Everything I Learned in Life I Learned From Tom Hanks:
This is a lovely book that is perfect to sit on a side table for everyone to pick up and read a Everything I Learned in Life I Learned From Tom Hanks:
This is a lovely book that is perfect to sit on a side table for everyone to pick up and read a page or two at a time. It is a collection of quotes from people who know or have worked with Tom Hanks. It is a "feel-good" book that covers a variety of subjects in easy to digest pages. ...more
I am so thrilled with this book on the life of David Hockney. I saw one of his pool paintings in the Los Angeles Hockney: A Graphic Life (BioGraphics)
I am so thrilled with this book on the life of David Hockney. I saw one of his pool paintings in the Los Angeles Contemporary Art Museum along with several other paintings he did in the surrounding areas. I fell in love with his style and then I found his dachshund series and have been a fan of his work ever since. This book covers his life in an easy-to-follow manner in a graphic novel form. This is an excellent way to get the best of both worlds by seeing his work and how it reflected his life.
This book is so well done and my only quibble is that all of Hockney's art is reformatted into the graphic style of the book instead of the artist's true style but it is a nice homage to his work. This is one of those books that you can pick any part of the book and read a chapter and then move on without having to read it in order. ...more
This book reminds me of the 12 days of Christmas but with a cute twist that involves a clock and counting hours instead. The story has a cCroc o’Clock
This book reminds me of the 12 days of Christmas but with a cute twist that involves a clock and counting hours instead. The story has a credible crocodile that lives in the zoo and has a multitude of different snacks served to him each hour on the hour. The drawing is spectacular and is filled with the large green reptile on each page. There are some nice alliterations that this is fun to read out loud and makes a wonderful starter book. ...more
Festivals: A Music Lover's Guide to the Festivals You Need To Know (WHITE LION)
This little book provides a great overview of music festivals worldwideFestivals: A Music Lover's Guide to the Festivals You Need To Know (WHITE LION)
This little book provides a great overview of music festivals worldwide. but can't go into much detail since it is only about 225 pages long. It provides an excellent overview of the author's picks and trying to narrow down the hundreds, if not thousands, that have occurred worldwide over the years would take a lot more paper. It is funny to look through the notable headliners of the shows over the years and some bands appear at quite a few of these venues.
Most of these concerts have been on hiatus for the last two years and are just now starting to happen again. The images offer a lot of insight into the flavor of each show with most musical genres depicted. I am sure that there are festivals left out that will make some angry and others that are included might evoke that same feeling. Overall, this is a fun book that can be skimmed through or read in bits and peices. ...more
This slim volume of classical poetry reimagined by cats is destined to become a classic in the cat world. Some of these poems willThe Rodent Not Taken
This slim volume of classical poetry reimagined by cats is destined to become a classic in the cat world. Some of these poems will make you laugh, others might make you cry, and still, some will make you ask WHY? There are traditional verse, beat, and sonnets included as well as Haiku. I think Haiku is the perfect form for a cat poem.
This Haiku about a trip to the vet nicely sums up cats:
Haiku of Shame
Returned from the vet Plastic cone embarrassment Please, please kill me now
There are also quotes about cats from famous people interspersed throughout that just adds to the charm. This will make the perfect gift for any cat lover. I knew I would love this since the author also wrote "The Joy of Leaving Your Sh!t All Over The Place" in response to the Marie Kondo phenomenon. ...more
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
Plain anYou'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
You'll Never Believe What Happened to Lacey: Crazy Stories about Racism
Plain and to the point with a ton of humor, Amber and Lacey discuss events in their life that are centered around the racism they have experienced. I tried hard not to laugh but the absurdities that occur in the midwest are something I have witnessed while visiting my relatives there and part of the reason my mother was so desperate to return to California. These people have no clue that what they are saying is so racist. Lacey sees the humor in each event and relates them in such detail that you feel like you are right there with her. This would be the perfect starting point for people who don't think they are being racist but are clueless that their words can be hurtful.
The two sisters are so sharply snarky and funny. I have been watching Amber on Seth Meyers' show and now watch her Peacock show which is really wonderful. I really didn't want this book to an end since I could listen to them have sisterly chats forever. I would love to see them host a show together. I really want to scan the YOUR OPTIONS chapter and hand them out to some people in my neighborhood....more
This is a wonderful opening for a new series by Philippa Gregory. Here historical fiction is usually spot on and this one takes place during the time This is a wonderful opening for a new series by Philippa Gregory. Here historical fiction is usually spot on and this one takes place during the time of King Charles and the hunt for witches which carried over into America and parts of Europe. When things get bad, some scapegoat is usually created and women can be sure to be blamed for the downfall of men since it is so convenient.
The story tells of Alinor who is a midwife and knows the local herbs. When her fisherman husband never returns from the sea she waits for him in hopes that he will appear to her as it was passed down from folklore. Instead, she meets a Catholic priest that is working to restore Charles to his thrown and helps him secure a place to stay. Of course, this relationship develops beyond where it should and Alinor finds herself at odds with what she knows is right and what she wants. This leads to consequences and also to set up the continuing story,
I just love Gregory’s writing and this one had me enthralled. Her historical fictions are so well researched and full of detail that it is like you are there with the characters. Her dialogue is always perfect and true to the characters as they are described.
Forking Good: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of The Good Place
The day before I got this book, my husband offered to go to the store to get what I neeForking Good: An Unofficial Cookbook for Fans of The Good Place
The day before I got this book, my husband offered to go to the store to get what I needed for a roast. I asked him to buy a specific type of potato. He returned with every potato that the store carried except the sort I wanted. What was I going to do with a bunch of potatoes? Especially purple potatoes? The first recipe in this book is for HUME FRIES (hah - get the pun?) It required purple potatoes - problem solved!
The recipes in this book contain a brief summary of the episode from THE GOOD PLACE that inspired it. This book is a good basic cookbook that is very entertaining. This show is the one thing we agree about television and watch together. I am so sad that it is ending but I will have this cookbook to remind me of the episodes always. Plus, it saved my husband. ...more
I adore White's writing and this one did not disappoint. The snarky tone, the dark prose, the conciseThe Guinevere Deception (Camelot Rising Trilogy)
I adore White's writing and this one did not disappoint. The snarky tone, the dark prose, the concise word-play backed up by perfectly described locations is OMG, IT IS EVERYTHING I WANT. Can you tell I loved this one?
The story is an alternative history based on the fairytale of Camelot which sort of did take place in history, but like any history written by the conquerors, you can bet there were liberties taken and made into that fairytale. White does this whole story one better: What if Guinevere was a changeling witch put in place of the real Guinevere by Merlin? The beginning leads you so astray until you start putting the facts together as Guinevere/witch starts to figure out her past and her future. The whole book is dedicated to empowering girls and showing that they can make their own choices about what they do with their lives, even though their circumstances limit them.
I hate the beginning of a new series since I have so many unanswered questions about Guinevere. White better answer those questions in the next installment about her past. I think this is going to be my new favorite book by White, passing by THE CHAOS OF STARS which is my all time favorite. ...more
Kammani's sister* has been chosen to be a Sacred Maiden which she thinks is wonderful but K knows that is NOT A GOOD THING Gravemaidens By: Kelly Coon
Kammani's sister* has been chosen to be a Sacred Maiden which she thinks is wonderful but K knows that is NOT A GOOD THING since her mother is dead and her father is trying to drink himself into an early grave. Her brother was stolen by the king since her father failed to heal his son. Once the greatest healer in all the land, he is now a drunk. K is trying to take his place and save her sister, even if that means giving her own life.
The world-building is well-crafted and reminds me of ancient Egypt culture. Her romance with Dagan shows her insecurities since K never thinks she is good enough. While this story is nothing ground-breaking, it is a well-written fantasy that had me turning the pages. There is some graphic violence but it goes quickly - something that was necessary to move the plot forward. This is the first of a duology so of course, you are left hanging a bit.
Go High: The Unstoppable Presence and Poise of Michelle Obama is a series of quotes and matching pictures meant to inspire you at the moments when youGo High: The Unstoppable Presence and Poise of Michelle Obama is a series of quotes and matching pictures meant to inspire you at the moments when you most need them. The poise and grace of the last First Lady is something that gets me through rough times. This is a coffee table worthy book and something any one of her fans would love to have. It covers her 5 H's of heart, hope, help, honor and high. It is just hard sometimes to hit that high when everything is at such a low....more
Morrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering by Kevin Cummins - If you ever followed New Music Express (NME) or Melody Maker by during the late 80's to earlyMorrissey: Alone and Palely Loitering by Kevin Cummins - If you ever followed New Music Express (NME) or Melody Maker by during the late 80's to early 90's then you know Cummins' photos since he was the primary photographer for bands at this time in the UK. The collection of photographs of Morrisey and The Smith were all taken during this time. Some of them have never been seen and most are outtakes, things that never were approved for use. Most photographers take hundreds of rolls of film and quite a lot are never used or sometimes forgotten. These are the best of those.
There is a very personal take between Cummins and his relationship with the band. In some ways, he got the best of Morrissey, who is very mercurial, to say the least. It is always a miracle when he actually shows up for a concert these days. Most of the photos are in black and white which suits this musician perfectly. This is a must have for any Morrisey fan. ...more
She Wants It: Desire, Power, and Toppling the Patriarchy by Jill Soloway takes you through her childhood and that all important moment when her fatherShe Wants It: Desire, Power, and Toppling the Patriarchy by Jill Soloway takes you through her childhood and that all important moment when her father tells her he will now be known as "Maura" and prefers She / Her. Soloway is an excellent storyteller but this story is true life. She takes her heartbreak which turns to joy and then dives into to share with the rest of us on the brilliant show Transparent. She also relates the #MeToo moment that happened with Jeffrey Tambor and the fallout from that.
I really enjoyed this touching memoir and was very happy she also touched on her writing career in general. She has such a way with words that this is a pleasure to read. I am a fan of memoirs but haven't been reading as many as I used to. This one jump-started my addiction again....more
Part of It: Comics and Confessions by Ariel Schrag cover a twenty year period from her teen to adult years with little vignettes that cover awkward moPart of It: Comics and Confessions by Ariel Schrag cover a twenty year period from her teen to adult years with little vignettes that cover awkward moments in her life. I have seen her comics online for years but never knew exactly who she was and this book helps explain that. I don't care how old you are, if you are an adult, you will relate to these stories and cringe along with Ariel. The artwork is very humorous and goes along with the story quite well. ...more
Mylo has moved to a small town near Roswell, New Mexico to a ranch that is just as alien to him as a Martian. He does make a good friend, Dibs, who lMylo has moved to a small town near Roswell, New Mexico to a ranch that is just as alien to him as a Martian. He does make a good friend, Dibs, who like him, has smelly toes and is eleven. After his older brother has died, Mylo sometimes wonders if there is more to life and imagines that life would be better if Superman came to his house and save everyone. This story is smart insection of grief, friendship, and extraterrestrials and is perfect for comic book fans. I adored Savage's first book, Lemons and this one is exactly what I loved about that book: smart, funny and full of heart.
Of course, the story starts out with Mylo and his best friend, Dibs spending the night. Except that important revelation are given within the first few pages, Dibs' father is a single dad and Mylo's brother died the year previously. Yes, there is a lot of boy stuff but the story truly gets interesting when they actually discover an alien that has crashed to Earth. In an ET-like situation, the boys and now with the help of a smart girl, the trio are determined to help the alien, AKA Moon Shadow.
In order to keep this short and not reveal anything about the plot, Mylo and his friends bond and have a grand adventure in this story and it will make you laugh and get a bit weepy at times. I think fans of See You In The Cosmos by Jack Cheng and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle will really enjoy this. I think this is suited for older middle school kids....more
I know why but this story really struck a nerve with me. It is the current state of affairs in this county and this isI'm not crying, you ARE crying.
I know why but this story really struck a nerve with me. It is the current state of affairs in this county and this is the right book at the right time and it needs to be read by everyone. I think just being a woman in this world today is so full of horror and fear that it is hard to be strong sometimes. This book helps put that feeling into words. I am still emotionally reeling from this story.
Annabelle is running across the country, from Seattle to Washington DC to try and get away from the demons that are haunting her, causing her pain, while finding peace in each step. Following her in an RV is her grandfather, Ed, her brother, Malcolm and her friends, Olivia and Zach. They form a cheer squad and publicity team. As she runs, she gains notoriety and as people find out her story, they help her deal with the pain caused by the Taker. In the way most girls are raised, she is polite to him, nice and he takes advantage of that and goes further in his taking.
To me, it seems that Annabelle is running away from herself, but in each step, she finds herself and becomes stronger. It really made me think of that cliche, what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger. I am not going to ruin the details of the story but it does touch on PTSD, stalking, death and violence. Now after noting those things, this book isn't depressing but does fill one with hope and that even taking one step, let alone enough to travel 2700 or so miles, will help quite a few people. That is probably one of the best things in young adult fiction today is that it can reach people who can't put their story into word....more
Where was Claudia Gray when I was in high school and saving my babysitting money to buy copies of OMNI magazine? I had been through all of MY THOUGHTS
Where was Claudia Gray when I was in high school and saving my babysitting money to buy copies of OMNI magazine? I had been through all of the science fiction books in the library there wasn't any other way for me to find anything new in the world. Let alone nerdy science stuff written by women. Well, in some ways, Claudia has given new life to my all time favorite Asimov's I, Robot but with far more substance and feeling.
Robots are now so humanized that it can be hard to tell them apart from humans. So when Abel (a mech - ok you have to know that robots in Asimov's story are called Mechanical Men), is stranded on a ship floating away in space for the last 30 years while Noemi is a soldier from Genesis defending her planet against Earth who has destroyed itself and is now reclaiming outposts. While on a training mission gone awry, Noemi spots Abel's ship and in order to save herself, she jumps on board.
Here is where you can see the author's worldbuilding skill in it's finest form. Everything flows so amazingly well and believable, you will think this world exists and you have known about it all along. The relationship between the soldier and robot builds and adds to the tension as they encounter new entities. Of course, you get a whole lot of action and adventure. If things go as planned the pair can save the universe. If you are having Illuminae and Gemina withdrawals, this will take the edge off....more
What a strange little story with no words. The illustrations show a man connected to his life through technology and as he interacts with nature, thinWhat a strange little story with no words. The illustrations show a man connected to his life through technology and as he interacts with nature, things become strange, much like an acid trip. Not that I have ever had one, but I imagine this is what it would be like. I have several of Nobrow Press' authors and artist and love them, but this one left me not understanding the author's work. I followed the story somewhat but it left me confused as to the point. The artwork itself is really amazing if you enjoy abstract things. ...more
Anya is a princess in denial. She would rather practice magic and read books but the way her life is going, it doesn't look very promising. Her motherAnya is a princess in denial. She would rather practice magic and read books but the way her life is going, it doesn't look very promising. Her mother has died, her father remarried and then her father dies leaving her with an evil stepmother and now an evil step-step father. Whew. Her older sister Morven has lost her one true love to a spell that turned him into a frog. Anya sets out to gather the ingredients to cure him of the curse. In the meantime, she has to kiss a lot of frogs since the antidote is contained in a special lip gloss. Of course, the palace dogs are there to help and protect.
This is a really cute fairy tale that could have been a bit more on point if it was a bit shorter. I found myself wishing that it was faster paced. Overall it is a darling tale for even the youngest of readers. It does get bonus points for talking dogs and their ability to guard the young princess, yet let her grow and find her own voice....more
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