Early Book Review: Broken (in the best possible way) by Jenny Lawson

Broken (in the best possible way) is the third book by Jenny Lawson and is currently scheduled for release on April 6 2021. I have been a fan of Jenny Lawson since a coworker showed me her blog, and I was introduced to the joys of The Bloggess and tales of a giant metal chicken, taxidermied animals in interesting clothing and poses, and the stories she shared. If you have never had the chance to enjoy all that, I highly suggest giving the blog a look. I'll even point you in the right direction, go here: https://thebloggess.com/.

As Jenny Lawson’s hundreds of thousands of fans know, she suffers from depression. In Broken, Jenny brings readers along on her mental and physical health journey, offering heartbreaking and hilarious anecdotes along the way. With people experiencing anxiety and depression now more than ever, Jenny humanizes what we all face in an all-too-real way, reassuring us that we’re not alone and making us laugh while doing it. From the business ideas that she wants to pitch to Shark Tank to the reason why Jenny can never go back to the post office, Broken leaves nothing to the imagination in the most satisfying way. And of course, Jenny’s long-suffering husband Victor—the Ricky to Jenny’s Lucille Ball—is present throughout. A treat for Jenny Lawson’s already existing fans, and destined to convert new ones, Broken is a beacon of hope and a wellspring of laughter when we all need it most.

I do not know what I can say to describe and recommend this book more than its own blurb. Jenny has shared her struggles, her stories, and herself with readers for years. I think now that so many more people are feeling shattered and broken in their own ways, that people are admitting to themselves and others that they could use some help, that this kind of honesty and humor is needed and appreciated. If you are looking for a linear memoir or nonfiction offering with perfect answers and a solid conclusion then this is not for you. However, if you want a book that offers an honest look at how hard it is to live with autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, and more with humor and a deep sense of understanding and camaraderie then this IS the book for you. Some of the stories I remember because I follow Jenny on social media, but none of it felt rehashed or recycled. I found myself laugh/crying in bed one night while I was reading this- which my cats did not appreciate. I really frond joy in some of the stories, secondary embarrassment in others, and a sense of 'that is something that would happen to me' in far too many. More than anything, the book offered a connection and hope, that no matter what none of us are the only one to being feeling a certain way, or fighting our own demons, even if we have somehow convinced ourselves and others that we are just fine. It also reminded me, that those people around me that I think have it all together, are dealing with something too- so lets all just be kind and help each other through life.

Early Book Review: There's No Ham in Hamburgers: Facts and Folklore About Our Favorite Foods by Kim Zachman, Peter Donnelly

There's No Ham in Hamburgers: Facts and Folklore About Our Favorite Foods by Kim Zachman is a children's non fiction book that will be just as interesting to adults. From hot dogs and hamburgers to ice cream and pizza, this fascinating book is full of fun facts and stories of the origins of some of America's most popular foods. Why is there no ham in hamburgers? How did we make ice cream before we could make ice? How did hot dogs get their name? From the origins of pizza (which got a big boost from Clarence Birdseye, of all people) to the Cornell professor who invented chicken fingers, There's No Ham in Hamburgers has all the ingredients for an entertaining and educational middle-grade read. Packed with informative sidebars, recipes, and experiments, along with fabulously funny illustrations by Peter Donnelly, this book is a reading recipe that kids will sink their teeth into!

There's No Ham in Hamburgers was a very interesting and engaging read. Some of the stories I have heard before, mostly because there are two television series that I have watched that cover the facts and fiction of food. However, there were some stories that I do not remember having heard before. I found the illustrations to be well done, and that they added some additional fun and visual interest to the read. I thought the information was well organized and I liked that there is nutritional information, additional small facts, and recipes pertaining to each food discussed at the end of each section. I was very happy to see all of the resources used in writing the book listed, by chapter no less, so those that want to do further explorations on a specific topic can do so. 

Book Review: The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne

The Devil in Her Bed by Kerrigan Byrne is the third and final book in the Devil you Know trilogy. I have read the previous books, and they do help with understanding the characters, their connections, and the danger they face. You could read this book on its own, but you would be missing some of the context that makes the trilogy so engaging. 

He lives in secret service to the Crown—a man of duty, deception, and an undeniable attraction to a woman who threatens to tear his whole world apart. They call him the Devil of Dorset. He stands alone, a man of undeniable power. Moving in and out of shadows, back alleys and ballrooms, he is unstoppable and one of the Crown’s most dangerous weapons. However, when he sets his sights on the undeniably beautiful Countess of Mont Claire, Francesca Cavendish, he doesn’t realize that he has met a match like no other. Francesca is a countess by day and stalks her prey—those responsible for the death of her family—by night. What she does not expect is to be thrown into the path of the devil himself, the Earl of Devlin. She has secrets of her own and he seems determined to lay them bare. Can her heart survive finding the love of her life and losing him when all is revealed?

The Devil in Her Bed is a historical romance with plenty of intrigue and secrets. Just when you think you figured everything out, and that the main players have shared all the important bits, something new pops up. I liked the balance of danger, humor, and heat. I also really enjoyed the characters. While returning readers have met both characters before, it was the first time we really got to see the demons and secrets that they keep mostly to themselves. I think they paired together well. I will admit that each had moments that made me frustrated- but if they had not have done those things the story would have been over way too soon. I think that this book did a great job of getting the characters to their happy ending, and wrapping up the larger story line. 

The Devil in Her Bed is a perfect conclusion to this trilogy. Fans of the series  and author will not want to miss it.

Book Review: Secrets of Camp Whatever, Vol. 1, by Chris Grine

Secrets of Camp Whatever, Vol. 1, by Chris Grine is a middle grade graphic novel. Eleven year-old Willow doesn't want to go to her dad's weird old summer camp any more than she wants her family to move to the weird old town where that camp is located. But her family—and fate itself—seem to have plans of their own. Soon Willow finds herself neck-deep in a confounding mystery involving stolen snacks, suspected vampires, and missing campers, all shrouded in the sinister fog that hides a generation of secrets at Camp ... Whatever it's called. 

Secrets of Camp Whatever is a story that I think readers from a wide range of ages will enjoy. The art is very well done, and captures the mood of the characters, the setting, and the underlying mysteries very well. I liked the personalities of the kids, and I found their reluctance and curiosity to be very realistic in spite of the things they discover. The way they deal with each other, the adults around them, and the mysteries of the island only made me interested to learn more.Willow's independence, and the way some people treated her, was key in her personality but not the story development.  I really enjoyed the read, and am looking forward to this series continuing. 

Secrets of Camp Whatever is a fun and engaging graphic novel that left me eager to see what volume two might have in store. 

Book Review: Brain Drain: Part 1 Script and Art by Pierre-Henry Gomont

Brain Drain: Part 1 with script and art by Pierre-Henry Gomont, is a graphic novel. Certain details surrounding the death of Albert Einstein are so outlandish as to sound like urban legend: namely, the theft of his brain by Thomas Stoltz Harvey, the pathologist who performed the eminent physicist’s autopsy. From these historical events, Pierre-Henry Gomont concocts a picaresque road trip of a tale by turns farcical and moving, whimsical and melancholy, sweeping up in its narrative whirlwind the FBI, a sanatorium, neurobiology, hallucinogens, hospital bureaucracy, and romance. In his dissection of friendship and the forging of scientific reputation, the nimble cartoonist serves up a slice of lovingly rendered Americana for the ages.

Brain Drain taught me some weird history I somehow did not know and took me on a mad cap ride while still taking the time to explore the human condition. I might have heard about the theft of Einstein's brain, as I love weird history, but I never really considered it in context- the why's and hows surrounding it. While the author is clear that they have taken liberties with the details, I enjoyed the glimmer of truth the underlies the entire story. The desire to further understanding, knowledge, and science along side the desire to be recognized for the work is something that many people will recognize in themselves even if their passion is completely unrelated to science. The honest look at Stoltz's motivation, faults, and fears were just as interesting at the ideas about how Einstein though and might feel if he knew someone stole his brain. The art work was well dome, and really matched the mood and tenor of the story. It matched the emotions and fears of the characters, and the chaos that these kind of actions can bring on. My only disappointment is that the story is broken into two parts, because I want to know what happens next in this version of history. I believe I will be taking a look at part 2.

Book Review: Gardening to Eat: Connecting People and Plants by Becky Dickinson

Gardening to Eat: Connecting People and Plants by Becky Dickinson is a nonfiction book. Embrace a plant-based lifestyle all the way from seed to plate. This inspiring and informative book takes the mystery out of gardening and reveals how to grow an array of fruits and vegetables using simple, organic techniques. Packed with fresh ideas for turning home-grown produce into delicious, nutritious meals, you'll find heaps of no-nonsense recipes created for real people with busy lives and healthy appetites. No fads, no fuss, no fancy ingredients, just real, honest, ethical food. With a passion for connecting people and plants, Gardening to Eat brings the garden into the kitchen. For people who love food and love to know where it's come from.

Gardening to Eat is a book for those that want to be more self sufficient, and grow their own fresh fruits and veggies. I liked the idea of the book- and there was some good advice. However, some of it was over the top. Many of us do not have the room for things like greenhouses or the processes of crop rotation, and in that regard I think the book felt a little uneven. Support for even growing some herbs indoors is given- and then the importance of going large and going all out is stated. Once the book got to the individual crop possibilities- and recipes for the rewards and possible over abundance- I was much happier with the read. Granted, I am in the states so there were a few things that were not relevant to me (like hedgehogs for slug control) a great deal was universal.

Book Review: Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop by Darci Hannah is the first book in a new series. More interested in kneading dough than adding it up, Lindsey's breakup inspired her to set up the shop she always wanted in a place that always made her happy. She'd spent many childhood summers near this beach community and converting the old run-down lighthouse into a bakery café and home offers a perfect fresh start for Lindsey and her devoted Newfoundland dog, Wellington. But not everyone in town has a sweet tooth. The preservation society won't have the lighthouse's history sugar coated by lattes and cakes--and a protest group crashes Lindsey's Memorial Day opening. Then her ex-fiancé Jeffrey Plank and his girlfriend Mia Wong arrive to trash the place. In the ensuing chaos Mia chokes on a donut and dies. An autopsy reveals cyanide in Mia's bloodstream and Lindsey is the police's prime suspect. To clear her name, she's going to need to combine ingredients found in the town's checkered past to uncover the identity of a desperate killer.

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is a good series starter, but still manged to keep the mystery on point. I really enjoyed the character building. I liked Lindsey and her approach to the world. I liked Rory as a mysterious neighbor, and the growing circle of friends and acquaintances. I thought the ghost story and added mystery was a good touch, and was woven into the larger story very well. The food talk, and the recipes at the end, were also welcome extras to the story.  I adored the small town feel and the truth that even the smallest towns have secrets.I though the murder mystery was very well plotted and executed. While I had my suspicions about some aspects of the case, the final reveal was a surprise to me. I was glad to be taken by surprise, and see how everything came together at the end. I am interested to see where the series goes from here.  

Murder at the Beacon Bakeshop is a mystery with a nice balance of world building for the series and twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.

Book Review: The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang

The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest by Heather Lang is a nonfiction children's book. Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head. The colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. As a scientist, Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies-- and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops.

The Leaf Detective is a beautifully illustrated and designed book. The artwork would make this book well worth looking at even if there were no text at all. However, the text is well written and very engaging- so this book is a win on both fronts. Meg's efforts and perseverance makes her story easy to get invested in, and her efforts to get through or around the obstacles in her path just might inspire those that read this book to put the effort in to do the things they are passionate about even if the way will be challenging. I liked the way facts and quotes from Lowman were included in the book- bringing home that this is real life not fiction. I loved the look, content, intent, and and feel of the book.The digital formatting on my galley was a little off, making it a little harder to read, but I am confident that this will not be a problem in the final version. 

The Leaf Detective is a wonderful book that should be added to school library, classroom, and public library collections. I think there are many readers that would reread a personal copy as well, including my daughter.

Book Review: The First Man (From Connemara With Love) by Alex Kelly

The First Man is the second book in the From Connemara With Love series by Alex Kelly. While you do not have to have read the first book to enjoy this one, I find that the complex relationships and characters read better if read in order.

Shane, Do you want to know what it means to live like me? It means being forced not to look at him, not to touch him, not to be left alone in the same room as him. Not to seek him out. Not to want him. Not to love him. Do you know how it feels to spend your entire life pretending to be someone else? Do you know what it’s like to love someone who doesn’t want to be loved? I’ll tell you how it feels. It feels as if you’re living in constant torment: you know which path you should follow, but you also know that, if you follow that path, you can never turn back. And I can’t do that to him. Every day I come back, because I know that he’s waiting for me. Every day I promise him that he will never have to live without me. Andy, Do you know what it means to live like me? It means being forced not to touch him, not to kiss him, not to be able to leave the room while he’s still in it. Not to breathe him in, not to lust after him. Not to love him. Do you know how it feels to spend your entire life pretending to be someone else? Do you know what it’s like to love the only person you’re not allowed to love? I’ll tell you how it works. You can’t seem to feel anything other than him; when you walk away, you know that you’re turning your back on the only thing that’s good in your life. Yet you still walk away. Every day I leave, knowing that he will be standing there, watching. Every day I ask him to promise me that I will never have to live without him.

The First Man is romance with main players that are very conflicted about themselves. I was glad to get to know Shane and Andy better- and to follow them towards their happy ever after. This was much more about their emotional understanding of themselves and each other than any external conflict. I will admit that there were moments that I just wanted to kick them and tell them to open their eyes and get over themselves or simply sit down and talk it all out. However, I am glad I stuck with it to the end. I am a fan of the town, and complicated families and friendships, and the community of Connemara. While I do want to know what happens next with them all, I am not sure my heart can take any more. The story is all emotional conflict, with very little external input, and while I am a huge fan of character driven stories I was occasionally looking for something a little more immediate or tangible to shake things up. Then I got it- that is for sure. While things have make progress with our first to couples, things are far from perfect and it feels like there is much more to tell about this group of characters. If you enjoyed the first read, you will want to pick this one up, and likely continue on. 

The First Man is a good follow up to The Best Man, and an emotional read. 

Book Review: Calculated Risks (InCryptid) by Seanan McGuire

Calculated Risks is the tenth book in the InCryptid series by Seanan McGuire. It is the second book in Sarah's point of view. I highly recommend reading this series in order (not just because I love it, but because it will help with the nuances of character personality and motivation). If you do not want to start from the very beginning, at least start with the beginning of Sarah's story arch. 

Just when Sarah Zellaby, adopted Price cousin and telepathic ambush predator, thought that things couldn't get worse, she's had to go and prove herself wrong. After being kidnapped and manipulated by her birth family, she has undergone a transformation called an instar, reaching back to her Apocritic origins to metamorphize. While externally the same, she is internally much more powerful, and much more difficult to control. Even by herself. After years of denial, the fact that she will always be a cuckoo has become impossible to deny. Now stranded in another dimension with a handful of allies who seem to have no idea who she is--including her cousin Annie and her maybe-boyfriend Artie, both of whom have forgotten their relationship--and a bunch of cuckoos with good reason to want her dead, Sarah must figure out not only how to contend with her situation, but with the new realities of her future. What is she now? Who is she now? Is that person someone she can live with? And when all is said and done, will she be able to get the people she loves, whether or not they've forgotten her, safely home?

Calculated Risks is a continuation of a great story on so many levels. Sarah has fought so hard to come back to herself- only to get kidnapped and bring about dimensional travel and mayhem. Trying to figure out how it all happened, and how to fix it, she has to deal with the mental gaps the whole thing has caused in her family and the innocent bystanders that have gotten caught up in the whole thing. I think that as usual, the depth of character and world building here is fantastic, even the secondary and even less important characters have complexity to them, and feel real even if readers do not get all the details about them. I felt for the college kids trapped on campus, the strangers they meet, and the depth of history and emotion forgotten by Sarah's core support system. Fans of the author and series will need to read this, anyone foolish enough to start here will be utterly lost and confused (but hopefully inspired to go back and start at the beginning). My only disappointment is the same that I feel at the end of each of these books- that this part of the story is over and I have to wait for the next installment.  

Calculated Risks is exactly what I needed from this series, it left me satisfied but craving more.