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: Weekend Arrangement by Sophie Penhaligon

Weekend Arrangement by Sophie Penhaligon is a contemporary romance currently scheduled for release on August 1 2021. When opposites attract, sparks fly … Aspiring travel writer Olivia Jefferson has a penchant for tequila and an interesting dress code. When she discovers her live-in boyfriend in a compromising situation, she realizes she will either have to face poverty or buckle down and get a proper job. A call from a prestigious publishing house interested in her travel guides appears to be the golden opportunity she’s been waiting for, along with a proposition she wasn’t expecting. Suave & sophisticated businessman Daniel Lane has been living his life on autopilot. When circumstances force him to take over the family publishing business, he finds himself living a life that lacks the adventure he so desperately craves. That is until Olivia walks into his life and turns it on its head. He finds himself drawn to this rather unconventional girl, but can he have his cake and eat it too, or will he have to sacrifice his well-ordered lifestyle in order to live the life of his dreams?

Weekend Arrangement is a book that left me with mixed feelings. In fact, there were moments when I almost put it aside and marked it as DNF. I thought Daniel came off a bit creepy on the beginning, verging on stalker and more than a little arrogant. The creepy, stalker vibe got worse rather than better as the story continued. He was sneaky and controlling- and things that should have come off as caring or thoughtful only made him feel more manipulative to me. On the other hand, I liked Olivia but then she was framed as the sterotype of the perfectly imperfect girl that everyone wants but does not recognize her own worth.  I love an honestly quirky character, but I felt that that's not what she turned out to be. The innocent but crazy drunk and seductive dichotomy just did nothing for me. I thought the set up and story line really could have worked, I liked the secondary characters for the most part, and the occasional commentary from their thoughts that came into the story worked fairly well.   However, I felt so weary of Daniel through the whole book- like it was an instruction guide for falling into an emotional and financially abusive relationship rather than a romance. 

Weekend Arrangement is a romance I found to be a bit problematic, but others might enjoy it.

Book Review: Hexing the Ex (House of Magic) by Susanna Shore

Hexing the Ex is the first book in the House of Magic series by Susanna Shore. I didn’t expect to be evicted the first thing I returned from my holiday, but thanks to my roommate Nick, that’s what I was facing. It’s not exactly easy to find a new place to live in London, so when Phoebe Thorpe spots a room-to-let sign at the window of a magic shop, she doesn’t hesitate. The room is perfect, even if chores are part of the rent. There is only one thing odd about her new landladies. They seem to believe magic exists. Phoebe doesn’t believe in magic, but unfortunately magic believes in her. A mysterious statuette is sent to her boss, Archibald Kane, and she accidentally triggers a curse meant for him. Naturally, the first person she curses is her ex-boyfriend. But why would anyone want to curse her boss, a perfectly ordinary antiques dealer? Or is he? Phoebe sets out to break the curse with the help of her new housemates. But it isn’t easy trying to solve a mystery she doesn’t even believe is real. Then again, that hellhound chasing her seemed pretty solid.

Hexing the Ex is a good series starter that hits a good balance of world and character building with action and fun. I liked Phoebe and enjoyed getting to know her and the group of characters that are or become part of her life.Her self awareness and willingness to adapt to new revelations made everything interesting and fun.  I thought the reveal of the magical world was well done and the mystery storyline had some really good twists in it, finishing off with something very different than I expected. The amounts of humor and action were very well balanced, with the characters not taking themselves to seriously. I found the curse and other magic elements to be well handled, using both traditional and fresh interpretation to the story and world building. I really enjoyed the read and plan on reading more from this author- including future installments of this series and their back list. 

Hexing the Ex is a fun and enteraining read. I hope to continue with this series. 

Book Review: Hematite 1. Serenade by Script by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti and art by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti

Hematite, Volume 1, Serenade is written by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti and art by Victoria Maderna, Federico Piatti is a graphic novel. Hematite is a young vampire who is trying to find her way. As a member of the illustrious Blackwood family, she faces pressure to conform to high society standards, but such grandstanding isn’t for her. And neither is drinking blood—she’d rather have vegetable soup! So it is that she opts for the more diverse Wolven School, rather than joining the ranks of her fellow vampires at the Diaemus Academy. Being different can be hard, though, and doesn’t always help to make friends. Luckily for Hematite, she has her poetry, as well as Drunela—a draugr who won’t let their differences keep them apart—and Emile, a human boy fascinated by the occult who would just love to take a peek at the Blackwoods’ private library. Unfortunately, bridging societal divides isn’t always easy, and can lead to terrible consequences.

Hematite, Volume 1, Serenade is well written start to a series. Hermatite is a vampire that wants the same things other teenagers want. She wants to be different from expectations, her crush to notice her, to experience things, and get through school with good friends and adventures. As someone whose school years are well behind them I admit to chuckling a bit at the melodramatic poetry, battles with parents, and the struggles with friend group dynamics. I remember everything feeling that life or death at that age- and when the characters are vampires and other creatures that just get turned up a bit. I did enjoy seeing some character and friendship growth, and the story moving forward a bit. I know serialized graphic novels need to stay reasonably short and hook the readers to keep them going, but I felt like I had just gotten to where things were going to shift from setting the stage into the meat of the story when it ended. I am not sure I am hooked enough to go looking for the next volume. However, if I run across it I will gladly pick it up to see what happens next.

Early Book Review: What's Up, Beanie? by Alina Tysoe

What's Up, Beanie? by Alina Tysoe is a collection of 160 comics that is currently scheduled for release on August 3 2021. Eccentric and self-aware, Alina Tysoe, the pink-haired illustrator, captures relatable topics like family, the awkward pains of social anxiety, sweet moments of love and a growing relationship, amusing childhood stories, and her intense love of dogs. These endearing snapshots of Alina's life are surprisingly familiar, as if they've been taken from your own life: finding solace with a lone puppy at a crowded party, the frustration of deciding what to eat for dinner, making the mistake of hitting the snooze button, accidentally stepping on a dog's foot and feeling like a MONSTER, and tons more!

What's Up, Beanie? is a cute and relatable series of comic. I liked the art style, I found it to be fun and enjoyable to look at. I thought the situations and mood were something most readers can relate to on some level, especially the love of animals. Getting to go through some of Beanie's childhood and adult years was fun. I liked getting to see what growing up with two older sisters, and in her family dynamic, was like and how that differed from my own- even if the key moments of embarrassment and anxiety were consistent with my own. This was a really fun and engaging collection and I really enjoyed every minute of it. 

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.

Book Review: The Ghoul Next Door by Cullen Bunn, Cat Farris

The Ghoul Next Door, with text by Cullen Bunn and illustrations by Cat Farris, is a middle grade graphic novel. Eleven-year-old Grey lives in the legend-haunted New England town of Ander’s Landing, and he can’t help but feel like a pair of eyes is watching his every move. He discovers odd, gruesome bits and pieces from the graveyard that are left for him as gifts like art carved from bones or jewelry made from (hopefully not human) remains. Soon Grey is caught up in something bigger than he could ever have imagined.He finds himself drawn into a strange mystery involving a race of reclusive subterranean creatures—ghouls, the eaters of the dead! Turns out, his secret admirer is a ghoul named Lavinia. An unlikely friendship forms between them. The only problem is, their friendship breaks traditions—and the punishment is a fate worse than death.

The Ghoul Next Door is an entertaining graphic novel. The art style was nice, and I liked the lines but was not a big fan of the water color style for the coloring. The details were nicely done, and I thought the faces and highlights on hair and eyes for depth and dimension were very well done. I personally prefer a bolder, more solid style over the watercolor, but that is a matter of personal preference and not anything to do with the skill of the artwork involved, which I could still appreciate. I thought the story was well written, school and family moments were well done and I thought they felt realistic and true to character. There was a nice dose of creep, adventure, and mystery through the entire book. I liked it, and I think there are many middle grade and older readers that will really enjoy it. I had a little trouble getting invested in the story- but I think that was more because of the state of the world and some technical difficulties rather than anything lacking in the story.

Book Review: Wrath of the Tooth Fairy (Fairy Godmother Mysteries) by Sarina Dorie

Wrath of the Tooth Fairy is the first book in the Fairy Godmother Mysteries series by Sarina Dorie. Mira has never understood why princesses have all the fun. Fairy godmothers deserve a taste of Prince Charming, too! Too bad that affair costs Mira her job and reputation. Cast out of the fairy realm and reduced to working as a lowly tooth fairy, she’s spent ninety-nine years waiting for her chance at redemption. So why did the bogeyman have to start haunting her life now? Frustrated by the frequent terror of his visits, Mira takes drastic measures to save herself, including a date with a prince of darkness—yeah, she has a thing for princes. But her obsession with all things prince isn’t a coincidence, and when corruption in the fairy community is exposed, Mira comes face to face with the real reason she was demoted. Now, she wonders if she even wants to be a fairy godmother again and if the bogeyman might have been right all along.

Wrath of the Tooth Fairy is an urban fantasy with romantic elements. I liked the set up and thought Mira was a good character. She had flaws and issues, as everyone does, and is just trying to do the best she can. I could completely relate to her doubts and worries about whether people really wanted her around or were just setting her up to fall or for a joke. Saw bullies pull that way too often in the real world- and still see that sort of thing. However, I really did like the way her personal growth was handled. While an engaging story is important it is the characters that really hook me into a story. The Bogeyman, irruption, and romantic elements were very well done. I do need to admit that most of the twists were things I saw coming almost from the beginning. But the ride was highly entertaining and the conclusion was not quite what I expected. I enjoyed the read and expect to explore more from the author. 

Wrath of the Tooth Fairy is a good series starter and I am curious where the story will go from here.

Early Book Review: A Good Day for Chardonnay (Sunshine Vicram) by Darynda Jones

A Good Day for Chardonnay is the second book in the Sunshine Vicram series by Darynda Jones and is currently scheduled for release on July 27 2021. I do recommend reading in order, so that readers can better understand some of the characters and relationships. 

Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff—and even fuller-time coffee guzzler—Sunshine Vicram, didn’t get that memo. All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that’s about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?) Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny’s got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he’s not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She’s seen it. Once. Accidentally. Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn’t know when to quit, Sunny’s life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.

A Good Day for Chardonnay is charming, funny, and suspenseful. I will admit that it took me a bit to remember what happened in the previous book, and who exactly everyone was, particularly in light of the previous series. However, once I let go of all that and just started to enjoy the read I was much happier and really became thoroughly invested in the characters and story again. There were some plot twists that I completely expected, some that I think I already knew going in, and a few that honestly took me by surprise. I liked that all of the major players got to grow and develop further, and that big bad things do happen- they are not the sole source of character growth and moving the plot along. Silly, fun, and heart warming moments are just as important and given just as much play as the harder moments- which I find is the key to survival anyway. I found myself grinning and then holding my breath as I read- so the roller coaster ride is very effective and  will keep readers turning pages. However, I do not think this is the place for new readers to start. definately read the first book in this series, A Bad Day for Sunshine, and if you want a even better understanding of the world before getting hooked read the Charley Davidson series, which is what made me a fan. 

A Good Day for Chardonnay is a fun and still heart stopping continuation of the series. Fans of the author will not be disappointed. 

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.