Ancient Skies, Ancient TreesbyBeth Moon is a collection of photographs taken of grand, isolated trees with the backdrop of night skies. Staking out some of the world’s last dark places, photographer Beth Moon uses a digital camera to reveal constellations, nebulae, and the Milky Way, in rich hues that are often too faint to be seen by the naked eye. As in her acclaimed first volume, Ancient Trees: Portraits of Time, these magnificent images encounter great arboreal specimens, including baobabs, olive trees, and redwoods, in such places as South Africa, England, and California.
Ancient Skies, Ancient Treesis a wonderful collection of photographs. The trees are isolated and out where light pollution cannot touch the night sky. This means that behind ancient trees we get to witness the expanse of space, with stars and all the glory to be seen in the night sky. The images and essays combine to offer anyone that picks up the book plenty to enjoy, and to contemplate about life, nature, and the environment.The book also includes an artist’s statement, in which Beth Moon describes the experience of shooting at night in these remote places, and an essay by Jana Grcevich, postdoctoral fellow of astrophysics at the American Museum of Natural History, which provides the perspective of a scientist racing to study the stars in a world growing increasingly brighter. Clark Strand, the author of Waking Up to the Dark: Ancient Wisdom for a Sleepless Age, takes a different tack, illuminating the inherent spirituality of trees.
Ancient Skies, Ancient Trees would make a lovely addition to a art book collection, or a gift for those that love art and nature. The photographs are delightful and inspiring.
Blurb: A very funny science fiction adventure that will change the way you look at life, the universe and why we're all here. Billions of years ago, our universe was born. Not really that terribly exciting for most life forms except of course yourselves… and, well, Phil. The poor bastard who’s had to watch over all you people the last billion or so years. Well, finally after years of listening to all your griping, bitching and whining, always with some imaginary being getting all the credit, he’s finally had it! Phil has decided to explain what the world is, why you’re here and how you can evolve finally into a species worth talking about at parties. In this hilarious actual account, Phil takes two unwitting Physicists on the adventure of their lives, which isn’t saying much for a couple of physicists, and shows them what life, the universe and lovely little corner pubs really is all about. They’re transported to other dimensions to meet their better looking selves, get taken prisoner by an evil but very good looking race, fly through black holes and help the creation of a new planet all while their greatest challenge hangs in the balance, saving earth from the most evil, and best dressed, species the universe has ever seen. Will they save earth? Has all the years of hard work Phil has done creating you beings be lost? Does any of this really matter? Excerpt:
Ping.
Ping.
“You gonna answer that?”
Delphinia slurred. Typically an attractive female colleague, except now she had
half a glass of Pan Universal Kumquat Juice down her front, and somehow an
equal amount sprayed randomly throughout her hair. We were all drunk—she was
winning.
“Just another idiotic
human with some whiny ‘I can’t do anything for myself’ question.” “Are they
still making you do that? Didn’t you create some god chat line for them to look
up on their own?” asked Braithwaight, a much larger and uglier version of
myself who had the unusual characteristic of having the largest nostrils in the
universe. You wouldn't know them as nostrils, of course, given that their size
and look is of one of your outhouses, massively uneven, bright orange and
dripping with something I'd rather not discuss.
“Ya, but they seem to be
using it mostly for porn and watching other humans or animals doing idiotic
stuff, which is even stranger when you realize that the average human does 4.8
stupid things per week; you would think watching each other in real time would
keep them amused enough,” I replied. Braithwaight was correct, after all—a
number of years ago, I had instructed humans to create something called God Gab
to answer all their questions and, hopefully, quit bothering me. As usual, they
misunderstood, called it Google, and continued to harass me anyway.
“Slow... what dey say?”
Delphinia slurred, spitting Pan Universal Kumquat Juice over both of us, which
as it turned out was actually rather tasty; I decided to order one next despite
it being a bit of a girly drink.
-->
“Dear Lord.” (Dear Phil,
it should have actually read.) Please give me strength in dealing with my two
kids; I’m always so tired, they stay awake for hours on end, I seem to be the
only one in the house able to nap, they eat all my food, hide my weed and are
even messier than my 3 ex husbands. I can’t keep doing it. What should I do?”
Author Info R.P. Momsen was lucky enough to meet Phil in a very lovely but rather smelly pub a few years ago. After listening to the most amazing story of his life, and a half dozen pints, Rick agreed to bring Phil’s story to the world and finally get Phil a vacation. Through an arduous process over the next couple years of intense notes, grand philosophical debates, lengthy trips through multiple universes and numerous beers this masterpiece of answers was named Phil and finally released. A great friendship has been created and Rick has agreed to continue to write the real truth about everything, why it’s kind of a good thing to know and what humankind could do to be invited to the really cool parties.
Puggle’s Problem is a picture book written by Aleesah Darlison and illustrated by Sandra Temple. Pipp is a tiny puggle with a big problem. He's the only echidna who hasn't got his spines! Determined to have them come soon he sets out to ask his friends for advice.
Puggle’s Problemis a sweet story with the important lessons of patience, perseverance, and being yourself. Pipp, a spineless echidna, wants to know why he does not have his spines yet and how to get them to come in. He goes off in search of answers, which happen to be beautiful illustrated. He talks to other animals, and makes some new friends. On the way he learns more about the other animals, and himself. While he never gives up, he finally understands that sometimes we need to wait for things to come, and that some things happen at different times. I love that this book can be used to get a large variety of ideas across to children, but it never comes across as preachy- only as a gentle picture book.
Puggle’s Problem isa wonderful story time or bedtime read and conversation starter for those that want to bring up topics such as never giving up, diversity, how everyone grows at their own pace (including teeth, hair, height, and so on), and taking pride in what we are good at rather than worrying about things we see as our faults.
Wilde Bear is the first book in the Blue Bear Rescue series by Terra Wolf and Holly Eastman. Everyone is hiding something. Ever since his father died Xavier Wilde has thrown himself into his work. As the leader of the Blue Bear Search and Rescue Team, his job is simple, save lives. However, things become a lot more complicated when a cute curvy brunette from the Department of Transportation comes to help the team with a new job. Now Xavier is forced to show her his true self, in order to convince her to be his mate. Laurel doesn't let anyone tell her how to do her job. Especially not some polar bear shifter who thinks he's God's gift to Search and Rescue. But when Xavier begins to break down her walls, Laurel finds herself unable to say no. In their line of work, mistakes can cost people their lives. So how can they trust each other to keep everyone they care about safe when they're both hiding their own secrets?
Wilde Bear is a short book, I read it in a night, but the characters are still multidimensional and have plenty of baggage to deal with. I like that Xavier and Laurel each have reasons to want to stay single, and are reasoning adults that talk through the issues (for the most part) rather than allowing those issues to become even bigger conflicts. I also enjoyed that Xavier, even though an alpha in his own right, respected and supported Laurel's abilities and strength rather than trying to cushion her from any discomfort- no matter how much he might have wanted to. Since I had already read book two in the series, River Bear, I already knew some of the characters and the larger plot line that was begun in this story. Although there was one thing from the mentioned in the second book I expected to see here, but did not, so was a bit disappointed that I did not get the insight on one of the other search team members that I had hoped for. I was impressed that the book was able to do the world and character building it needed to in order to set up the rest of the series while still getting a solid romance written as well.
Wilde Bear is a quick read with more going on than one might expect. Solid characters and a good start to a series that I expect to be keeping up with.
The Farther He Runs is the third book in the Kick series by Lynda Aicher. It is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. I have not read the other books in the series, but I caught up on the two main players quickly and do not feel like I lost much because of the learning curve.
After years away from home, Tanner Dorsey is back and sorting through feelings that have him in a stranglehold. The hardened Marine will do anything for a fallen comrade, so when an accident leaves Finn Kelley fighting for his life, Tanner’s eager to be there for him. In fact, Tanner’s ready and willing to do anything Finn asks—especially if it means finally acting on the sexual tension that’s always kept him craving more. Finn senses it too—when he brushes against Tanner’s stubbled jaw, when he inhales the scent of the T-shirt that clings to Tanner’s body like a second skin. Now that he’s more vulnerable than ever, Finn knows the time is right to take control, even if it means risking the heart and soul of their friendship. The bond they share goes beyond desire; it’s a bond of brotherhood, forged under conditions few could imagine. But once they cross that line, there will be no more secrets. No more boundaries. And no turning back.
The Farther He Runs is a story that is rich in character development, emotion, and plenty of steamy moments. I liked that we get to see the intensity of the attraction and emotion shared by Tanner and Finn. They are both battle scarred, emotionally, mentally, and physically, and they have huge battles to face individually and together. I also liked that when the pair understand each other, and their wounds, so well that they often understand what the other needs without words but still communicate more than most couples in romance novels. While I was not expecting the amount of BSDM the book included (my fault for not reading up on the series before reading) but it was dealt with perfectly. The explanation of the hows and whys, and the strength of the submissive and the emotions and desires that often come with it all was well done. So often authors toss in moments of bondage, pain, or humiliation without touching on the importance of consent, care, and boundaries. Again, with military characters many authors do not cover the mixed emotions and wounds that many men that had or are serving our country face, it is handled extremely well and accurately. You can tell that the author has a full understanding of the subjects and took the time to write it correctly and honestly. Even though this is not my typical read, I very much respect and appreciate the authors writing and handling of the multiple aspects of the story.
The Farther He Runs was more than expected. I was ready for an LBGQT romance, but I was not expecting the level of BSDM that was included. This was my fault for not reading the full description. However the handling of the aspects of military, BSDM, and recovery included in the story are all extremely well done and has earned my respect and admiration for the author.
The Spell Thief is the first book in the Little Legends series by Tom Percival and is currently scheduled for release on December 6 2016. Jack (of the beanstalk fame) and his magical talking chicken, Betsy, have always been great at making new friends. But when Jack spots Anansi, the new kid in town, talking to a troll in the Deep Dark Woods, everything changes. Everyone knows that trolls mean trouble, and Jack will do anything to prove to the rest of his friends that Anansi is a troll spy. Even if that means using stolen magic!
The Spell Thief is a nice transitional book, good for those on harder easyreaders and easy chapter books. The characters are already well known to fairy tale fans, and the illustrations are fun and charming. Even readers that are not fully versed in fairy tale lore will quickly catch on and enjoy the story. Anansi is the new boy and town and Jack is a little jealous of the attention he is getting from his friends and the fact that his worries are ignored by those same friends. Jack gets so caught up in proving he is right that he changes, and almost loses friends, old and new. While the story was interesting I found the lessons of jumping to conclusions and judging others to be a little heavy handed, as was the point about obsession. It was still a good read, and I think many of the target audience will enjoy it, but I did not love it. I think including Anansi might also spark some interest in fairy tales that young readers might not know yet, and exploring a wider variety of tales.
The Spell Thief is a short read that will interest many transitional readers, and spark some interest in fairy tales and the rest of the series.
Deja Who is the first book in the Insighter series by MaryJanice Davidson. Leah Nazir is an Insighter. Reincarnation is her business. But while her clients' pasts are a mess, Leah's is nothing short of tragedy. She's been murdered. A lot. If left to that bitch, destiny, it'll happen again. Leah wants to know who's been following her through time, and who's been stalking her in the present. P.I. Archer Drake has been hired by Leah's mother to keep an eye on her. But the more time he spends watching, the more he finds himself infatuated. Before long, he even finds himself agreeing to help find the person who wants her dead. Now going full-on "rewind," Leah hopes it can stave off the inevitable. After all, she's grown fond of this life, and even fonder of nerdy Archer. But changing her pattern means finding out who her killer is today. And that could be anyone she has come to know and trust. Anyone.
Deja Who has a little bit of everything. There is some worldbuilding, to understand the importance of past lives, and Leah's job to see and explain how those lives could be effecting the daily lives of her clients. The characters are all more than a little quirky, but self- aware of their flaws and idiosyncrasies, which made their conversations, thoughts, and expositions that much more interesting and strange. Leah, Cat, and Archer are all odd people, but in a way that makes them enjoyable to read- most of the time. I have to admit that on occasion it got to be too much and their quirks crossed the line between fun and cute to hit weird and annoying. I found that the mystery part of the book got off to a slow start, because of the world and character building that was necessary to get readers to care about our main players. However, once the mystery got going it was unstoppable and moved very quickly toward the resolution. I liked returning to the quirky writing of Davidson, but am not sure if I will keep following the series. I think that will depend on the blurb for the next book.
Deja Who is full of wacky characters, with a solid mystery interwoven through the insanity. Fans of Davisdon's Queen Betsy series, and other quirky characters she has written, will enjoy this book as well.
The Best Part of Me is the first book in the McKenna series by Jamie Hollins. Ewan McKenna’s days and nights are filled with drink orders, beer kegs, and noisy bar customers. Now that he’s put his tumultuous past behind him, he’s more than happy to live a solitary existence running his family’s pub. After years of walking the line between good and bad, Ewan now needs control and order to rest peacefully at night. What he doesn’t need is the fiery, intriguing woman who’s found her way into his thoughts and his bed. Spending the summer getting her hands dirty in her aunt’s garden in a tiny town outside Boston is exactly what Quinn Adler needs. She’s ready to shake off the grief of losing the people who meant the most to her and to start feeling again. What she doesn’t expect is to find a man who sets all her senses on fire. When the pieces seem to be nearly in place for a bright future, everything falls apart.
The Best Part of Me is a compelling romance between two wounded hearts. Quinn is still recovering from the loss of her parents and is starting to live again. Ewan is still struggling to reconcile his less than wonderful history with the day to day work that keeps him busy and in the background. when the two collide sparks fly even though neither think it is a good idea. I like that both characters are flawed, but aware of their flaws. Their coming together is just about perfectly paced for them, with plenty of conflict as they each try to protect themselves from heartache. Watching them slowly find their way, both individually and together, was both heart warming and heart wrenching in turn. The emotion was real and raw, and the balance of small town atmosphere and small world crisis was just about perfect. A enthralling weekend read that is so worth the heart ache of the story.
The Best Part of Me is a well-written contemporary romance. Real characters, raw emotion, and compelling conflict will have you wanting to follow up on the series- which I plan on doing.
Dreaming of Mocha is a picture book written by An Swerts and illustrated by Eline van Lindenhuizen. It is currently scheduled for release on November 15 2016. Florence wants a dog, any dog. A dog to take care of, to run with, and to play with.One day there’s a little dog in Florence’s garden.“Mocha” it says on his collar. Mocha and Florence become the best of friends.But then Mocha’s owner is suddenly at the door. And he is a very nice man. What will Florence do now?
Dreaming of Mocha is a wonderful little book with illustrations that will capture the interest and attention of readers while connecting them to the story of Florence. I like that children, and adults, can understand Florence's desire for a dog and the depth of which she wants one. The discovery of the escaped Mocha and the lessons Florence needs to learn about responsibilities, friendship, and doing the right thing are handled with a perfect balance of fun and sweetness. Florence's escapades of trying to keep Mocha hidden are great fun, and made me glad not to be the one cleaning up the dirty paw prints when all was said and done. My favorite part of the book is the lesson that not always getting what you want is not a tragedy, but might lead to different good things, like unexpected friendships.
Dreaming of Mocha is a funny, sweet, and entertaining picture book that will likely become a repeat request from many animal loving youngsters.
Animal Planet Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals is a children's non fiction book by Animal Plant and Charles Gingham. It is part of the Animal Bites series. This book offers information paired with full color photos of some of the oddest animals in the world! For instance, did you know that an archerfish can spit water up to 16 feet? Or that the giant weta is the world's largest and heaviest insect? This exploration of animal oddities introduces young animal lovers to some of the most astonishing and obscure animals in the world-including some brand new discoveries! There are more than 200 vibrant photographs and fun facts about animals with unusual behaviors, strange appearances, and remarkable stats.
Animal Planet Strange, Unusual, Gross & Cool Animals is not new in the idea, but executes it very well. I have read more than my fair share of books about the wacky, weird, and gross animals of the world. My daughter is an animal nut, and my son loves anything vaguely gross or monster like. So this book is right up their alley, and we have explored every similar book available to us, and this book holds up very well to the competition. There are a number of bright, bold photographs on each page along with interesting facts to correspond to each animal included. The texts combines humor and fact very well, capturing the attention of readers of all ages. I think reluctant readers will be put at ease with the large print and the way the text is grouped into small sections. this makes the flow of information easy to understand and from being intimidating. while I have seen many of these animals and corresponding facts before, there was so much here that i found new information and creatures to learn about as well. This is a must buy for library, school, and some home collections (like mine).
I need this book for my kids, who love animals and all things weird. Honestly, I think I will order it now and save it for a Christmas gift. This book is perfect for reluctant readers or anyone who loves totally gross and amazing animals. As a bonus, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of books in the Animal Bites series benefits the principal partners of R.O.A.R. (Reach Out. Act. Respond.), Animal Planet's initiative dedicated to improving the lives of animals in our communities and in the wild.
