Early Book Review: Silk, the Thread that Tied the World by Anthony Burton

Silk, the Thread that Tied the World by Anthony Burton is a nonfiction book currently scheduled for release on November 30 2021. Over a thousand years ago the Chinese discovered that the slender filaments that formed the cocoon of the silk moth, could be woven into beautiful shimmering fabrics. For centuries they were able to keep the process a secret, but eventually started to trade the valuable cloth with the west, along the silk road. Silk was a luxury item that bestowed prestige, so it was inevitable that the wealthy wanted there silks to be as elaborate as possible, beautiful designs were produced in the Islamic world and gradually a European industry developed. In the 19th century mechanization of the time consuming hand weaving process, had resulted in products being produced using the Jacquard loom, which used punched cards to create a pattern. Silk remains the most beautiful woven material in the world, moving from its origins in ancient China to help transform the whole world.

Silk, the Thread that Tied the World is a well researched and written book that taught me quite a bot about a topic I have never thought to explore before. I thought the history of the industry was interesting to read, and the descriptions and chosen images were nicely matched. I thought the writing was accessible and generally easy to follow. I will admit to getting bogged down in some of the more technical explanations, such as the innovations and functionality of the looms. I might have also liked to see a more extensive bibliography or suggestions for further reading on this topic and related subjects, as I enjoy follow done the rabbit whole in researching subjects once my interest in piqued on a topic.  However, as a whole I enjoyed the read and learned quite a bit. I think those interested in the subject will not want to miss this read, and other will learn a great deal and enjoy the read as well.

Early Book Review: Friends Change the World: We Are the NASA Scientists by Zoë Tucker, Amanda Quartey

We Are the NASA Scientists, written by Zoë Tucker and illustrated by Amanda Quartey, is part of the Friends Change the World series and is currently scheduled for release on November 30 2021. This picture book tells the story of two scientists who worked together side by side to send humans into space. Mary Jackson was super smart. She loved math and science, and she loved to learn. When Mary got a job at NASA, it was a dream come true! But this was a time when Black people were segregated from white people, and Mary had to fight hard for every opportunity. In 1953, Mary started working alongside Kaz Czarnecki. They soon realized how much they could share and teach each other. The two were from completely different backgrounds, but it didn't matter at all—they had so much in common. This was the beginning of a friendship that lasted for decades. Together, they worked on amazing experiments and achieved incredible things, like working to land astronauts on the moon.

We Are the NASA Scientists is a well written book that shares the story of how two scientists came together to make great discoveries and small changes towards equal right while following their dreams. I liked the honest and straight way prejudice and discrimination was  handled. It showed that treating people differently because of race or gender was wrong, but still focused on the persistence, intelligence, and determination of the people involved. I liked the way the support of family, friends, and colleagues was included in that as well, because overcome systemic barriers usually require some encouragement and support. I thought the illustrations were well done, showing the emotions of the individuals and hinting at things were not outright stated but important to Mary's story. 

Book Review: Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson

Super Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 Fresh as F*ck Designs by Julie Jackson offers crafters snarky inspirations they. The book features 50 patterns (23 brand-new designs and 27 fan favorites) along with easy-to-follow instructions for the beginner and fonts and designs for adventurous crafters looking to customize their creations. It recasts a traditional, dare we say "sentimental," craft into a modern,
relevant art form. It's the latest offering in the Subversive Cross Stitch brand, beloved by legions of DIYers. Less messy than graffiti, Super Subversive Cross Stitch allows crafters to adorn walls with political pith and irreverent twists on classic quotes ("I think, therefore I drink," "Let the good times be gin").

Super Subversive Cross Stitch is not for the prim and proper crafter, and I do not recommend gifting any of these creations to those that you do not know well, or would not enjoy the humor. I thought the chosen designs offered a good selection of what one would expect from this author and what the title promises. I thought the grids, instructions, and information on techniques were all well done, easy to understand, and entertaining in their own right. Most importantly I thought the author's encouragement to try new things and embrace mistakes made this book even better. The support and tools to try and create this designs and more, create your own and explore options and your own creativity could be the difference between someone trying something new and sticking with it and them giving up after a few mistakes think they just cannot be good at this. I really appreciated the tone, encouragement, and creativity in this book. While I might not be making these to give away for the holidays, I will be keeping some of these in reserve for the perfect moment and right recipient. 

Early Book Review: Pies Are Awesome: The Definitive Pie Art Book: Step-by-Step Designs for All Occasions by Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin

Pies Are Awesome: The Definitive Pie Art Book: Step-by-Step Designs for All Occasions by Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin is currently scheduled for release on November 23 2001. The pie art projects in this book are centered around some of our most popular and cherished celebrations in the hopes that they will encourage you to develop your own tasty new traditions with friends and family. The ample step-by-step photos take you through Jessica’s easy-to-follow, groundbreaking pie art techniques, while the writing style encourages experimentation and creative discovery. From decorative patterns to more elaborate themes, the pie art designs in this book, ranging from easy to difficult, for novice and experienced bakers alike, include amazing-looking and -tasting pies to celebrate Birthdays (children and adults)Weddings, Baby Showers, New Year’s Eve/Day, Super Bowl, Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, Pi Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Bastille Day, Diwali, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. The book also includes tricks for working with your own tried-and-true dough recipes and store-bought dough; modifications to personalize projects; and online resources for printable templates, pie communities, friendly challenges, and more.

Pies Are Awesome offers readers exactly what the title promises. The information and techniques are well described with easy to follow instructions. The tone of the writing is fun, occasionally geeky, and simply very personable. I liked that the author stressed the importance for certain steps or actions for success, they also encouraged creativity and trying things your own way to find out what works best to fit their own needs. They never seemed to take themselves too seriously or became condescending or superior in their writing tone, which sometimes happens in this type of book. As someone who enjoys baking and has always been a bit intimidated by dealing with pie crust in general, this book made the prospect both more and less intimidating at the same time. She made everything seem so doable, but the photographs of some of the completed pies are just so beautiful and complex that it still feels a bit daunting. If I do attempt some of this pie art, I think I will start with some of the simpler projects, like the Monster Mouth pie. I love that the author included encouragement ad inspiration for people to tackle this edible art for, and included resources for templates and further information to readers that want to explore the art and community involved in it if they so choose. 

Book Review: True Dead (Jane Yellowrock) by Faith Hunter

True Dead is the most resent installment of the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter Yes, you really do need to read this series in order- and if you enjoy audiobooks this series is done wonderfully in that format. 

Jane used to hunt vampires, but now she’s their queen. She’s holed up in the mountains with the Yellowrock Clan, enjoying a little peace, when a surprise attack on her people proves that trouble is brewing. Someone is using very old magic to launch a bid for power, and it’s all tied to the place where Jane was first drawn into the world of Leo Pellissier—the city of New Orleans.  Jane is compelled to return to NOLA because someone is trying to destabilize the paranormal world order. And because she now sits near the top of the vampire world, the assault is her problem. She will do what she must to protect what’s hers. Her city. Her people. Her power. Her crown.

True Dead is exactly what I needed for the continuation of this series. Jane and her chosen family have been through a lot, and this book starts just as the next wave is about to roll in. I liked the continued character growth for Jane, and her growing awareness about how much is at stake, and how much rides not just on her choices but on her very survival. I was thankful for the moments of Jane's trying to figure out all the important players, and what is likely to come next, included her running through important bits from past books to remind me (and other readers) of moments that might have been forgotten or deemed less important. It helped me get back into the swing of the adventure and layers of planning involved in the larger story line. I was glad to see certain story arcs play out, and interested to see where some of the new threads lead us all. This is very much not for newcomers to the series.

True Dead is a great addition to the series, fans will want to pick it up and dive in. 

Book Review: Would You Like To Be A Family? by Koyama

Would You Like To Be A Family? by Koyama is a collection of three very different relationships in this intimate collection of short Boys Love stories in manga graphic novel format. 

Families come in many shapes and sizes, and these three are no different! Takemura is a loner with little interest in socializing with others. Bullied in high school for being gay, he prefers to spend time by himself so he won't get hurt again. When he runs into his bright, friendly coworker Natsui in the supermarket, he's surprised to find out that he's a single father... and even more surprised to be invited to dinner, with no room to decline! Kuma is a good guy, but due to his constant scowl and rough appearance is often dismissed as a deadbeat. When he oversees his friend's older brother break up with his boyfriend, Yagi, Kuma becomes intrigued with this attractive stranger and slowly, his curiosity begins to blossom into a crush. Kodama is a reserved psychology major who is approached by the loud, outgoing Harada when he falls ill on his way home. It turns out the two of them study at the same university, and Harada insists the two become friends. But as they spend more time with one another, Kodama begins to question how he truly feels.

Would You Like To Be A Family? is a graphic novel about love and family that is heartfelt and well written. I thought the artwork was well done and did a great job of capturing the emotion and mood of each character and scene. I will say that because of the fact that the manga was one larger love story with two related tales, I did have some trouble connecting with the characters and getting fully invested in the story. However, I think there more positives than negatives here. The stories are told well in the short format, I just prefer a little more depth to even insta love stories. That being said, I think there are many readers that will really enjoy this read. 

Book Review: Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure by Jeff Jensen, George Schall

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure, written by Jeff Jensen and illustrated by George Schall, is a graphic novel inspired by the true story of Kate Warne, America’s first female detective and her signature achievement--cracking a plot by Confederate radicals to kill Abraham Lincoln. America is at a crossroads. Secession is spreading. And the nation’s newly elected president is the target of a conspiracy to assassinate him and trigger a Civil War. The safety of Lincoln and his family—and the future of the American experiment—hinges on the success of a new kind of lawman, known by a word still novel in the culture of the time: detective. But there was only one who would prove to be up to the task—an individual whose extraordinary cleverness and resourcefulness would alter the course of history from deep within the shadows of domestic spycraft. Her name was Kate Warne. This is the story of America’s first female detective, a trailblazing working woman trying to make a living and do some good in a tumultuous, sexist age, and whose mysterious life and tall tale exploits are truly the stuff of legend.

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is a historical graphic novel that shares a bit of history many might not know. The truth of female detectives and what women went through in that time is something people do not always know, or think about if they know. I found the story of Kate and her found family to be fascinating, and while I know much of it was likely embellished or altered for a good story, the important truths are in there as well. I thought the artwork was extremely well done, capturing the period and emotions of the story with great effect. My biggest issue with the story is that I wanted more about Kate and her group after the adventure with the Lincolns, but before the scenes that framed the story here. I need more about what happened with each of her group, because I found myself just as concerned with the secondary characters as the main players. I think this will be a hot with many readers, and might start some into researching more about the female agents of Pinkerton. 

Better Angels: A Kate Warne Adventure is an engaging graphic novel. 

Book Review: America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: 30 Patterns of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments from becker&mayer! books

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch: 30 Patterns of America’s Most Iconic National Parks and Monuments from becker&mayer! books  contains 30 original cross stitch patterns, an introduction to each park or monument, and instructions on cross stitching techniques and suggested materials. The patterns include: Yellowstone National Park, Statue of Liberty, Great Smokey Mountains, Washington Monument, Arches National Park, Yosemite National Park, Appalachian Trail, Haleakala Volcano, and many more. The finished projects can be used to commemorate your favorite vacations or to personalize household items like tea towels, pillowcases, and backpacks.

America the Beautiful Cross Stitch offers readers exactly what the title promises. As someone that has always been a crafter, but has only picked up my cross stitch tools again after several years, I have to say I stumbled across this book at the exact right moment. I was able to look at the patterns and instructions both as someone that knows the terminology and sometimes needs a reminder of technique and tips. I thought that the chosen patterns were beautiful, and the information provided about the tools and techniques needed was accessible by all skill levels, but it might be a bit daunting for those new to the skills. I liked that the book also included information and pictures about the parks the patterns portray. This was a great touch to bring a bit more of the heart of those scenes into the final product, and maybe inspire another trip. I cannot get started on these after I finish my current project. 

Book Review: Witchy Coffee by Erin Ritch

Witchy Coffee by Erin Ritch is a magical romance. A fanciful coffee shop run by magical women. A barista that’s still trying to figure herself out. And a small town named Windia where the residents drink coffee and get into everyone’s business. When a stranger shows up in town and puts her family’s coffee shop in jeopardy, Florence Mackenzie has to step in and do something to protect them, whether that’s an Espresso Off challenge, sabotage, or a good old fashioned banishment spell. But after the Mackenize women try to create a buzz by experimenting with a new blend of coffee beans, the residents of Windia suddenly start falling in love with each other. Florence chalks it up to the spirit of the holiday season, but when she starts falling in love (with the competition, no less) Florence starts to wonder if there’s something more bewitching in the air - or in the coffee? 

Witchy Coffee started strong for me. I enjoyed the set up and the combination of witchy romance, enemies to lovers, and small town vibes. That all worked really well for me. I liked the complicated relationship between Florence and her family, and of the town she had left behind. I really enjoyed the secondary characters and how most of the action in the small town played out. I was engaged and invested in how every thing would come together and turn out. The family connections were fantastic, the small town support and quirks made me happy. The added drama of a noisy reporter and an ex just made things more interesting, even if they each had a couple odd moments for me. Then it felt like things went a bit off track. The last third of the book just felt different from the rest, it just felt like all the subtle magic was not enough and a resolution to the romance needed to be created quickly, so everything went into warp drive and it just did not fit in with the mood of the rest of the book. Then the final chapter wrapped everything up way too closely and neatly- in ways that just did not necessarily make sense to me but succeeded in getting everyone what they needed. 

Witchy Coffee is a fun and interesting romance. 

Early Book Review: Tidesong by Wendy Xu

Tidesong by Wendy Xu is a graphic novel currently scheduled for release on November 16 2021. Sophie is a young witch whose mother and grandmother pressure her to attend the Royal Magic Academy—the best magic school in the realm—even though her magic is shaky at best. To train for her entrance exams, Sophie is sent to relatives she’s never met. Cousin Sage and Great-Aunt Lan seem more interested in giving Sophie chores than in teaching her magic. Frustrated, Sophie attempts magic on her own, but the spell goes wrong, and she accidentally entangles her magic with the magic of a young water dragon named Lir. Lir is trapped on land and can’t remember where he came from. Even so, he’s everything Sophie isn’t—beloved by Sophie’s family and skilled at magic. With his help, Sophie might just ace her entrance exams, but that means standing in the way of Lir’s attempts to regain his memories. Sophie knows what she’s doing is wrong, but without Lir’s help, can she prove herself?

Tidesong gave me exactly what the blurbs recommending it to fans of Studio Ghibli and my knowledge of the author had me hoping for. A coming of age story full  of magic and a young girl figuring out who she is and what is really important. The characters are dynamic and well crafted, even those we do not see for long. The artwork is a perfect match for the characters and story, with some definite influence from anime. It just really worked and I could easily picture this as an animated movie. Sophie's personal struggles in loving herself and dealing with all the challenges that come with the age are on point and I think many readers will relate to her journey. I loved that other characters got to have growth as well, rather than just Sophie, and it shows that no matter how old or set in our ways we may become there is always room for more understanding and personal growth. This is another wonderful book from the author, and I cannot wait to see what she does in the future.  

Tidesong is a lovely graphic novel for middle grade and older readers. Magic, coming of age, and brilliant artwork will make this a favorite for many readers.