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: Abandoned London: Discover the Hidden Secrets of the City in Photographs by Katie Wignall

Abandoned London:  Discover the Hidden Secrets of the City in Photographs by Katie Wignall is curretly scheduled for release on May 14 2021. It seems bizarre that in a place as crowded, noisy and expensive as London there are still wasted unused spaces. The relentless drive for regeneration across Britain’s capital deceives us into thinking that every spare building and patch of ground is under development. But this vast metropolis of more than 10 million people hides many secrets and unexpected treasures from the city’s unique 2000-year history. In Abandoned London, read about the Abbey Mills Pumping Station, a facility created in 1858 to deal with ‘the Great Stink’, and now London’s Italian-Gothic cathedral of sewage; or the subterranean Finsbury Park underground reservoir, a space capable of holding five million gallons of water and today used as an occasional movie location; or the remnants of Highgate’s overground steam railway station, now a protected bat habitat; or the Clapham deep-level shelters, constructed in World War II and designed to provide protection for locals against aerial bombing raids; or the Haggerston public baths, part of an early 20th century building programme devised to improve London’s hygiene. These photographs of abandoned places capture a moment in time. Some of the buildings have since been demolished or refurbished, but many are still there, neglected and uncared for. These places have great value and a rich significance, offering us a glimpse of past worlds.

Abandoned London is a captivating look at the abandoned spaces in London. It was fascinating to see and learn about some of these locations, as every city and town has these types of location but few stop and think about the beauty and visual interest they hold. I have always had a love for the broken, abandoned, or simply slightly off kilter buildings or features of nature- so this collection really hit the sweet spot for me. There is a solemn beauty that can be found in the forgotten or neglected, and this book captures that idea while teaching readers a little bit about each of these places, and what the future might have in store for them.  Those with an interest in the location, architecture, history, or the forgotten will all find something here that capture's their eye and their interest. 

Book Review: The New Girl (Elle(s)) Script by Kid Toussain and Art by Aveline Stokart

The New Girl is the first book in the Elle(s) graphic novel series written by Kid Toussain and art by Aveline Stokart. Elle is just another teenage girl… most of the time. Bubbly and good-natured, she wastes no time making friends on her first day at her new school. But Elle has a secret: she hasn’t come alone. She’s brought with her a colorful mix of personalities, which come out when she least expects it… Who is Elle, really? And will her new friends stand by her when they find out the truth?

The New Girl is a beautifully drawn graphic novel. At first Elle seems like the average girl, dealing with a new school, new friends, and the relationship with her parents. Most every reader can relate to aspects of this book. However, Elle has much more going on than the average teen- and I think it is portrayed in a thoughtful and engaging manner. I think the honest discussions she has with friends, and the way the art help differentiate the different aspects of Elle are part of what really make the whole thing work. My only, and huge, complaint is the cliff like ending. There are questions I want answered, and things I want to see play out. I am not on the hunt for whatever comes next.

The New Girl is a great graphic novel that gives readers a great perspective on how it feels to be in Elle's shoes. I just need the second volume- now!

Book Review: Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez

Urban Faery Magick: Connecting to the Fae in the Modern World by Tara Sanchez is an intriguing read for believers and non believers alike. Meet dozens of faeries that have adapted to the modern world and can be found in the most unexpected places. Urban Faery Magick introduces you to these mystical beings, providing tips and techniques for interacting with them as you travel your own spiritual path. Author Tara Sanchez explores dozens of case studies and shares her own personal stories of fae encounters, uniquely associating each faery with one of the elements from Eastern or Western traditions. You will learn about the Zaragoza goblin, Jon the Rust Spirit, Jenny Green-teeth, the Santiago Park Pixie, and many more. This book also includes dozens of hands-on exercises, including traditional Celtic practices, chants, invocations, breath work, dowsing, scrying, and interpreting signs as you discover the important lessons the fae can teach us.

Urban Faery Magick shows readers how to look at the world with the hope of seeing fae, and what to do if it happens. I think this book will appeal to three types of readers. Those who absolutely believe in the fae, that that really want to, and those that are just simply fascinated with the lore and experiences of others even if they do not really believe.  I thought everything was well presented and was presented in a way that was accessible to all readers. The idea of connecting with and working with the fae might be a bit much for some, but the idea of being more aware of the world around you and listening to your instincts about the larger world- and being safe in your choices- is good for all of us to remember. I liked that caution, awareness of our own health as well as others, and how people have impacted everything were highlighted in the book. I thought the case studies and personal experiences of the author were well done, and the inclusion of lore from around the world was nice. While the table of contents was very helpful when I wanted to go back and find a segment I wanted to reread, and the suggested reading list at the end of the book was a nice addition. I would have loved a detailed index and a short glossary or listing of mentioned fae with basic information at the end of the book, rather than just as part of the chapters. 

Urban Faery Magick is the perfect book for those that want to connect to the fae, and other spirits of the world in a meaningful way. For those curious about the practice and lore of doing so it is an engaging read. 

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.

Early Book Review: The Eyeball Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta, Shennen Bersani

The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a children's nonfiction book written by Jerry Pallotta and illustrated by Shennen Bersani. It is currently scheduled for release on May 11 2021.  The eyes have it! Laugh as you learn by staring right into the eyes of familiar animals (A is for alligator eye) and not-so-familiar ones (Z is for zebu eye!). Readers of all ages will be entertained with every page turn. Language learning bonus: each page defines an idiom that includes the word "eye"!

The Eyeball Alphabet Book is a beautifully illustrated book about eyes. The artwork is extremely well done, to the point I had to look closer to make sure they were not photographs on occasion.  I thought the pages were well formatted and that the text flowed nicely. The facts shared were very interesting, and I think other adults and children alike will find them engaging as well. However, no matter how good the information was,and how well it was written, I think the artwork was the real star of the show here. I took a few moments after reading the book the first time and just went back to spend more time studying and simply enjoying the skill and talent in the illustrations. I enjoyed the book and think most everyone that picks it up will agree. 

Early Book Review: Villainous by Stonie Williams, Jef Sadzinski

Villainous is a graphic novel by Stonie Williams and Jef Sadzinski that is currently scheduled for release on May 4 2021. Tilly, one of the newest super-powered people to join the Coalition of Heroes, is doing her best to navigate the dizzying world of superheroes. Working with her idols should be a dream come true, but when she learns the truth, Tilly's dream quickly becomes a nightmare. Now, Tilly has to make a choice - Get in line and stand with her heroes, or take a stand and risk becoming something more Villainous. 

Villainous is a take on the superhero genre that is becoming more popular now, questioning if the heroes are really as good as people expect them to be. I like this idea, and it can be done very well. I think the story idea and the path the story takes is good. However, I would have liked more character development. Tilly and her family making sacrifices keeps being brought up, but not the what or why. How the good guys slid into wanting power is not covered, although some of the why's of the separation of the two groups came about is briefly touched on. The action and plot was good, but I really enjoy knowing characters better. Similarly, the art style has the color and bold lines that I like. However, I thought some of the choices made with facial expressions and body movements were a bit over the top. Sometimes a calm and quite reaction can be more frightening than the extreme yelling, surprise, or tantrum throwing. I think it was a decent read; it was bright, bold, and a quick read. I think there was more potential than made it through in the execution but it is worth a read. 

Book Review: Damage (Ghost Squad) by Lilith Saintcrow

Damage is the first book in the Ghost Squad series by Lilith Saintcrow. Reeling from trauma and divorce, Cara Halperin takes what should be a simple job with an expensive agency. As a nanny to rich children, she shouldn’t have much to worry about, and her job is just complex enough to keep her from brooding. Unfortunately, the agency’s sent her into a trap. Vincent Desmarais wants to go back into the field, but instead, he’s put on leave. The diagnosis? PTSD. No problem--he can pick up security work on the side to keep himself sharp--that is, if the side work isn’t just as dangerous as the bloody places he’s longing to get back to. When the lights go out, Cara and her young charge have only one option: to trust the new security guy. Vincent finds himself unwilling to abandon them to fate or let them out of his sight. If the trio wants to stay alive, they’ve got to trust each other,  but that may just be what their enemies are counting on.

Damage is a book that surprised me a little. First off- a trigger warning. The trauma that Cara is healing from is a miscarriage which she relives more than once, the divorce is secondary to that. I just wanted to warn readers, because it might be to painful for some readers to handle. I have read Saintcrow before- but not for a few years and not in this subgenre, so it was like reading a new author for me. 

I thought the character development was very well done, and both Cara and Vince have serious issues and trauma that they need to work through. I liked that they were both aware of their own issues, and even when making choices that were not exactly best for their own mental health they understood the why behind both why they were making their choice and that it might not be the healthiest option. I thought the build up of the plot and the action was very well planned, with twists that were in various levels of surprising. I had two issues with the book. While it is technically a romance, since the two main characters end up together, there is no actual interplay between them aside from thoughts they kept to themselves and trying to stay alive. I also thought the ending was a little too easy, it leaves so much room for further mental health damage- even with therapy. If readers enjoy a good suspense novel with complex characters, then this is that, but it did not leave me with the happy glow I get from a romance. I know this is the start of a series, and perhaps these issues will be resolved in later volumes, but I do not think I will be continuing.

Damage is an engaging read with plenty of action.

Early Book Review: Lavender: 50 Self-Care Recipes and Projects for Natural Wellness by Bonnie Louise Gillis

Lavender: 50 Self-Care Recipes and Projects for Natural Wellness by Bonnie Louise Gillis is currently scheduled for release on April 27 2021. The book covers gardening (favorite varieties and pollinators); preserving (harvesting, drying, and extracting culinary oil); body care (essential oils, aromatherapy, oral remedies); the mind (stress relief and sleep); skin care (including allergens); cleaning (antiseptic and antifungal properties); food (pantry essentials); and projects (including gifts). In the simple herbal remedies, tips, and projects for inspiration, relaxation and well-being you will find recipes for: Lavender Matcha Latte, Yoga Mat Freshening Mist, Dried Lavender Fire-Starter, Lavender Frosé, Day's End Tea, Blue Day Lavender Roll-Away, Nourishing Lavender Makeup Remover, Lavender and Rose Fizzy Bath Salts, Sweet Dreams Diffuser Oil, and a Soothing Eye Pillow.

Lavender is a well organized and written book that offers readers exactly that the title promises. I found the tone and wording to be very easy to follow- making things simple for those new to the subject comfortable while not making more experienced lavender lovers feel talked down to or bored. I think the book offers a well rounded explanation of all things lavender, and that it will be a valuable tool for those that want to grow their own lavender and make simple (or more complex) things for themselves with this versatile plant. I certainly plan on planting some more and making a few new things after reading this book. It is a great resource for those just getting started, and those that want to refine their use of lavender or try a few new things. 

Early Book Review: Maybe We Will (Silver Harbor) by Melissa Foster

Maybe We Will is the first book in the Silver Harbor series by Melissa Foster, however does have ties to many of her other series. While fans will enjoy seeing past characters make appearances, each can stand fine on its own.  It is currently scheduled for release on May 4 2021. 

When chef Abby de Messiéres returns to Silver Island with her sister to get their late mother’s affairs in order, she expected to inherit her mother’s bistro along with their childhood home, not to discover a half sister they never knew existed, and a handsome vacationer camped out on her mother’s patio. Workaholic Aiden Aldridge has been sent to Silver Island on a work-free vacation, armed with a “Let Loose list,” and ordered to get a life by the much-younger sister he raised after the death of their parents. After years of focusing on his sister’s well-being, he’s blindsided by his intense attraction to the gorgeous, free-spirited Abby. Aiden might not know much about chilling out, but he’s excellent at striking deals. He helps Abby with the restaurant in exchange for her help in tackling the items on his list. Sparks fly as Aiden and Abby work, and play, side by side. Intimate conversations lead to steamy kisses and undeniable passion. But there’s more to Aiden than Abby knows, and when the truth comes out, their new romance is put to the test, as the two find out if true love really can conquer all.

Maybe We Will is a book that offered a Aiden his happy ever after, which I have been waiting for. I liked the characters and the way they came together. I liked their families and how the community came together- using new characters and returning characters from previous books. This blend of newer characters and returning favorites will help new readers enjoy the read as much as long time fans. I did think it was a little heavier on the sweet and sappy conversations, and more predictable with the conflict, but maybe it is simply because I have read too many of Foster's books in too short a time. On the other hand, I really want to find out what happens with some of the secondary characters from this story. I want to see more characters find their love story and happy ending. I enjoyed the read, I just did not find it as engaging and all consuming as I normally find Foster's book. This could very well be because of how scattered my mind is lately, or that I need to take a short break and revisit Foster's books when I really need one.  

Maybe We Will is a good romance, and I think fans will want to read it.