Book Review: Embroidery for Everyone: Easy to Learn Techniques with 50 Patterns! by Kelly Fletcher

Embroidery for Everyone: Easy to Learn Techniques with 50 Patterns! by Kelly Fletcher guides readers through an array of stitching techniques and decoration ideas. The patterns offer a wide variety of subjects to choose from like cute animal patterns, Boho chic borders and motifs, winter snowflakes and snowmen, Thanksgiving turkey, and springtime bunnies and flowers. You will learn to embellish clothing, create beautiful needlecraft art with nature and folk images, and make handmade heirloom seasonal decorations.

Embroidery for Everyone offers readers exactly what the title promises. There is a well done stitch guide, basic instructions and information, and more before readers are shown the first design. The designs are neat and clean, getting slightly harder and more complex as the book goes on but never getting too hard for beginners. As a crafter that is just getting back into needle work this year, after mostly working with tarn for the last decade, this book offers some good reminders and practice designs for me. The instructions are well written and I think the book works well as encouragement and instruction for those new to embroidery and for those looking to refresh or enhance their skill set.  

Early Book Review: Silk, the Thread that Tied the World by Anthony Burton

Silk, the Thread that Tied the World by Anthony Burton is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on November 30 2021. Over a thousand years ago the Chinese discovered that the slender filaments that formed the cocoon of the silk moth, could be woven into beautiful shimmering fabrics. For centuries they were able to keep the process a secret, but eventually started to trade the valuable cloth with the west, along the silk road. Silk was a luxury item that bestowed prestige, so it was inevitable that the wealthy wanted there silks to be as elaborate as possible, beautiful designs were produced in the Islamic world and gradually a European industry developed. In the 19th century mechanization of the time consuming hand weaving process, had resulted in products being produced using the Jacquard loom, which used punched cards to create a pattern. Silk remains the most beautiful woven material in the world, moving from its origins in ancient China to help transform the whole world.

Silk, the Thread that Tied the World is a well researched and written book that taught me quite a bot about a topic I have never thought to explore before. I thought the history of the industry was interesting to read, and the descriptions and chosen images were nicely matched. I thought the writing was accessible and generally easy to follow. I will admit to getting bogged down in some of the more technical explanations, such as the innovations and functionality of the looms. I might have also liked to see a more extensive bibliography or suggestions for further reading on this topic and related subjects, as I enjoy follow done the rabbit whole in researching subjects once my interest in piqued on a topic.  However, as a whole I enjoyed the read and learned quite a bit. I think those interested in the subject will not want to miss this read, and other will learn a great deal and enjoy the read as well.

Early Book Review: Bat's Moonlight Feast by Gordon McMillan, Carly Allen-Fletcher

Bat's Moonlight Feast is a nonfiction picturebook written by Gordon McMillan and illustrated by Carly Allen-Fletcher. It is currently scheduled for release on November 1 2021. The tube-lipped nectar bat is the pollinator of a pale, bell-shaped flower found in the Ecuadorian cloud forests. First discovered in 2005, the bat is the only known pollinator of a pale, bell shaped flower called Centropogon nigricans . Due to the length of the bloom, no other animal can reach the nectar which rests at the flower’s base. This is the story of one such bat and her nocturnal search for this rare flower whose nectar sustains her.

Bat's Moonlight Feast is an absolutely beautiful book. I thought the artwork was extremely well done and did a great job of showing the details of the subject matter. The backgrounds were just as beautiful as the work done on the bats and flowers. I looked through the images several times simply to enjoy them. I also thought the text was well done, and easy to understand without being dumbed down. I liked the additional text that gave more information on the newly discovered bat and what we have learned about it. I think young readers will love this book, and animal and nature enthusiasts of all ages will as well. 

Book Review: Country Kitchen Cookbook: A Collection of Traditional American Home-Cooked Recipes by Jennifer Boudinot

Country Kitchen Cookbook: A Collection of Traditional American Home-Cooked Recipes by Jennifer Boudinot is full of recipes for anyone who is a fan of bacon, cheese, buttermilk, savory casseroles, the sweetest pies, or anything deep fried. With a flexi-bind format that stays open while you cook, Country Kitchen Cookbook provides  Perfect for hanging around at home or inviting guests for a late, light supper, there is a recipe for everything. Recipes include Strawberry Shortcake, Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Apple-Smothered Pork Chops, Beef Stew with Dumplings, Country Corn Fritters, Collard Greens and Bacon, Hush Puppies, Home-Fried Sausage Casserole, Chocolate Chip Pancakes, and more!

Country Kitchen Cookbook is well organized and full of southern inspired comfort food recipes and corresponding photographs. The recipes are divided by themes and are easy to navigate. This is not a collection for those that are trying to eat healthy or have dietary restrictions. However, for those that are looking to master some favorite comfort food recipes or to treat yourself (and/or others) to a down home meal this will hit all the notes you need. As someone that does not often indulge in this style of cooking, this would be a book I would gladly check out from the library in order to master a few recipes for special occasions or days that I just fill the need to treat myself or my friends and family to something special. I think this would be a great addition to most public libraries fr that very reason. Those that tend to cook this style of food more often, or want to learn how, just might want to add it to their personal collection

Country Kitchen Cookbook is a great collection of recipes for those looking to serve up some comfort food.

Early Book Review: Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster; Ross Frylinck

Underwater Wild: My Octopus Teacher's Extraordinary World by Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck is currently scheduled for release on October 19 2021. Craig Foster and Ross Frylinck regularly dive together in the awe-inspiring kelp forests off South Africa, without wetsuits or oxygen tanks. In Ross, he found a kindred spirit, someone who also embraced the ancient methods of acclimating his body to frigid waters, but whose eyes had not yet adjusted to the transcendent wonder Craig saw each time they dove. In the stories that make up this book, readers swim alongside Ross as he grows from skeptic to student of the underwater wild. And in the revelatory marine science behind the stunning photos, we learn how to track sea hares, cuttlefish, and limpets, and we witness strange new behaviors never before documented in marine biology. We realize that a whole world of wonder, and an innate wildness within us all, emerge anew when we simply observe. 

I have to admit that I picked Underwater Wild to read because of the photography. Seriously, the images are stunning and well worth a look at the book all on their own. They are simply stunning. The text is well written and talks about much more than the marine life feature. The narrative style brings readers along for the ride, showing rather than telling about what has been seen and learned. It is about marine life, exploration, family, relationships, and more. When paired with the photographs, the text gives an extra layer of wonder and heart to the book as a whole. I think this book will appeal to a wide range of readers, and some will definitely be taking more time to enjoy the pictures than the text, no mater how moving or interesting the information shared.

Book Review: Stolen Science by Ella Schwartz

Stolen Science by Ella Schwartz is a middle grade non fiction book. Over the centuries, women, people from underrepresented communities, and immigrants overcame prejudices and social obstacles to make remarkable discoveries in science-but they weren't the ones to receive credit in history books. People with more power, money, and prestige were remembered as the inventor of the telephone, the scientists who decoded the structure of DNA, and the doctor who discovered the cause of yellow fever. This book aims to set the record straight and celebrate the nearly forgotten inventors and scientists who shaped our world today.

Stolen Science is an interesting look at how great discoveries, inventions, and innovations have been mis credited over the years, although not always maliciously. I think that this was an engaging and interesting read, and teaches readers more about some individuals that had great impact in a variety of fields, and teaching them a bit about those fields along the way. While it does drive home the point that life is often not fair, and that certain people tend to get credit even though others do the hard work, which is sadly still often the case. The book also points out that hard work, continuing to learn and grow, and perseverance are important factors in the achievements these individuals made. I had read some of the stories previously, but they were well framed and I liked some of the additional details about their lives and families as well as the science or industry most affected by their work.

Dwelling on how those in marginalized groups were, and sadly are, treated in most arenas does not leave me with all that much hope after reading, even though more and more of this sort of information is being  uncovered and shared has shed some light on the issues, but there will always be those looking to benefit from other's hard work and take advantage of those with less social standing in any way they can.  So I left the book feeling more than a little discouraged, mostly because of how some of today's social issues mirror the same pattern of problems. However, perhaps if we keep pointing it out the next generation will make more progress than my generation, and those previous, have this far.  

Early Book Review: The Strangest Thing in the Sea: And Other Curious Creatures of the Deep by Rachel Poliquin, Byron Eggenschwiler

The Strangest Thing in the Sea: And Other Curious Creatures of the Deep, written by Rachel Poliquin and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler,  is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on October 5 2021. A look at some very strange creatures in the sea --- but which is the strangest? A feathery tutu dancing through the water? A tiptoeing rock wearing a wig? A mountain of skulls on the ocean floor? Not everything is quite as it seems in this fascinating exploration of 12 bizarre and little-known sea animals. Each creature is introduced with an imaginative first-person depiction of its appearance, accompanied by an artistic interpretation and the question, “Am I the strangest thing in the sea?” Then, open the gatefold, and an illustration and full description of the actual creature in its habitat are revealed, along with the tantalizing answer that, no, this is not the strangest thing in the sea. That is, until the last creature, which is the strangest. But what could it be?

I enjoyed The Strangest Thing in the Sea very much. I thought the artwork matched the text very well, and the detail and imagination on each page showed great skill. I thought the use of gatefolds was a good choice, and the execution was on point. The page layout, and book organization as a whole, was very good. I enjoyed the balance of whimsy in the imagined version oft he creatures balanced with solid information.  I have to admit that I was already very familiar with most of the animals featured, but I think the approach and chosen information was great.I really liked that a glossary and chart showing the different zones of the sea and where the featured animals live were included.  I learned a few new things, and I think readers of a variety of ages will be highly engaged and interested in this book. 

Book Review: Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros by Julia Herz; Gwen Conley

Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros by Julia Herz; Gwen Conley is a resource to guide both beginners and beer geeks in pairing beer with food. As you start your journey you’ll learn how aroma, taste, preference, and personal experience can affect flavor. Just as important, you’ll become a tasting Anarchist—throw out the conventional advice and figure out what works for you! Begin with beer styles, start with your favorite foods, or join the authors on a series of wild palate trips. From classics like barbecue ribs with American Brown Ale to unusual matches like pineapple upside-down cake with Double India Pale Ale, you’ll learn why some pairings stand the test of time and you’ll find plenty of new ideas as well. Discover: How we experience flavor and the science and anatomy behind it and how to taste beer, step by step, with pouring and glassware tips. Discover pairings by beer style and specific foods,  information for planning beer dinners, how to work beer into your cooking repertoire, ad tips and stories from pro brewers. Geek Out science features with facts to impress your friends Never look at beer—or food—the same way again!

Beer Pairing is a great resource for beer beginners, those that regularly enjoy beer, and those looking to elevate their beer experiences in the future. I think the book does a good job of explaining the complexities of beer itself, and the intricacies of tastes and pairings. The awareness that the aspects of the food, beer, and the palate of each taster each have their role to play- and that just because something works for others you might vary- is pointed out and there is no shamed leveled at those that might not like something just because it is deemed popular. I thought the book was well organized, and the explanations and examples were well done and accessible to novices and beer experts alike. There was detailed analysis of just about everything involved on the subject, and some people might be overwhelmed by the amount of ground covered, but the use of well chosen images and sections by experienced beer individuals break up what might otherwise to too dense to enjoy. I also liked that the authors included detailed citation documentation, which makes further reading much easier for those looking for more. The index also makes it easier for those looking for information on a singular type of beer or food to pair. 

Beer Pairing is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone that wants to know more about beer, and how to match the perfect beer and food to match your mood and palate.

Early Book Review: Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant by Kate Messner

Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant by Kate Messner, with photographs by Jake Messner, is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2021. Galápagos giant tortoises are fascinating—and endangered. They live only on the Galápagos Islands, a chain of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ecuador. These tortoises face threats from the humans who live on—and visit—the islands, as well as from Earth's warming climate. This book takes readers on an a journey to the Galápagos Islands to see these incredible creatures up close and discover how cutting-edge technology is helping scientists to study and protect them.

Tracking Tortoises: The Mission to Save a Galápagos Giant gives readers a great blend of science fact and personal narrative. Readers get to know a bit about the scientists and volunteers involved in her trip and the greater mission to save these endangered animals. I already knew a good deal of the background- why the animals on the island are so special and in danger, but there were details here that I missed (or forgot) in my previous readings and documentary watching. It was interesting to see the tools and technology that are now available to help the effort and how invested volunteers and researchers are using every idea and tool at their disposal to make a difference. I can think of many middle grade readers- and those both older and younger- that would be invested and engaged in this read. I think seeing what it is like to actually do the hands on work in these efforts will encourage more readers to do what they can now to help, and what s possible for them to do in the future. I also appreciated the source notes, suggestions for further reading, and other information included in the book's endnotes. I think this book is a perfect addition to school collections, libraries, and personal collections. 

Early Book Review: Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook: Nearly 200 Delightful Baked Goods Recipes from Amish Kitchens by Wanda E. Brunstetter

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook:  Nearly 200 Delightful Baked Goods Recipes from Amish Kitchens by Wanda E. Brunstetter is currently scheduled for release on September 1 2021. This review is based on a good sized sample of the book provided through Netgalley.

Fresh-baked buns or cookies waiting for a child’s after-school snack is a delight many of us remember from our own mothers’ and grandmothers’ kitchens. You can now share the joy of baking for and with your own family through dozens of recipes provided by Amish bakers. Ideas for breads, rolls, cakes, cookies, and more will keep you busy taste testing and sharing all the goodies. Also included are step-by-step instructions, baking tips, and anecdotes from Amish bakers. Encased in a lay-flat binding and presented in full color, home bakers of all ages will be delighted to add this cookbook to their collections.

Wanda E. Brunstetter's Amish Friends Baking Cookbook is a well written and organized cookbook for baked goods. I thought the baking tips and explanations were helpful, even as a fairly experienced baker. I even enjoyed learning a bit about the history of the Amish and Mennonite history, when usually I skim through the background and personal stories and rush ahead to the actual recipes. I found the recipes and instructions to be well written and easy to follow, and the pictures enticing to the point where I am going to try out a couple this weekend. I think this book will be perfect for those interested in the author and the subject matter. It might not be one for my personal collect (thinks to being out of room) but is one that I would definitely borrow from the library or recommend for those looking to expand their collection. 

Early Book Review: The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown

The Real Valkyrie: The Hidden History of Viking Warrior Women by Nancy Marie Brown is currently scheduled forrelease on August 31 2021. In 2017, DNA tests revealed to the collective shock of many scholars that a Viking warrior in a high-status grave in Birka, Sweden was actually a woman. The Real Valkyrie weaves together archaeology, history, and literature to imagine her life and times, showing that Viking women had more power and agency than historians have imagined. Brown uses science to link the Birka warrior, whom she names Hervor, to Viking trading towns and to their great trade route east to Byzantium and beyond. She imagines her life intersecting with larger-than-life but real women, including Queen Gunnhild Mother-of-Kings, the Viking leader known as The Red Girl, and Queen Olga of Kyiv. Hervor’s short, dramatic life shows that much of what we have taken as truth about women in the Viking Age is based not on data, but on nineteenth-century Victorian biases. Rather than holding the household keys, Viking women in history, law, saga, poetry, and myth carry weapons. These women brag, “As heroes we were widely known—with keen spears we cut blood from bone.” In this compelling narrative Brown brings the world of those valkyries and shield-maids to vivid life.

The Real Valkyrie is a thought provoking and engaging read that grabbed my interest on the first few pages and would not let go. The exploration of the known history, texts, and archaeological findings takes a deeper look at the lives of viking women, especially the possibilities surrounding the remains of one female viking warrior. Science and a more well rounded look at our history acknowledges how the mores and ideals of Victorian society has skewed the perception of viking lives. The writing is engaging and holds the readers interest, and I found the subject matter to be handled expertly and with passion. I highly recommend this read for anyone interested in the subject matter, and for readers that want to explore how preconceived notions and ideas can hindering understanding other cultures both past and present. I am excited to explore the author's recommendations for further reading on the subject and appreciate the endpages content with proper citations and useful information. 

The Real Valkyrie is a thoroughly researched and well written book.  

Early Book Review: Water: A Visual and Scientific History by Jack Challoner

Water: A Visual and Scientific History by Jack Challoner is currently scheduled for release on August 31 2021. The story of the most abundant substance on Earth, from its origins in the birth of stars billions of years ago to its importance in the living world. Water is so ubiquitous in our lives that it is easy to take for granted. The average American uses ninety gallons of water a day; nearly every liquid we encounter is mostly water--milk, for example, is 87 percent water. Clouds and ice--water in other forms--affect our climate. Water is the most abundant substance on Earth, and the third-most abundant molecule in the universe. Water is perhaps the most studied compound in the universe--although mysteries about it remain--and Challoner describes how thinkers from ancient times have approached the subject. He offers a detailed look at the structure and behavior of water molecules, explores the physics of water--explaining, among other things, why ice is slippery--and examines the chemistry of water. He investigates photosynthesis and water's role in evolutionary history, and discusses water and weather, reviewing topics that range from snowflake science to climate change. Finally, he considers the possibility of water beyond our own hydrosphere--on other planets, on the Moon, in interstellar space.



Water: A Visual and Scientific History is a well researched, organized, and written book. It goes into great detail on the different aspects and history of our understanding of water. There were moments that it went a little too technical for my personal tastes, but I think I just was not ready for that level of detail and explanation when I opened the digital galley. I do think that it is very well done, and will appeal to those looking for a in depth look at all things water in our past, present, and future- including things you might not have even considered. 

Early Book Review: Why Longfellow Lied: The Truth About Paul Revere's Midnight Ride by Jeff Lantos

Why Longfellow Lied: The Truth About Paul Revere's Midnight Ride by Jeff Lantos is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on August 3 2021. Do you know how historically inaccurate "Paul Revere's Ride" is? And do you know why? Author Jeff Lantos pulls apart Longfellow's poem, tells the real story about Paul Revere's historic ride, and sets the record right. Not only that, he lays out when and why Longfellow wrote his poem and explains how without it, many of us wouldn't know much about Revere at all. 

Why Longfellow Lied is an interesting read. I liked that the actual events (as best we can glean from documents and statements) was laid out in comparison with the poem. It is examined piece by piece, and gaps that were not covered in the poem at all filled in. I liked the frank and narrative style of the writing flowed and did not gloss over some common misconceptions and assumption. I love learning new things, and even more so when common held beliefs are examined, challenged, and clarified. I liked that the depth and expanse oft he operation was described, showing just how many people put themselves and their families at risk to do what they saw as right, rather that just one or two. I also like that the variety of social standing and fortune of these people was shown, Some really risked it all with little hope for a bright future if things went poorly. I also liked that the sources and proper citations and index were included at the end of the book. I always appreciate when authors insist on doing it right. I liked that the author included maps and whatnot- unfortunately the formatting on my galley did not allow me to enjoy these to the extent readers of the final version will. I expect that they will really enhance the reading experience. My issue with the read might also be solved in the formatting for the final version, there are random asides of unrelated information (like a gruesome landmark, spreading of a specific type of apple, when someone got married, and so on) that were interesting but did not really flow with the history explored in the main text. I suspect that these will be in separate text boxes or otherwise separated in the final print (if not they should be). 

Why Longfellow Lied is a well researched and written book. 

Early Book Review: Volcano, Where Fire and Water Meet by Mary M. Cerullo

Volcano, Where Fire and Water Meet by Mary M. Cerullo is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on August 1 2021.  Lava shoots in the air, then bubbles down mountains, flattening, burning, and boiling everything in its path. The destructive forces of volcanoes are terrifying and well-known. But what about their other forces? Volcanoes can spur new growth of plants and trees. In the water, they create an environment where coral reefs and sea life can thrive. In fact, the meeting of volcanic fire and ocean water gave way to life on Earth.Stitching science, history, and mythology together, Cerullo explores these explosive wonders of nature and reveals the secrets they’ve been keeping since the beginning of the world.

Volcano, Where Fire and Water Meet is exactly what I expect from nonfiction published by Scholastic. The content is well written and researched It is informative and accessible to a range if readers without feeling too easy or too complicated at any point. The chosen images where a perfect pairing to the text- offering visual interest and detail in the subject matter. Frankly, I went back to look at the images for a second time after I finished my first read, since I found them to be simply fascinating. I really like that there was a glossary, source notes, and bibliography included i the endpages. This always make me happy- not only because it gives readers a chance to further explore the topic, but because it helps them see that these this are necessary when writing books or papers. 

I think this would be a perfect book for readers interested in the subject. It is also a book that would be a valuable resource in classrooms and libraries to aid in lessons on the subject, and to get students engaged and excited about the subject.

Early Book Review: The World's Most Pointless Animals: Or are They? by Philip Bunting

The World's Most Pointless Animals: Or are They? by Philip Bunting is a children's non fiction book currently scheduled for release on July 202021. From familiar animals like giraffes (who don’t have any vocal cords) through to those that surely should not even exist, such as the pink fairy armadillo (absurdly huge front claws, super tough protective shell in baby pink, particularly susceptible to stress), our planet is full of some pretty weird and wonderful animals. For example: Koalas spend up to 18 hours a day asleep!Pandas are born bright pink, deaf, and blind.Dumbo octopuses flap their big fin-like ears to move around.A Narwhal’s tusk grows through its upper lip—ouch!

The World's Most Pointless Animals is a fun and informative book that will keep readers engaged as they learn about some of the less common animals that we share the planet with. The illustrations are fun, and give some accurate scale and detail of each animal while also being cute and silly. A good number of the animals were ones I already knew about, because this are my favorite kind of animals, but some were new or less well known to me. The made up latin names were fun, although I think tossing in the correct names would not have been a bad move, since some of the real latin names  (and translation) are pretty amusing in their own right. I like that each animal each got a page (or two) dedicated to it, and that some of the value of each as part of the larger ecosystem is covered. I also like that the book celebrates the things that make the animals different, the things that might have us wondering why they are like that, and points out that we all have our differences and that is what makes the world interesting and so much fun. I a book that balances fun, learning, and a good message. This book has that in spades. 

Book Review: Lawbreaking Ladies: 50 Tales of Daring, Defiant, and Dangerous Women from History by Erika Owen

Lawbreaking Ladies: 50 Tales of Daring, Defiant, and Dangerous Women from History by Erika Owen is a nonfiction book that tackles a wide range of law breaking ladies. Many of us are familiar with the popular slogan “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” But that adage is taken to the next level in this book, which looks at women from the past who weren’t afraid to break the law or challenge gender norms. From pirates to madams, gamblers to bootleggers, and serial killers to outlaws, women throughout the ages haven’t always decided to be sugar, spice, and everything nice. These are the stories of 50 remarkable women whose rebellious and often criminal acts ought to solidify their place in history, including: the swashbuckling pirate Ching Shih,  “Queen of the Bootleggers” Gloria de Casares,  the Prohibition-era gangster Stephanie Saint-Clair, and a band of prisoners who came to be known as the Goree Girls. Some were breaking laws for good reasons, while others were downright dangerous.

Lawbreaking Ladies is an interesting and entertaining read. I like that the author makes the effort to keep everything in the context of the laws and social climate of the time the specific crimes took place. Prohibition, abuse, unjust laws, and more had a role to play in some of the crimes- but in some cases the why's will never really make sense. I also like that the women featured are from a variety of countries and times, and their stories and situations are varied. It was clear that a great deal of research and care went into this book. The book was well organized, and the writing was very accessible and easy to follow.  I found each story to be very independent from the rest of the book, even in each subsection, for instance in the section about gambling ladies the city of Deadwood is mentions in mos everyone's story and the familiarity of the name is addresses but in the context of travel rather than how many ladies profiled in a row had spent time there. I enjoyed the read, and appreciated the inclusion of sources and proper citation. It is a shame how often that gets forgotten. I will be reading some of the resources used by the author to delve deeper into some of the stories and times that interested me the most.

Lawbreaking Ladies is a well researched, written, and organized resource. I think many readers will appreciate it. 

Audiobook Review: Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going by Neil deGrasse Tyson, James Trefil, Lauren Fortgang

Cosmic Queries: StarTalk's Guide to Who We Are, How We Got Here, and Where We're Going, written by Neil deGrasse Tyson and James Trefil and narrated by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Lauren Fortgang, is a book that takes the idea of the StarTalk podcast and expands on some of the more in depth questions and ideas that just do not fit in the podcast format. For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe. This illuminating audiobook takes on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia—How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?—and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories. Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire listeners of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos.

Cosmic Queries is an engaging and enlightening audiobook- and I can only imagine that the addition of photographs and any images in the printed or digital version of the book only increase the level of understanding, engagement, and interest in the reader. The alternating narration was very well done, and I found the inflections and phrasing to be very well done and able to keep me engaged even when the subject matter might have lost me otherwise. The writing was well done- and  I found that for the most part I understood the details and was intrigued by the information shared and questions raise. I will admit that there were a few times that my mind drifted or I was interrupted and when I refocused was completely lost with the topic at hand, but a quick rewind was able to fix that. I am not sure how much I retained- but that is on me and not the reading material. 

I think anyone that enjoys StarTalk and related podcasts, and anyone interested in learning more about the universe and how it all works will enjoy Cosmic Queries as an audiobook or traditional read.  

Book Review: The Beauty of Chemistry: Art, Wonder, and Science by Philip Ball

The Beauty of Chemistry: Art, Wonder, and Science by Philip Ball is a visual and intellectual treat. Chemistry is not just about microscopic atoms doing inscrutable things; it is the process that makes flowers and galaxies. We rely on it for bread-baking, vegetable-growing, and producing the materials of daily life. In stunning images and illuminating text, this book captures chemistry as it unfolds. Using such techniques as microphotography, time-lapse photography, and infrared thermal imaging, The Beauty of Chemistry shows us how chemistry underpins the formation of snowflakes, the science of champagne, the colors of flowers, and other wonders of nature and technology. We see the marvelous configurations of chemical gardens; the amazing transformations of evaporation, distillation, and precipitation; heat made visible; and more.

The Beauty of Chemistry: Art, Wonder, and Science does a great job of showing the wonder of chemistry to those that might not otherwise look to closely. I was in awe at the images, and think the book is well worth a look to enjoy based on those pages on their own. However, I found the explanations of the images and science involved to be well written and accessible. In fact, I found some beauty in the structure and details of the science itself. I think this is a wonderful book showing the true beauty that we do not often appreciate in our world- sometimes because it is so big or small that we cannot see it, and sometimes because we are just not noticing. I liked that there was a glossary, list of sources for the used quotations, and other important pieces of information in the the endpages. That is something that sometimes gets left out, and seeing it included always makes me happy.

The Beauty of Chemistry: Art, Wonder, and Science is a great book to simply look at and enjoy the stunning images, but it is also a book that explains the wonder of science and the natural world that creates these things.

Book Review: Invented by Animals: Meet the Creatures who Inspired our Everyday Technology by Christiane Dorion, Gosia Herba

Invented by Animals: Meet the Creatures who Inspired our Everyday Technology, written by Christiane Dorion and illustrated by Gosia Herba, is a children's nonfiction book. Often human scientists try and solve a problem or invent a new tool and they realize that animals have already invented it for them. In this book you will meet the animal inventors who have shared their super inventing powers to make amazing things for humans.  Meet the shark who invented a pair of swimming shorts so fast, they were banned from the Olympic games. And meet the snail who has invented a house that stays cool inside even in the desert.   

Invented by Animals is a book that offers readers insight about how animals and nature have inspired inventions and innovation. Many of the facts and stories were something I had read or heard part of before, while some of the information was new to me. I thought the pages were well designed- with small sections of text and plenty of bright illustrations to capture the attention and imagination of readers. The information was well worded, so that it was never condescending nor too complex so the book can appeal to a wide range of readers. This was an interesting and engaging read that would be equally welcome in school, classroom, and personal libraries. 

Early Book Review: No Recipe? No Problem! How to Pull Together Tasty Meals without a Recipe by Phyllis Good

No Recipe? No Problem! How to Pull Together Tasty Meals without a Recipe by Phyllis Good is currently scheduled for release on May 11 2021. Cook anything without a recipe—just let the ingredients lead the way! This book offers tips, tricks, and inspiration for winging it in the kitchen. Each chapter offers practical kitchen and cooking advice, from an overview of essential tools and pantry items to keep on hand to how to combine flavors and find good substitute ingredients, whether it’s sheet pan chicken, vegetables, pasta, grain bowls, or pizza for tonight’s dinner. Freestyle Cooking charts provide a scaffolding for building a finished dish from what cooks have available; Kitchen Cheat Sheets lend guidance on preparing meats, vegetables, and grains with correct cooking times and temperatures; and stories from Good’s Cooking Circle offer personal experiences and techniques for successfully improvising for delicious results, such as how to combine flavors that work well together or how to use acid to draw out the sweetness in unripened fruit. Like being in the kitchen with a trusted friend or family member who delivers valuable information in a friendly, encouraging way, this book will inspire readers to pull ingredients together, dream up a dish, stir in a little imagination, and make something delicious take shape.

No Recipe? No Problem! is not a recipe book. It is a collection of information, stories, and ideas that will make those looking to be more creative or inventive in the kitchen. This book encourages thoughtful and sustainable cooking, respecting ingredients and reducing waste as much as possible. I liked the stories from Good's cooking circle, reading stories of successes, and failures, in the kitchen from others makes the prospect of trying things yourself much less intimidating. I have always been one to alter recipes that i am comfortable with- like meatloaf, spaghetti sauce, or muffins. However, less familiar recipes often make me more nervous about substitutes or additions. This book helped me consider cooking methods and ingredients, and how I can better create my own unique creations and take a more mindful approach in the kitchen, and in my grocery shopping. There is instruction- particularly how to best cook certain foods, and some suggestions for things that go together well. I also liked the tools and tips given that help with meal prep and freezing certain components or entire meals.  I just wish this book had come out before the pandemic and related lock downs, because now that I am back to working on site rather than at home the nightly cooking is back in the hands of my wonderful husband- which means I do not get to dabble and try new things in the kitchen nearly as often.

No Recipe? No Problem! is a good read, and a wonderful resource to becoming more comfortable, creative, and mindful in the kitchen.