Book Review: Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by Jess Zafarris

Words from Hell: Unearthing the Darkest Secrets of English Etymology by Jess Zafarris is a exploration of the English language, where words go to be tortured and mutilated into unrecognizable shadows of their former selves. It's where Latin, Greek, and Germanic roots are shredded apart and stitched unceremoniously back together with misunderstood snippets of languages snatched from the wreckage of conquest and colonialism. It wreaks merciless havoc upon grammar and spelling. It turns clinical terms into insults and children's tales into filthy euphemisms. With an emphasis on understanding where the foulest words in the English language came from-and the disgusting and hilarious histories behind them-this book demonstrates the true filth of our everyday words. But this book is more than just a list of vulgar words and salacious slang. It's a thoughtful analysis of why we deem words as being inappropriate as well as revealing 'good words' that have surprisingly naughty origins. Dirty-minded word nerds and lewd linguistics lovers will derive unadulterated pleasure in leering at the origins of swear words, sexual lingo, inappropriate idioms, violent vocabulary, and terminology for bodily functions-not to mention the unexpectedly foul origins of words you thought were perfectly innocent. If it's inappropriate, stomach-churning, uncomfortable, or offensive, this book reaches into the dark recesses of history and exposes them for all to see.

Words from Hell is a book crafted for readers that love learning about words, and take joy in discovering the dirty, unexpected, and unusual path some words have taken to get to their current connotation, and dictionary definition. I was glad that the author took the time to point out how much of the English language has been stolen from other languages, and how many cultures, languages, and people were destroyed via colonization over the years. Not to mention the classism, racisms, and xenophobic tendencies that seem to pepper themselves trough out the way the language has developed. I thought the book was well organized, and offered a sardonic tone, with facts and humor balancing nicely. I think word nerds will enjoy the read. 

Early Book Review: Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas by Andrew Shaffer

Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas by Andrew Shaffer is currently scheduled for release on November 14 2023. Few have seen the West Virginia creature known as Mothman, but everyone agrees nothing good happens when he’s around—there always seems to be an accident or some other mishap. Is he really an unlucky charm? Even he’s unsure. When Rudolph takes an unexpected vacation one foggy Christmas Eve, Santa Claus comes to Mothman with a request: “Mothman with your eyes so bright, won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?” Whether he saves Christmas or accidentally destroys it, one thing is for certain: the holidays will never be the same.

Mothman's Merry Cryptid Christmas is a cute and quirky book that is a perfect stocking stuff or addition to a small gift bag for kids and adults alike. A fresh, cryptid take on a classic idea also offers the suggestion that what other people think about you does not mater, as long as you are doing your best. The illustrations are just as much fun as the story itself and a paired perfectly. I think this is a great little gift book, or addition to a cryptid lover's library. 

Book Review: Shipwrecked! Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor by Martin W. Sandler

Shipwrecked! Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor by Martin W. Sandler is scheduled for release tomorrow, October 31 2023. Most of the world’s ocean floor remains to be discovered. In fact, it’s estimated to be home to over 3 million sunken vessels and countless treasures of the past. This enthralling and adventure-filled nonfiction book for young readers recounts some of the most captivating shipwrecks from history, ranging from the Shinan, a Chinese merchant ship laden with riches from the 14th century, to the the HMS Erebus and Terror, two polar exploration ships that mysteriously disappeared in the early 1800s. Combining new research, stunning archival material, and vivid storytelling, Shipwrecked! dives deep into the world of marine archaeology and shows young readers what each discovery reveals about the world before our time.

Shipwrecked! is an interesting introduction the topic of shipwrecks and their discoveries. I think that this book is for young readers that already have an interest in the subject matter, and adults that are looking for a solid introduction. I have always been fascinated with archeology, and marine archeology is fascinating although not the  specialty I wanted to explore back in the day. The book focused on the history of the ships and their owners, not just the wrecks and salvage. I was engaged while reading the book, and I learned a great deal. However, I think younger readers might loose interest if this is not something they are already interested in. Sometimes it read a bit dry, and I could see some losing focus. I was disappointed in the lack of maps, but I was very appreciative of the index, brief notes on other shipwrecks, bibliography, and other back matter.

Early Book Review: Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange

Picturing Joy: Stories of Connection by George Lange is a guide to Lange’s approach to life as well as the highlights of his career. It is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This optical and optimistic book captures his curiosity, energy, and enthusiasm for people and photography. It also distills wisdom gleaned from a lifelong search for quotidian beauty that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through intimate stories and more than eighty photos, Picturing Joy invites readers to appreciate life with all their senses and to change their perspective by being open to new things.

Picturing Joy is a lovely coffee table book that offers stories and photographs from Lange's career and life. Some of the people he has had the opportunity to work with, and the amazing shots he has taken are wonderful to read about and enjoy. I was glad that he included stories for the celebrates that he did, but that he also included 'normal' folks and lesser known individuals in the book. I love that he also included information on why and how he does this job, and offers encouragement and tips for others to follow their own path. I think aspiring photographers, and those just starting out or interested in the field will get the most out of this book. 

Book Review: The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore is a young adult paranormal mystery. Radcliffe Prep is the third most haunted school in the country. A student disappearance isn’t uncommon and no one dares stay in the library after dark. And Este Logano enrolls with the hopes of finding her dead father. Not literally, of course. She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Going to her dad’s school just seems like her best hope at figuring out who he was. But then Este meets Mateo, who is maybe—probably—definitely—a real ghost. And an annoying one at that. When Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library’s secret spire and then vanishes, Este will have to track him down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliffe early just like her father did. Except following her father’s footsteps might be more dangerous than Este ever anticipated. As she investigates the library with its secret passageways, hidden tunnels, and haunted halls, she learns that the student disappearances aren’t just myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.

The Library of Shadows is an interesting read. I liked getting to know Este, and thought her thoughts and behaviors were realistic, and I could relate to some of her efforts to stay unconnected to those around her. Her struggles to do everything herself, and do the best she can were completely on point for me. Mateo, the mystery of the book, and her father's connect to it all were revealed in a slow but steady pace, and I think that was done very well. I will admit that I saw certain reveals and aspects of the story coming, but the ride was worth it. I do have to admit that at some point I started to drift from the story, but that could completely be blamed on a busy life and could very well have nothing to do with the read. However, I felt like there was just a little bit of a lull in the story, but it picked back up for the ending. 

The Library of Shadows is an engaging read with a nice balance of mystery, ghosts, and romance.

Early Book Review: Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts

Anatomical Oddities: The Otherworldly Realms Hidden within Our Bodies by Alice Roberts is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Every part of the human body has a name—and story. But how familiar are you with your arachnoid mater or your Haversian canals? Anatomical Oddities explores the less-familiar realms of the body, unveiling the mysteries etched into the most outlandish landscapes hidden inside all of us: our crypts and caverns, gorges, islets, and mountains. Along the way, it dips into the history of our relationship with our physical form and the discoveries that paved the way for modern anatomy and medicine. Quirky, bizarre, and beautiful, these pages feature original artworks by Alice Roberts. The stunning, full-color illustrations lay bare the intricate details of the human body, the stories of people who unearthed its secrets, and the meanings of the words we use to describe it.

Anatomical Oddities is a fascinating read, and I am very glad that I requested it on Netgalley. I thought the page long sections on each body feature was just enough information to keep readers engaged, interested, and learning. I found the text to be accessible, with a conversational tone and sense of humor that balanced the more scientific and technical aspects of the topic. I thought the matching images were very well done, and gave context to the text. It was well written, and readers can feel the expertise and knowledge that has gone into crafting the book. The only thing I could have asked for is a bibliography or suggestions for further reading for those that would like to explore anatomy or the entomology of the related language further.  I really enjoyed the entomology for the terms, and learning more about the human body, and how bizarrely wonderful it is. 

Early Book Review: Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome by Mihaela Noroc

Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome by Mihaela Noroc is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. This collection of powerful photographs and moving stories showcases young women of all backgrounds, from a myriad of cultures, showing us that all girls are awesome in their own special way. Travel from Kabul to Texas with author and photographer Mihaela Noroc and experience astonishing diversity and a shared humanity in Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome. The inspiring stories of these young women are the stories of our planet. Their gaze into the camera reveals their strength and tenacity, their joy and fun-seeking spirits, even in the face of hardships and extraordinary challenges.

Girls of the World: 250 Portraits of Awesome is a wonderful book for children and adults to look through and explore. I loved the diversity of girls included, and thought that everyone could see someone they could identify with or aspire to be more like. Some of the girls had more information shared about their experiences, culture, and plans than others. However, I think the information shared was well balanced between different parts of the world, different cultures and experiences, and different plans for the future. Some of the young people included were continuing and celebrating the culture and traditions of their families, others were breaking new ground, and some shared nothing more than enjoying being a kid. I loved that every path was celebrated and that the emphasis was on strength, happiness, and hope for the future.  I learned some things about different countries and cultures, and I think some readers will see the names of countries or people that they have never heard of before. I hope that it can inspire future exploration into those areas, and the understanding that all of us are at the heart the same, while we have so many differences to celebrate and explore to better understand each other.

Early Book Review: unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes unOrdinary, the popular, action-packed series about John, an ordinary teen trying to survive high school in a world where superpowers dictate social status, and betrayal and conspiracies make up every turn. Nobody pays much attention to John – just a normal teenager at a high school where the social elite happen to possess unthinkable powers and abilities. John prefers it that way. The more he stays under the radar, and stays close to the Royal’s most powerful Ace, Seraphina, the safer he is in the halls of Wellston High. But John has a secret past that threatens to bring down the school’s whole social order—and much more. And when the other students start to suspect John has something to hide, he becomes their latest target. Suddenly, John is pulled into a world of turf wars, betrayals, and deadly conspiracies. 

unOrdinary is an enjoyable and engaging read. I liked that hints to the personalities and secrets of many characters were given, and there is clearly more going on in the background of the story than the author is sharing with readers thus far. John and those in the story are all so much more than they appear. There are several storylines and important characters that have been well developed, and while there is so much going on the strength of the writing and flow does not suffer for it- which sometimes happens when there are this many threads to follow. I feel like there is a great deal of foreshadowing, and I have many ideas where certain parts of the story might go next, but there are so many story threads that I am doubting myself. My only complaint with this volume is that it ends at the perfect spot. I felt like I had a decent handle on who everyone was and that something big was coming, and then it was over. Perfect way to leave me looking for the next volume- and to explore WEBTOON more. 

Audiobook Review: Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! (Arachnomancer) by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Qarie Marshall

Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! is the second book in the Arachnomancer series by Dustin Tigner, audiobook narrated by Qarie Marshall. This is very much a series that needs to be read, or listened to in order. 

Heaven sucks. It most definitely, undeniably did not live up to the expectation of a paradise in the clouds, not with the talking spiders, evil priests of Light, and war, lots of war. Those of Light simply wouldn’t leave the fledgling village—Dedu Tedu Novus—alone. Peace was not on the menu. The seven declarations of war made that point crystal clear. Worse, in a series of unfortunate and escalating events, our stray King of Shadows finds himself where he really ought not to be. But maybe . . . this is a good thing? Probably not. Dhane, Dhane, Dhane, what ever will you do next? Uncover forgotten truths? Form alliances with monsters? Take a stroll in the most dangerous places a Shadow can be? Probably.

Stray Shadow is just as much fun, and as full or danger and angst, as the first book in the series. Dhane is coming into his own more, leaning into his responsibilities, abilities, and role in the larger picture. I liked getting to see some of my favorite characters from the first book make an appearance, and I look forward to how the story will continue. There is constant and consistent world building, and character building. It is exciting seeing all the thread get woven together and towards a bigger conclusion. I think my biggest complaint is that I listened to a companion book for a secondary character, that took place before the action of Dhane's first book. They have had moments in both of Dhane's book, and there is clearly so much more to their story (which I want desperately) but see no coming books for them, instead I see another companion book for another character coming. Do not get me wrong, I will be reading that one too- but I need some loose ends tied up and some questions answered for Sarah. 

Stray Shadow is a superb follow up to Wrong Divinity. This series, and related companion books, is my new obsession. 

Book Review: Let's Just Be Friends by Katy Turner

Let's Just Be Friends by Katy Turner is a contemporary romance.  Right person, wrong time? Or better off as friends? Holly Anderson needs to decide. Cheerful and confident veterinarian Holly doesn’t do flings. Falling in love is not in her five-year plan. Moving her entire life out of London to a fishing village in the Scottish Highlands is definitely not part of her plan. But then Holly’s life is turned upside down. She finds herself in tiny Eastercraig, where a run-down surgery, a gorgeous seaside home and two immediate new friends await. She has barely arrived when a tipsy Greg Dunbar lets himself into her cottage in the middle of the night. Greg is only back in Eastercraig to discuss the future of the family farm with his stubborn brother. He doesn’t know that Holly has moved in. Neither of them is looking for romance. They should just be friends, right?

Let's Just Be Friends is a romance with several layers. Going in I thought I would just be getting Holly and Greg's love story. Instead I get a story about Holly finding her place, making new friends, and figuring out life in a small Scottish town. The story visits several character's view points, and I thought the story line was great, and I loved getting to know the secondary characters and their stories so well. My only real complaint is that there was so much going on, so many stories to be told, that it sometimes felt like too much. I think the stories of Holly and her friends could easily have been divided into three books, giving readers more time to get to know each character much better. Since there was so much story I felt like any one character or part of the story got the depth and detail that they deserved. I felt like there are a lot or great moments and details to the story of Eastercraig and its residents that just did not make it to the page, and I will be keeping an eye on the author to see if more of it gets told.

Let's Just Be Friends is an engaging read with great characters.