Early Book Review: Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni, author of the hit humor book Men to Avoid in Art and Life,  is scheduled for release on September 3 2024.

Cat people love their cats deeply, maybe a little too deeply. Cats, on the other hand, secretly hate our haircuts but tolerate our presence because we have the thumbs to open the food can. Against the backdrop of fine art, bestselling author Nicole Tersigni delves into the minds of our feline companions and the people who serve them. Broken into five sections representing all kinds of cat people, including the Smotherer, the Oversharer, the Pushover, the Proud Parent, and the Roommate, this hilariously insightful cat humor book says the things our loved ones can’t—that Mewlius Caesar would enjoy us more if we gave them some space. And a better name. 

Cat People to Judge in Art and Life is a book that will entertain animal lovers, and servants of cats in particular. The use of art combined with the captions of what people- and cats- might be saying or thinking are very well done. Any cat guardian just might see themselves on a page, or more, of this book. Perfect gift book for cat lovers, or for perusing in a quiet moment when your pet has taken ownership of your lap and refuses to let you move. 

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. 

Early Book Review: Parenting Advice to Ignore in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni

Parenting Advice to Ignore in Art and Life by Nicole Tersigni is currently scheduled for release on August 22 2023. From the author of the Men to Avoid in Art and Life and Friends to Keep in Art and Life comes a collection of all-too-familiar unsolicited advice parents receive on the daily. From in-laws and other parents to complete strangers and even your own kids—when it comes to parenting, everyone's a critic. Against the classic backdrop of fine art, bestselling author Nicole Tersigni's Parenting Advice to Ignore in Art and Life pokes fun at the many "experts" who think they know more than you about your own children. Utterly (and unfortunately) relatable and hilarious as ever, Tersigni's spot-on captions provide a much-needed laugh for anyone who has had the pleasure of parenting and the pain of having a stranger tell you to put a hat on your baby. 

Parenting Advice to Ignore in Art and Life is a fun and entertaining read for parents, and a great gift for those expecting or planning on becoming parents. The pairing of the unwanted advise and comments with classic art is very well done and will be relatable to most if not all parents. I enjoyed the read and think it is well worth a look for a couple laughs and to bring home the fact that all parents get these kinds of comments, you are very far from alone in hearing any of these kinds of comments. 

Book Review: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: 366 Elevating Utterances to Stretch Your Cranium and Tickle Your Humerus by Sue Macy

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day: 366 Elevating Utterances to Stretch Your Cranium and Tickle Your Humerus by Sue Macy was inspired by Merriam-Webster's popular Word of the Day digital feature.  This book builds knowledge one day at a time with 366 masterful words. Each Word features clear and helpful illustrations for readers and are introduced with a pronunciation guide, definition and interesting trivia about the world. Each month contains an introduction, one word per day individually or in thematic groups plus an end-of-the-month story that includes all of the words. It includes 12 Free Downloadable audio stories. The audio will be available as a download through the QR codes printed in the book, and also as a separate audio collection.

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day is a charmingly illustrated collection of words to learn and use. I like that it is not year dependent, so it can be shared or revisited. I liked the trivia and information that was with the words, and they way that themes and monthly wrap ups are used to bring everything together. I think this collection will appeal to upper elementary school students through adults, to word nerds and smart alecks alike. I could see this being a great addition to family or classroom traditions since it can easily be both fun and educational. This would be perfect as part of a holiday gift for the right person.

Book Review: Book Love by Debbie Tung

Book Love by Debbie Tung is a collection of comics and such about the everyday life and thoughts of a book lover. There is humor and relatable moments for every reader that has trouble leaving a bookstore or library empty handed, or simply enjoys relaxing with a good book and a cup of tea.

I related to Book Love quite a bit, although I will admit that I spend much less time in bookshops and libraries (as a patron) that I used to. I enjoyed the tone and simplicity of the individual comics. I was kind of sad that I had seen so many of them on social media platforms before having read the book, I wish there were more new work included. However, all of the comics are timeless and struck home on some level, even if I am more likely to be reading and ebook and buying the print books for my kids rather than myself. 

I think Book Love is a sweet and enjoyable book. It would be the perfect gift book for any book lover, although those that refrain from social media and have not seen Tung's work before will likely appreciate it more than those that have seen her work online previously. 

Book Review: Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours by Wiebke Martens, Jennifer Jang

Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours by Wiebke Martens and Jennifer Jang is a photographic guide featuring five fully illustrated walking tours of the charming New Jersey town with seventeenth-century roots and the renowned university at its core. It explores the heart of Princeton University as well as its more modern sections; downtown Princeton, including some of its oldest neighborhoods; and the campuses of Princeton Theological Seminary and the Institute for Advanced Study. Each walk highlights the town's rich history, varied architecture, and a multitude of local attractions, ranging from museums and theaters to parks and playgrounds. For those who want to roam a bit farther, a host of ideas for short outings and longer excursions in the greater Princeton area are included.

Discovering Princeton: A Photographic Guide with Five Walking Tours is a visual interesting and informative book about the history and features of Princeton and the surrounding area. The walking tour guides and information about how and why specific buildings came to be, and how things have changed over the years was interesting and well organized. I enjoyed the look at the school, its buildings. The full-page images paired with informative captions make this guidebook something that will appeal to locals, guests and the families of potential students or alumni.  I think the ideas for further excursions in the surrounding areas were particularly useful. The only downside is that much of the architecture and landscaping looks similar to other large universities- so as someone that has worked at or visited prestigious schools on a regular basis I found the images to be less interesting and unique than others that actually have a connection to Princeton. Too many colleges and universities have similar architecture, which means that the target audience for the book is very limited- but for those with a personal connection to Princeton and the area will certainly love it.

  

Book Review: Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of Our Feline Friends by Adrian Searle, Oliver Ninis

Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of our Feline Friends by Adrian Searle and Oliver Ninis is a collection of over eighty cartoons that give readers a glimpse into the minds of their feline companions. Just what is your cat thinking? As it gazes up at you, are those eyes filled with love and admiration or spite and scorn? From the author of the award-winning 101 Uses of a Dead Kindle and If Dogs Could Swear comes a hilarious insight into the twisted, venal, self-serving psychology of our cutest four-legged sociopaths. Catology is a psychiatrist's view of your moggy; a brilliant, unforgettable and twisted look at the many bizarre, ridiculous and instantly recognizable scenarios in which cat owners find their beloved pets every day.

Catology: Inside the Twisted Mind of our Feline Friends is a fun and cute collection of cartoons. Some were funnier than others, and some will speak to particular readers more than others. The artwork is done in black and white line drawings, and like the humor some are more appealing than others. I enjoyed the read, some of the cartoons made me chuckle, but others had me shaking my head and moving on to the next page. Occasionally I found the artwork to be less skillful or complete than on other pages. This might be a good gift for some cat lovers, but this cat fan was only mildly amused rather than laughing out loud, which is what I was hoping for.