This book for readers ages 8 and up, nicely sums up the history of the My Little Pony world—how they began as Hasbro plastic toys in the 1980s to now,This book for readers ages 8 and up, nicely sums up the history of the My Little Pony world—how they began as Hasbro plastic toys in the 1980s to now, where they are considered a part of popular culture for all ages.
Do you have a favorite pony friend? I like Applejack because she’s hard-working and always willing to help. Yee-haw! ...more
Comet Chaser beautifully shows and tells the story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer. Originally from Hannover, Germany, Comet Chaser beautifully shows and tells the story of Caroline Herschel, the first professional woman astronomer. Originally from Hannover, Germany, Herschel moved to England to live with her brother William. Together, they mapped the sky using powerful telescopes that they built. Caroline Herschel discovered a comet and so impressed King George III that he placed her on his payroll. This children’s book introduces astronomy and women in astronomy in a lovely and inspiring manner....more
I appreciated Specter’s bravery and honesty in sharing her journey with binge eating disorder, body acceptance, and queerness. In More Please, SpecterI appreciated Specter’s bravery and honesty in sharing her journey with binge eating disorder, body acceptance, and queerness. In More Please, Specter gives the reader a detailed report of her past and current struggles with her own personal acceptance of who she really is—manifested mostly in the realm of her physicality. For her, the diet culture she felt herself surrounded in played a huge part in her barrier to self-acceptance and obsession with thinking about her body. Gaining weight alongside coming out helped her to come to terms with acceptance.
I related strongly to Emma as she described liking herself after gaining and maintaining a higher weight. I don’t advocate for people to do this or to get on the body positivity/fat acceptance train so to speak. However, it was nice to “meet” someone who experienced the same thing I did....more
I enjoyed learning more about Kamala's family, values, career and life as she narrated her own book. I enjoyed learning more about Kamala's family, values, career and life as she narrated her own book. ...more
I read Kamala Harris's The Truths We Hold to get to know her a little better. I wanted to learn about her family, her growing up, her educational and I read Kamala Harris's The Truths We Hold to get to know her a little better. I wanted to learn about her family, her growing up, her educational and career journey, etc. I read J.D. Vance's book for the same purpose.
In Hillbilly Elegy, Vance describes his upbringing in Kentucky and Ohio, areas of Appalachia and the Rust Belt. He credits his mamaw and papaw as the pair who raised him, making a profound difference in how he could climb out from his oppressed circumstances and reach for success via the Marine Corps, education, a career, a lovely wife, and to establish boundaries with his mother for a healthy relationship....more
This book is really weird. I wasn’t going to rate and certainly not write a review as I fear it went over my head. However, it was a fun, positive expThis book is really weird. I wasn’t going to rate and certainly not write a review as I fear it went over my head. However, it was a fun, positive experience for me and I should make note of that. I was confounded but never bored!
Irena Rey, a famous Polish author, is holding a summit at her home and eight of her favored translators are staying with her to work on translating her newest novel. The translators at first are called by their native language instead of their given names.
Irena disappears. Is it on purpose or did someone kidnap her?
The story is told from the perspective of the Spanish translator (but translated into English by the English translator). Oh by the way, Spanish does not get along with English. Due to Swedish, a man that Spanish wants all to herself. Peppered in the text are various footnotes that either clear up or muddy the waters about all of this.
The story unfolds as to what the group does to either find Irena or to find out what happened to her. It gets crazy.
I can tell Jennifer Croft is a fine writer and must be a terrific translator, hence the four stars. I did admire her command of language within the text. ...more
This guide is very convincing in its advice to achieve the best health as possible for middle aged and older adults.
There is a lot to like about this This guide is very convincing in its advice to achieve the best health as possible for middle aged and older adults.
There is a lot to like about this book. The authors' goal is not for the reader to reverse or stall the aging process. It is to make a lifestyle change to improve the body, mind, and spirit while going through the aging process.
The main of the book is getting the physical body in shape to live to the best quality of life at age 50, 60, and beyond. The authors contend that the quality of life as an older person is improved if the person can remain ambulatory (like being able to to sustain a fall without breaking a hip) and to be metabolically free of diseases.
They assert that if a woman exercises six days a week (4 aerobic; 2 weight training) for 40-60 minutes a day she can stave off the risks of heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, diabetes, etc. The continued exercise prevents hardening of the arteries and aerobic-intense exercise produce C-10 cells, which repair the body and reduce the production of C-6 cells, which inflame the body. That is a very basic statement--they go into greater detail.
Their diet advice is to "not eat junk." It's not to go on a diet per se but to do the exercises and eat as many whole foods as possible, rich in nutrition and fiber. They claim that the body will even out and manage it's proper weight after a year or so of living this lifestyle.
The last section deals with being sociable and having good relationships with people as a healthy social life ties into a healthy lifestyle. When we are older we may outlive our spouse or family members--would we have enough enriching connections with the persons in our circle?
Exercise. Eat less junk. Move and groove in your social circle. These factors help to make up a healthy lifestyle and lead to a great quality of life.
The book's drawbacks? The authors are both wealthy white men and I feel that they think their audience are just wealthy white WASPs in good health with maybe 20 pounds to lose.
Their financial advice for going into retirement? Downgrade your Lexus to another maker and sell your summer house (to only buy another summer home in a lesser desired location to save money). With the summer home, I thought they were going to suggest if you own multiple properties to sell them save one, not to downgrade them.
They try to use humor to get their points across but for many readers I fear the humor would be interpreted as insults made by two privileged (albeit hard-working and who I think have their hearts in the right place) men. I personally don't mind being called or thought of as a "fatty" or "walrus" as I am very fat. Some women would not care for that, though. The humor cloaks to my mind their personal judgmental behaviors, which I can tolerate. But I can't fully recommend the book to all women.
I've been slowly working toward the exercise/eating routine that they suggest.
There are other versions of Younger Next Year. I'm currently reading the "original" version. It seems to be geared more toward a male readership....more
This book reads very much like the women's version that I finished recently (my review on that book is more detailed). The authors advise that to age This book reads very much like the women's version that I finished recently (my review on that book is more detailed). The authors advise that to age well and healthfully we need to exercise six days a week (four aerobic and two strength training) for 40-60 minutes.
They advise to "eat less junk" ; not to necessarily try to go on a diet. Avoid the fried foods, the heavily processed foods, drink in moderation (if at all).
A goodly portion of the book is dedicated to the limbic system of the brain--that is to be connected with people. Longevity and good social relationships go hand-in-hand. Keep your friends and deepen friendships. Make new friends. Volunteer. Be part of things. Being a pet owner helps too!
They feel that if you do these things consistently, you'll be able to sustain a longer life and one that is not riddled with metabolic disease. The body can withstand more movement and injury prevention if it is worked every day.
They admit that sometimes in life we get dealt an unlucky hand and get diseases (such as cancer) that we may not have preventative control over simply by doing all the right things (diet, exercise, and social/spiritual connections). This one personally is really hard for me right now as my friend shared her serious cancer diagnosis with me yesterday. She's the epitome of health: she runs, hikes, bikes, swims, eats a very healthy diet, has never been overweight, etc. I look up to her. Why is my healthy friend at facing a cancer diagnosis in her early 50s?
I'm working their plan but I have a long way to go. I'm getting 10 minutes of good aerobic exercise during the weekdays and the recommended 40-60 minutes on the weekends. I'm eating less junk, simply because there are boatloads of veggies coming ready from our garden and we're getting and giving veggies from/to friends and family.
I'm personally doing better with social connectivity than with diet/exercise. I like the idea of volunteering. I lend a hand here and there but I'd like to do more. Lately I've been thinking about 5k races. There's one coming up that I'd like to help with set-up/take down and spectate if not participate in. ...more
A beautiful picture book formatted story about the American artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her move to New Mexico to homestead, garden, and paint. A beautiful picture book formatted story about the American artist Georgia O'Keeffe and her move to New Mexico to homestead, garden, and paint. ...more
Oh, to have been privileged to visit the African National Memorial Bookstore in Harlem! This picture book written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustOh, to have been privileged to visit the African National Memorial Bookstore in Harlem! This picture book written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie depicts the history of Mr. Lewis Micheaux and the opening and operating of his bookstore in the 1930s to its closing in the 1970s. Mr. Micheaux was the author's great uncle and this book culminates the years of research that she did, from oral interviews with his son Lewis Micheaux Jr. to finding archival records.
The African National Memorial Bookstore was a place for the Black community (and non-Blacks) to come and educate oneself by reading books and gathering to build the community. The store's offerings and space aided the Civil Rights Movement. Malcolm X, a friend of Mr. Micheaux's, spoke at the location.
Some folks would come and use the bookstore as a library, reading while at the store and not buying anything because they had no money. That was okay. Mr. Micheaux believed strongly in self-education. He'd say things like, "Knowledge is power. You need it every hour. Read a book!"...more
Bill Bryson in this book details the exposures to nature he and his friend "Stephen Katz" (a pseudonym) had while hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1996Bill Bryson in this book details the exposures to nature he and his friend "Stephen Katz" (a pseudonym) had while hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1996. Neither men were regular hikers (Stephen was described as being out of shape) but both were seeking an adventure. They began at Springer Mountain, Georgia, hiking south to north.
Bryson and Katz met many interesting people and animals along the arduous walk and many zany experiences were had. I laughed a lot during the reading of this book.
Being a Pennsylvanian, I was thrilled to read about Mr. Bryson being at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, a park my husband and I frequented a lot this summer for walking and bird-watching.
These two men logged some respectable miles in some very difficult terrain.
(view spoiler)[I have to admit I was a little disappointed that they did not reach Mt. Katahdin. It seemed like they were so close! (hide spoiler)]
My husband and I viewed the 2015 film last evening, starring Robert Redford, Nick Nolte, and Emma Thompson. It was a good film but I preferred the book....more
4.5: Mark Watney was left by accident on Mars and the next ship from Earth is not arriving for another four years. Mark is an engineer and botanist. W4.5: Mark Watney was left by accident on Mars and the next ship from Earth is not arriving for another four years. Mark is an engineer and botanist. We as the reader through his log entries find out what he’s doing to survive. His food sources are due to run out. His equipment is damaged. He’s all alone. We are permitted to see his resourcefulness and ingenuity as he constantly problem solves his predicament.
I really liked this story but not as much as Project Hail Mary. Ryland Grace and Rocky have Mark Watney beat imho. Both male characters are similar in my mind as they have self-deprecating humor and shared knowledge sets.
I watched the 2015 film several years back and was ‘meh’ about it. I’m going to watch again now that I finished the novel. ...more
Lois works with robotics in San Francisco. Her life is turned upside-down by two brothers who sell soup and sandwiches. Their sourdough bread is remarLois works with robotics in San Francisco. Her life is turned upside-down by two brothers who sell soup and sandwiches. Their sourdough bread is remarkable. One of the brothers, Beo, gives her a starter that seems to be magical! Readers who like stories about how quality food and friendships can transform everyday lives will be drawn to this slim novel....more
One star for Ms. Hannah’s desire to write about the Vietnam war and the Army Nurse Corps
One star for her wish to memorialize and honor COLThree stars:
One star for Ms. Hannah’s desire to write about the Vietnam war and the Army Nurse Corps
One star for her wish to memorialize and honor COL Robert John Welch and to keep his family in her thoughts
One star for Ms. Hannah bringing some of the historical aspects of the Vietnam war and the plight of the POW/MIAs to a wider readership that may have not otherwise read about this important time in our country’s history ...more
I’m not the target audience for this book: I was a dyed-in-the-wool childfree by choice woman who then in my late thirties considered being a “one andI’m not the target audience for this book: I was a dyed-in-the-wool childfree by choice woman who then in my late thirties considered being a “one and done” parent; then a parent of two after hearing Dr. Jordan Peterson’s talk about how raising two kids is easier than one. However, this change of heart may stem from a medical diagnosis. My perspective is altered knowing that I can’t have a healthy pregnancy even if I wanted to. However, I can be an ally and helpful community member to families who are taking on the important task of raising children and I read this book for advice on how I can help.
I agree with Mr. Carney on many points. Parenting is hard no matter what. I agree with him that parenting with help from other family members, neighbors, other moms and dads, and community members make for more well-rounded individuals. My next door neighbors have three children under 10 years of age. I’ve witnessed from talking with them and living next door to them that their family and church friends are a great asset to their kids’ development. Their middle son and our great nephew are one month apart in age and when we have our little guy I invite their kids over for a playdate if they are at home.
Carney has some pie-in-sky ideals about government and workplace policy changes that could help our larger families but I don’t see those kind of grand changes happening in our country any time soon. Changing tax laws and suggesting employers grant stipends for example to encourage people to have more kids does not seem feasible.
I think for me the most interesting parts of the book were the data about the generational differences in family planning between Generation X (my generation), Millennials, and Gen Z. The birth rate is trending downward in the United States. Carney argues that people considering having kids should not fear the future (economy, climate change) or think that the world is doomed and therefore it’s better to not burden young humans with the problems we are experiencing now nor in the foreseeable future. I’m not fully convinced of his argument—I think there are legitimate concerns that couples should discuss regarding these broader issues.
I appreciated Mr. Carney sharing his Catholic faith in the text but some readers may not care for his measured religious gestures.
His wife Katie sounds like a rock star—parenting six kids, deftly managing their household; and in her spare time looking for opportunities to help others via babysitting, making meals, chauffeuring, etc. I was exhausted just reading about all of the work and activities she does. I wish I could be more like her!
Maybe my mommy panging’s are a little pie-in-the-sky. I enjoyed this topic and am inspired in new ways to reach out and help families (large and small) who are raising kiddos. ...more
I read this because I'm always interested in being a better friend to those I'm blessed to interact with. When I was a younger person I mistakenly movI read this because I'm always interested in being a better friend to those I'm blessed to interact with. When I was a younger person I mistakenly moved persons into a friend category due to mere association (going to school, church, or work together). I forced myself upon these persons instead of allowing friendships to naturally occur and develop. In all cases save one, it was not harmful but relationships did not continue after the commonalities of working together or going to school together were severed. After a tragic failed friendship I desired to not make friends but instead to learn how to be a friend. Brooks' advice was straight-forward. What I took away for myself was the reminder to actively listen and also that we can always do better than how we think we're doing. This is a life-long process and I'm grateful for the opportunities to continually learn and grow....more
I'm very happy to have come across this updated edition of Lappé's 1971 work. I must admit I was reading it for personal health reasons but was apprecI'm very happy to have come across this updated edition of Lappé's 1971 work. I must admit I was reading it for personal health reasons but was appreciative that she expounded on the food industry and food politics in the first part, and eating for health in the second. The updated recipes are helpful too. This was a good companion read to van Tulleken's Ultra-Processed People....more
The horrific content of this book made for a difficult, yet necessary read. Washington delves into the field of medicine and reports historical accounThe horrific content of this book made for a difficult, yet necessary read. Washington delves into the field of medicine and reports historical accounts of Black bodies being objectified, used, abused, disrespected, and tortured. Many believed that people with darker pigmented skin did not feel physical pain as much as white people. Black persons were used and mistreated in cruel experiments and lab studies. Sometimes, a body was more important to the researcher dead than alive. In the field of gynecology, Black women were undergoing experimental surgery without anesthesia and often without a healthy repair being performed by the surgeon. I was outraged that some of this nasty business was happening in my lifetime. I was grateful to read some informative reviews about this book here on Goodreads before I began with the book. ...more
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