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Top Picks
JoCo Library - Adults - The Best Adult and Teen Books I Read In 2020
By:
JCLHannahJaneW
JCLHannahJaneW
Johnson County Library
Staff-created list
By:
JCLHannahJaneW
JCLHannahJaneW
Johnson County Library
Stories & Comfort Food From 31 Celebrated Writers
Book - 2019
A touching and beautiful collection of essays by a wide variety of authors, some well-known and others I've never heard of before. This is all about comfo...Show more
A touching and beautiful collection of essays by a wide variety of authors, some well-known and others I've never heard of before. This is all about comfort food, and while a few recipes sound interesting, it's not really a traditional cookbook (a few example recipes are brownies from a box mix, a blueberry pie made with tears, and a Seder brisket made with green chilies). Each author's essay shines a light on a comfort food that has helped them find joy and brings up a memory or lots of memories. Favorite essays are Anthony Doerr's Homesick at the Outer Edge of the World (he has the brownie mix recipe), Heather Sellers' A Brief Recipe for Happiness (As a child she tried to slip unusual food items into her mom's shopping cart with zero success), Colum McCann's Dessert (he turns an ordinary moment of a woman eating chocolate cake alone into something extraordinary), Lev Grossman's General Tso (General Tso's Tofu soothes the pain he felt after his divorce), and Rakesh Satyal's Bake Your Fear (he combats bullying with baking).
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A touching and beautiful collection of essays by a wide variety of authors, some well-known and others I've never heard of before. This is all about comfo...Show more
A touching and beautiful collection of essays by a wide variety of authors, some well-known and others I've never heard of before. This is all about comfort food, and while a few recipes sound interesting, it's not really a traditional cookbook (a few example recipes are brownies from a box mix, a blueberry pie made with tears, and a Seder brisket made with green chilies). Each author's essay shines a light on a comfort food that has helped them find joy and brings up a memory or lots of memories. Favorite essays are Anthony Doerr's Homesick at the Outer Edge of the World (he has the brownie mix recipe), Heather Sellers' A Brief Recipe for Happiness (As a child she tried to slip unusual food items into her mom's shopping cart with zero success), Colum McCann's Dessert (he turns an ordinary moment of a woman eating chocolate cake alone into something extraordinary), Lev Grossman's General Tso (General Tso's Tofu soothes the pain he felt after his divorce), and Rakesh Satyal's Bake Your Fear (he combats bullying with baking).
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Available
in some locations
Place a Hold
eBook - 2020
Liz Lighty is a fierce and lovable character who is surrounded by an eclectic and supportive group of friends. Though her family is small, they don't have...Show more
Liz Lighty is a fierce and lovable character who is surrounded by an eclectic and supportive group of friends. Though her family is small, they don't have much money, and her brother has a serious disease, they are super tight and supportive of each other. Liz is under a lot of stress. It's her senior year and she finds out she's not getting a scholarship to the college of her dreams. In a desperate attempt at another scholarship, she signs up for this prom marathon thing that lasts for weeks! I hope real proms aren't like this - lots of volunteering that doesn't make a lot of sense, cheesy events, and intense scrutiny for weeks. I can't imagine the pressure! Liz's character is beautifully human and flawed (bravo Leah Johnson!), so she naturally makes some mistakes. But she never completely changes who she is or takes anyone down with her insecurities or desperate need to win. Her relationship with Amanda is my favorite part of the story. It's not a perfect relationship, but their care and love for each other is evident even when the relationship is falling apart. Overall, You Should See Me in a Crown has it all - complex and lovable characters, an intense, though slightly weird, competition, just a touch of angst, and a satisfying ending full of hope.
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Liz Lighty is a fierce and lovable character who is surrounded by an eclectic and supportive group of friends. Though her family is small, they don't have...Show more
Liz Lighty is a fierce and lovable character who is surrounded by an eclectic and supportive group of friends. Though her family is small, they don't have much money, and her brother has a serious disease, they are super tight and supportive of each other. Liz is under a lot of stress. It's her senior year and she finds out she's not getting a scholarship to the college of her dreams. In a desperate attempt at another scholarship, she signs up for this prom marathon thing that lasts for weeks! I hope real proms aren't like this - lots of volunteering that doesn't make a lot of sense, cheesy events, and intense scrutiny for weeks. I can't imagine the pressure! Liz's character is beautifully human and flawed (bravo Leah Johnson!), so she naturally makes some mistakes. But she never completely changes who she is or takes anyone down with her insecurities or desperate need to win. Her relationship with Amanda is my favorite part of the story. It's not a perfect relationship, but their care and love for each other is evident even when the relationship is falling apart. Overall, You Should See Me in a Crown has it all - complex and lovable characters, an intense, though slightly weird, competition, just a touch of angst, and a satisfying ending full of hope.
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by Kaur, Rupi
Book - 2015
I tried reading this book when it first came out and remember feeling immensely uncomfortable with the content (sexual abuse alert) and also a little pert...Show more
I tried reading this book when it first came out and remember feeling immensely uncomfortable with the content (sexual abuse alert) and also a little perturbed by the simplicity of the poems. I put it on my poetry shelf with a note to try it again later. So I did, and I definitely still feel uncomfortable, but I also now recognize I need to embrace my own vulnerability if I'm going to read something so brazenly vulnerable and open.
Even though the book is broken up into four sections - the hurting, the loving, the breaking, the healing, Kaur's journey from shame to self-empowerment isn't linear. Her hurting is evident even during the healing, and you can tell that writing about the hurt and sharing it with others is healing. This is how trauma works, and I'm so glad Kaur has represented it this way.
Though Kaur is definitely taking the easiest route to connect with others, and her poetry is tailored for social media, it is surprisingly profound at times. I also feel like her story and message aren't compromised by accessibility (I love accessible poetry, but it can go too far). I also appreciate any book that helps others heal and builds connections through its words.
I'm glad I didn't donate this after the first reading and it’s a good reminder to give books a second chance. On days when I'm feeling vulnerable or consumed in some of that dark stuff that tends to mire us all every now and then, I will definitely reach for this book. Oh and yes, there's artwork. Not all of it is my cup of tea, but there are lots of people who have gotten tattoos of it, so I'm in the minority on this one.
I will leave you with my favorite poem, "we are all born so beautiful the greatest tragedy is being convinced we are not."
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I tried reading this book when it first came out and remember feeling immensely uncomfortable with the content (sexual abuse alert) and also a little pert...Show more
I tried reading this book when it first came out and remember feeling immensely uncomfortable with the content (sexual abuse alert) and also a little perturbed by the simplicity of the poems. I put it on my poetry shelf with a note to try it again later. So I did, and I definitely still feel uncomfortable, but I also now recognize I need to embrace my own vulnerability if I'm going to read something so brazenly vulnerable and open.
Even though the book is broken up into four sections - the hurting, the loving, the breaking, the healing, Kaur's journey from shame to self-empowerment isn't linear. Her hurting is evident even during the healing, and you can tell that writing about the hurt and sharing it with others is healing. This is how trauma works, and I'm so glad Kaur has represented it this way.
Though Kaur is definitely taking the easiest route to connect with others, and her poetry is tailored for social media, it is surprisingly profound at times. I also feel like her story and message aren't compromised by accessibility (I love accessible poetry, but it can go too far). I also appreciate any book that helps others heal and builds connections through its words.
I'm glad I didn't donate this after the first reading and it’s a good reminder to give books a second chance. On days when I'm feeling vulnerable or consumed in some of that dark stuff that tends to mire us all every now and then, I will definitely reach for this book. Oh and yes, there's artwork. Not all of it is my cup of tea, but there are lots of people who have gotten tattoos of it, so I'm in the minority on this one.
I will leave you with my favorite poem, "we are all born so beautiful the greatest tragedy is being convinced we are not."
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Available
in some locations
Place a Hold
New and Collected Essays
eBook - 2020
I enjoyed the variety of the essays, beautiful language, and vein of humor and delight running throughout Macdonald's adventures. I am amazed with how wel...Show more
I enjoyed the variety of the essays, beautiful language, and vein of humor and delight running throughout Macdonald's adventures. I am amazed with how well Macdonald wraps up each essay. Her essay endings were tidy, circular, soulful, and oftentimes raised more questions, even though they wrapped up so neatly. Think of people who professionally wrap presents and that's exactly how Macdonald wraps up her essays (pun totally intended). I've never had the end of an essay affect me so deeply, and there were several that did this. Her essays are the everlasting gobstoppers of the essay world.
Her yearning to smooth the wrinkles out of this world and preserve its sacred spaces will overwhelm you at times and leave you forever mulling over her words. Her descriptions are like pops of art scattered throughout. In the essay, Nest, she writes, "One was a chaffinch nest I could balance in the palm of my hand, a thing of horsehair and moss, pale scabs of lichen and moulted pigeon feathers..." In another essay, Sex, Death, Mushrooms, she plants a beautiful metaphor: "Soon Nick and I come across scores of mushrooms set in ragged half-circles, their broad tops like cooling milky coffees inexplicably placed among dead leaves."
She gave words to feelings I hadn't yet acknowledged, let alone described. There were moments where it felt like she was holding up binoculars and looking straight into my very being. Her essay about Field Guides captures this best, especially the line, "Field guides made possible the joy of encountering a thing I already knew but had never seen before."
And I can't forget about the moments where I gasped with wonder - when she makes clucking noises while holding a falcon egg close to her mouth, and the ready-to-hatch chick calls back. When she writes that "...in Baltic mythology, mushrooms were thought to be the fingers of the god of the dead bursting through the ground to feed the poor." How do I not caress every mushroom I see after reading that?
Vesper Flights is a beautiful ode to nature and the preservation of it. I'm not sure how I can tell you about all my favorite moments without reading you the entire book. If I had to choose a favorite moment, it would be when the swan plopped down next to her in the essay, The Observatory, the body of the swan "so close her wing-feathers were pressed against [her] thighs." If I had to choose a favorite essay, I would choose the one about pushing goats, which was so unexpected and made me laugh until I ran out of breath!
I recommend this to anyone who needs to immerse themselves in wonder, for those who want to preserve it, and for anyone who loves Kathleen Dean Moore, Jennifer Ackerman, and Diane Ackerman.
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I enjoyed the variety of the essays, beautiful language, and vein of humor and delight running throughout Macdonald's adventures. I am amazed with how wel...Show more
I enjoyed the variety of the essays, beautiful language, and vein of humor and delight running throughout Macdonald's adventures. I am amazed with how well Macdonald wraps up each essay. Her essay endings were tidy, circular, soulful, and oftentimes raised more questions, even though they wrapped up so neatly. Think of people who professionally wrap presents and that's exactly how Macdonald wraps up her essays (pun totally intended). I've never had the end of an essay affect me so deeply, and there were several that did this. Her essays are the everlasting gobstoppers of the essay world.
Her yearning to smooth the wrinkles out of this world and preserve its sacred spaces will overwhelm you at times and leave you forever mulling over her words. Her descriptions are like pops of art scattered throughout. In the essay, Nest, she writes, "One was a chaffinch nest I could balance in the palm of my hand, a thing of horsehair and moss, pale scabs of lichen and moulted pigeon feathers..." In another essay, Sex, Death, Mushrooms, she plants a beautiful metaphor: "Soon Nick and I come across scores of mushrooms set in ragged half-circles, their broad tops like cooling milky coffees inexplicably placed among dead leaves."
She gave words to feelings I hadn't yet acknowledged, let alone described. There were moments where it felt like she was holding up binoculars and looking straight into my very being. Her essay about Field Guides captures this best, especially the line, "Field guides made possible the joy of encountering a thing I already knew but had never seen before."
And I can't forget about the moments where I gasped with wonder - when she makes clucking noises while holding a falcon egg close to her mouth, and the ready-to-hatch chick calls back. When she writes that "...in Baltic mythology, mushrooms were thought to be the fingers of the god of the dead bursting through the ground to feed the poor." How do I not caress every mushroom I see after reading that?
Vesper Flights is a beautiful ode to nature and the preservation of it. I'm not sure how I can tell you about all my favorite moments without reading you the entire book. If I had to choose a favorite moment, it would be when the swan plopped down next to her in the essay, The Observatory, the body of the swan "so close her wing-feathers were pressed against [her] thighs." If I had to choose a favorite essay, I would choose the one about pushing goats, which was so unexpected and made me laugh until I ran out of breath!
I recommend this to anyone who needs to immerse themselves in wonder, for those who want to preserve it, and for anyone who loves Kathleen Dean Moore, Jennifer Ackerman, and Diane Ackerman.
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by Kooser, Ted
Book - 2020
The first poem, The Letter, is my favorite, but I don't recommend anyone reading it alone because it's a punch in the gut. He doesn't just recall a memory...Show more
The first poem, The Letter, is my favorite, but I don't recommend anyone reading it alone because it's a punch in the gut. He doesn't just recall a memory, he lives it, all while being grounded in the present. When he writes, "Maybe one day I'll come back, in a poem" I can't help but think of all the past places we live in while continuing our lives in the present moment. The poem, Recital, magnifies a small moment when a leaf, encouraged by the wind, plays the tire tracks left by a garbage truck like a piano. Another poem, House Moving, explores a cellar, which has just been opened up after a hundred years: "And the wind, with something new to do, is scouring out the damp rock cellar..." Kooser's humor and joy for life feel like that moment when I notice the twinkling of a small treasure buried in the dirt or leaves while I'm out for a walk. Sometimes I have to stop everything I'm doing and retrace my steps, and sometimes the treasure is the evidence of another person's loss. His observations encourage the reader to give life more attention, to ask our imaginations, "what do you make of that?"
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The first poem, The Letter, is my favorite, but I don't recommend anyone reading it alone because it's a punch in the gut. He doesn't just recall a memory...Show more
The first poem, The Letter, is my favorite, but I don't recommend anyone reading it alone because it's a punch in the gut. He doesn't just recall a memory, he lives it, all while being grounded in the present. When he writes, "Maybe one day I'll come back, in a poem" I can't help but think of all the past places we live in while continuing our lives in the present moment. The poem, Recital, magnifies a small moment when a leaf, encouraged by the wind, plays the tire tracks left by a garbage truck like a piano. Another poem, House Moving, explores a cellar, which has just been opened up after a hundred years: "And the wind, with something new to do, is scouring out the damp rock cellar..." Kooser's humor and joy for life feel like that moment when I notice the twinkling of a small treasure buried in the dirt or leaves while I'm out for a walk. Sometimes I have to stop everything I'm doing and retrace my steps, and sometimes the treasure is the evidence of another person's loss. His observations encourage the reader to give life more attention, to ask our imaginations, "what do you make of that?"
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Available
in some locations
Place a Hold
eBook - 2020
What a funny and bittersweet journey into the lives of Eileen and her granddaughter, Leena, who switch lives, homes, even cell phones with each other for ...Show more
What a funny and bittersweet journey into the lives of Eileen and her granddaughter, Leena, who switch lives, homes, even cell phones with each other for two months! I laughed so many times and enjoyed the connections between the characters.
I loved the characters and their development best, especially Arnold, Eileen, Bee, and Fitz. There are a ton of characters in The Switch, but they've all got unique personalities and are easy to keep up with. There's no wondering who is who or jotting down notes to remind yourself. There are also lots of different relationships going on between the characters. Arnold and Eileen's relationship was my favorite. I enjoyed going back to the beginning of the story and reading Eileen's list of the few available men in her small community and the pros and cons of dating them.
I also enjoyed the two radically different settings - London and rural Hamleigh-in-Harksdale - and thought O'Leary did a nice job differentiating them. Though both places sounded exciting, I had a slight preference for Hamleigh, so it was interesting to see just where Eileen and Leena ended up at the end of the story.
I also thought the dialogue was excellent, so much so that I actually noticed a few times just how easily it flowed. Dialogue isn't something I usually think about too much.
The story itself was a little crazy and all over the place, which I think worked well because that's life sometimes, right? I appreciated how the characters all experienced grief differently. Carla's death is tricky to write about because I don't have just one person in mind when I think about the role it played in the story. Her death was a thread running through the book, tying two different communities together while simultaneously unraveling individual characters. She was not just Eileen's granddaughter. She was also Leena's sister, Marian's daughter, and part of the Hamleigh community. O'Leary does a wonderful job illustrating not only how grief is experienced differently, but also how it is shared and how it has the power to connect those who are experiencing it.
Though I didn't really care for Leena's character, I hold no grudges against the author or even Leena's character. There are characters in books I don't click with, and that's ok. What is truly amazing is the fact that I loved this book despite not really clicking with one of the main characters. The other characters and their humorous and touching interactions with each other outweighed my inability to connect with Leena. I recommend this to anyone looking for a story bursting with humor, charm, connections, and a strong sense of community, family, and friendship.
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What a funny and bittersweet journey into the lives of Eileen and her granddaughter, Leena, who switch lives, homes, even cell phones with each other for ...Show more
What a funny and bittersweet journey into the lives of Eileen and her granddaughter, Leena, who switch lives, homes, even cell phones with each other for two months! I laughed so many times and enjoyed the connections between the characters.
I loved the characters and their development best, especially Arnold, Eileen, Bee, and Fitz. There are a ton of characters in The Switch, but they've all got unique personalities and are easy to keep up with. There's no wondering who is who or jotting down notes to remind yourself. There are also lots of different relationships going on between the characters. Arnold and Eileen's relationship was my favorite. I enjoyed going back to the beginning of the story and reading Eileen's list of the few available men in her small community and the pros and cons of dating them.
I also enjoyed the two radically different settings - London and rural Hamleigh-in-Harksdale - and thought O'Leary did a nice job differentiating them. Though both places sounded exciting, I had a slight preference for Hamleigh, so it was interesting to see just where Eileen and Leena ended up at the end of the story.
I also thought the dialogue was excellent, so much so that I actually noticed a few times just how easily it flowed. Dialogue isn't something I usually think about too much.
The story itself was a little crazy and all over the place, which I think worked well because that's life sometimes, right? I appreciated how the characters all experienced grief differently. Carla's death is tricky to write about because I don't have just one person in mind when I think about the role it played in the story. Her death was a thread running through the book, tying two different communities together while simultaneously unraveling individual characters. She was not just Eileen's granddaughter. She was also Leena's sister, Marian's daughter, and part of the Hamleigh community. O'Leary does a wonderful job illustrating not only how grief is experienced differently, but also how it is shared and how it has the power to connect those who are experiencing it.
Though I didn't really care for Leena's character, I hold no grudges against the author or even Leena's character. There are characters in books I don't click with, and that's ok. What is truly amazing is the fact that I loved this book despite not really clicking with one of the main characters. The other characters and their humorous and touching interactions with each other outweighed my inability to connect with Leena. I recommend this to anyone looking for a story bursting with humor, charm, connections, and a strong sense of community, family, and friendship.
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Web Resource
This is available through interlibrary loan for Joco residents, and if you're not sure what that is, a librarian will be happy to help. This is an excelle...Show more
This is available through interlibrary loan for Joco residents, and if you're not sure what that is, a librarian will be happy to help. This is an excellent collection of poems. My favorite was an A.R. Ammons poem I hadn't seen before: "I found a weed that had a mirror in it and that mirror looked in at a mirror in me that had a weed in it"
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Thread and Thrift With Reclaimed Textiles
Book - 2020
I love the idea of taking old quilts and half-finished pieces of textile art, often found at flea markets and thrift stores, and reviving them. I've got a...Show more
I love the idea of taking old quilts and half-finished pieces of textile art, often found at flea markets and thrift stores, and reviving them. I've got a stack of old textiles to play with and Textiles Transformed is full of ideas and techniques. I love how she shows the process of making the wren seen on the cover. It just goes to show I don't use nearly enough pins or have quite the level of patience needed for itty bitty patchwork. If you need a gentle nudge of textile art inspiration or are looking for ways to save those lovely textile pieces lying at the bottom of a neglected cedar chest, this is the perfect read for you!
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I love the idea of taking old quilts and half-finished pieces of textile art, often found at flea markets and thrift stores, and reviving them. I've got a...Show more
I love the idea of taking old quilts and half-finished pieces of textile art, often found at flea markets and thrift stores, and reviving them. I've got a stack of old textiles to play with and Textiles Transformed is full of ideas and techniques. I love how she shows the process of making the wren seen on the cover. It just goes to show I don't use nearly enough pins or have quite the level of patience needed for itty bitty patchwork. If you need a gentle nudge of textile art inspiration or are looking for ways to save those lovely textile pieces lying at the bottom of a neglected cedar chest, this is the perfect read for you!
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Available
in some locations
Place a Hold
Web Resource
This is available through interlibrary loan for Joco residents, and if you're not sure what that is, a librarian will be happy to help. Lots of great idea...Show more
This is available through interlibrary loan for Joco residents, and if you're not sure what that is, a librarian will be happy to help. Lots of great ideas, easy-to-understand instructions, and giant, exciting pictures. I can't wait to jump in and start making things! Though the unicorn horns are at the top of my list, the artist trading cards idea is my favorite craft idea. I especially love the story about what the author's family did with the cards. You will have to read the book to find out!
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Crafts, Games and Recipes for Families to Do Together Throughout the Year
Book - 2020
The Handmade Charlotte Playbook is a smorgasbord of ideas and fun. It's arranged alphabetically for easy access. So if you're ready to make a banana puppe...Show more
The Handmade Charlotte Playbook is a smorgasbord of ideas and fun. It's arranged alphabetically for easy access. So if you're ready to make a banana puppet made out of aluminum foil, you'll find it in seconds. In addition to banana puppets, you will find everything from papier-mâché potatoes to a unicorn puppet to an occasional recipe such as zucchini cupcakes with lemon and blueberries. I will probably start by making a banana puppet or two for storytimes and then see what my existing supplies can make. I plan on using this book for storytimes, STEAM ideas, gifts, and interactive displays/crafts once we are able to interact again.
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The Handmade Charlotte Playbook is a smorgasbord of ideas and fun. It's arranged alphabetically for easy access. So if you're ready to make a banana puppe...Show more
The Handmade Charlotte Playbook is a smorgasbord of ideas and fun. It's arranged alphabetically for easy access. So if you're ready to make a banana puppet made out of aluminum foil, you'll find it in seconds. In addition to banana puppets, you will find everything from papier-mâché potatoes to a unicorn puppet to an occasional recipe such as zucchini cupcakes with lemon and blueberries. I will probably start by making a banana puppet or two for storytimes and then see what my existing supplies can make. I plan on using this book for storytimes, STEAM ideas, gifts, and interactive displays/crafts once we are able to interact again.
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Available
in some locations
Place a Hold
A Retelling of "The Ballad of Mulan"
Book - 2009
This was my first Mulan experience and I loved it! I read Dokey's Beauty and the Beast retelling and enjoyed it enough to pick up another book in the Once...Show more
This was my first Mulan experience and I loved it! I read Dokey's Beauty and the Beast retelling and enjoyed it enough to pick up another book in the Once Upon a Time series, and I am so glad I did. Mulan is fierce, loyal, wise, and caring. With the help of her best friend, Li Po, she tackles archery, horseback riding, and learning to read and write. These were not things girls explored or learned about in ancient China. She also tackles traditional female roles and learns how to sew well enough to stitch up her father's war wound. Her mother died while giving birth to Mulan and Mulan didn't know her father, who is away her entire childhood, fighting the Huns. When her father finally comes home when Mulan is thirteen or fourteen, they start building a relationship, which expands to include a stepmother. Meanwhile, Li Po becomes an aide to a general and another attack by the Huns is imminent. Mulan pretends to be a man and goes to fight in her father's place. While she's fighting she falls in love with Prince Jian. Though the story is predictable and a rather light, easy read, I enjoyed every minute of it. I appreciated the strength in the relationships and the surprising bond between Mulan and her stepmother. The story is excellent with a strong female lead who eschews traditional folklore female stereotypes and never requires a man to rescue or complete her. I can't wait to explore the legend of Mulan more and read/watch interpretations and retellings. I also can't wait to read another book in the Once Upon a Time series!
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This was my first Mulan experience and I loved it! I read Dokey's Beauty and the Beast retelling and enjoyed it enough to pick up another book in the Once...Show more
This was my first Mulan experience and I loved it! I read Dokey's Beauty and the Beast retelling and enjoyed it enough to pick up another book in the Once Upon a Time series, and I am so glad I did. Mulan is fierce, loyal, wise, and caring. With the help of her best friend, Li Po, she tackles archery, horseback riding, and learning to read and write. These were not things girls explored or learned about in ancient China. She also tackles traditional female roles and learns how to sew well enough to stitch up her father's war wound. Her mother died while giving birth to Mulan and Mulan didn't know her father, who is away her entire childhood, fighting the Huns. When her father finally comes home when Mulan is thirteen or fourteen, they start building a relationship, which expands to include a stepmother. Meanwhile, Li Po becomes an aide to a general and another attack by the Huns is imminent. Mulan pretends to be a man and goes to fight in her father's place. While she's fighting she falls in love with Prince Jian. Though the story is predictable and a rather light, easy read, I enjoyed every minute of it. I appreciated the strength in the relationships and the surprising bond between Mulan and her stepmother. The story is excellent with a strong female lead who eschews traditional folklore female stereotypes and never requires a man to rescue or complete her. I can't wait to explore the legend of Mulan more and read/watch interpretations and retellings. I also can't wait to read another book in the Once Upon a Time series!
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Available
in some locations
Place a Hold
eBook - 2016
I was on the edge of my seat for most of The Scourge. It's filled with plenty of plot twists and spunky characters as they battle evil wardens, hunger, in...Show more
I was on the edge of my seat for most of The Scourge. It's filled with plenty of plot twists and spunky characters as they battle evil wardens, hunger, injustices, and the scourge all while being trapped on an island for scourge patients. It's a must-read for anyone who likes dystopian reads filled with heart-pounding adventure. I particularly enjoyed Ani and Weevil's relationship and their commitment to each other. Though I didn't initially like Ani, there is a tremendous amount of character growth throughout the story. Because Weevil liked her I knew I just needed time to get to know her. I started this book as an audiobook but quickly switched to an ebook because I did not care for the narrator.
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I was on the edge of my seat for most of The Scourge. It's filled with plenty of plot twists and spunky characters as they battle evil wardens, hunger, in...Show more
I was on the edge of my seat for most of The Scourge. It's filled with plenty of plot twists and spunky characters as they battle evil wardens, hunger, injustices, and the scourge all while being trapped on an island for scourge patients. It's a must-read for anyone who likes dystopian reads filled with heart-pounding adventure. I particularly enjoyed Ani and Weevil's relationship and their commitment to each other. Though I didn't initially like Ani, there is a tremendous amount of character growth throughout the story. Because Weevil liked her I knew I just needed time to get to know her. I started this book as an audiobook but quickly switched to an ebook because I did not care for the narrator.
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Life and Love With A Hard-luck Jay
Book - 2019
Zickefoose's journey of raising a sickly baby blue jay and slowly reintegrating it back into the wild will warm a lot of hearts. I enjoyed the variety of...Show more
Zickefoose's journey of raising a sickly baby blue jay and slowly reintegrating it back into the wild will warm a lot of hearts. I enjoyed the variety of pictures, artwork, and adorable stories of Jemima bonding with the family, especially Zickefoose's two teens and their dog, Chet. This was my first book by the author, but it's definitely not my last!
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Zickefoose's journey of raising a sickly baby blue jay and slowly reintegrating it back into the wild will warm a lot of hearts. I enjoyed the variety of...Show more
Zickefoose's journey of raising a sickly baby blue jay and slowly reintegrating it back into the wild will warm a lot of hearts. I enjoyed the variety of pictures, artwork, and adorable stories of Jemima bonding with the family, especially Zickefoose's two teens and their dog, Chet. This was my first book by the author, but it's definitely not my last!
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Available
in some locations
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An Illustrated Memoir
by Ha, Robin
Graphic Novel - 2020
Robin's surprise move from South Korea to Alabama is jolting, frustrating, and completely life-changing. I cannot imagine how awful it must feel to be com...Show more
Robin's surprise move from South Korea to Alabama is jolting, frustrating, and completely life-changing. I cannot imagine how awful it must feel to be completely uprooted from your home and moved to a new country where you don't speak the language and are thrown in with a new family that doesn't embrace you. Robin does a beautiful job illustrating and writing about this journey. Each illustration of her face bursting into tears is so beautifully portrayed, it feels like you're being repeatedly punched in the gut. I was ready to kick some stepsister butt several times and was outraged by how her classmates treated her. Despite the awful surprise move and the bullies, Robin flourishes and finds friends she clicks with. I love how text-heavy Almost American Girl is. I also appreciate the piece about her mom that's tucked into the acknowledgements. I only wish I had thought to check for a glossary! I was so engrossed in the story I didn't flip to the back until the very end. Because I enjoyed this book so much I read every single word in it, including the copyright page. That is where I discovered that the really cool chapter openers came from comics Robin created as a teen. Amazing!
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Robin's surprise move from South Korea to Alabama is jolting, frustrating, and completely life-changing. I cannot imagine how awful it must feel to be com...Show more
Robin's surprise move from South Korea to Alabama is jolting, frustrating, and completely life-changing. I cannot imagine how awful it must feel to be completely uprooted from your home and moved to a new country where you don't speak the language and are thrown in with a new family that doesn't embrace you. Robin does a beautiful job illustrating and writing about this journey. Each illustration of her face bursting into tears is so beautifully portrayed, it feels like you're being repeatedly punched in the gut. I was ready to kick some stepsister butt several times and was outraged by how her classmates treated her. Despite the awful surprise move and the bullies, Robin flourishes and finds friends she clicks with. I love how text-heavy Almost American Girl is. I also appreciate the piece about her mom that's tucked into the acknowledgements. I only wish I had thought to check for a glossary! I was so engrossed in the story I didn't flip to the back until the very end. Because I enjoyed this book so much I read every single word in it, including the copyright page. That is where I discovered that the really cool chapter openers came from comics Robin created as a teen. Amazing!
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Available
in some locations
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Come and Get It! : Simple, Scrumptious Recipes for Crazy Busy Lives
Book - 2017
Easy-to-make comfort food with delightful pictures and stories to accompany the recipes. Her recipes were little a-ha moments for me. They weren't too cra...Show more
Easy-to-make comfort food with delightful pictures and stories to accompany the recipes. Her recipes were little a-ha moments for me. They weren't too crazy, but they offered different ways of making the foods my family already enjoys. The best example of this is making hash browns in a waffle iron. They're not the best hash browns my family has ever had, but they are so much fun to make and allow us to use the oven and stove for other things we like to make for a big weekend breakfast.
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Easy-to-make comfort food with delightful pictures and stories to accompany the recipes. Her recipes were little a-ha moments for me. They weren't too cra...Show more
Easy-to-make comfort food with delightful pictures and stories to accompany the recipes. Her recipes were little a-ha moments for me. They weren't too crazy, but they offered different ways of making the foods my family already enjoys. The best example of this is making hash browns in a waffle iron. They're not the best hash browns my family has ever had, but they are so much fun to make and allow us to use the oven and stove for other things we like to make for a big weekend breakfast.
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Available
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One Step at A Time
Book - 2019
This is a meandering read, much like walking without a clear plan of where you're going. I enjoyed the observations and quotes and jotted down a handful o...Show more
This is a meandering read, much like walking without a clear plan of where you're going. I enjoyed the observations and quotes and jotted down a handful of books to investigate further.
Favorite quotes/moments:
"Journeys of discovery are not something you start doing, but something you gradually stop doing." I think this is something we're all definitely struggling with at the moment - keeping that sense of wonder alive while rooted firmly in one place.
I also hadn't ever heard of Arne Naess' formula for joy and was wowed by the simplicity of it. It's a reminder that a small increase in your "glow" or joy can outweigh a lot of pain.
Kagge's book was also my first experience with shinrin-yoku (tree-bathing) and how phytoncides from certain trees can benefit humans too.
I've heard of and firmly believe in the Hippocrates quote, "If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” But I didn't realize there is a similar Inuit tradition of walking in a straight line away from your home and then marking the spot in the snow where your anger left you. I've been thinking about how this could be cathartic for people in my life, myself included, and maybe a great way to tie in kindness art. For example, walk until I'm no longer upset and then leave a rock with a kind message for another person. There have been a few times I've been walking off some grumpiness and have seen a piece of kindness art. Sometimes that's all it takes for me to turn my mood around. Perhaps the people who left these nuggets of kindness have read Kagge's book. Who knows? Kagge's book is a great celebration of an activity that we all do. It's an inspiration for the mind, heart, and feet.
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This is a meandering read, much like walking without a clear plan of where you're going. I enjoyed the observations and quotes and jotted down a handful o...Show more
This is a meandering read, much like walking without a clear plan of where you're going. I enjoyed the observations and quotes and jotted down a handful of books to investigate further.
Favorite quotes/moments:
"Journeys of discovery are not something you start doing, but something you gradually stop doing." I think this is something we're all definitely struggling with at the moment - keeping that sense of wonder alive while rooted firmly in one place.
I also hadn't ever heard of Arne Naess' formula for joy and was wowed by the simplicity of it. It's a reminder that a small increase in your "glow" or joy can outweigh a lot of pain.
Kagge's book was also my first experience with shinrin-yoku (tree-bathing) and how phytoncides from certain trees can benefit humans too.
I've heard of and firmly believe in the Hippocrates quote, "If you are in a bad mood, go for a walk. If you are still in a bad mood, go for another walk.” But I didn't realize there is a similar Inuit tradition of walking in a straight line away from your home and then marking the spot in the snow where your anger left you. I've been thinking about how this could be cathartic for people in my life, myself included, and maybe a great way to tie in kindness art. For example, walk until I'm no longer upset and then leave a rock with a kind message for another person. There have been a few times I've been walking off some grumpiness and have seen a piece of kindness art. Sometimes that's all it takes for me to turn my mood around. Perhaps the people who left these nuggets of kindness have read Kagge's book. Who knows? Kagge's book is a great celebration of an activity that we all do. It's an inspiration for the mind, heart, and feet.
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Available
in some locations
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A New Look at How Birds Talk, Work, Play, Parent, and Think
eBook - 2020
I enjoyed every moment of this book. I learned so much about not only bird behavior, but also human behavior. Ackerman writing style is simple and engagin...Show more
I enjoyed every moment of this book. I learned so much about not only bird behavior, but also human behavior. Ackerman writing style is simple and engaging, with poetic observations woven throughout, much like the snakeskins flycatchers weave into their nests. Ackerman writes, “Just for a day I’d like to experience the world the way they do, to see leaves with ultraviolet light baked into their greens, to hear and understand the minute musical differences and quick shifts in the acoustic structure of their complex calls and songs… To witness bird behavior in its full range is to glean some perspective on our own behavior.”
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I enjoyed every moment of this book. I learned so much about not only bird behavior, but also human behavior. Ackerman writing style is simple and engagin...Show more
I enjoyed every moment of this book. I learned so much about not only bird behavior, but also human behavior. Ackerman writing style is simple and engaging, with poetic observations woven throughout, much like the snakeskins flycatchers weave into their nests. Ackerman writes, “Just for a day I’d like to experience the world the way they do, to see leaves with ultraviolet light baked into their greens, to hear and understand the minute musical differences and quick shifts in the acoustic structure of their complex calls and songs… To witness bird behavior in its full range is to glean some perspective on our own behavior.”
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by Kuhn, Sarah
Book - 2019
I smiled so much while reading I Love You So Mochi that my face hurts. I appreciate Kimi's outlook on life and her enthusiasm for pretty much anything si...Show more
I smiled so much while reading I Love You So Mochi that my face hurts. I appreciate Kimi's outlook on life and her enthusiasm for pretty much anything silly and beautiful. Kimi wasn't the only character I enjoyed. The boy she falls in love with, Akira, is sweet and thoughtful. Both her grandparents are kind of kooky, with their own interests and personalities, and easy to love. Though Kimi’s friends are across the ocean for most of the book, they are equally important and unique. Kimi's mom is also an interesting character. Kimi wants her mom to be proud of her and wishes her mom could understand her passion for making clothes. But Kimi also thinks her mom understands her better than anyone she knows and admires her mom for who she is. Though the book is about Kimi, it's not just about her issues and her journey. It's also about all the people she loves. I'll often read books where the entire focus is placed on the main character's journey and life, and the other characters are just there to support the main character's journey. I Love You Mochi is not that book. All the characters matter in Kimi's world. I also loved the setting and all the details. I have never been to Japan, but I felt like I was completely there with Kimi, experiencing it for the first time. The attention to detail is incredible. So many new foods, clothing, and places I have never heard of. I was googling just as fast as I was reading. I can't say enough positive things about I Love you So Mochi. I could go on and on, gushing about what a fantastic read it is.
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I smiled so much while reading I Love You So Mochi that my face hurts. I appreciate Kimi's outlook on life and her enthusiasm for pretty much anything si...Show more
I smiled so much while reading I Love You So Mochi that my face hurts. I appreciate Kimi's outlook on life and her enthusiasm for pretty much anything silly and beautiful. Kimi wasn't the only character I enjoyed. The boy she falls in love with, Akira, is sweet and thoughtful. Both her grandparents are kind of kooky, with their own interests and personalities, and easy to love. Though Kimi’s friends are across the ocean for most of the book, they are equally important and unique. Kimi's mom is also an interesting character. Kimi wants her mom to be proud of her and wishes her mom could understand her passion for making clothes. But Kimi also thinks her mom understands her better than anyone she knows and admires her mom for who she is. Though the book is about Kimi, it's not just about her issues and her journey. It's also about all the people she loves. I'll often read books where the entire focus is placed on the main character's journey and life, and the other characters are just there to support the main character's journey. I Love You Mochi is not that book. All the characters matter in Kimi's world. I also loved the setting and all the details. I have never been to Japan, but I felt like I was completely there with Kimi, experiencing it for the first time. The attention to detail is incredible. So many new foods, clothing, and places I have never heard of. I was googling just as fast as I was reading. I can't say enough positive things about I Love you So Mochi. I could go on and on, gushing about what a fantastic read it is.
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Available
in some locations
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Book - 2019
These simple yet powerful statements about friendship, kindness, and cake combined with magnificent illustrations give me the feeling of coming home to a ...Show more
These simple yet powerful statements about friendship, kindness, and cake combined with magnificent illustrations give me the feeling of coming home to a place that only existed in my dreams. My favorite quote, one that I need to remind myself of often, is "One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things." Mackesy's book feels as if Brian Andreas and A.A. Milne invited Mackesy to a party down a rabbit hole. It's definitely a portal to a totally unique world.
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These simple yet powerful statements about friendship, kindness, and cake combined with magnificent illustrations give me the feeling of coming home to a ...Show more
These simple yet powerful statements about friendship, kindness, and cake combined with magnificent illustrations give me the feeling of coming home to a place that only existed in my dreams. My favorite quote, one that I need to remind myself of often, is "One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things." Mackesy's book feels as if Brian Andreas and A.A. Milne invited Mackesy to a party down a rabbit hole. It's definitely a portal to a totally unique world.
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Available but not Holdable
in some locations
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How Pictures Work
by Bang, Molly
Book - 2016
Reading this is like putting on a new pair of glasses after going to the eye doctor and finding out your prescription has been off. Every picture book I'v...Show more
Reading this is like putting on a new pair of glasses after going to the eye doctor and finding out your prescription has been off. Every picture book I've read since reading Picture This has been read with a new perspective. Each page is filled with intricacies I hadn't noticed before. Bang does a great job explaining how each illustration is broken up into shapes that communicate with each other and to the reader. This is a great resource for artists, writers, and educators. In addition to reading picture books with a closer eye, I can't wait to use what I learned in Picture This for storytimes, teen art/writing workshops, and in my personal art. I will never look at shapes the same way!
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Reading this is like putting on a new pair of glasses after going to the eye doctor and finding out your prescription has been off. Every picture book I'v...Show more
Reading this is like putting on a new pair of glasses after going to the eye doctor and finding out your prescription has been off. Every picture book I've read since reading Picture This has been read with a new perspective. Each page is filled with intricacies I hadn't noticed before. Bang does a great job explaining how each illustration is broken up into shapes that communicate with each other and to the reader. This is a great resource for artists, writers, and educators. In addition to reading picture books with a closer eye, I can't wait to use what I learned in Picture This for storytimes, teen art/writing workshops, and in my personal art. I will never look at shapes the same way!
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Available
in some locations
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by Fies, Brian
Graphic Novel - 2019
I'm not sure how a book can be both devastating and inspirational, but A Fire Story is just that. I was amazed that Fies had the presence of mind to immed...Show more
I'm not sure how a book can be both devastating and inspirational, but A Fire Story is just that. I was amazed that Fies had the presence of mind to immediately begin recording his loss. Also, it's one thing to be vulnerable after you've had time to process something as enormous as losing your home, but to immediately share your hurt with the entire world is really quite brave. Though the artwork was a bit goofy, which didn't match the gravity of the situation, I gradually realized it's probably just Fies' artistic style. There were several eye-opening moments for me. Shortly after the fire, Fies and his wife, Karen, are writing holiday cards and his wife wonders how they're going to find the addresses of their friends without their address book. Fies suggests looking at the envelopes from the previous year and then they both realize they don't have the envelopes either. I also thought the unique perspectives of different neighbors and their fire stories was a thoughtful touch that made this book all the more interesting and heartbreaking. Even after the fire, the sense of Fies' community is still strong. Though neighbors were scattered throughout the area, they still met up with each other. I don't know a single neighbor on my street (with the exception of my mother-in-law) so I found that to be incredibly touching. Fies leaves the story on a positive note, which must have been tough but necessary for him to do. I can't imagine that battle! He leaves the reader with an illustration of daffodils and the hope of building a new house with all the love and memories their last house included.
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I'm not sure how a book can be both devastating and inspirational, but A Fire Story is just that. I was amazed that Fies had the presence of mind to immed...Show more
I'm not sure how a book can be both devastating and inspirational, but A Fire Story is just that. I was amazed that Fies had the presence of mind to immediately begin recording his loss. Also, it's one thing to be vulnerable after you've had time to process something as enormous as losing your home, but to immediately share your hurt with the entire world is really quite brave. Though the artwork was a bit goofy, which didn't match the gravity of the situation, I gradually realized it's probably just Fies' artistic style. There were several eye-opening moments for me. Shortly after the fire, Fies and his wife, Karen, are writing holiday cards and his wife wonders how they're going to find the addresses of their friends without their address book. Fies suggests looking at the envelopes from the previous year and then they both realize they don't have the envelopes either. I also thought the unique perspectives of different neighbors and their fire stories was a thoughtful touch that made this book all the more interesting and heartbreaking. Even after the fire, the sense of Fies' community is still strong. Though neighbors were scattered throughout the area, they still met up with each other. I don't know a single neighbor on my street (with the exception of my mother-in-law) so I found that to be incredibly touching. Fies leaves the story on a positive note, which must have been tough but necessary for him to do. I can't imagine that battle! He leaves the reader with an illustration of daffodils and the hope of building a new house with all the love and memories their last house included.
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Available
in some locations
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At Home in Italy
eBook - 1997
Before reading this I couldn't help peeking at the first review on Goodreads. It's hard to miss because it's in all caps, practically shouting to skip the...Show more
Before reading this I couldn't help peeking at the first review on Goodreads. It's hard to miss because it's in all caps, practically shouting to skip the book because it's basically the ramblings of a middle-aged woman. Whether you've read the book or not, it's bound to make you chuckle. After reading Under the Tuscan Sun I have to agree that the reviewer isn't wrong - there is a lot of rambling. Though the path was linear, I felt like the story zig-zagged the entire way. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. If I ever do anything half as interesting as purchasing a neglected villa in Italy, I would love to ramble on and on about it. Under the Tuscan Sun picked me up out of a rather crazy time in my life and transported me to a different kind of chaos, a chaos sprinkled with incredible moments of serenity and beauty.
Here are a few of my favorite moments:
"The house must be in some good alignment... Something is giving us an extraordinary feeling of well being." I, too, understand this feeling. I had it a few times while my husband and I traveled in an RV a few years ago. The RV felt like home in a way no other place has. One night we stayed in a gas station parking lot, and I remember looking out the tiny window into a cornfield and having that same feeling of well being, like everything was ok in the world.
I also enjoyed Mayes' ruminations on olive trees - "The olive tree does impart a sense of peace. It must be, simply, the way they participate in time." What an idea!! I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I "participate in time." I can't stop thinking about this line.
I enjoyed the brief discussion Mayes had with her husband concerning bees, and what her husband says about the workers: "The workers...have the best life. they have fields of flowers to roll in. Imagine turning over and over and inside a rose." It's another line I can't stop thinking about.
Though stressful at times, I enjoyed reading about Mayes' home restoration. I was floored when a fresco was uncovered and enraged when a worker wrote over it in sharpie.
Her food descriptions are rich enough to put you in a food coma and her writing style is just as rich: the mixed lettuces she planted "bolted the border," and "green beans served with black olives, sliced raw fennel, spring onions, and a light vinaigrette or lemon juice must be one of the nicest things to happen to a green bean." I think about this now when I make something. For example, lemon, Parmesan, olive oil, and Dijon mustard have got to be one of the nicest things that can happen to kale.
This is one of those rare books I continue to think about nonstop after reading. It's one of those books that has changed how I define myself and how I see the world. It was such a pleasure to join Mayes while she aimlessly and joyfully flitted from one interesting thing to another and shared her incredible journeys in Italy. I can't wait to read more!
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Before reading this I couldn't help peeking at the first review on Goodreads. It's hard to miss because it's in all caps, practically shouting to skip the...Show more
Before reading this I couldn't help peeking at the first review on Goodreads. It's hard to miss because it's in all caps, practically shouting to skip the book because it's basically the ramblings of a middle-aged woman. Whether you've read the book or not, it's bound to make you chuckle. After reading Under the Tuscan Sun I have to agree that the reviewer isn't wrong - there is a lot of rambling. Though the path was linear, I felt like the story zig-zagged the entire way. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. If I ever do anything half as interesting as purchasing a neglected villa in Italy, I would love to ramble on and on about it. Under the Tuscan Sun picked me up out of a rather crazy time in my life and transported me to a different kind of chaos, a chaos sprinkled with incredible moments of serenity and beauty.
Here are a few of my favorite moments:
"The house must be in some good alignment... Something is giving us an extraordinary feeling of well being." I, too, understand this feeling. I had it a few times while my husband and I traveled in an RV a few years ago. The RV felt like home in a way no other place has. One night we stayed in a gas station parking lot, and I remember looking out the tiny window into a cornfield and having that same feeling of well being, like everything was ok in the world.
I also enjoyed Mayes' ruminations on olive trees - "The olive tree does impart a sense of peace. It must be, simply, the way they participate in time." What an idea!! I have been doing a lot of thinking about how I "participate in time." I can't stop thinking about this line.
I enjoyed the brief discussion Mayes had with her husband concerning bees, and what her husband says about the workers: "The workers...have the best life. they have fields of flowers to roll in. Imagine turning over and over and inside a rose." It's another line I can't stop thinking about.
Though stressful at times, I enjoyed reading about Mayes' home restoration. I was floored when a fresco was uncovered and enraged when a worker wrote over it in sharpie.
Her food descriptions are rich enough to put you in a food coma and her writing style is just as rich: the mixed lettuces she planted "bolted the border," and "green beans served with black olives, sliced raw fennel, spring onions, and a light vinaigrette or lemon juice must be one of the nicest things to happen to a green bean." I think about this now when I make something. For example, lemon, Parmesan, olive oil, and Dijon mustard have got to be one of the nicest things that can happen to kale.
This is one of those rare books I continue to think about nonstop after reading. It's one of those books that has changed how I define myself and how I see the world. It was such a pleasure to join Mayes while she aimlessly and joyfully flitted from one interesting thing to another and shared her incredible journeys in Italy. I can't wait to read more!
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And Other Skillful Word Distinctions
Book - 2018
Though there were a handful of word distinctions I was already familiar with, I was surprised by how many I didn't know and how many words I mess up. I ma...Show more
Though there were a handful of word distinctions I was already familiar with, I was surprised by how many I didn't know and how many words I mess up. I made a list of words I struggle with in the hopes I will use the list when I'm writing something important. Occasionally Elster gets frustrated with common errors, and because he's a logophile, this can be pretty entertaining. For instance, while writing about "the rampant misuse of can for may," Elster states, "'Everybody does it' is the poorest, lamest excuse for an infraction. It's the last refuge of the speeder, the spitter, the litterer, and the liar. Do you want scoundrels like these to run your language?" Though Elster's scolding tone may rub some the wrong way, I applaud his passion (even though I shrugged off some of the scolding). How to Tell Fate From Destiny has a little bit of everything - humor, passion, history, an opportunity for personal growth, and the feeling of a deeper connection with fellow scoundrels.
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Though there were a handful of word distinctions I was already familiar with, I was surprised by how many I didn't know and how many words I mess up. I ma...Show more
Though there were a handful of word distinctions I was already familiar with, I was surprised by how many I didn't know and how many words I mess up. I made a list of words I struggle with in the hopes I will use the list when I'm writing something important. Occasionally Elster gets frustrated with common errors, and because he's a logophile, this can be pretty entertaining. For instance, while writing about "the rampant misuse of can for may," Elster states, "'Everybody does it' is the poorest, lamest excuse for an infraction. It's the last refuge of the speeder, the spitter, the litterer, and the liar. Do you want scoundrels like these to run your language?" Though Elster's scolding tone may rub some the wrong way, I applaud his passion (even though I shrugged off some of the scolding). How to Tell Fate From Destiny has a little bit of everything - humor, passion, history, an opportunity for personal growth, and the feeling of a deeper connection with fellow scoundrels.
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Available
in some locations
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A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet
by Hunt, Will
eBook - 2018
Hunt's exploration of the worlds beneath our feet is fascinating, compelling and supported by interesting texts. I simply couldn't jot down names and quot...Show more
Hunt's exploration of the worlds beneath our feet is fascinating, compelling and supported by interesting texts. I simply couldn't jot down names and quotes fast enough. At times it felt like Hunt was gushing like a fangirl as he sloshed his way through sewers and reveled in what I can only describe as extreme underworld appreciation. I happened upon Underground in the Paris Catacombs gift shop. Though I wouldn't describe my appreciation of what lies beneath my feet as extreme, I do love caves and spent my college years caving every spare minute I had. I even helped with cave restoration and preservation. Sadly, the combination of a full-time job and the spread of White-Nose-Syndrome (a disease that easily spreads among bats and adds extra hours of cleaning cave gear to the expedition) pushed caving way way down on my priority list. But there is nothing quite like wedging yourself into a small cave nook, the back of your head pressed against the cool cave floor, as you flip off your headlamp and let the darkness embrace you. My experience in the Paris Catacombs was nothing like this, but I still enjoyed the tour, and more importantly I found Hunt's book. Hunt tends to meander, sometimes going on and on about something, zig-zagging from one thought to another. I recognize this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I rather enjoyed it. It felt a little bit like caving. At times I felt lost. Other times I was totally consumed in a labyrinth of wonder I never wanted to leave. I had to slow down while reading this, and take the time to enjoy the beautiful facets of the underworld. Here are a couple of my favorite moments: "Evolutionary psychologists have suggested that even our most archaic ancestral relationships to landscapes never quite fade, that they become wired in our nervous system, manifest in unconscious instincts that continue to govern our behavior. The ecologist Gordon Orians calls these lingering vestigial impulses 'evolutionary ghosts of environments past.' This was a brand-new concept to me. Underground also introduced me to the word, "songline." "A songline is a path marking the trail of a Dreamtime ancestor - an emu, a wallaby, a dingo, a marlu - as they moved across the primordial continent, bringing the landscape into existence."
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Hunt's exploration of the worlds beneath our feet is fascinating, compelling and supported by interesting texts. I simply couldn't jot down names and quot...Show more
Hunt's exploration of the worlds beneath our feet is fascinating, compelling and supported by interesting texts. I simply couldn't jot down names and quotes fast enough. At times it felt like Hunt was gushing like a fangirl as he sloshed his way through sewers and reveled in what I can only describe as extreme underworld appreciation. I happened upon Underground in the Paris Catacombs gift shop. Though I wouldn't describe my appreciation of what lies beneath my feet as extreme, I do love caves and spent my college years caving every spare minute I had. I even helped with cave restoration and preservation. Sadly, the combination of a full-time job and the spread of White-Nose-Syndrome (a disease that easily spreads among bats and adds extra hours of cleaning cave gear to the expedition) pushed caving way way down on my priority list. But there is nothing quite like wedging yourself into a small cave nook, the back of your head pressed against the cool cave floor, as you flip off your headlamp and let the darkness embrace you. My experience in the Paris Catacombs was nothing like this, but I still enjoyed the tour, and more importantly I found Hunt's book. Hunt tends to meander, sometimes going on and on about something, zig-zagging from one thought to another. I recognize this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but I rather enjoyed it. It felt a little bit like caving. At times I felt lost. Other times I was totally consumed in a labyrinth of wonder I never wanted to leave. I had to slow down while reading this, and take the time to enjoy the beautiful facets of the underworld. Here are a couple of my favorite moments: "Evolutionary psychologists have suggested that even our most archaic ancestral relationships to landscapes never quite fade, that they become wired in our nervous system, manifest in unconscious instincts that continue to govern our behavior. The ecologist Gordon Orians calls these lingering vestigial impulses 'evolutionary ghosts of environments past.' This was a brand-new concept to me. Underground also introduced me to the word, "songline." "A songline is a path marking the trail of a Dreamtime ancestor - an emu, a wallaby, a dingo, a marlu - as they moved across the primordial continent, bringing the landscape into existence."
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Book - 2019
I really enjoyed and respected the main character, Emoni, a teenage mom who's trying to balance parenthood, classes, work, graduating, her passion for coo...Show more
I really enjoyed and respected the main character, Emoni, a teenage mom who's trying to balance parenthood, classes, work, graduating, her passion for cooking, family, friends and not only a potential boyfriend, but what it means to date as a single parent WHEW. I was impressed with how well Emoni juggles everything. Acevedo doesn't try to make her this champion teen mom or on the flip side, shame her for being a teen mom. It's not a cautionary tale or one of those books that makes a struggle like teen parenting look easy. Acevedo balances writing about teen pregnancy and single teen parenting with grace. I really enjoyed the characters. I appreciated not only Emoni's strong friendship with Angelica, but also how Angelica's relationship with her girlfriend stays strong the whole way through the story. Every character was fleshed out, believable, and played a crucial roll in Emoni's story. There was a touch of magic realism sprinkled throughout the story, which I appreciated. Emoni's cooking evokes strong emotions in those who eat what she makes, and she has an experience with a chef who nourishes this ability. I loved how the descriptions of food are heavy-handed with a couple cute recipes here and there. Emoni is also proud of who she is - her culture, where she lives, and where she comes from. Her family isn't perfect, but she's ok with that and she's a whole lot more accepting of her father than I would be. I think my favorite thing about With the Fire on High is how it lets its audience know that you can still achieve your dreams and accomplish your goals, even if your path suddenly changes direction. You may just have to work harder for those dreams, and the new direction your path takes may make your life even better.
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I really enjoyed and respected the main character, Emoni, a teenage mom who's trying to balance parenthood, classes, work, graduating, her passion for coo...Show more
I really enjoyed and respected the main character, Emoni, a teenage mom who's trying to balance parenthood, classes, work, graduating, her passion for cooking, family, friends and not only a potential boyfriend, but what it means to date as a single parent WHEW. I was impressed with how well Emoni juggles everything. Acevedo doesn't try to make her this champion teen mom or on the flip side, shame her for being a teen mom. It's not a cautionary tale or one of those books that makes a struggle like teen parenting look easy. Acevedo balances writing about teen pregnancy and single teen parenting with grace. I really enjoyed the characters. I appreciated not only Emoni's strong friendship with Angelica, but also how Angelica's relationship with her girlfriend stays strong the whole way through the story. Every character was fleshed out, believable, and played a crucial roll in Emoni's story. There was a touch of magic realism sprinkled throughout the story, which I appreciated. Emoni's cooking evokes strong emotions in those who eat what she makes, and she has an experience with a chef who nourishes this ability. I loved how the descriptions of food are heavy-handed with a couple cute recipes here and there. Emoni is also proud of who she is - her culture, where she lives, and where she comes from. Her family isn't perfect, but she's ok with that and she's a whole lot more accepting of her father than I would be. I think my favorite thing about With the Fire on High is how it lets its audience know that you can still achieve your dreams and accomplish your goals, even if your path suddenly changes direction. You may just have to work harder for those dreams, and the new direction your path takes may make your life even better.
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