Audiobook Review: Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better by Woo-kyoung Ahn, Narrated by Lessa Lamb

Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better was written by Woo-kyoung Ahn, and the audiobook is narrated by Lessa Lamb. Psychologist Woo-kyoung Ahn devised a course at Yale called “Thinking” to help students examine the biases that cause so many problems in their daily lives. It quickly became one of the university’s most popular courses. Now, for the first time, Ahn presents key insights from her years of teaching and research in a book for everyone. She shows how “thinking problems” stand behind a wide range of challenges, from common, self-inflicted daily aggravations to our most pressing societal issues and inequities. Throughout, Ahn draws on decades of research from other cognitive psychologists, as well as from her own groundbreaking studies. And she presents it all in a compellingly accessible style that uses fun examples from pop culture, anecdotes from her own life, and illuminating stories from history and the headlines. 

Thinking 101 is a engaging and well written book that gets readers, or listeners, to think about how they think and why it makes a difference in our lives. Simple thought processes, like giving more weight to a negative than a positive and our reliance on cognitive biases even when we think we are better than that have a huge effect on so many of our choices, big and small.  I found the information to be accessible, and the connections to the authors life and various scientific studies brought everything together and made it more concrete and easier to relate to. I think any reader looking to improve how they think about and interact with the world will be able to get a great deal out of the read. I think owning a printed or digital copy of the text would be great, because there are definitely parts of the book that I know I could stand to revisit and be reminded of on occasion. 

Early Book Review: Buzzkill: A Wild Wander Through the Weird and Threatened World of Bugs by Brenna Maloney

Buzzkill: A Wild Wander Through the Weird and Threatened World of Bugs, written by Brenna Maloney and illustrated by Dave Mottram, is currently scheduled for release on October 11 2022.  The praying mantis is the only animal on Earth with one ear, and it’s in the middle of its chest. Aphids are born pregnant. Moths can’t fly during an earthquake. If you didn’t know these things, you soon will. Packed full of jaw-dropping facts, Buzzkill presents the big picture on bugs. You might think ew, gross. Insects are icky. Or scary. Or dangerous. They can be. But there’s so much more you need to know. Insects play a critical role on our planet, from sustenance to pollination to medicines and more. Brenna Maloney tackles both the wacky and weird, as well as threats to insects and their habitats, their possible extinction, and ways that everyday people, like you, can prevent their decline.

Buzzkill is very well written. The author has a conversational tone, with some sardonic humor through out the book, to keep readers engaged and interested. I do think that this book would be best suited for the middle school and older crowd, but younger readers that are interested in the topic will likely enjoy the read as well. I have read up a bit on creepy crawlies, and I have to admit that even though some of the facts in the book were things I knew, I still learned a great deal of information, and more importantly was able to put what I already knew and what I just learned into a larger context for a bigger picture. I loved the occasional illustrations in the book, and I thought they were charming and fun. I only wish that some of the more unusual insects had illustrations as well rather than suggestions to go Google them on my own. Some readers will not have a phone or computer handy to do that while they are reading for a variety of reasons. That being said, I greatly enjoyed the read and think a number of children, teens, and yes adults will find an education and entertainment from this read.  

Buzzkill is an entertaining and informative read that will teach every reader a little something about insects.

Book Review: A Call to Needles: Acts of Craftivism and Crafted Kindness in the Age of Trump by Dee Ann Eisner

A Call to Needles: Acts of Craftivism and Crafted Kindness in the Age of Trump by Dee Ann Eisner is a comprehensive look at how our needlework became a tool for change, especially in the Age of Trump. Needleworkers have a particular set of skills, and this blending of craft and activism is often referred to as craftivism. This book pays homage to craftivists and needleworkers reacting to challenging times. The ideas, the design and development of patterns, the teams that have been built around these ideas, and the outreach to other needleworkers to support and sustain these efforts deserve more attention. Eisner builds on her backstory, calling on readers to feel their own Call to Needles, whether they participate in an existing project or create a new phenomenon. Writing this book began as the author's coping mechanism while watching the slow chipping away at democracy, both in the US and around the world. It quickly became a passion project. The moment came that, even knowing there was more to discover, the writing simply had to stop. The story will continue, with updates on those in the book and new endeavors at www.acalltoneedles.com.

A Call to Needles taught me a bit about the history of crafting in the activism lens, and I feel like I learned a great deal in that regard. I had no idea about some of the craft related protests and projects, both in our relatively distant history and much more recently. While I knew about the pussyhats and the penguin sweaters, many of the other projects and movements were things I had never heard about and things I very easily could have taken part in. The book has made me more interested in getting involved, and looking more at what I can do locally and globally with my resources and skill sets. I thought the book was informative and inspiring, with a great deal of information and resources to help readers further research the things that interest them and to do some self assessment to understand our own motivation and not only how we can help, but the most effective, efficiently, and ecologically friendly way we can do so. Time to put me privilege, skills, and inability not to have at least two works in progress to better use. 

Book Review: Final Heir (Jane Yellowrock) by Faith Hunter

Final Heir is the fifteenth book in the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. You do need to have read most, if not all, of the books in the series to appreciate and understand all of the references and moving parts that come together in this book. 

Jane Yellowrock is the queen of the vampires, and that makes her a target as she fights to maintain control and keep peace in the city of New Orleans. She has enemies at every turn, because vampires live forever, and they keep their grudges alive with them. That includes the Heir, the vampire sire of the Pellissier bloodline, which gave rise to Leo Pellissier himself—Jane’s old boss and the former master of the city. With the Heir and all the forces of darkness he can muster arrayed against her, Jane will need all the help she can get. She’ll find it in her city, her friends, her found family, and, of course, the Beast inside of her.

Final Heir is exactly what I was looking for this far into the series. I feel like so many moments and loose ends were brought back together, and I will admit that even though I have kept up with this series, read most of the short stories related to it, and the spin offs, there were still moments when I had to stop and think about when or how something mentioned came about and how it might come into play here. There were so many characters and connections that Hunter manage to weave into this story, while still keeping character and plot development moving ahead. 

Final Heir is the culmination of a fairly long series, and I think it hits on everything fans want and need to see to make them happy. This is a must read for fans of the series. 

Early Book Review: Operation Pangolin: Saving the World's Only Scaled Mammal by Suzi Eszterhas

Operation Pangolin: Saving the World's Only Scaled Mammal by Suzi Eszterhas is currently scheduled for release on October 4 2022. Prized for their hard scales, pangolins are one of the most poached animals on the planet. They are also highly endangered. Yet scientists know very little about them. Pangolin rescuers and researchers such as Thai Nguyen have the difficult task of saving pangolins, changing local laws to prevent poaching, educating local communities, and learning more about these mysterious creatures. Join author and photographer Suzi Eszterhas in this exploration of the jungles of Vietnam where Thai works with the Save Vietnam's Wildlife organization to save endangered pangolins.

Operation Pangolin: Saving the World's Only Scaled Mammal is a well written and researched book to introduce young readers to pangolins and the threats they face. I first heard about pangolins about five years ago and have been taken by their cuteness. Someone called them (I wish I remember who) "the most endangered animal you've never heard of". and I think that holds true today for most people. I do think awareness has risen- google pangolin memes and you will be thrilled- but even having read about this adorable creatures previously I learned a great deal about them and their habitats in this book. I was goad to see how hard some people are working to preserve these creatures, and hope that this book inspires more people to help however they can, even if it is just sharing the fact that these amazing animals exist and promoting World Pangolin Day (which is is February). 

Operation Pangolin: Saving the World's Only Scaled Mammal  is a great read for those that have never heard of the pangolin and those that want to know more about them. 

Book Review: Contract Season (Trade Season) by Cait Nary

Contract Season is the second book in the Trade Season series by Cait Nary. You do not have to have read the first book, Season's Change, to fully enjoy the read, but I really enjoyed it so I do recommend the read. 

Brody Kellerman has a plan. First, become the best defenseman in professional hockey. Second, get over his ex-boyfriend so he can focus on his game. Hooking up with the singer at his buddy’s wedding was the perfect solution, but it was never meant to be more than a one-night stand. Seamus Murry has never planned a thing in his life, including hooking up with a smoking-hot hockey player. Being ghosted sucks, but at least one good thing came from it, the breakout hit song of the summer. Now he’s one of country music’s brightest stars, but one slipup—or in this case, video—might cost him his career. When their video goes viral, Brody and Seamus agree to fake a relationship. But soon it's impossible to remember what is real and what's pretend, and although Brody has no intention of falling for freewheeling Seamus's charm, life doesn't always go according to plan.

Contract Season is a enjoyable and engaging read with characters that I really came to care about. I thought the issues and effort both Sea and Brody brought to the story were realistic and while not necessarily relatable on the surface, they each carried aspects that readers can connect with. The not feeling good enough, or that you are too much or different, and the worries about moving forward are all things readers can relate to despite the wealth and talent of the characters that readers do not necessarily share. I really enjoyed the set up and the secondary characters as much as the main plot line of the story. I thought the conversations between Sea and Brody, and of course with their support systems, modeled the communication, support, and consent that are so important with any relationship  and really made me happy. The balance between serious and fun moments was extremely well done, as was the amount of sweet and heaty. I cannot wait to see what the author does next.

Contract Season is a highly engaging and enjoyable read.

Early Book Review: The Cat Behavior Answer Book, 2nd Edition Understanding How Cats Think, Why They Do What They Do, and How to Strengthen Our Relationships with Them by Arden Moore

The Cat Behavior Answer Book, 2nd Edition Understanding How Cats Think, Why They Do What They Do, and How to Strengthen Our Relationships with Them by Arden Moore is currently scheduled for release on September 27 2022. 

Cats can be mysterious and can owners are eager to understand their behavior and learn how to strengthen the bond between cats and humans. In the revised 2nd edition of The Cat Behavior Answer Book (77,000 copies in print), pet expert Arden Moore answers the many questions cat owners have, from the practical aspects of training, feeding, and caring to the puzzling aspects of behavior and communication. Do cats dream? What's the purpose of a cat's whiskers? How do I catproof my house? Why does my elderly cat howl at night? How can I train my cats not to jump upon the kitchen counter? Can I keep my cat from climbing the curtains? What's the best way to train a kitten to use the litter box? How can I eliminate the smell of cat urine? What's the best way to trim a cat's nails? Is it okay for my cat to eat grass? Arden Moore provides insightful answers to all these questions and many more, along with reassuring guidance on addressing the problems that can get in the way of living happily with a cat. The 2nd edition has been completely updated to reflect the most recent research and recommendations and redesigned in a larger, more browsable format.

 The Cat Behavior Answer Book offers readers exactly what the title promises. I think this could be a valuable resources for first time cat parents, and for those facing new questions or challenges. I liked the facts about the history and physiology of cats, while some of it was familiar I did learn a few new things. I thought the book covered a wide range of topics, and was a very informative and interesting read. It covered a lot of ground and will be accessible to a wide range of readers. I think anyone looking to better understand cats, either to answer questions they have about particular cats or from basic curiosity will get a great deal from this book. I really like that there are additional resources included at the end of the book. I think it would be a great addition to public and school libraries as well as personal collections.  

Early Book Review: Cryptid Club by Sarah Andersen

Cryptid Club by Sarah Andersen is currently scheduled for release on September 20 2022. Do you hate social gatherings? Dodge cameras? Enjoy staying up just a little too late at night? You might have more in common with your local cryptid than you think! Enter the world of Cryptid Club, a look inside the adventures of elusive creatures ranging from Mothman to the Loch Ness Monster. This humorous new series celebrates the unique qualities that make cryptids so desperately sought after by mankind (to no avail). After all, it's what makes us different that also makes us beautiful.

Cryptid Club is a fun and entertaining read. I have enjoyed collections from Andersen before, and I thought the art style and sense of humor held true to what I have seen in the past, and always connected with. I thought the cartoons touched on a full gambit of emotions. Some were cute, others funny, and some were a little sad. However, they all entertained and had a bit of truth or understanding in them. I was entertained and felt like Andersen shared more than a few thoughts and experiences with me, making me feel a little bit more seen and less alone. I think that is a huge achievement for something so fun and enjoyable to read. 

Audiobook Review: How Do Ants Survive a Flood?: A Book about Bugs by Chason McKay, Narrated by Jesús E. Martínez

How Do Ants Survive a Flood?: A Book about Bugs by Chason McKay, narrated by Jesús E. Martínez, is a children's nonfiction book. Have you ever wondered what makes bugs so special? The latest addition to the How Do series dives into all of the unique things spiders, worms, ladybugs, and many other insects can do. 

How Do Ants Survive a Flood? probably works better as a read along to go with the print edition, or as a print edition on its own. I liked the information in the book, and thought that the chosen facts and phrasing were very well done. However, as an adult listening to this book in the car I have to admit that the attempts to do the effect of chorused voices asking the different subject headers did not work for me, and I found some of the voices annoying. I understood the intent, to entertain and engage children, but you do not always need to be goofy to hold their attention. I also found the pauses to be problematic unless you have a print copy in hand and can use that time to study the pictures. I feel like this is a through back to the read along books with records that we had in my kindergarten days. I think used in that capacity this book and audiobook would be great, but as a stand alone audiobook I was less than thrilled. 

Audiobook Review: Relatively Normal Secrets by C.W. Allen, Narrated by Ivy Tara Blair

Relatively Normal Secrets is a middle grade book written by C.W. Allen, and the audiobook is narrated by Ivy Tara Blair. It is currently scheduled for release on September 7 2022. 

Tuesday and Zed Furst are perfectly normal children with perfectly strange parents. Their father won’t discuss his job, their mother never leaves the house without her guard dog, and the topic of the family tree is off limits. When a last minute “business trip” gets the adults out of the way, Zed and Tuesday decide to get to the bottom of things once and for all. Too bad some thugs with shape-shifting weapons have other ideas. Their escape leaves them trapped in the modern-meets-medieval Falinnheim, where everyone insists their father is a disgraced fugitive. They hope whoever is leaving them coded clues may have some answers, but they’re not sure they’re going to like what they learn. If they ever want to see their parents again, they’ll need the help of a smuggler with a broken compass, their unusually talented dog, some extremely organized bandits, and a selection of suspiciously misquoted nursery rhymes. Zed and Tuesday may not have all the answers, but one thing is certain—when it comes to normal, everything is relative.

I thought Zed and Tuesday's story was well done. I liked the premise and the characters. I thought the slow reveal was handled well, and I liked the way the siblings worked together even when they did not necessarily agree. I liked the combination of action, fantasy, science, and mystery and think that it will appeal to a wide range of middle grade readers. I did have some trouble pinpointing the kid's ages, and I thought some of the things included in the story were a little too predictable or common for the genre, but I am also someone that has read more than my share of it and middle grade kids are likely to find it much newer and fresh than I did. I like that the book wrapped up the immediate questions, giving readers a satisfying ending but still leaving plenty of room for sequels. 

I liked the narrator's inflections and the spirit she put into the work. However, I have to admit that sometimes when she  I would not be able to make out what she was saying, no matter how high my volume was. It could very well be my hearing, but when certain characters were talking I had to work really hard to make out what was being said, and sometimes I still missed words or phrases. I would turn up the volume and then Tuesday would be talking and I would have to turn it back down. It become very frustrating especially since I listen to my audiobooks in the car and cannot often rewind to catch up with what was missed.

Relatively Normal Secrets is a good middle grade fantasy, but I think I would recommend reading a print copy rather than listening to the audiobook.