Book Review: Brain Drain: Part 1 Script and Art by Pierre-Henry Gomont

Brain Drain: Part 1 with script and art by Pierre-Henry Gomont, is a graphic novel. Certain details surrounding the death of Albert Einstein are so outlandish as to sound like urban legend: namely, the theft of his brain by Thomas Stoltz Harvey, the pathologist who performed the eminent physicist’s autopsy. From these historical events, Pierre-Henry Gomont concocts a picaresque road trip of a tale by turns farcical and moving, whimsical and melancholy, sweeping up in its narrative whirlwind the FBI, a sanatorium, neurobiology, hallucinogens, hospital bureaucracy, and romance. In his dissection of friendship and the forging of scientific reputation, the nimble cartoonist serves up a slice of lovingly rendered Americana for the ages.

Brain Drain taught me some weird history I somehow did not know and took me on a mad cap ride while still taking the time to explore the human condition. I might have heard about the theft of Einstein's brain, as I love weird history, but I never really considered it in context- the why's and hows surrounding it. While the author is clear that they have taken liberties with the details, I enjoyed the glimmer of truth the underlies the entire story. The desire to further understanding, knowledge, and science along side the desire to be recognized for the work is something that many people will recognize in themselves even if their passion is completely unrelated to science. The honest look at Stoltz's motivation, faults, and fears were just as interesting at the ideas about how Einstein though and might feel if he knew someone stole his brain. The art work was well dome, and really matched the mood and tenor of the story. It matched the emotions and fears of the characters, and the chaos that these kind of actions can bring on. My only disappointment is that the story is broken into two parts, because I want to know what happens next in this version of history. I believe I will be taking a look at part 2.

Early Book Review: Best Laid Plaids (Kilty Pleasures) by Ella Stainton

Best Laid Plaids is the first book in the Kilty Pleasures series by Ella Stainton and is currently scheduled for release on August 31 2020. In Scotland, 1928, Dr. Ainsley Graham is cultivating a reputation as an eccentric. Two years ago, he catastrophically ended his academic career by publicly claiming to talk to ghosts. When Joachim Cockburn, a WWI veteran studying the power of delusional thinking, arrives at his door, Ainsley quickly catalogs him as yet another tiresome Englishman determined to mock his life’s work. But Joachim is tenacious and open-hearted, and Ainsley’s intrigued despite himself. He agrees to motor his handsome new friend around to Scotland’s most unmistakable hauntings. If he can convince Joachim, Ainsley might be able to win back his good name and then some. He knows he’s not crazy-- he just needs someone else to know it, too. Joachim is one thesis away from realizing his dream of becoming a psychology professor, and he’s not going to let anyone stop him, not even an enchanting ginger with a penchant for tartan and lewd jokes. But as the two travel across Scotland’s lovely-- and definitely, definitely haunted-- landscape, Joachim’s resolve starts to melt. And he’s beginning to think that an empty teaching post without the charming Dr. Graham would make a very poor consolation prize indeed. 

Best Laid Plaids is a book that left me with mixed feelings. I really liked the set up, the characters, and much of how everything happened. I thought that Ainsley's character was very well done, and I liked how open and directly neuro diversity was handled. I was equally pleased with Joachim's character and the way he dealt with the aftermath of war and trying to figure out his future. I liked that consent was covered, and how honestly the mistakes, concerns, and fears the two of them had were dealt with. I liked the secondary characters as well, and think the balance of personalities was well done. However, for some reason this felt like a very slow read for me. I liked it, but was fully able to put the book down and delay getting back to it without feeling that drive to see what happened next. I am not sure what it was about the style that just did not capture me, because all of the actual story elements worked. It was something in the voice or writing style that I could not connect with, but I cannot put my finger on what it was. I did like the read, it just did not capture me the way I expected it to. 

Best Laid Plaids is a solid romance with several layers to the love story. It had a number of great elements, but never grabbed my attention completely. 

Early Book Review: The Bewildered Bride (Advertisements for Love) by Vanessa Riley

The Bewildered Bride is the fourth book in the Advertisements for Love series by Vanessa Riley. I have not read any of the previous books, but believe that they can all be enjoyed as stand alone reads. This book is currently scheduled for release on August 12 2019.

Ruth Croome, a Blackamoor heiress, was supposed to get married in a gorgeous wedding gown, made from her father’s exquisite fabrics. Instead, they eloped to Gretna Green and upon returning, their carriage was beset by highwaymen and she witnessed the murder of her new husband. Now, four years later, with a child, she wants to move on with her life. A marriage of convenience will do. Ruth already had a love for the ages. Adam Wilky is really the heir to the Wycliff barony—which he never told Ruth. Too much danger. So many secrets. When he was nearly beaten to death and sold into impressment, he thought Ruth had died, too. Ready for revenge, he finally returns and discovers Ruth alive—with a son who could only be his—and she is furious to discover he lied to her. Now it’ll take more than remembered passion if he hopes to win his reluctant wife back.

The Bewildered Bride is a book that takes an honest look at the racism in England's past, and adds so much emotion, corruption, and danger that there is rarely a page that did not have me wondering who would make the next misstep. Ruth has been through hell, and no one seems to believe her. So she deals with the remarks and just strives to make the best life for her son. Adam is finally making things right after the betrayal of family and thinking Ruth dead for four years. The journey of them finding their way together again, despite the danger and deceptions is harrowing but extremely well written. I have to say that I really enjoyed the realism of the family dynamics and especially the final confrontation. I thought the sensitive subjects in the story (rape, abuse) were very well handled and I liked the support and hope that it offers readers through its handling.

The Bewildered Bride is an emotional ride, well worth the read. 

Book Review: I Love You, Michael Collins by Lauren Baratz-Logsted

I Love You, Michael Collins is a middle grade novel by Lauren Baratz-Logsted. It’s 1969 and the country is gearing up for what looks to be the most exciting moment in U.S. history: men landing on the moon. Ten-year-old Mamie’s class is given an assignment to write letters to the astronauts. All the girls write to Neil Armstrong, all the boys write to Buzz Aldrin. Only Mamie writes to Michael Collins, the astronaut who will come so close but never achieve everyone else's dream of walking on the moon, because he is the one who must stay with the ship. After school ends, Mamie keeps writing to Michael Collins, taking comfort in telling someone about what's going on with her family, her best friend Buster, and her cat. And as the date of the launch nears, Mamie can't help but wonder: Does no one stay with the ship anymore?

I Love You, Michael Collins is composed of Mamie's letters to astronaut Micheal Collins. I think many of us who have journaled (on paper or digitally) knows how cathartic it can be to share the events and feelings that are effecting us, even if we think no one is reading or listening. Mamie is sharing the chain of events that take up her summer via letters to a figure that might not ever read, never mind answer, her letters. However, I think her writing down of the events are what help her process and survive a rough summer. The family troubles she goes through give readers a realistic, historical glimpses of the expectations and view of the era, combined with family dynamics that are similar to what some readers might be dealing with themselves. I am not always a fan of books in letter, or journal, format. However, I think the need for connection expressed by Mamie in these letters and the lovely conclusion, make it work beautifully. I felt for Mamie through out the book, and just might have shed some tears for her, because who has not felt like the one left behind?

I Love You, Michael Collins is a well written and touching historical read for the middle grade crowd, and one that I thing will still resonate with readers no matter when they read it. This book will stand the test of time, and just might be a classic in school and public libraries in the near future.

Early Book Review: The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate (Long-Lost Secret Diary) by Tim Collins, Sarah Horne

The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate is the second book in the Long-Lost Secret Diary series for children written by Tim Collins and illustrated by Sarah Horne. This illustrated chapter book is currently scheduled for release on September 19 2017. You do not need to read the entire series, or the books in order, to enjoy the stories.

Meet Thomas, a young man sailing with his parents aboard a merchant ship in the 18th century. He is prone to daydreaming about living an exciting life as a pirate on the high seas. When a pirate crew led by Captain Bartholomew Morgan takes over the ship, Thomas stows away and is accepted into their motley gang. However, life as a pirate proves far less romantic than what he was expecting. The hilarious Long Lost Secret Diary series put readers inside the heads of hapless figures from history struggling to carry out their roles and getting things horribly wrong. The accessible, irreverent stories will keep young readers laughing as they learn the importance of not being afraid to learn from one’s mistakes.

The Long-Lost Secret Diary of the World's Worst Pirate is a good combination of historical information, adventure, and humor that will keep young readers interested and entertained. Thomas, like most people, is certain that any life different than his own is more interesting and exciting. Danger and the less pleasant aspects of life do not always make an impact until they are felt or witnessed. This is certainly the case for Thomas, who initially has trouble acknowledging or even recognizing the significance of his mistakes or choices slowly comes to see that e can learn from them. The stories are sometimes exciting, sometimes silly, and always entertaining. I think the equally entertaining illustrations and humor will keep readers happily reading, and teach them a little something about history and responsibility along the way. 

Book Review: The Spinster and the Rake by Anne Stuart

The Spinster and the Rake is a historical romance by Anne Stuart. This romance was originally published in 1982, but was re released in the summer of 2016 with some added material. I have not read the first version, so I do not know what is new, and how the two editions compare. Aside from the two covers that is.

As a maiden aunt, Gillian Redfern lives as an unpaid servant to her demanding family. Little wonder she finds the attentions of a rake distracting, and even less wonder that her usual good sense begins to unravel when Lord Marlow takes her in his arms. Ronan Patrick Blakely, Lord Marlow, is a man of great charm and little moral character, a gambler, a womanizer, and handsome as sin to boot. He has no qualms about placing a wager on the virtue of one small, shy spinster. But Lord Marlow is about to discover that Miss Redfern is more siren than spinster. She amuses him, arouses him, and, much to his dismay, makes him a better man. Gillian will discover, in turn, that Lord Marlow possesses the power to turn her into a very wicked woman. The rake and the spinster are poised to find a love that neither could have imagined. If only someone weren't out to destroy them both.

The Spinster and the Rake is a fun and entertaining historical novel. I enjoyed the characters and thought the relationships of family and friends added an additional depth to the story, although I would have liked to have seen some background of Gillian that led her to a life of taking care of her sibling's families and accepting the title of spinster. I kept hoping there was a story there, but it never really happened. However, we got a good bit of Ronan's backstory through the book. I did like that Gillian was smart, capable, and well loved by those that took the time to know her rather than the role she was cast in. I think the development of Gillian's character and her learning to stand up for herself is good- but I was still looking for more. I did think that Ronan's character was better developed, and I liked his attitude and how he thought about the world in general. The conflicts he had, and his integrity was well done- but I could have stood for more story surrounding his unconventional life and staff.  

The Spinster and the Rake was a quick and enjoyable read, but I could tell that it was an earlier book from the author, because it just did not meet the standards I have for Stuart.  Fans might want to pick it up just to see the way the writing style and character work has grown.

Book Review: A Reckless Promise (Little Season) by Kasey Michaels

A Reckless Promise is the third book in the Little Season series by Kasey Michaels. I have not read the previous books in this series, but was still able to fully enjoy the read. Darby Travers, Viscount Nailbourne, made a battlefield promise but never imagined that he would have to honor it. Yet here she is on his doorstep—his late comrade's young daughter, and Darby's new ward. Worse, she comes with the most overprotective, mistrustful, bothersome chaperon—the child's aunt, Sadie Grace Boxer. Darby is quite sure that behind her lovely facade, the woman is guarding a secret. Sadie Grace faced many trials working in her brother's surgery, but none prepared her for the world she's thrust into with his passing. Navigating the ton, with its endless ball gowns and parade of parties, is difficult enough, but hiding the truth about her niece while the sophisticated viscount watches her every move proves nearly impossible—particularly when his searing gaze tempts her to bare all. But when her family's past catches up with her, she'll have to trust in Darby no matter the cost to her heart.

A Reckless Promise is an entertaining and interesting read, with characters and complications that kept things interesting. I liked Sadie's character, she is smart and willing to do anything to protect her niece any danger from all sides. The mystery and danger surrounding the little girl was well done, but maybe a little too much for my tastes. However, I did love the little girl's personality and the secondary characters that made things more entertaining. Darby is a strong character, although I honestly thought his big secret would be even bigger and somehow different- not that it was not traumatic enough. I like the slow growth of friendship and more between Sadie and Darby, how they came together in trust and friendship really made their relationship seem more real to me. I was a little distracted by the secondary stories that were happening, though fans of the series are probably looking or how those little bits played out. It was an entertaining read and well worth the time, but not one that makes my looking to read the prior books of the series.

A Reckless Promise is a charming and enthralling romance and met my expectations for the author. However, it just did not stand out as an absolutely must read, but it is wonderful for a summer weekend. 

Book Review: Under the Ashes by Cindy Rankin

Under the Ashes by Cindy Rankin is a middle grade work of historical fiction. Elizabeth "Littlebeth" Morgan thinks she is the smartest, bravest eleven-year-old in Paso Robles. She loves sharing stories of the outlaws Frank and Jesse James and shows no fear when she whacks the head off a rattlesnake. But she is not the proper lady her family wants her to be so they send her to live with her maiden Aunt Sally in San Francisco to be tamed and refined. While Aunt Sally's life is unlike anything Littlebeth has experienced in the country, the pain of being sent away runs deep. Then Littlebeth meets Mr. Steinberg, Aunt Sally's Jewish neighbor. He treats her like a person, not just a little girl, and Littlebeth finds a friend in him. Mr. Steinberg is sweet on Aunt Sally and takes the two of them to see the famous opera singer, Enrico Caruso, perform. But Littlebeth doesn't understand the religious differences keeping Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg apart. Before she can meddle in their personal lives, the earthquake hits. Littlebeth is separated from them in the chaos of the streets. She must use her wits and bravery and trust in a few unlikely friends to locate Aunt Sally and Mr. Steinberg. But will Littlebeth be able to survive the disaster and be reunited with her family?

Under the Ashes is a touching story about a young girl that feels disconnected and unwanted by her family. I like that Beth is an adventurous girl, as quick to help others as she is to speak her mind. I think that her family is shown to really love her and what what is best for her, and while I think readers can relate to how they make Beth feel, they can also see that underlying love. I did find that the book took awhile to get to the action. By the time the earthquake hit, I felt like the book was already more than half over, although that information we read in the first part of the book was important it just felt like we took too long to get there, and then the action was a bit crammed together. I think the portrayal of human nature, both before and after the quake, was sadly accurate. The ugliness of selfish people, prejudice, and fear were well exhibited, but so were the kindness and innocence that can be found. I think acknowledging that that sort of attitude existed (and still does) and how pointless it is, is extremely important. 

Under the Ashes is a solid work of historical fiction for middle grade readers. I think it is a good book for encouraging empathy and understanding the fears and actions of adults. 

Book Review: Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler

Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale by David Kudler is the first book in the Seasons of the Sword series. Though Japan has been devastated by a century of civil war, Kano Murasaki, called Risuko (Squirrel) is more comfortable climbing trees than down on the ground. Growing up far from the battlefields and court intrigues, the fatherless girl finds herself pulled into a plot that may reunite Japan, or may destroy it. She is torn from her home and what is left of her family, but finds new friends at a school that may not be what it seems. Historical adventure fiction appropriate for young adult and middle-grade readers.

Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale was a nice surprise. I am a big fan of Japanese culture and mythology, and the classic coming of age quest  story, so I was drawn to the book and needed to give it a chance. I greatly enjoyed the character building for Risuko, she is a growing, dynamic character that is very observant of the world around her. While the reader only knows what Risuko see and hear, sometimes we can understand more than she does and enjoy the realization as it comes. Because of her uncertainty and struggles the readers get to see and understand more than they might with a different narrator. I like that there seem to be no assumptions on the authors part about how much or Japanese history or folklore the reader knows, or does not know. The world building is solid but subtle, so at no point does ignorance of a certain word, story, or event turn off a reader. Additionally there is a collection of related information at the end of the book to sooth the eager minds of any reader that seeks to understand more about anything they might not have fully understood while reading. I found myself so wrapped up in Risuko's story, that I finished the book in less than a day, begrudging the menial tasks that took me from the read, like making meals for my family and eating.

Risuko: A Kunoichi Tale is a wonderful read for middle grade, young adult, and older readers. I think anyone that enjoys historical fiction or the  coming of age combined with a quest that seems to be most common in fantasy. I think this will be a wonderful surprise for any reader that gives it a chance. I cannot recommend this read highly enough.