Early Book Review: Crock Pot Essentials: 101 Recipes to Make with Your Slow Cooker by Anne Schaeffer

Crock Pot Essentials: 101 Recipes to Make with Your Slow Cooker by Anne Schaeffer is currently scheduled for release on August 1 2023. There’s nothing better than coming home after a long day at work, and dinner is already done! This book features 101 slow cooker recipes that are easy to make, take minimal effort, and can either feed a couple or a big crowd. This collection of crock pot recipes includes ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. From breakfast burritos and blueberry cobbler to jambalaya, beef stew, barbecued ribs, and so more, 

Crock Pot Essentials caught my eye because I use my crock pot almost every Thursday. With two picky eaters in the house, my rotation of meals feels pretty boring to me, so I am always looking to try a new recipe or spice combination to liven things up while still getting everyone to eat. I appreciated that vegetarian and other dietary notes were made for applicable recipes and there were some substitution suggestions included. I also liked the serving suggestions, like some sandwiches recipes following the soup recipes they would pair with nicely. . One note- if you have made the switch to metric measurements you will have some converting to do, since all the recipes are in imperial measurements. I did find some recipes in the book, particularly for pot luck meals and lazy days at home, that I might try. I did also find a few things that I might use to add a new twist or flavor to things I already make. This is a solid collection for those that might be new to using their crock pot- but for long time users this is a book I would check out from the library rather than adding to your cookbook collection. 

Early Book Review: The 30-Minute Gardener: Cultivate Beauty and Joy by Gardening Every Day by Greg Loades

The 30-Minute Gardener: Cultivate Beauty and Joy by Gardening Every Day by Greg Loades is currently scheduled for release on July 11 2023. Are you ready to discover your garden’s unexpected gifts? All it takes is a daily practice. This book describes what dedicated time spent in the garden every day can create for readers: a moment of solitude in a busy world, a welcoming space to enjoy with family and friends, and an increased connection to nature. In this guide you’ll find advice on tasks like pruning a rose bush and planting bulbs, inspired ideas like adding a green roof or laying a patio, and hints on how to sit back and enjoy your accomplishments.

The 30-Minute Gardener is a wonderful reminder of taking things in small doses and enjoying the fruits (sometimes literally) of our hard work. I thought the pictures were well chosen, and match the text well, and broke up the text in just the right spots to give my eyes and mind a break. The text was well written, and I enjoyed the conversational tone of the text. I am very much the kind of gardener that has great plans and vision, but when it comes to the daily weeding and upkeep rather falls down on the job for reasons- too hot, too tired, too buggy, a good book needs reading, or whatever. I read this book in hopes that it would provide me the tools and motivation to do better this year. I like that Loades includes the important details the gardeners might think they already have a handle on (like hardiness zones), and describes them with enough detail and information for newcomers to understand, but it never felt condescending or trite for even very experienced gardeners.  I found myself nodding as I recognized impulses that I share with the author (like getting impatient and wanting to plant a little to early for me area) but I also got a great deal of little hints and encouragement on how to make getting out there in the garden, even in the colder months, part of a healthy daily routine. I also liked that they emphasized a low stress approach in regards to weeds, and things that will take several weeks of attention. It is much easy to get out there and do what you can, when you can, without the guilt and stress that often creeps in when we look too hard at what needs to be done. I also thought some of the suggestions- like a simple garden diary in some form is great, because it helps you see how the small changes and growth really have made a difference when you cannot see it in the moment. 

The 30-Minute Gardener is a nice and thoughtful read, and a helpful resource for gardeners of all skill levels that need a little help staying motivated with changes and upkeep in a garden. 

Book Review: Do Other Earths Exist?: Mysteries of Space by Jennifer Lombardo

Do Other Earths Exist?: Mysteries of Space by Jennifer Lombardo is a children's non fiction book. Until 1990, no one could say for certain that planets existed beyond our solar system. Today, thanks to unprecedented advancements in technology, astronomers have found more than 5,000 of these exoplanets. Some are Earth-sized, some orbit a sun-like star, and some are rocky rather than gaseous. Could any of them hold life as we know it? Full-color photographs and engaging, age-appropriate text let students explore the exciting field of exoplanet study. A glossary of terms is provided to help expand readers’ scientific vocabulary.

Do Other Earths Exist? is a well written and designed introduction to the search for other inhabitable planets for young readers. I thought the information was well organized and accessible. While those that have been space obsessed for awhile ad have already done some reading, not everything here will be new information. However, since it is such a specific subject I think the angle and focus makes the read engaging and informational for young readers. I appreciated the glossary and information for further reading and exploration included in the endmatter a great deal. 

Book Review: Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia by Ilaria Demonti, Camilla Pintonato

Sheepology: The Ultimate Encyclopedia, written by Ilaria Demonti and illustrated Camilla Pintonato, is filled with incredible sheep facts told in a playful tone and endearing illustrations. Discover all there is to know about sheep in all their woolly glory in this illustrated guide ewe will flock to again and again! For instance, did you know that sheep do not like to be alone and get along well with other animals? Or that a sheep was the first mammal to be cloned by humans? Have you ever wondered how sheep's milk turns into cheese? Or how sheep are shorn and wool is made into cloth? These and other intriguing and engaging facts about this lovable animal can be found in Sheepology, a visual encyclopedia and follow-up to Chickenology and Pigology. Nature- and animal-loving readers of all ages will find something to learn and love about these fascinating farm friends.

Sheepology offers readers exactly what the title and blub suggest. There is a humorous tone in the interesting information shared about sheep here, some I knew and some was new to me. I thought the illustrations were well done, and the art style felt a bit like some of the classic picturebooks I remember fondly from my own childhood. I thought the information was well chosen, and the text was accessible and I learned more about sheep in this relatively short book than I thought I would. While there is a bit on anatomy and animal husbandry, the information and images are completely age appropriate for the target audience of children 6-10 years old. This book would be great for an animal obsessed young reader, a child doing a report, or anyone interested in learning more about sheep. 

Early Book Review: indiscernible elements: Calcium by Korynn Newville

indiscernible elements: Calcium by Korynn Newville is currently scheduled for release on May 30 2023. This book explores the path a molecule can take through various stages of life and death - from the perspective of Calcium itself. Through the use of detailed illustrations, poetry, and dialogue, author Korynn Newville creates a discussion around how humans can change the way they create the built environment to be more conscious of the wondrous systems at work in nature. If the same Calcium in a femur bone can be used in concrete to build a cathedral, a house, a sidewalk or can be recycled by a nearby plant or tree, how can humans purposefully help that process along? What would Calcium design if it had the choice? What would Calcium say if it could tell you its story.

indiscernible elements: Calcium is a book that I think will play better on paper than on a screen. I thought it was an intriguing idea, and results in a very interesting and unique book. The blend of notes, science, and poetry was well balanced and provides readers exactly what the description promises. I think it will speak to readers that really enjoy poetry and looking at things in our world from a different perspective. Since I was reading this book on a screen, that did not allow for zooming in and getting a better look at the details, I do have to say that the white on black notes and details were sometimes hard for me to see well enough to actually enjoy rather than squinting and puzzling out the words or intent. Also, while I do enjoy and appreciate poetry I think this was just a little more esoteric than I typically chose for my pleasure reading. 

Early Book Review: Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham; Sophie Timms; Theresa Wensing

Creative Embroidery and Beyond: Inspiration, tips, techniques, and projects from three professional artists by Jenny Billingham, Sophie Timms, and Theresa Wensing is currently scheduled for release on June 6 2023. This book  presents hand sewing as accessible and fun. Three artists—Jenny Billingham (@flynn_and_mabel), Theresa Wensing (@get.stitch.done), and Sophie Timms (@mindfulmantra_embroidery)—each present six designs. They are ideal for embroiderers of all skill levels, from total beginners to more advanced. You will find step-by-step embroidery projects featuring flowers, animals, insects, and more; instructions for how to embroider on denim, hats, and t-shirts; primers on essential stitches, including whipstitch and satin stitch; information on embroidery tools and how to use them; advice for threads and brands to use; and more. Embroidery is a fun, accessible art medium that’s proven relaxing and mindful for millions of crafters around the world.

Creative Embroidery and Beyond offers readers exactly what they would expect from this title and description. I thought the instructions and text were helpful and accessible. I like the suggestions and clear instructions for the different supplies and stitches that are most likely to be needed. I thought the pattern, fabric, and project suggestions were nicely rounded. Some were very much to my taste, and others less so, as it should be because we all have things we like to work with more than others. The book has definitely given me some ideas for things to try next- if I ever finish my 'project to do' pile that I already have set up for myself. I think this book might be a good buy for newer crafters, but for experienced crafters might want to check it out from the library.

Early Book Review: Strange Animals by Tom Jackson

Strange Animals by Tom Jackson is currently scheduled for release on May 14 2023. How does a mudskipper fish manage to “walk” on land? Why is the Hoatzin also known as ‘The Stinkbird’? And once the female Pipa toad has laid her eggs, where does she put them? The answers? The mudskipper can “walk” using its pectoral fins, the Hoatzin has a unique digestive system which gives the bird a manure-like odor, and the female Pipa Toad embeds its eggs on its back where they develop to adult stage. Strange Animals presents the most unusual aspects of 100 of the most unusual species. The selection spans a broad spectrum of wildlife, from the tallest land living mammal, the giraffe, to the light, laughing chorus of Australian kookaburra birds, from the intelligence of the Bottlenose dolphin to octopuses that change color when they dream to the slow pace of the three-toed sloth. Arranged geographically, the photographs are accompanied by fascinating captions, which explain the quirky characteristics of each entry. Including egg-laying mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, cannibalistic insects and other invertebrates. 

Strange Animals is a book that captured my attention and interest with its title. I love learning about the odd and unexpected animals in the world. Since I have read and watched so much information on the subject, I do have to say that very little of this book was new to me. Most of the animals were ones I had run across in the past, or creatures I do not consider odd or unusual at all. That being said, the photographs through out the entire book are phenomenal. I liked the short paragraphs of information, which gave interesting and easily digestible bits of information on the creatures in the book- but the start of this show unequivocally the photographs on each and ever page. It is worth the cost of this book, or borrow from the library, to sit and leisurely flip through the pages and just enjoy the fantastic photographs or these animals. 

Early Book Review:100 Morning Treats: With Muffins, Rolls, Biscuits, Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads, and More by Sarah Kieffer

100 Morning Treats: With Muffins, Rolls, Biscuits, Sweet and Savory Breakfast Breads, and More by Sarah Kieffer is currently scheduled for release on May 9 2023. These baking projects will bring delight to your family breakfast, a Sunday brunch or bake sale, a morning at the office, or kids' soccer practice. Whatever your preference alongside your morning cup of coffee or tea—sweet or savory, buttery or flaky, hot off the griddle or taken to go—you'll find a recipe for it here, from coffee cakes to danishes, doughnuts, scones, quick breads, quiches, and muffins galore! Filled with more than 120 inspiring photographs, including how-tos for doughs and shaping, and instructions for prepping the night before and baking in the morning.

100 Morning Treats is a well rounded book for those that love to bake, and those that want to improve their knowledge and recipe base in baking. I thought the introduction and tips and other information included in the beginning of the book was well written and chosen, and that the book was laid out and organized well. The pictures were well chosen and made me eager to try my hand at the recipes, and if I am honest reading the descriptions and looking at the pictures made me a bit hungry and craving something freshly baked. I like that the ingredient measurements are given in metric and imperial units- so everyone can easily follow the recipes without having to do conversions and extra calculations. I thought the recipes were easy to follow and well written. The extra informational box content through out the book was helpful and interesting. There was a nice variety of recipes, something for everyone. While the classics were covered, so were some recipes I have never seen. I honestly cannot wait to test a few of these out in coming weeks. Ones I am looking forward to the most are: Grapefruit Glazed Muffins, Lemon Meringue Bread, Strawberry Knots, and the Chocolate Pudding Bundt Cake. 

100 Morning Treats is a wonderful collection of recipes, and if I had anymore room for physical books this would be joining my collection. It just might anyway. 

Early Book Review: The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures by Sara Novak

The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures by Sara Novak is currently scheduled for release on May 2 2023. From beautiful mermaids and gentle unicorns to fire-breathing dragons and bloodthirsty vampires, mysterious beings and magical beasts appear in stories told all around the world. The Genius Kid’s Guide to Mythical Creatures highlights 20 of these legendary beings, detailing each creature’s appearance and behavior, as well as where and how legends about it began. The text also explores how the stories have changed and developed over time. Readers learn everything they need to know about their favorite myths and monsters, as well as plenty of fun trivia to impress their friends.

The Genius Kid's Guide to Mythical Creatures offers readers some basic information about cryptids and creatures of legend. The information was all in line with what I have read and seen elsewhere- so I think readers that have already done some reading on the subject will not find much that is new to them, but those that have not broached the topic yet will get a good foundation on the creatures covered. I was more than a little disappointed that most, if not all, of the images were from shutterstock. I would have liked to see more effort put into that aspect of the book.  I did appreciate the endmatter, the glossary and resource list at the end were a nice addition to the book. Although, I was expecting some kind of quiz in here somewhere, but perhaps they were in the sections of the galley that had some formatting issues, which I fully expect to be fixed prior to the publication. 

Early Book Review: A Flower is a Friend by Frieda Wishinsky, Karen Patkau

A Flower is a Friend, written by Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Karen Patkau, is a children's picturebook currently scheduled for release on May 2 2023.  In the garden ecosystem, a flower means many things to each bird, insect, and creature. What does a flower do? They may not seem active to human eyes, but for the creatures of the garden they dust a bumblebee, shade a frog, feed a hummingbird, and serve as the center of a buzzing, humming, thrumming community.

A Flower is a Friend is a very engaging and informative picturebook. The text is pretty simple and asks readers questions about flowers and how creatures interact with them. I think it does a good job of getting the youngest readers to think about how connected nature is, and to get them to ask questions about it. I really enjoyed the artwork, which I found to be the star of this book. There is a close-up view of each mouse, frog, and butterfly with a flower, and each picture is detailed and very well done. There is a good amount of back matter with more information about the partnerships within the garden, especially for a book targeting such a young age group- which I greatly appreciated. 

Early Book Review: Search for a Giant Squid by Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser

Search for a Giant Squid, written by Amy Seto Forrester and illustrated by Andy Chou Musser, is a children's book currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. An exciting ocean-themed choose-your-path STEM adventure for emerging readers! Take a journey to the ocean's twilight zone in Search for a Giant Squid ! An exciting mixture of action and nonfiction, this choose-your-own-adventure-style story allows readers to take on the mantle of a teuthologist looking for a giant squid in its natural habitat. Once readers pick their submersible, pilot, and dive site, the adventure begins!

Search for a Giant Squid is a combination of adventure and nonfiction. I liked the amount of information shared about the people that study and work in the ocean, and study specific aspects and creatures of the ocean. I learned a few new things, and I think most young readers will learn a great deal. I loved that the fact the scientists are still learning, still asking questions, and still looking to better understand things. Helping kids see that the adults are still looking to answer questions makes them feel a little better when they do not know the answer, even when they think they should. I thought making the story interactive was a great idea, giving young readers the ability to make the choices, and see the consequences of those choices in a book is safe and low stakes. I like that the readers are encouraged to try different paths, and see what else they can discover. I also like that they are encouraged to check the glossary if they see a word they do not understand. The inclusion of suggestions for further research, the sources used, and some additional fun facts at the end were a perfect addition.

Search for a Giant Squid is a wonderful book for curious young readers, especially for those with interest in animals or the sciences in general. 

Early Book Review: Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America by Matika Wilbur is currently scheduled for release on April 25 2023. In 2012, Matika Wilbur sold everything in her Seattle apartment and set out on a Kickstarter-funded pursuit to visit, engage, and photograph people from what were then the 562 federally recognized Native American Tribal Nations. Over the next decade, she traveled six hundred thousand miles across fifty states—from Seminole country (now known as the Everglades) to Inuit territory (now known as the Bering Sea)—to meet, interview, and photograph hundreds of Indigenous people. The body of work Wilbur created serves to counteract the one-dimensional and archaic stereotypes of Native people in mainstream media and offers justice to the richness, diversity, and lived experiences of Indian Country. The culmination of this decade-long art and storytelling endeavor, Project 562 is a peerless, sweeping, and moving love letter to Indigenous Americans, containing hundreds of stunning portraits and compelling personal narratives of contemporary Native people—all photographed in clothing, poses, and locations of their choosing. Their narratives touch on personal and cultural identity as well as issues of media representation, sovereignty, faith, family, the protection of sacred sites, subsistence living, traditional knowledge-keeping, land stewardship, language preservation, advocacy, education, the arts, and more.

Project 562: Changing the Way We See Native America is a stunning and important book. The photography is absolutely wonderful, and I could page through this book for hours to appreciate each image. More important, the text and purpose of this book is incredibly significant and I found the book to be highly engaging, informational, and meaningful on multiple levels. I think letting each of the interviewed individuals choose how that wanted to be photographed, and how their words were shared untouched went a long way in sharing their real and authentic voices, experiences, and perspectives with readers. Reading this book was as close to meeting such a variety of individuals and communities from across the country as I am likely to ever have a chance to personally. I feel like I learned a great deal, and will continue to learn more as I explore more ownvoices works by indigenous individuals. I thought I had a much better grasp and understanding on how colonialism and bigotry had shaped this country and all of its people, but I feel like I have a much better understanding of how little I actually knew after reading this book. This book has inspired be to continue my learning and understanding, and I hope it will have the effect on a wide variety of readers. 

Audiobook Review: The Four Workarounds: Strategies from the World's Scrappiest Organizations for Tackling Complex Problems by Paulo Savaget, Narrated by Roger Wayne

The Four Workarounds: Strategies from the World's Scrappiest Organizations for Tackling Complex Problems was written by Paulo Savaget and the audiobook is narrated by Roger Wayne. For ages, global corporations have been lecturing small organizations and not-for-profits on how to get things done. As it turns out, it should have been the other way around. In this audiobook Savaget shows how the most valuable lessons about problem-solving can be learned from the scrappiest groups. Savaget draws most of his examples from small organizations dedicated to social action that have made an art form out of subverting the status quo and have proved themselves adept at achieving massive wins with minimal resources. Through his research, Savaget identified the four workarounds that these groups commonly employ: the piggyback, the loophole, the roundabout, and the next best. With vivid and fascinating examples from his life and travels, he demonstrates how each one works and how to know which one to use when.

The Four Workarounds is a thoroughly researched and well written book. I think the narrator did a good job with the text as well, toner and inflection kept me focused on the book, for the most part. The times my mind wondered was more about me, and other drivers on the road, than anything relating to the text. I liked that the examples and suggestions given were pretty wide ranging, and I thought the book could be very useful for those looking to get out there and make changes, whether it be towards social change and helping others or making changes in your personal or professional life. I think workarounds can be utilized in grand and small scale, and regardless of which you are ready for this book can help you recognize a workaround when you see it in use by others, and to find and use them yourself when needed. I think the book provides exactly what it promises, and might get some people thinking a little differently about authority, conformity, and workarounds. 

Early Book Review: Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk

Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2023. This is a new collection of 36 ragdolls, including adult and baby pairs of animals and fantasy creatures such as dragons and dinosaurs; friends from around the world, such as kokeshi dolls, Santa Claus and reindeer, kangaroos and koalas, giraffes, and flamingos. So many cute dolls—great for baby gifts and using up small bits of yarn—and they work up quickly for near-instant gratification.

Crochet Ragdoll Friends is cute collection of relatively quick and easy dolls to make. I liked the variety of eyes used in these dolls. I often opt for the safety eyes, because they are so easy and look great, but I like having a variety of options. I thought the patterns were well varied, and easy to follow. I also liked that there was a difficulty rating for each one, sometimes even the most practiced crocheter wants to do something quick and easy. While some of the patterns are something you could find elsewhere, I think this is a solid collection, and overall very cute. I think I might be stitching up some hedgehogs in the near future.

Early Book Review: Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts by Julie Beer, Andy Smith, Britannica Group

Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts, written by Julie Beer, illustrated by Andy Smith, and with facts verified the Britannica Group is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on April 4 2023. Did you know that beavers have orange teeth? Or that some monkeys floss their teeth using bird feathers? Or that one species of bird can walk underwater? Or that alligators stay underwater for longer by swallowing rocks? Or that sea otters use rocks to crack open prey? Interesting facts you might never otherwise know can be found in this book.

Animal FACTopia! is a entertaining, informative, and engaging read. Some of the facts were things I knew, but some were brand new to me. I liked the variety of creatures that are included, and the way the facts are connected together to capture and keep the attention of readers. I thought the illustrations were fun and kept the reader's attention on the page. They were an entertaining and valuable addition to the book. I liked the blend of real pictures, illustrations, and pictures with additional illustration or details added. I also liked that the facts were verified via a valuable and trusted source. Not that I doubt the author in any way, but that extra layer of work means a great deal. In this day when there is so much information available, knowing what is real wand what is just believed with little to no proof is sometimes hard to pin down. There is peace of mind knowing that a children's nonfiction book has that extra work and due diligence put into it before putting a book into the hands of young readers or on a library shelf. 

Early Book Review: Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book by Heather Mubarak

Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book by Heather Mubarak is a cookbook that is currently scheduled for release on April 4 2023. This book features 65 mix-and-match cookie sandwiches for every occasion and craving, including both sweet and savory bakes that range from childhood classics with a twist (Nutter Butters! Chipwiches!) to sophisticated, party-ready treats (Strawberry Shortcake Macarons, Parmesan Polenta Crackers with Chive Cream Cheese). There is a chapter dedicated to swirly buttercreams, smooth ganache, fruity jams, and more lets you experiment with different cookie-filling pairings to your heart's content. The option to leave out the filling altogether for a super simple bake is also at the baker's discretion. Home bakers of all levels will appreciate the flexible, choose-your-own-adventure format.

Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book is a well written and organized cookbook with wonderful photographs of the featured cookies. I thought the introductory information about the ingredients and equipment was well done. Too often we more experienced bakers skip over this (sometimes myself included) but I thought the insights and information included here would be gook for bakers of all skill levels. I love that the author includes information about adjusting these recipes to be gluten free, and how to achieve the best possible bake. I also like that metric and imperial measurements are included- so regardless of a baker's personal preference there is no need to mess around with conversions. I liked the wide variety of cookies, and I liked the author's voice. I found the little introductions to be interesting and entertaining. This is exactly the book I needed right before Christmas baking started- to look over grand ideas only to end up making my tried and true recipes. There are several recipes here that I will attempt, and several more that I will use flavor combinations or technique from to help improve my baking results. In fact, this just might be a baking weekend so I can test some of these out.  I just do not have the freezer space for all of the ones I want to make.

Audiobook Review: STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World by Dan Lyons

STFU: The Power of Keeping Your Mouth Shut in an Endlessly Noisy World was written (and the audiobook is also narrated) by Dan Lyons. New York Times bestselling author Dan Lyons is here to tell you—and don't take this the wrong way—that you really need to shut the f*ck up! Our noisy world has trained us to think that those who get in the last word win, when in fact it’s those who know how to stay silent who really hold the power. STFU is a book that unlocks this power and will change your life, freeing you to focus on what matters. Lyons combines leading behavioral science with actionable advice on how to communicate with intent, think critically, and open your mind and ears to the world around you. Talk less, get more. That’s what STFU is all about. Prescriptive, informative, and addictively readable, STFU gives you the tools to become your better self, whether that’s in the office, at home, online, or in your most treasured relationships. Because, after all, what you say is who you are. So take a deep breath, press play, and quietly change your life.

STFU is a good listen, and can be helpful even for those that are not overtalkers, or simply do not want to admit that might be. Lyons uses examples from his own life, research, and studies to demonstrate for talking too much, at the wrong times, or about the wrong things can be detrimental in a wide range of ways. It can impact relationships and people's impressions of you in personal and professional relationships and have a greater impact than you might think, even if it starts off in a positive way. I liked the amount of research and personal investment Lyons has put into the writing of this book, and I always appreciate an author that narrates their own books since they get the inflections and emphasis exactly where it was intended. I also liked that this book offers suggestions not just for curbing your own amount of talking, but also the skills needed to be better listeners and how to make the talking we do count so much more. This includes online interactions as well as traditional conversations. I also took note of the suggestions for escaping and counteracting those that overtalk to us, and getting past the urge for idle chit chat. Most importantly, how listening and some strategies that sound simple but can be hard to implement can help us more away from rambling and toward having meaningful and important conversations.

I think STFU is a valuable read (or listen) for everyone looking to improve their relationships, personally and professionally.

Early Book Review: OMFG, BEES!: Bees Are So Amazing and You're About to Find Out Why by Matt Kracht

OMFG, BEES!: Bees Are So Amazing and You're About to Find Out Why by Matt Kracht is currently scheduled for release on March 23 2023. Are you ready for the ultimate bee book? With lighthearted watercolor and ink drawings, humorous quips, lists, and musings, OMFG, BEES! will show you just how important these esteemed bee-list celebrities really are. (Hint: We can't live without them.) Delving into various bee topics, from distinguishing between bees and not bees (very crucial), to exploring the absolute wonder that is bee behavior (they do a coded dance directing their bee friends to food, for crying out loud!), to divulging the mind-blowing bee-magic behind honey making (within some extremely intricate and precisely constructed hexagonal honeycomb, no big deal), and more, Kracht's ode to bees paints a charming and enthusiastic picture of our favorite pollinators.

OMFG, BEES! is a well researched source of bee related information. I greatly appreciated the voice of the author and the amount of thought that went into the research and illustrations to match the text and intent of the book. I have read many books on bees, since I find the decline of insects in general, and bees specifically, to be very concerning and I simply love learning about how amazing they are. I have to say that this book included more light hearted humor and straight forward talk than any of the other books on the subject that I can remember. I enjoy that Kracht and I share the same thoughts on bees and several not bees (like that wasps are 'vicious little turds') and the writing made me smile quite a bit through out the read. I also appreciated that a complete list of references was included along with sources for further reading. 

OMFG, BEES! is a engaging and interesting read that will both educate and entertain anyone vaguely interested in bees. 

Early Book Review: Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild by Margarita Engle, Sam Trull

Destiny Finds Her Way: How a Rescued Baby Sloth Learned to Be Wild, written by Margarita Engle and with photography by Sam Trull, is currently scheduled for release on March 30 2023. Explore the Costa Rican rainforest with Destiny, a rescued orphan baby sloth who must learn to return to the wild, in this heartwarming true story from Newbery Honor winner Margarita Engle. Destiny must learn to be strong and confident after she loses the use of one of her eyes. Without her mother to protect her or teach her, Destiny is found and taken to a rescue center in Costa Rica. The little sloth soon befriends other orphaned sloths. Her poor eyesight, however, makes it hard for her to keep her balance. Eventually Destiny begins to use all of her senses to explore the world around her. But can she learn to climb? Can she master the other skills she needs to survive on her own? And will Destiny be brave enough to return to her wild, forest home?

Destiny Finds Her Way is a good telling of one sloth's care and release. I was happy to read the story and learn how this one sloth was rescued and rehabilitated, and I was very glad to find more sloth facts and resources for further reading at the back of the book. I think the book design and photographs chosen were very well done, the colors and placement of images and text captured and kept the attention. The only thing that I was not thrilled with was some of the text. Every now and then- particularly in the beginning- I think they were trying too hard to set the scene. I found some of the descriptions to be unneeded, since a cute baby sloth in need of help is more than enough to capture interest. 

Early Book Review: The Everything Low-Cholesterol Cookbook: 200 Heart-Healthy Recipes for Reducing Cholesterol and Losing Weight by Laura Livesey

The Everything Low-Cholesterol Cookbook: 200 Heart-Healthy Recipes for Reducing Cholesterol and Losing Weight by Laura Livesey is currently scheduled for release on March 28 2023. Keep your cholesterol levels in check and reduce your risk for developing heart disease and other chronic conditions with these 200 healthy and satisfying low-cholesterol recipes. Is your health care professional concerned about your high blood cholesterol levels? Do you worry that excess weight could have a detrimental effect on your health? Or are you simply looking for a healthier lifestyle? Changing your diet can be an effective way to lose weight and reduce your cholesterol level. This cookbook is your introduction to the benefits of a heart-healthy diet. Learn about cholesterol and its role in heart disease, how lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions, and how losing excess weight can improve your health. Each recipe is low in sugar but high in flavor, so you don’t have to sacrifice delicious foods to be healthy!

The Everything Low-Cholesterol Cookbook is exactly what the title promises. It offers readers suggestions on changing how you eat, because the order you eat the food on your plate and when you eat different food can have a big impact, as well as what to eat. The encouragement and note that being health and making this changes for yourself is a process and not a zero sum game, doing your best and taking things at a pace that fits your needs and life will make the change in habits easier to stick with. I thought the recipes were well varied and written, with a healthy something that will appeal to most everyone. Each recipe includes the nutrients per serving if the recipe is made as printed. I am big on substitutions and changing things up once I have done a recipe once or twice, so this will not hold true long for me, but it is good to have a starting point. To be honest, there are not many of these recipes that I will be adding to my repertoire. I cook for a family of four (with one picky kid eater and one picky adult eater), and while there are some I can get by with, there are not a whole lot that would be eaten. There are a couple meals I will try for the family, and a few more I might try out just for myself on the weekend.  Also, there are several ingredients that are just not regularly in my house (like kelp noodles and bee pollen) but that all  might be less problematic for others. I think the book is well written and provides exactly what it promises- but it is just not practical for my household.