book Review: Arquivistas: 150 Spectacular Rare Crystal Images by Tatiana Dorow

Arquivistas: 150 Spectacular Rare Crystal Images by Tatiana Dorow is a large-format photography book that celebrates 100 unique mineral specimens within the exclusive Dorow Collection. The crystals range in size from several ounces to an astounding 5,170 pounds. A glimpse into the collection begins with a foreword by Alan Hart, CEO of The Gemmological Association of Great Britain and Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum London, an introduction from collection founder, Tatiana Dorow, and an intimate view of a mesmerizing Brazilian Enhydro Quartz Sphere, with prehistoric water delicately encapsulated in a naturally occurring inclusion. More than 150 full-page images follow, with each crystal in the curated selection artistically photographed to unveil distinctive color, inclusions, and structure.

Arquivistas is a visually stunning collection of images. It is amazing to me the wide variety of colors, shapes, structures, and details of these crystal. Some of the chosen staging for the pictures are an amazing contrast or compliment to the featured crystal. Some of the images looked like some of the images of space or underwater. Some looked more like landscapes, and others were great examples of the crystallization and wonder that is naturally formed. I think that the images are awe inspiring and engaging, and that anyone with even a vague interest in the topic would be please looking through the pages of this book. 

Book Review: Frenemy Fix-Up (Six Gems) by Yahrah St. John

Frenemy Fix-Up by Yahrah St. John is the fourth book in the Six Gems series, but can be enjoyed as a stand alone as well. Accountant Colin Anderson is working himself into an early grave. Shay Davis is finally living her dream of owning a yoga studio. Sure, they went to high school together—but that’s where their similarities end. He’s Mr. Corporate, hustling late into the night so his firm can go public, while she flows through sun salutations and half-moon poses at her own pace. So when a health scare pushes Colin to make a few life changes, he knows where to turn. If he’s going to get right with his career, he’ll need the right woman—and to get the right woman, he has to prioritize his health. Who better than Shay to help whip his butt into shape so he can win back his high school girlfriend? The catch is, she only has ninety days to do it. And they both really, really get on each other’s nerves. Soon, though, their sessions are heating up the studio. But as Colin gets closer to achieving his goal, he and Shay both move further away from what they thought they wanted. Before they know it, they’ll have to step out of their comfort zones and rethink their own versions of “right" before their time is up.

Frenemy Fix-Up has a fun set up and I thought the story was engaging and entertaining to read. I liked the complexity of both characters. I liked the reality of all the characters, not just the man players. Everyone made good and bad decisions, things that needed forgiveness and understanding- and the book covered more about the families and friends to give a better understanding of the characters than many other books offer. I greatly enjoyed this bigger picture- because we are all shaped by our lives and experiences and leaving that out of the equation does not feel authentic. The book gives a full picture of the characters and I enjoyed getting the big picture. My only disappointment was that the resolution felt a little flat for me, I wanted a little follow up to the discussion, but I am sure those reading the series will get to see more of how they find their way forward together. 

Early Book Review: Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders

Timeboxing: The Power of Doing One Thing at a Time by Marc Zao-Sanders is a non fiction read written to help readers master the practice of choosing one thing to do, when to do it, and getting it done. It is currently scheduled for release on March 18 2024.

Every day, a billion knowledge workers wake up, gravitate towards a pixelated screen and process information for eight hours or more, facing an endless and bewildering array of work and life choices. This book is a comprehensive guide to carefully and intentionally selecting what to do, specifying start and finish times, focusing solely on that single activity, and getting it done to an acceptable standard within that timeframe. This is the fundamental, transcendent time-management practice; countless luminaries, from Carl Jung and Albert Einstein to Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, have employed some form of it in their daily lives. Zao-Sanders provides an informative and accessible look at every aspect of this revolutionary method– how to do it consistently, and how to do it well. This pragmatic practice of intentional daily activity has been proven to yield what almost every human being wants most: a chosen, cherished life.

Timeboxing is a time and life management tool that can work wonderfully for many people. Many of us already do aspects of the practice to a certain extent- and this book explains how and why we might want to expand on it. I like the idea of it, and think and can be a very valuable tool. The author also touches on some of the problems and solutions for things like distractions, procrastination, and poorly chosen tasks for multi tasking. I do like that he emphasized to do what works for your work style and life. This type of tool is great fore many people in reasonably predictable positions or lifestyles. However, those of us in positions where our workday is more dependent on other people's actions (just about any service or customer facing position) would find this type of scheduling very difficult in practice. That being said, the tips and tools shared certainly were helpful when it came to the more predictable parts of life like groceries, taxes, bills, and finally calling to schedule that thing you have been putting off.

 

Early Book Review: Royal Scandal (Royal Blood) by Aimée Carter

Royal Scandal is the follow up to Royal Blood by Aimée Carter, and is currently scheduled for release on March 26 2024.  American girl turned monarchy nightmare, Evan Bright, has gotten used to the press about her but the media attention has only seemed to get worse. From desperate clickbait articles about her and the President's son to Royal Record headlines pitting her against Princess Maisie, it seems everyone is dying for Evan to return back to America for good. Meanwhile Evan is receiving mysterious threats about her real story being revealed in a tell-all biography.  When more information is leaked about Evan, she fears she will always be Britain's media villain. But the threats escalate when there is an attempted assassination with no suspects, and Evan believes the person is in the palace's walls. They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but what if it's the royal family who wants you dead?

Royal Scandal is a great follow up to the first book in the series. The story picks up not long after the end of Royal Blood, and I do highly suggest reading the series in order so that the personalities and dynamics are fully understood going into this book. That being said, this book has just as much emotional angst and struggle as the first book. It was very well written with layers of growth for the characters, with intrigue and mystery woven through the whole thing. There were elements and choices in the book that surprised me, and things that I saw coming but came in from a slightly different angle than I was prepared for. Again, like the first book, it is not what I would call an easy read. It had me anger, emotional, and concerned for Evan and the rest in a variety of ways through out the book. However, it is very well written and engaging. My biggest complaint is the end, because I felt like we were just about to get another chapter or two- more wrap up or hints as to what was coming next- but instead the book was over. I am already in need of the next instalment.