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.

Early Book Review: Tiny and Wild: Build a Small-Scale Meadow Anywhere by Graham Laird Gardner

Tiny and Wild: Build a Small-Scale Meadow Anywhere by Graham Laird Gardner is currently scheduled for release on March 7 2023. The word “meadow” might conjure an image of a broad, expansive prairie covering acres of land, but it doesn’t have to. Meadows don’t have to be big to make a difference in the health of the planet. If you choose the right plants, even a small corner of the yard will do. The perks of creating a wild planting, even on a small scale, are many. Tiny but mighty meadows help mitigate climate change, foster biodiversity, sequester carbon, and calm the senses. With as little as a few square feet of space, you can create a beautiful, naturalistic planting that supports a diversity of plants, pollinators, and a plethora of other living things, not to mention its visual appeal to human eyes. The plant lists and charts in Tiny & Wild share the best plants to include in your micro prairie, and Graham offers plenty of practical advice on planting your meadow from seed, transplants, or mature plants, depending on your budget, the site, and your timeline. Plus, learn how to care for your wildflower planting, including tips for watering, plant care, and weed management.

Tiny & Wild is well written and organized, with a page lay out that make the information easy to follow and is enjoyable to look at due to the image selections and placement. Since  like to let some of my garden space be more wild than others, I thought it might be good to make it deliberately that way rather than just sowing a few types of local pollinator friendly seed and let nature happen. This book gave me the tools I needed to plan and more productively create a meadow space in my yard, and better support the wildlife around me in the process. I like that the book offers support and solutions for a wide variety of time and space commitments and also suggests resources that might help in making informed decisions based on location and conditions such as rainfall and sun levels where you might want to start.  I particularly liked the planting suggestions for shady meadow areas- since I have one strip of yard that I have had very little luck with and plan on tackling this year. The sample plant lists by conditions was very helpful in my planning. I am eager to see what the inspiration this book has given me produces over this upcoming year and beyond. 

Book Review: Crochet Magical Creatures: 20 Easy Amigurumi Patterns by Drew Hil

Crochet Magical Creatures: 20 Easy Amigurumi Patterns by Drew Hill is an instructional book for readers of any age that want to try their hand at making magical creatures out of yarn and fluff. Learn about amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting stuffed toys, and use it to make a collection of cute, magical creatures. Easy patterns for critters like griffins and caticorns are simple enough for beginners while also offering plenty of fun for experienced enthusiasts. The book includes information on building your tool kit, clear step-by-step instructions to review essential crochet techniques, including the magic ring and single and double crochet, as well as fun stitches like the picot, and easy crochet patterns. Make dazzling dragons, marvelous mermaids, and more, with 20 simple amigurumi patterns that will have you crocheting with confidence.

Crochet Magical Creatures: 20 Easy Amigurumi Patterns is a solid instructional guide and well organized. I do like that the book includes a basic crochet refresher, because if you have put down your hook for awhile sometimes a refresher is good, and it is great instruction for newer crafters that might not know all of the terms and techniques yet. It also helps to clarify the stitches, because anyone that has studied crochet patterns from other countries might have discovered that even the basics like double and half double can mean different things in different countries. I learned that the hard way. I thought the patterns and instructions were all well worded and easy to follow. I also thought that the collection of creatures was nicely varied and there were some that were new to me. This is a fun and well done book on the topic for those getting started in amigurumi. For many crafters I think this will be a resource to borrow from the library or share with friends rather than a permanent addition to a personal library, but it is still very well done. 

Early Book Review: Knot Bad Amigurumi: Learn Crochet Stitches and Techniques to Create Cute Creatures with 25 Easy Patterns by Vincent Green-Hite

Knot Bad Amigurumi: Learn Crochet Stitches and Techniques to Create Cute Creatures with 25 Easy Patterns by Vincent Green-Hite is currently scheduled for release on November 8 2022. Create the unexpected: a smiling rocket ship, a jubilant glass of boba tea, a joyful acorn, a breezy beach hat, and much more. These modern characters spring from the imagination of crochet artist Vincent Green-Hite (Instagram: @knot.bad; TikTok: @knotbad), who loves sharing his designs and techniques with the world. In addition to beginner-friendly patterns, the book includes a rundown of basic materials such as yarns and hooks, step-by-step stitch tutorials, instructions for embroidering appealing faces, advice on working with color, and ideas for customizing patterns.  You’ll learn how to give your amigurumi a clean, professional look with easy methods for stuffing, attaching, and finishing pieces. Build your skills and become a more confident creative as you work your way through each charming pattern.

Knot Bad Amigurumi is a well written and organized instructional book. I thought the information of supplies and technique were accessible and understandable, and I think novice crocheters will find it that way as well. My favorite thing about this book is that the designs and projects are different. They are not the some animals, creatures, and objects that you can find in a hundred other books and online. They are also very cute. I am very much looking forward to trying my hand at several of these patterns. I will say that I learned something, because I never really thought about 'Yarn Punk" even though I never really felt like I fit in with the typical fiber arts folks, or really wanted to. I like the emphasis here on crafting the style and way you want to, without trying to fit a particular mindset or the expectations of others. I wholly support that idea and always have, and love seeing that individuality encouraged here. 

Book Review: Super Easy Crochet for Beginners: Learn Crochet with Simple Stitch Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips by Deborah Burger

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners: Learn Crochet with Simple Stitch Patterns, Projects, and Tons of Tips is a nonfiction resource by Deborah Burger. Want to learn how to crochet but are not sure how to start? With Super Easy Crochet for Beginners, adapted from Deborah Berger’s best-selling Crochet 101, you will feel confident in your skills quickly and eliminate frustrating mistakes and missteps. Learn what you need, how to read patterns, how to select yarn, and how to troubleshoot problems and turn yarn into charming knitted accessories and clothing. Building skills through fun projects, you will find success quickly and easily while actually making something, giving you the confidence to try another project. This is a comprehensive beginning crochet book, yet it won’t overwhelm you with details and instruction you don’t need or want, so you can start enjoying your crochet hobby immediately.

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners is the book I wish I had fifteen years ago when I taught myself to crochet via books, YouTube, and helpful advise fro fellow crafters after my childhood lessons on the subject failed me. Event after years or crochet, sewing, embroidery, and other crafts I had somehow never finished a project by felting, so I still learned something new even as a more experienced crocheter.  The projects are nicely varied and cover the skills and questions that new or struggling crocheters often need clarification on. My only issue is one I commonly have with this kind of guide- while the patterns are well written and the instructions easy to follow and great starting points they are also generally (with some exceptions) something that few of us actually want more of in our house, or that others would be overjoyed to receive as gifts. They are great starting points, and good ways to try new stitches and skills or to bolster confidence before trying something new, but not something many of us would make repeatedly to hone our skills. repeating a pattern you feel you mastered and enjoyed, and looks more difficult that it is results in a box of fancy shawls that it is way too hot to wear. Trust me, I know from experience.

Super Easy Crochet for Beginners definitely lives up to the title and is a great starting point. 

Book Review: Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini

Fuckless: A Guide to Wild, Unencumbered Freedom by Gianna Biscontini is intended to guide women through the process of liberating themselves from the ten archaic, stifling expectations (a.k.a. Fucks) society has placed on them for over a century, so they can finally live life on their own terms. It uses  humor, storytelling, and a healthy dash of behavioral science, to teach readers how to leave it all behind, dropping the beliefs that no longer fit, and creating a new narrative about what it means to be female—and what, exactly, life looks like from here. Full of thoughtful questions, gut-check exercises, and interview content from both men and women, Fuckless is a book with a mission—to give women the applicable tools they need to change the way they show up in the world, and to pour gasoline on the fire of the women's movement.

Fuckless is a guide to letting go of the preconceived notions we have about who we are supposed to be, and how we should live our lives. To let go of all the little bits of societal norms that have shaped us over the years and made so many of us afraid to step out of line.  This does not mean stopping doing thing that honestly give us joy, even if they do fit the narrative, it is more about being more authentically ourselves and caring less about how other people see us. Its also about taking ownership of our own choices, not blaming them for expecting us to conform, but in the little (and not so little) things we do, think, and say to avoid conflict or uncomfortable feelings for everyone. I like that the author admits her place of privilege- and stresses that every one and their situation is different so that nothing is one size fits all. I also like that while the book is definitely about empowering women to be their most authentic self, and to break out of the boxes we feel confined in, she stresses self awareness, accountability, and taking stock of our own choices rather than just blindly blaming others and society. I really like that the author includes access to the references and resources used in the book on her website. Sometimes you see a study referenced in an article or book and want to see more about how the study was done, and perhaps some raw data to see if the interpretation is skewed by unconscious bias, and this access allows us more curious folks to follow up on those questions. However, for those that do not like to seek out extra information it does not clog up the read, and for those curious but not enough to go hunting there is a good deal of related information in the endpages. A little something for all kinds of readers, which I appreciate. 

Fuckless is an honest and open book about figuring out what you want, what could be holding you back, and taking control of your life and choices in order to be the most authentic self you can. I think it will resonate and help those that pick up the book. 

Early Book Review: Knots for Kids by Buck Tilton and Christine Conners

Knots for Kids by Buck Tilton and Christine Conners is currently scheduled for release on June 1 2022. This nonfiction book delivers relevant, curated content perfect for kids. Information on choosing the best knot for the situation, tying different types of common knots and hitches, selecting the best kinds of rope, and much more are covered. With step-by-step instructions (for both righties and lefties!) on tying the most used and useful knots, this is the perfect book to teach children how to tie knots like the experts.

Knots for Kids is a great resource for kids and adults alike. I learned a great deal from this book. It has been more years than I care to admit since my Girl Scout days, and this was both a refresher course for the basics and some new information on terminology and skills that I had either long forgotten or never learned. I thought the photographs and illustrations were extremely helpful, and clarified things more than words alone would have. I thought the instructions were easy to understand, the book well organized, and the information interesting and valuable. I liked that why and how to use each not was included, and the fun facts were a nice bit of extra information. This would be a good addition to a personal library and public and school libraries as well.

Early Book Review: Weed-Free Gardening: A Comprehensive and Organic Approach to Weed Management by Tasha Greer

Weed-Free Gardening: A Comprehensive and Organic Approach to Weed Management by Tasha Greer is currently scheduled for release on April 12 2022. It offers readers clear and easy-to-undertake methods to get weeds under control without the need for potentially harmful synthetic herbicides. The book helps readers control annual weeds by disrupting their natural lifecycle, learn the whys, hows, and whens of weed-inhibiting mulching techniques, eliminate deep-rooted perennial weeds by eradicating them at their source, meet the best and most effective weeding tools available to homeowners, discover many ways to keep weeds out of the vegetable garden while ensuring healthy and productive soil, and Implement a practical plan to gain long-term control over weeds. There are also resources for weed identification, tips for getting rid of invasive plants, useful ideas for handling areas completely overtaken by weeds, and dozens of “weed hacks” to make life in the garden so much more beautiful.

Weed-Free Gardening is a well written and organized book. I found that it could stand up well to reading cover to cover or by reading the sections you need most or want to study up on. I like that the suggestions and explanations are realistic and understandable. I liked that the author acknowledged that no solution is perfect, because nature is amazing and every yard, region, and gardener is a little different. However, I loved that the history, science, and personal stories are woven in together to give readers the best foundation of information to figure out what they want to try, what is most likely to suit their needs, and how to adjust as they try things. I thought the information was clearly worded, easy to follow and understand, and paired with images that brought it all together. I was just planning this year's garden, and this book has given me some great ideas and helped to shift some of my gardening notions that just might have been part of my weed issues. I look forward to trying out some of the new tips and tricks that are now part of my knowledge base.  I wish I had more room on my gardening bookshelf so I could add it to my collection. I just might splurge on a copy even though I am out of room. 

Early Book Review: The Modern Proper: Simple Dinners for Every Day by Holly Erickson; Natalie Mortimer

The Modern Proper: Simple Dinners for Every Day by Holly Erickson and Natalie Mortimer is currently scheduled for release on April 5 2022. For pretty much everyone, life gets busy—but you still want to cook up a good meal. Ideally a meal  that is accessible, efficient, and doesn’t sacrifice any of the delicious flavors you love. This book can expand your “go-to” list and help you become a more intuitive, creative cook. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, a busy parent or a workaholic, this book will arm you with tools, tricks, and shortcuts to get dinner on the table. Every ingredient is easy to find, plus you’ll find plenty of swaps and options throughout. Each of the 100 recipes (some all-time fan favorites and many brand-new) includes prep time, cook time, and quick-reference tags. Recipes include: Stuffed Chicken Breast with Mozzarella and Creamy Kale, Stir-Fried Pork Cutlets with Buttermilk Ranch, Sweet Cider Scallops with Wilted Spinach, Tofu Enchiladas with Red Sauce, and more. 

The Modern Proper is a well organized and comprehensive cookbook. I found that the descriptions, instructions, and suggestions were all well thought out and written. I like that the recipes leave plenty of room for home cooks to use the vegetables and ingredients that work best for their family. The recipes are pretty varied and do use mostly common, or at least readily available, ingredients for those that have good supermarkets accessible to them.  There were several recipes that I would love to try for an adult only meal. However, I have to admit that I found most of the meals a little to involved and fussy for my house, aside from special occasions. For those that love cooking and entertaining, or have the family interest in trying new foods, this would be a great cookbook. I enjoyed looking at the photographs, and gleaned a few tips and inspirations, but this is not a book that would be added to my personal library. I think there are people that love to cook like this, and I think they will love this book and have the time and resources to put the recipes inside to good use. 

Book Review: Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control by Jessica Walliser

Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden, Second Edition: A Natural Approach to Pest Control by Jessica Walliser is updated with new research, insights, and voices in order to teach readers how to create a healthy, balanced, and diverse garden capable of supporting a hard-working crew of beneficial pest-eating insects and eliminate the need for synthetic chemical pesticides. After an introduction to the predator and prey cycle and its importance to both wild ecosystems and home gardens, you'll meet dozens of pest-munching beneficial insects (the predators) that feast on garden pests (their prey). From ladybugs and lacewings to parasitic wasps and syrphid flies, these good guys of the bug world keep the natural system of checks and balances in prime working order. They help limit pest damage and also serve a valuable role in the garden's food web. With a hearty population of beneficial insects present in your garden, you'll say goodbye to common garden pests like aphids, cabbage worms, bean beetles, leafhoppers, and hornworms, without reaching for a spray can. To encourage these good guys to stick around and do their important work, you'll learn how to create a welcoming habitat and fill your garden with the best plants to support them.

Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden is a valuable resource for gardeners that would prefer to avoid using chemicals on their lawn, garden, or landscape in general. I like that the author includes personal experience as well as the science and benefits of this approach.I like that interviews with entomologists and detailed information on the lives of  some of the specific insects and plants talked about are included. I found the tips on creating a space that encourages beneficial insects to call home to be valuable and interesting. Information on companion planting, and how various plants and insects interact was thoroughly explained and I definitely learned a great deal from this book. I found the content to be well organized, which makes it good for reading straight through of focusing on a specific topic of interest when you need it. I thought it could be a valuable resource for new and experienced gardeners. The information is accessible, but still provides a great depth of information. I also liked that there is a usable index and recommended resources included at the end of the book. This always makes me happy. Perhaps, with this newfound knowledge, I can manage to solve the issues I have with a particular corner of my yard. 

Attracting Beneficial Bugs to Your Garden would be a valuable addition to a gardener's personal library as well as in public libraries. 

Early Book Review: Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals: 15 Adorable Crochet Patterns by Kristi Simpson is currently scheduled for release on January 19 2022. With some simple stitches and a little stuffing, amigurumi is a charming style of crochet that’s great for beginners. A project guide for any crafter of any skill level, this book offers readers 15 crochet patterns, including a hippo, panda, unicorn, hedgehog, giraffe, and so many more. Opening with an introduction on the basics, each project that follows features easy-to-follow instructions, how-to crochet illustrations, photo step-outs for detail work, and other helpful tips and tricks. Also included are detailed sections on how to read an amigurumi pattern, as well as stitch guides. Have fun making the most charming plush toys, all while you fall in love with crochet!

Anyone Can Crochet Amigurumi Animals is a well written guide to crafters that are new to crochet, or just getting started in projects that require more small work than the scarf and blankets that most of us found our confidence and rhythm for crochet with. The instructions are clear and well written, and the tips and trick included will be helpful to many novice and beginner crocheters. I did not find the patterns to be terribly unique, but they did offer a good set of basic skills that will be useful as newcomers attempt more complex problems in the future. There was one formatting issue- that I have full faith with be rectified before final printing- that honestly made me smile as I read. All of the images in my electronic galley were upside down or sideways. Like I said, I am sure the final version will not be like this, but it made my read through just a bit more interesting and has no consideration in my review or number of stars granted to the book.

Book Review: Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros by Julia Herz; Gwen Conley

Beer Pairing: The Essential Guide from the Pairing Pros by Julia Herz; Gwen Conley is a resource to guide both beginners and beer geeks in pairing beer with food. As you start your journey you’ll learn how aroma, taste, preference, and personal experience can affect flavor. Just as important, you’ll become a tasting Anarchist—throw out the conventional advice and figure out what works for you! Begin with beer styles, start with your favorite foods, or join the authors on a series of wild palate trips. From classics like barbecue ribs with American Brown Ale to unusual matches like pineapple upside-down cake with Double India Pale Ale, you’ll learn why some pairings stand the test of time and you’ll find plenty of new ideas as well. Discover: How we experience flavor and the science and anatomy behind it and how to taste beer, step by step, with pouring and glassware tips. Discover pairings by beer style and specific foods,  information for planning beer dinners, how to work beer into your cooking repertoire, ad tips and stories from pro brewers. Geek Out science features with facts to impress your friends Never look at beer—or food—the same way again!

Beer Pairing is a great resource for beer beginners, those that regularly enjoy beer, and those looking to elevate their beer experiences in the future. I think the book does a good job of explaining the complexities of beer itself, and the intricacies of tastes and pairings. The awareness that the aspects of the food, beer, and the palate of each taster each have their role to play- and that just because something works for others you might vary- is pointed out and there is no shamed leveled at those that might not like something just because it is deemed popular. I thought the book was well organized, and the explanations and examples were well done and accessible to novices and beer experts alike. There was detailed analysis of just about everything involved on the subject, and some people might be overwhelmed by the amount of ground covered, but the use of well chosen images and sections by experienced beer individuals break up what might otherwise to too dense to enjoy. I also liked that the authors included detailed citation documentation, which makes further reading much easier for those looking for more. The index also makes it easier for those looking for information on a singular type of beer or food to pair. 

Beer Pairing is a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone that wants to know more about beer, and how to match the perfect beer and food to match your mood and palate.

Early Book Review: How to Hold Animals by Toshimitsu Matsuhashi

 How to Hold Animals by Toshimitsu Matsuhashi is a non fiction book for children and adults alike that want to learn from the experts (a pet shop owner, a veterinarian, a wildlife photographer, and a reptile handler) about how to pick up and hold dozens of species of animals. From great to small, furry, scaly, and feathery, including snails, chipmunks, chickens, chinchillas, stag beetles, lizards, hamsters, owls, grasshoppers, mice, and more. Chock full of fascinating facts, interviews with experts, and full-color photos on every page. It is currently scheduled for release on November 3 2020. 

How to Hold Animals is a wonderful resource for animal lovers that want to get hands on with their favorite creatures in a safe and respectful way. I really enjoyed the combination of great photographs, practical information, and additional interesting information about each creature. I think readers can use this book in several ways, as pointed out in the book's introduction. Readers could simply enjoy the photographs, which are well worth the time. Readers can also look at the information about the creatures they have the most interaction or interest in, or those that they are likely to see in the wild around them. They can also be like me, and read the text from cover to cover in an attempt to retain as much of the information as possible. I highly recommend adding this book to the collection of animal enthusists of all ages, although I think those going into animal care or inspiring to will get the most from this book. In fact, I think my daughter just might be getting a copy for Christmas since this is her favorite field of study.  

Book Review: Foil Pack Dinners: 100 Delicious, Quick-Prep Recipes for the Grill and Oven by Julia Rutland

Foil Pack Dinners: 100 Delicious, Quick-Prep Recipes for the Grill and Oven by Julia Rutland offers readers a variety of meals with less than an hour of cooking time. Steaming food in packets has been a tried and tested method of cooking that the French and Italians have used for generations. Perfect for grilling, campfire cooking, or making a quick meal in the oven, there’s absolutely no other cooking method out there that’s as fast, fun, mess-free, and versatile as foil packs. Recipes include Chicken Cordon Bleu, Pepperoni Cheese Bread, Louisiana-Style BBQ Shrimp, Black Bean Enchiladas, and Summer Squash Spirals with Ricotta and Basil. With recipes for both carnivores and vegetarians alike, this book includes a little something for everyone.

Foil Pack Dinners is a book that grabbed my attention easily. We have all been cooking more at home, and now that we are in the heat of summer using the grill or quick and easy options are priority. Getting to try something new and different, that I can still tailor to my family's taste is great too. I like that the author gave more detail about the different kinds of foil, and the logistics of folding, moving, and cooking in foil packets before getting to the recipes. I thought I would already know the majority of it, but I learned a great deal and it helped me have a much more enjoyable and successful experience when I started doing this more often. I found the recipes themselves to be very clear and easy to follow, and nicely varied and with plenty of room for personalization. There is a great deal of fresh produce and various spices used- so as always read through the recipes first to make sure you have all the called for ingredients- or something you would like to substitute. I am still finding random things missing from store shelves, so planning ahead and with specific recipes or possibilities in mind is important. I thought the recipes were well organized. I like that the metric conversion charts were included at the end of the book, and thought that the images used nicely represented the food described. 

Foil Pack Dinners is a well written and organized cookbook. I recommend giving it a look, but think that for myself it would be a library borrow rather than a purchase since I have no cookbook shelving space left.

Book Review: Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Delicate Crochet: 23 Light and Pretty Designs for Shawls, Tops and More by Sharon Hernes Silverman

Light, airy pieces crocheted in fine yarns show off the beauty of your crochet stitches and are a dream to wear! The shawls, cardigans, tops, and other designs in this collection are light as a feather, super soft, and made to drape beautifully across your body. These lacy pieces are fun to crochet and very versatile. Change up the yarns to create looks for day or night, work or play, city or suburbs. Pattern contributors include Kristin Omdahl, Robyn Chachula, Marty Miller, Amy Solovay, Vashti Braha, and others known for their innovative, gorgeous crochet designs. Each of the 23 patterns includes full written instructions and charts as needed. All special stitches are fully explained and skill levels range from easy to advanced.

Delicate Crochet is a well written collection of patterns, and the special stitches are well explained. I liked some of the patterns very much; the Flirt Cardigan, Lacy Sleeveless Cardigan, and Lotus Wrap were my favorites. I also liked some of the lace stitches and borders that were used elsewhere. The beadwork in the necklace pattern and the Tunisian crochet are skills that might be new to many, and are not something I have yet mastered- however only because I have not invested the time into the process. I also have to say that a lace or open crochet stitch skirt is something I never thought to make or wear, even to wear with leggings, except if one were wearing it more as a wrap or something with a dress or pants. So, at least one of the patterns was a hard no for me.

However, none of the patterns rally struck me as completely new or fresh. For crocheters that do not have access to resources like Ravelry this might be worth the investment, but for most crafters I would recommend visiting the local library to borrow this book to learn a few new stitches and try their hand at some of the patterns. 

Book Review: 5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook: Easy Dinners from Your Skillet, Dutch Oven, Sheet Pan & More by Linda Kurniadi

5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook: Easy Dinners from Your Skillet, Dutch Oven, Sheet Pan & More by Linda Kurniadi offers readers a selection of one pot meals to help make meal planning and cooking easier, more enjoyable, and healthy. From waking up with a Tex-Mex Omelette to winding down your day with Chicken Cordon Bleu or a Ravioli and Spinach Bake for dinner, this cookbook offers low-effort, delicious dishes that need only one pot and 5 main ingredients to make. With most recipes requiring only 30 minutes or less to prepare, cook, and serve—and others that only take 20 minutes or less— the 5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook gets you in and out of the kitchen in no time at all. The book also includes shopping and storage tips, along with an overview of cooking techniques for every piece of cookware. It is organized by cooking vessel and features skillet, saucepan, Dutch oven, sheet pan, baking dish, roasting pan, and no-cook bowl recipes.

5-Ingredient One Pot Cookbook was a well organized and useful resource. I like the way the book is organized, the information given on the different cookware, and how tips to adapt recipes to change ingredients or cooking tools can be done. Since I changed jobs this past summer, I have become more intent on meal planning and keeping the dishes simple, since my husband has had to take over the actual cooking part. I get the groceries, some of the prep work, and gather everything together for cooking ease. This also means a slow cooker meal about once a week. The recipes in the book help me get new recipes together, while not making my husband feel like a short order cook or under pressure to put together something complicated- while still mixing things up a little and making food the whole family will eat. It is hard to meet all those requirements in a single meal, but some of these recipes will fit the bill, or inspired me. The instructions and information is easy to understand and put into practice. I learned some great tips that I had never heard before, and am looking forward to trying out some new dishes.

Book Review: The Fortnite Guide to Staying Alive: Tips and Tricks for Every Kind of Player by Damien Kuhn

The Fortnite Guide to Staying Alive: Tips and Tricks for Every Kind of Player by Damien Kuhn

What do World Cup soccer players, Drake, and 125 million other people have in common? They all play Fortnite! And now with The Fortnite Guide to Staying Alive, anyone can survive the island and take their game to the next level. This must-have guide has something for every kind of player: game mode overviews for Battle Bus beginners, detailed weapon and item stats for initiates, and advanced building strategies for veterans. With The Fortnite Guide to Staying Alive, you have everything you need to max out each season and have fun doing it.

The Fortnite Guide to Staying Alive: Tips and Tricks for Every Kind of Player is a book that was very helpful to me. My son and husband started playing over the summer, and I have not been of much help to them when they got stuck or fustrated- or had a question. The information is laid out in a logical and accessible format, which made it easy to find specific topics or information as I needed it. I think the general information gives new players a good information base with which to start and to find their own preferences and playing style.  However, some of the information and formatting is off. In particular they list the game as being available for Android, which it is not yet. I know because I am waiting to be able to download it for my Chromebook. I have not been playing myself so I am unsure if any of the other information is inaccurate. There were a few spots where the header for an image was on the page before the actual image and related information- which could have easily been fixed. The images and the descriptions themselves seemed to be well done.

The Fortnite Guide to Staying Alive: Tips and Tricks for Every Kind of Player was a useful, but not perfect resource. I think it is a solid introduction for those that are just getting started, or that have jump in but need more information to succeed. 

Book Review: Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment by Shelley Levis

Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment by Shelley Levis is for readers that want to grow some of their own food in their kitchen. Whether you have a huge yard in a warm climate or a tiny apartment in a city with harsh winters, you can grow edibles year-round in the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen. The book walks readers through the challenges, benefits, and how-tos of growing inside and presenting the wide array of methods available. In addition to going over the pros and cons of a wide range of ready-made hydroponic, aquaponic, and vertical gardening systems, author Shelley Levis describes how to make your own DIY setups--from simple space-saving container designs to more creative and complex soil-free solutions. 

Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment is a well organized and comprehensive guide to growing indoors. The book detailed the factors necessary in growing indoors and the variety of needs plants can have. She also offered solutions and tips for the majority of problems that gardeners might face, as well as sharing some of the difficulties that she has faced over the years.  I like that Levis listed several different types of growing mediums and methods, this was not just another book about making sure your indoor plants get enough light and water. Instead she detailed the whys and hows as well as offering commercial and do-it-yourself options for getting a kitchen (or house-wide really) indoor garden going. THe included recipes and index at the end of the book were helpful as well. I already have some visions of rearranging my kitchen and den to make room for some herbs, spinach, and lettuce. Since light is usually what my plants are lacking- and some of the products suggested were already on my wish list- I feel better prepared to make this happen.

 

Countertop Gardens: Easily Grow Kitchen Edibles Indoors for Year-Round Enjoyment is a great resource for growing indoors, and can offer valuable information and inspiration for gardeners that want to move some of their efforts indoors. 

Book Review: Better Living Through Origami: 20 Creative Paper Projects for a Beautiful Home by Nellianna van den Baard, Kenneth Veenenbos

Better Living Through Origami: 20 Creative Paper Projects for a Beautiful Home by Nellianna van den Baard and Kenneth Veenenbos invites readers to take papercraft to a new creative level. Learn how to create 20 items of functional home decor using simple, origami inspired paper folding and manipulation techniques, and then show off your DIY creations at the heart of your home. There are step-by-step illustrations to guide readers through the projects, which include beautiful lampshades, creative wall art ideas, an ingenious clock, pretty garlands and decorations, unique vases, candle holders, plant holders, decorative bowls and more. Using readily available paper and card stock, readers can create some stunning designer accents for your home for a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions.

Better Living Through Origami is a craft and decorating book that is different from anything I have tried before. Oh, I have tried origami before- and never really excelled at it. However, I have never tried to include paper crafts into my home decorating. I like that there is a detailed explanation about the tools and materials readers will need to attempt the projects, and the detailed information about the terminology and techniques. Although I think the techniques and link to downloadable templates could have been moved towards the front of the book, before the first project so that readers could use that information to practice before finding a project they love, only to discover they will need to drastically increase their skill level before attempting it. I do like that the projects are labeled with their difficulty levels, to mitigate that sort of frustration.  Since I do have kids and cats, some of the ideas and designs simply would not survive my house. Others just do not fit with my style and tastes, but I could picture them fitting wonderfully in other people's homes or offices.  I did like some of the lamp shades and well decorations, and could admire the craftsmanship and skill that went into not just making these items, but designing and testing them in order to sell, and to share. I think the instructions are understandable, but I could not try them for myself since I did not have access to the diagrams, just the instructions and images of the finished projects. 

Better Living Through Origami is a well organized and written book. The digital copy I received via Netgalley did not include the diagrams, although did contain a link to downloadable templates. Without the diagrams to attempt some of the designs I cannot give it a higher rating, because I can not test the accuracy of the diagrams and their ease of use when combined with the instructions and templates.