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.

Book Review: A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley is a contemporary paranormal romance. Mariel Spark knows not to trust a demon, especially one that wants her soul, but what’s a witch to do when he won’t leave her side—and she kind of doesn’t want him to? Mariel Spark is prophesied to be the most powerful witch seen in centuries of the famed Spark family, but to the displeasure of her mother, she prefers baking to brewing potions and gardening to casting hexes. When a spell to summon flour goes very wrong, Mariel finds herself staring down a demon—one she inadvertently summoned for a soul bargain. Ozroth the Ruthless is a legend among demons. Powerful and merciless, he drives hard bargains to collect mortal souls. But his reputation has suffered ever since a bargain went awry—if he can strike a bargain with Mariel, he will earn back his deadly reputation. Ozroth can't leave Mariel's side until they complete a bargain, which she refuses to do (turns out some humans are attached to their souls). But the witch is funny. And curvy. And disgustingly yet endearingly cheerful. Becoming awkward roommates quickly escalates when Mariel, terrified to confess the inadvertent summoning to her mother, blurts out that she's dating Ozroth. As Ozroth and Mariel struggle with their opposing goals and maintaining a fake relationship, real attraction blooms between them. But Ozroth has a limited amount of time to strike the deal, and if Mariel gives up her soul, she'll lose all her emotions—including love—which will only spell disaster for them both.

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a wonderful series starter, and I loved the worldbuilding and character creations here. The town, Mariel's family, and the oddities of their part of the world were very well written and grabbed my attention.  I could empathize with Mariel, even if she sometimes frustrated me. Her family dynamic is one that I think many people can related to, although likely not to the same scale, and I loved her friendships. Ozroth had his own issues from the past and confusion to deal with, and I liked the dynamic between the two. I have to admit that I did find the final resolution to be a bit easy, but I cannot think of a better or more complete resolution so I cannot really complain. And honestly, I am very much looking forward to the next couple's drama based on the teaser at the end of this book.

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon is a fun ride for those that enjoy a witchy romance.  

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.

Book Review: The Ojja-Wojja by Magdalene Visaggio

The Ojja-Wojja, by Magdalene Visaggio and Jenn St-Onge, is a middle grade graphic novel. Welcome to Bolingbroke. It's a small town just like any other . . . or so eighth graders Val and Lanie think. They’re the best of best friends—they love the same comics, they watch the same shows, and they’re always there for each other. Which is important when you’re queer, like Lanie, or on the spectrum, like Val, and just don’t seem to fit in anywhere. When a school project about their hometown’s supernatural history leads to a for-real ghost sighting, Val and Lanie realize Bolingbroke might not be as boring as they’d always thought. But after a run-in with the resident middle school queen bee (who also happens to be Lanie’s former friend), they decide to take things to the next level and accidentally summon the Ojja-Wojja, a demonic presence connected to a slew of mysterious tragedies throughout Bolingbroke’s sordid history. Now all heck has broken loose. With the whole town acting weird and nowhere left to turn, it’s going to be up to Val, Lanie, and their small group of friends to return things to normal—if “normal” is even something they want to return to.

The Ojja-Wojja is a well balanced graphic novel. First off, the art is fantastic and gives a great deal of detail and mood to the story. There were several times when small details appeared in the artwork to hint of the actual action or things to come that the characters in the story seem to miss. The art and story were seamless, as they should be in a graphic novel. I loved the story and how well developed the main characters became. I thought the character and world building was very well done. Laine and Val each have aspects that are seen as different by others, and I love that readers get to see how these characters feel and hopefully they might see someone like themselves in one of the pair, or the other residents of the town. Seeing yourself in books is important, as is better understanding how those who are different than you might be thinking or feeling. This book covers a little of both without feeling like it is trying to teach a lesson or feeling preachy. I loved that no character was all good or bad, sometimes pain and confusion can trigger actions that are easily seen as evil or mean. I can see so much room for more character growth and interesting developments in the small town of Bolingbroke as this series continues. 

The Ojja-Wojja is a visually and emotional engaging graphic novel with a perfect balance of action and heart.

Early Book Review: Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation: 35+ Patterns for Cross Stitching Unique Graduation-Themed Announcements and Gifts by Mollie Johanson

Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation: 35+ Patterns for Cross Stitching Unique Graduation-Themed Announcements and Gifts by Mollie Johanson is currently scheduled for release on March 14 2023. Learn to create personalized graduation announcements, congratulations, and additional keepsakes for education-related accomplishments. Whether you are an absolute beginner in cross stitch or a seasoned pro, this book shows you how to create highly giftable personalized keepsakes for the accomplished students in your life. This step-by-step guide includes all of the basic instruction you need to learn the art of cross stitch.

Cross Stitch Celebrations: Graduation is a lovely resource for those that want to make graduation (or some school) related cross stitch. I have been crafting most of my life, but I still get nervous and antsy when it comes to creating custom designs and patterns. Knowing what needs to happen, and doing it, felt miles apart. I liked the way the author acknowledged the anxiousness many of us feel and helped readers the tools to work through it rather than dismissing it out of hand. I liked the variety of pattern details included, and some of the suggestions for customization and a successful project. I think that this book offers a great deal of valuable information and would be a great resource when planning graduation related projects. It is not a book I would buy for my personal collection (I am out of shelf space and this is pretty specialized) but this would be a great addition to library collections. 

Book Review: Anyone But The Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson

Anyone But The Billionaire by Sara L. Hudson is a contemporary romance. Self-made mogul Chase Moore is a charming hound dog with a hairless cat and a family business to save. He was fine being the spare to the heir until the family's billion-dollar business threatens to go belly-up. Now Chase will need more than his rakish good looks to fight his father for control. Powerhouse marketing guru Campbell King returns to Texas and launches her own company after being chewed up and spat out by the city that never sleeps. One phone call makes all the difference when a suave and sexy male voice offers her the chance to redeem herself and help him save his swanky Manhattan store. When the sexy redhead finally runs into her new billionaire boss, they’re both in for a shock. But there’s no way Campbell is dating the boss. In fact, anyone but the billionaire would be better.

Anyone But The Billionaire is a well written romance with drama on several levels. I liked that Chase and Campbell have their issues, and had chemistry together right from the start. Chase has some serious family issues and drama that seeps into every other part of his life, and Campbell is still struggling to come back from how being too trusting almost ruined her. Their interactions were fun, and I enjoyed Campbell's humor and snark right away. I like that while I saw the missteps and misunderstanding coming a mile away, the execution and resolution were very well done and night exactly what I expected. The humor threaded through the book was really a highlight for me. The friends and secondary characters were just as interesting and I look forward to some of them coming back around as they find their own happy ever after in future books from the author. 

Anyone But The Billionaire is a engaging and entertaining read. 

Early Book Review: Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa

Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa is currently scheduled for release on March 21 2023. High-school senior and notorious wallflower Hawkins finally works up the courage to remove her mascot mask and ask out her longtime crush: Regina Moreno, head cheerleader, academic overachiever, and all-around popular girl. There’s only one teensy little problem: Regina is already dating Chloe Kitagawa, athletic all-star, and middling English student. Regina sees a perfectly self-serving opportunity here, and asks the smitten Hawkins to tutor Chloe free of charge, knowing Hawkins will do anything to get closer to her. And while Regina’s plan works at first, she doesn’t realize that Hawkins and Chloe knew each other as kids, when Hawkins went by Belle and wore princess dresses to school every single day. Before long, romance does start to blossom…but not between who you might expect. With Belle of the Ball, cartoonist Mariana Costa has reinvigorated satisfying, reliable tropes into your new favorite teen romantic comedy.

Belle of the Ball is a great young adult graphic novel. First off, I really enjoyed the art style and think it was well done throughout the entire book. I loved the details and choices that were made to move the story forward with the images. I also greatly enjoyed the characters. There were surprises with each of them, and many aspects of each that were continuously relatable and engaging. I liked that each character grew and changed as people, and that readers got to see bits of their pasts as their relationships and sense of self shifted along the way. I think this is a great story about figuring out what you want and who you want to be, and how that can change. I think that this book will strike a chord with many readers and become a favorite. I cannot wait to see what the author does next. 

Belle of the Ball is a wonderful graphic novel that I think will resonate with many young adult (and older) readers. 

Audiobook Review: Why We Forget and How To Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory by Andrew E. Budson, MD; Elizabeth A. Kensinger, PhD and Narrated by Elise Arsenault

Why We Forget and How To Remember Better: The Science Behind Memory, written by Andrew E. Budson, MD and Elizabeth A. Kensinger, PhD, and narrated by Elise Arsenault shows you how to use these answers to improve your memory. You will learn: how memory's most important function isn't to help you remember details from your past; how memory is actually a collection of different abilities; how you create, store, and retrieve memories of your daily life; ways to control what you remember and what you forget; ways to distinguish between a true and false memory; effective ways to study for an exam; how to remember people's names, all your passwords, fifty digits of Pi, and anything else you wish; how memory changes in normal aging, Alzheimer's disease, depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and other disorders—including COVID brain fog; and how exercise, nutrition, alcohol, cannabis, sleep, mindfulness, and music affect your memory.

Why We Forget and How To Remember Better is a well written, researched, and narrated audiobook. I liked that the authors put their recommendations and research based finding into use in the format of the book, using the small chunks and repetition that they suggest for aiding forming lasting memory into the structure and flow of the book. I wish this book had been out when I was still in school, maybe I would have studied in a different way and still remember some the language and math details that might come in handy. Most of the book was very practical and informational, and I was glad to learn some of how memory works and changes I can make to better remember names and little things that often slip away. I thought the text was easy to follow and I thought the narrator did a good job with the read. Some of the book was a little beyond my interest level, but could be very interesting and helpful to others. Schemas for mnemonic and other tools were more advanced than anything I was looking for but I liked that they actually noted that these tools were not for everyone and put them at the end of the book as such for those that had interest in learning more about them and how to put them into practice. 

Why We Forget and How To Remember Better offers readers exactly what the title promises, and does it in a accessible way.