Book Review: Fierce by Geoffroy Monde & Mathieu Burniat

Fierce by Geoffroy Monde & Mathieu Burniat is a graphic novel that was originally published in French. The legendary King Arthur is now an old drunkard who spends his days slouched on his throne. He owes his former glory to the magic sword the wizard Merlin forged for him in order to slay the hordes of demons who came to invade the kingdom of Pendragon. The enchanted weapon now suffers from a bad case of boredom, while Arthur's daughter, the Princess Ysabelle, is wondering how to flee the marriage her father has arranged with the vile Baron of Cumber. Both Ysabelle and the sword are determined to change their fate, and to do so they must become allies on a long journey. But the wide world can prove much harsher than life at the palace, and the sword's intentions may not be as noble as they seem. 

Fierce is a creative and engaging take on King Arthur's later years. While I have to admit this story flies far from anything I have read or watched in regards to Arthur and Merlin. I really enjoyed the imagination and unexpected turns, not to mention the acknowledgment of how few choices women historically have- and how a poorly run country is bad for everyone. I thought the story had some fantastically quirky moments and characters, and I thought the art dis a great job of enhancing the characters, action, and storyline. Everything worked well together and felt seamless, like one person had done it all rather than relying on the team effort that was involved in creating this graphic novel. There were some great twists and turns, and a good balance or dark moments and humor. One thing to note is that this is not a children's graphic novel. I think young adults would get it, but this was aimed at the adult market. 

Early Book Review: Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk

Crochet Ragdoll Friends: 36 New Dolls to Make by Sascha Blase-Van Wagtendonk is currently scheduled for release on April 1 2023. This is a new collection of 36 ragdolls, including adult and baby pairs of animals and fantasy creatures such as dragons and dinosaurs; friends from around the world, such as kokeshi dolls, Santa Claus and reindeer, kangaroos and koalas, giraffes, and flamingos. So many cute dolls—great for baby gifts and using up small bits of yarn—and they work up quickly for near-instant gratification.

Crochet Ragdoll Friends is cute collection of relatively quick and easy dolls to make. I liked the variety of eyes used in these dolls. I often opt for the safety eyes, because they are so easy and look great, but I like having a variety of options. I thought the patterns were well varied, and easy to follow. I also liked that there was a difficulty rating for each one, sometimes even the most practiced crocheter wants to do something quick and easy. While some of the patterns are something you could find elsewhere, I think this is a solid collection, and overall very cute. I think I might be stitching up some hedgehogs in the near future.

Early Book Review: The Plus One (A Brush With Love) by Mazey Eddings

The Plus One by Mazey Eddings is the third book in the Brush With Love series and is currently schedule for release on April 4 2023. I have nor read the previous books, and while those that have will have a head start on knowing the characters, I think newcomers can easily enjoy this book as a stand alone if they wish. 

On paper, Indira has everything together. An amazing job, a boyfriend, and a car. What more could a late twenty-something ask for? But when she walks in on her boyfriend in an amorous embrace with a stranger, that perfect on paper image goes up in flames. Jude has nothing together. A doctor that’s spent the last three years traveling the world to treat emergencies and humanitarian crises, a quick trip home for his best friend’s wedding has him struggling to readjust. Thrust into an elaborate (and ridiculously drawn out) wedding event that’s stressing Jude beyond belief and has Indira seeing her ex and his new girlfriend far more frequently than any human should endure, the duo strike a bargain to be each other’s fake dates to this wedding from hell. The only problem is, their forced proximity and fake displays of affection are starting to feel a bit real, and both are left grappling with the idea that a situation that couldn’t be worse, is made a little better with the other around.

The Plus One is a fun and engaging read that talks about mental health with respect and realism. I enjoyed getting to know the characters and seeing them get to know each other again. This book combined some of my favorite tropes; forced proximity, enemies to lovers, and brother's best friend, and did it well. I enjoyed their interactions and the bickering was very entertaining. I did not read the previous books, and did not even know it was a part of a series until I was already reading and realized it must be part of a larger series. However, it did not effect the love story between Indira and Jude, only the larger family and friend group. I thought the portrayal of both Indira and Jude's mental health was handled with a great deal of honesty and respect. I really liked that the reality of how different things effect us all differently and that being aware of the issues at hand does not automatically remove their impact on our emotions and lives are important things for us all to remember. 

The Plus One is a well written and engaging romance. 

Early Book Review: Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts by Julie Beer, Andy Smith, Britannica Group

Animal FACTopia!: Follow the Trail of 400 Beastly Facts, written by Julie Beer, illustrated by Andy Smith, and with facts verified the Britannica Group is a children's nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on April 4 2023. Did you know that beavers have orange teeth? Or that some monkeys floss their teeth using bird feathers? Or that one species of bird can walk underwater? Or that alligators stay underwater for longer by swallowing rocks? Or that sea otters use rocks to crack open prey? Interesting facts you might never otherwise know can be found in this book.

Animal FACTopia! is a entertaining, informative, and engaging read. Some of the facts were things I knew, but some were brand new to me. I liked the variety of creatures that are included, and the way the facts are connected together to capture and keep the attention of readers. I thought the illustrations were fun and kept the reader's attention on the page. They were an entertaining and valuable addition to the book. I liked the blend of real pictures, illustrations, and pictures with additional illustration or details added. I also liked that the facts were verified via a valuable and trusted source. Not that I doubt the author in any way, but that extra layer of work means a great deal. In this day when there is so much information available, knowing what is real wand what is just believed with little to no proof is sometimes hard to pin down. There is peace of mind knowing that a children's nonfiction book has that extra work and due diligence put into it before putting a book into the hands of young readers or on a library shelf. 

Early Book Review: Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book by Heather Mubarak

Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book by Heather Mubarak is a cookbook that is currently scheduled for release on April 4 2023. This book features 65 mix-and-match cookie sandwiches for every occasion and craving, including both sweet and savory bakes that range from childhood classics with a twist (Nutter Butters! Chipwiches!) to sophisticated, party-ready treats (Strawberry Shortcake Macarons, Parmesan Polenta Crackers with Chive Cream Cheese). There is a chapter dedicated to swirly buttercreams, smooth ganache, fruity jams, and more lets you experiment with different cookie-filling pairings to your heart's content. The option to leave out the filling altogether for a super simple bake is also at the baker's discretion. Home bakers of all levels will appreciate the flexible, choose-your-own-adventure format.

Stuffed: The Sandwich Cookie Book is a well written and organized cookbook with wonderful photographs of the featured cookies. I thought the introductory information about the ingredients and equipment was well done. Too often we more experienced bakers skip over this (sometimes myself included) but I thought the insights and information included here would be gook for bakers of all skill levels. I love that the author includes information about adjusting these recipes to be gluten free, and how to achieve the best possible bake. I also like that metric and imperial measurements are included- so regardless of a baker's personal preference there is no need to mess around with conversions. I liked the wide variety of cookies, and I liked the author's voice. I found the little introductions to be interesting and entertaining. This is exactly the book I needed right before Christmas baking started- to look over grand ideas only to end up making my tried and true recipes. There are several recipes here that I will attempt, and several more that I will use flavor combinations or technique from to help improve my baking results. In fact, this just might be a baking weekend so I can test some of these out.  I just do not have the freezer space for all of the ones I want to make.

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.