Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars

Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars
Ethan Hawke, Greg Ruth
Grand Central Publishing, 2016. 232 pages.

In the war-torn Southwest of 1872, a young Apache brave loses his family, home, and everything he loves. In an act of retribution, the young man convinces the entire Apache nation to attack the Mexican town of Azripe, leaving death and destruction in their wake. This event transforms the young Apache man into the Native American hero Geronimo. But even as the Apache desperately fight to preserve their way of life, the “white eyes” in blue coats continue to expand westward, destroying the Apache way of life.

This grim but beautifully illustrated account of the Apache wars is an emotional graphic novel that recounts an important but often misrepresented part of US history. The story is without context and at times can be confusing if one is not familiar with the history of the Southwest or the Apache Wars. Nevertheless, what this volume lacks in detail more than makes up for with the emotional artwork that richly conveys the horrors of war and the sense of loss that haunt this part of our nation’s history. 

ALL

Little Moments of Love

Little Moments of Love
By Catana Chetwynd
Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2018. 148 pages. Graphic Novel

Catana Chetwynd never realized when she began posting her doodles online that they would become an internet sensation.  Focusing mainly on her long-term relationship with her boyfriend, readers have found her sweet, relatable humor infectious. She has compiled several of her classic comics as well as some new ones in this collection. 

This is a quick but upbeat book that serves as a reminder of how positivity in relationships can turn a bad day into a good one.  Though most certainly an idealized portrayal, there is a lighthearted focus on the positive that can be invigorating and inspiring.  Silly at times but always sweet, this would be good for anyone wanting a quick pick me up.

BHG

The President is Missing

The President is Missing
by James Patterson and Bill Clinton
Little, Brown and Company and Knopf, 2018. 528 pages. Fiction

President Duncan is in a race against time to stop an unknown but potentially catastrophic threat.  Unsure of who to trust, Duncan goes to lengths previously unthinkable in order to find answers and protect the country.  Patterson co-wrote this book with Bill Clinton in an effort to make the story as plausible as possible with an insider perspective on the white house, and to understand what it would take for the events described to be necessary.

I read the book mostly out of curiosity to know how it would be possible for a sitting president to go missing.  This question ended up being answered relatively quickly and was more of a minor element of the story.  The rest was mostly centered around a conventional espionage thriller with terrorists, cyber crime, assassins, international intrigue, and subterfuge.  Fans of Patterson's work will certainly find a thrilling, if maybe a bit formulaic, read here.  I listened to the audiobook, which is read by a few different narrators, but mostly by Dennis Quaid, who will be a draw for some readers as well.

BHG

More Than Meets the Eye

More Than Meets the Eye
By Karen Witemeyer
Bethany House, 2018. 346 pgs. Romance

Evangeline Hamilton was orphaned at a young age and because of her different colored eyes, one blue and one brown, she struggled to find a place in the world. She joined together with two other orphans, Seth and Zach, and they form a rag-tag family. Logan Fowler came to town seeking justice against the hardened man who stole his family's land and destroyed his family. All he knows is the man's name, Zach Hamilton. He isn't prepared to find someone who isn't much older than himself and he is especially unprepared to meet Zach's sister Evangeline. She is a ray of sunshine in his dark world and the more time he spends with her, the more he is confused about what he really wants in life. Evangeline is just amazed to have someone accept her and not seem to mind her mismatched eyes.

Karen Witemeyer creates an amazing balance between perfectly flawed characters, humor, romance, and references to religion without feeling preachy. The attraction between Evie and Logan is fun to watch but by far my favorite character is Zach. He is so tough on the outside but he has had to take on a lot of responsibility in his young life and he has a soft spot for Evie and Seth. Fans of Sarah Eden and Julie Klassen would enjoy Karen Witemeyer's books!


AL

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza

The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza
By Shaun David Hutchinson
Simon Pulse, 2018. 438 pgs. Young Adult

Elena is the first scientifically confirmed virgin birth, and ever since she can remember she has been able to hear the voices of inanimate objects speaking to her. One day her crush, Freddie, is shot in a random act of violence, and the Starbucks siren tells Elena to heal her. She does, but then the shooter disappears in a beam of light and Elena is just as confused as everyone else. The voices tell Elena to heal more people, but doing so results in more disappearances, while not doing so results in mass disasters. Elena must decide to listen to the voices or not, but whatever she chooses the apocalypse has started.

The best part of this book is the characters. Elena and her friends are wonderfully written and easy to connect with. The ethnic and sexual diversity gives the characters perspectives that are appearing more often in young adult literature, allowing more young people to find protagonists like them. While the characters shined, the plot took a backseat. The premise of the story is interesting, but the execution felt a little overly contrived and kept pulling me out of the story. Though not perfect, this is a book I could recommend to people who like magical realism and care more about characterization than plot.

ACS

Donner Dinner Party

Donner Dinner Party
By Nathan Hale
Amulet Books, 2013. 123 pgs. Graphic Novel

Based on the true events surrounding the ill-fated Donner Party, this tale follows the Reed family on their journey from Illinois to California in 1846. From bad choices such as taking a “short-cut” that was promised to be smooth and fast when it wasn’t, to bad weather when a snow storm hit as they were crossing the mountains, the wagon train ended up spending the winter stuck on the wrong side of the mountains, starving and struggling to survive.

This fictionalized account of the events surrounding the Donner Party was fascinating to read. It’s a book written specifically for young readers, even while addressing the topic of cannibalism. If you want to skip the most macabre bits it tells you when to skip ahead, doing so in a relatively humorous way considering the subject. As a look back at pioneer history, and even local history as it covers their crossing of the Salt Lake Valley, this was a very engaging way to turn the Donner Party into more than just a macabre story. I would easily recommend it to others, especially those interested in history and survival.

ACS

Girl, Wash Your Face

Girl, Wash Your Face
By Rachel Hollis
Nelson Books, 2018. 220 pgs. Nonfiction

Rachel Hollis has built a social media business on the premise of uplifting and inspiring women. In this book she talks about the lies that we tell ourselves and let ourselves believe. Things like: I'm not good enough, I'll start tomorrow, I'm not a good mom, I will never get past this. These and other lies are all things that Rachel believed in her own life. She examines each one and talks about the things she did to overcome the lie. Each chapter address a different lie and at the end of the chapter she summarizes three specific things that helped her. The main point of her book is that each of us is ultimately responsible for who we become and how happy we are.

This book was life-changing for me. Through the stories Rachel shared, I recognized a lot of the lies I tell myself in my own life. It is hard to work on changing something if you don't even realize you are doing it. She is willing to share her weaknesses and vulnerabilities to show that it is still possible to love yourself even when you make mistakes or do something you are not proud of. It is empowering to have Rachel say, and to finally start to realize, that I have control of my life. We don't need to wait for the right house, the right job, the right amount of money to be happy. We need to take control of what happens next and we are so much more than we have become.

AL

Bygone Badass Broads: 52 Forgotten Women Who Changed the World

Bygone Badass Broads: 52 Forgotten Women Who Changed the World
by Mackenzi Lee
Harry N. Abrams, 2018. 176pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

There are so many people who have contributed to make our world what it is today and this book works to highlight in particular 52 women who have in their own way had a powerful impact on the world. The stories begin in fifth century BCE and continue to the present.

I personally had never heard about most of the women mentioned in this book and I thought that it was fantastic that Mackenzi Lee did such a good job finding such influential women and then condensing their life stories into two pages, and the art work was beautifully done. I in particular loved Agnodice the first female to pretend to be a man so she could practice medicine. I also loved Khutulun who won thousands of horses because no man could beat her in a wrestling match and she died undefeated. I found it absolutely enjoyable reading about so many women who accomplished astounding things for their people and their countries.

MH

Etched in Sand

Etched in Sand
By Regina Calcaterra
Harper Collins Harper Audio, 2013. Biography

Regina Calcaterra is a survivor of parental abuse. Regina’s mother, Cookie, was an abusive, promiscuous, mentally ill, alcoholic who had five children with five different fathers. The family moved constantly and frequently lived in a car. The few times Cookie did find a home or an apartment, she left her children alone for weeks with no way for them to access the necessities of life. Throughout their childhood Regina and her siblings experienced extreme hunger, cold, filth and degradation. When Cookie was around, she beat and verbally abused her children. At the age of 14 Regina emancipated herself and worked hard to eventually become a New York attorney.

This story has made a lasting impression on me, and is not for the faint of heart. The aspects that stand out the most are: Regina’s love for her siblings, her drive to create a life for herself and her fight to improve the lives of others makes her a real-life heroine. Even though her story is heart-rending and chilling, it is ultimately a tale of hope. Regina fits the bill for anyone looking for a strong female example.

The audio book is narrated by the author.

MC

Survivor's Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz

Survivor's Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz
By Michael Bornstein
New York: Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017. 348 pgs. Young Adult Nonfiction

Michael Bornstein was one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz. Soviet soldiers liberated the camp and documented the event when Bornstein was only 4 years old. He kept his memories and experiences to himself for decades. One day he saw an image of himself from the day he was liberated being used on a website to deny the atrocities that happened at Auschwitz. At that point he knew he needed to tell his story. With the help of his daughter, Bornstein worked to piece together his early history and now shares his story of survival for the first time.

I am a huge fan of human survival stories and this one is especially poignant because Bornstein was so young. I was continually impressed with Bornstein’s parents’ bravery and resourcefulness. I was amazed that a little boy of 4 years old found the endurance to stay alive. It’s always shocking to learn about the brutality that exists in this world, but Bornstein does an excellent job of keeping his story appropriate for young adult audiences while telling a historically accurate account.

MC

Sometimes I Lie

Sometimes I Lie
By Alice Feeney
Flatiron Books, 2018, 262 pages, General Fiction

Amber wakes up in a hospital. She can't move. She can't speak. She can't open her eyes. Though she can hear everyone around her, no one knows because she's in a coma. But she doesn't remember what happened. Alternating between her paralyzed present, the week before her accident, and a series of childhood diaries from twenty years ago, the narratives build and collide for an ending that leaves readers speechless.

This book had a lot of satisfying twists and turns that just kept twisting and turning, and there were multiple reasons why each character could have put Amber in the hospital. This is a great example of the current trend of suspense novels starring women who have no one to turn to, and who might not even be able to trust themselves (The Death of Mrs. Westaway and The Woman in the Window are two other examples). The audiobook was excellently narrated, and it kept me anxious to know what would happen next.  Those who enjoy mysteries with unreliable narrators, hidden intentions, and secret identities will enjoy this book.

 MB

Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery

Endurance: A Year in Space, a Lifetime of Discovery 
by Scott Kelly
Alfred A. Knopf, 2017, 387 pages, Autobiography

The veteran of four space flights and the American record holder for consecutive days spent in space, Scott Kelly has experienced things very few have. Now, he describes navigating the extreme challenges of long-term spaceflight, both existential and banal: the devastating effects on the body; the isolation from everyone he loves and the comforts of Earth; the pressures of constant close cohabitation; the catastrophic risks of depressurization or colliding with space junk, and the still more haunting threat of being unable to help should tragedy strike at home.

Scott Kelly’s autobiography is half an account of daily life during his year aboard the International Space Station, and half an account of the different turns his life has taken in order to give him the opportunity to be an astronaut. This combines to create a book that was really compelling to me. Although Kelly’s life is very different from my own, he still deals with the disappointments, setbacks and struggles we all face. I also appreciated Kelly’s positivity about his experience in space, while not being afraid to discuss the negatives: things like the effects living in space can have on you, and the problems that arise from living away from the ones you love.

Kelly makes a number of parallels between being one of the first to spend a year in space, and Ernest Shackleton, the explorer who famously spent a year stranded in Antarctica. In fact, the title of Kelly’s book is based on both the ship Shackleton used in his voyages, and on the well-known book about Ernest Shackleton by Alfred Lansing.

MB

#GIRLBOSS

#GIRLBOSS
by Sophia Amaruso
G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2014. 241 pages. Nonfiction
This is a must read for gutsy gals with great ideas. Not only is it a guide for surviving and thriving in the world of entrepreneurs, but it is basically a memoir of Sophia Amaruso’s rise from anarchist teen to Nasty Girl owner and queen of vintage clothes.

 Amaruso not only gives great tips for starting a business, but also for interviewing for your dream job. Through anecdotes from her own life, she shows that you don’t have to be a business major or MBA to start your own business or to create your own empire.

This book is now a full length series on Netflix.

AG

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics teaches us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence

How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics teaches us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence 
Michael Pollan
Penguin Press, 2018. 465 pages.

You have probably heard of Michael Pollan, or more likely one of his many best-selling works on food—Cooked, The Omnivore’s Dilemma, The Botany of Desire, etc. Pollan’s latest book comes out of left field with a somewhat plant related topic—psychedelics. In this book, Pollan makes a compelling case for “psychedelic assisted therapy,” claiming that these drugs can be used to treat depression, anxiety, addictions, and a variety of other mental disorders. Pollan discusses the history of psychedelics, describes underlying commonalities in experiences, and explains the neuroscience of how these drugs affect the brain.

As a Michael Pollan fan, I was surprised and delighted when I heard about this book. The history of psychedelic research is fascinating by itself, but Pollan also delves deeply into current research that is a far-cry from the tie-dye/Burning Man version of psychedelics that you might expect. Pollan is a polished and compelling author, and this controversial subject matter makes this book hard to put down. I am definitely interested in the future of this research and to see what psychedelic therapy has in store for the future.

ALL

Less

Less
by Andrew Sean Greer
Little Brown, 2017. 263 pages, General Fiction

It’s never easy to receive a wedding invitation to an ex’s happy nuptials, but little known novelist Arthur Less decides he needs to be as far away as possible when his ex ties the knot. To top it off, he’s turning 50 and not feeling thrilled about both aging and what he’s accomplished by this time in his life. So, what better time to plan a trip around the world? He accepts some odd speaking and teaching engagements, knowing full well that most people don’t know his writing or anything about his work, but the travel is the real appeal for him, the chance to get away, not so much the publicity. After the jobs conclude, he plans to take a little soul searching expedition, but what he finds along the way is unexpected.

This is one of those books that I just could not put down! It won the Pulitzer Prize in 2017 and it is clear why as you read why it was chosen. I couldn’t wait to see what Arthur Less got himself into next, laugh along with the sad hilarity that is his life, and read the lyrical, lovely prose. The story is told in flashbacks to his youth and to modern day Arthur as he travels the world, and the transitions are so well placed and fluid that it creates a real, intimate connection with Arthur and his journey. Part travel story, part love story, and full of heart, I highly recommend this engaging and relatable tale.

RC

Alex and Eliza

Alex and Eliza

by Melissa de la Cruz

G.P. Putnam’s Son’s, 2017. 358 pgs. Young Adult Historical Fiction

After a charged meeting one night at a Schuyler ball, Alexander Hamilton and Elizabeth Schuyler do not meet again for two years.  In February 1780, Eliza travels to Morristown, New Jersey to assist her aunt and uncle in the war effort by inoculating soldiers against smallpox. Morristown is also where George Washington is camped for the winter, so Eliza and Alex run into one another multiple times throughout the winter and spring. During this time, Eliza realizes that she deeply cares for Alexander, but must do as her parents bid and marry for money. After an unpleasant encounter with her rake of a fiancé, Alexander must save Eliza before her unwelcomed wedding.  

I found this book to be a sweet and charming story about Elizabeth and Alexander. Not much known about their courtship, so much of the story is fictional. The story felt authentic and engaging. I knew that they would end up together by the end, so it felt a little slow at times. Overall, I enjoyed the characters and the development of the relationship of Eliza and Alex. This is a wonderful book for anyone who likes the play Hamilton, clean reads, or proper romances.

TT

Slam! Volume 1

Slam! Vol. 1
by Pamela Ribon
BOOM! Box, 2017. 112 pages. Graphic Novel

Jennifer and Maisie show up to the Eastside Roller Girls roller derby league recruitment night on a whim, not sure what to expect, least of all finding each other. Bonding over their new love of roller derby, Jennifer and Maisie become fast friends, supporting each other on and off the rink. But after getting drafted to opposing teams, between the new practice schedules and teammates, it gets harder and harder to be there for each other. When it comes down to it, can friendship survive the competition?

A grown-up's Rollergirl, SLAM! VOL 1 is a great story about the complexities of adult friendships (why is it so hard?), life, and the joy of coming into your own against the backdrop of the rough and tumble excitement of roller derby. With great illustration and eye-catching color, it's as fun a read visually as it is story-wise. I love the characters and seeing them grow into themselves. Also, I've already been flirting with the idea of trying out roller derby myself, and wow this series practically screams, "DO IT. ROLLER DERBY WILL GRANT YOUR EVERY WISH!." Obviously that's not true, at least not yet (I guess I'll find out), but regardless of hobby or circumstance, SLAM! proves that finding your tribe is pretty much the same...or better.

MW

A House Among the Trees

A House Among the Trees

by Julia Glass

Pantheon Books, 2017. 352 pages. General Fiction

Beloved children’s author and illustrator Mort Lear’s sudden accidental death leaves his assistant, Tomisina Daulair, reeling and piecing together many parts of his life. She’s been by his side for the better part of 40 years, and is now left to handle his estate, and legacy, which it seems many want a piece of. There’s an actor who wants to visit Mort’s home to research him for a role in a film, a zealous curator who is working to get on Tomisina’s good side so she’ll donate his works to her museum, and on top of it all, Mort’s will dictates some seemingly odd requests that she’s unsure how to bring about. In the wake of her grief, she is left to figure out what direction her own life can take, now that everything she knew has changed.

This book felt like an old friend from page one. I wanted to check in to see what would happen next with characters I came to feel close to and fond of. Deftly woven, the stories of what brings each of them together, of past and present, all come together to build a world that feels so much like the one we live in, with similar pains and woes, and the same longing and hope for the way that life could have turned out, instead of the way it is. I laughed and cried and loved this book, and would highly recommend it to those looking for a real, human story.

RC

Renegades

Renegades

by Marissa Meyer

Feiwel and Friends, 2017. 556 pgs. Young Adult

Following a time of chaos and a crumbling society, the Renegades were able to establish peace and order by using their unique abilities. Most people consider them superheroes, except the villains that they defeated. Nova is one of these villains and hates the Renegades more than most. She goes on a special mission to learn more about the Renegades’ strengths and weaknesses to bring them down, but she must question her mission and her heart after she meets Adrian, a Renegade who immediately drawn to her. Can Nova remain focused on her revenge when her heart is telling her otherwise?

I found this book to be very reminiscent of Brandon Sanderson’s Steelheart series, with a few nice changes. Some of the powers presented are very unique and interesting, as well as the conflict between the heroes and villains. The morality and character dilemmas presented to the characters can cause the reader to look towards our own society and some of the situations that we are faced with. Archenemies, book two of the Renegades trilogy, will be published in November 2018. This is a great read for anyone who likes dystopian civilizations, strong female characters, or superheroes.

TT

The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind: My Tale of Madness and Recovery

The Neuroscientist Who Lost Her Mind: My Tale of Madness and Recovery
 By Barbara K. Lipska Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018. 188 pgs. Biography

Barbara Lipska, a neuroscientist who has studied brain physiology for decades, survived cancer treatment for melanoma in her brain. As she endured radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy that caused brain swelling and other problems, she suffered the symptoms of a variety of mental illnesses. In spite of her knowledge, she didn’t recognize the signs of schizophrenia, dementia, and other pathologies even as she began manifesting them in her behavior. It wasn’t until she recovered that she fully realized the trauma she had caused her family and the extent of her evident madness.

Her lack of self-awareness of her problems in spite of being an expert on the brain was a very interesting aspect of her story. Many people who suffer mental illness have this condition, known as anosognosia , making it difficult for them to acknowledge their illness and follow through with taking medications and other treatments. She was absolutely determined to recover from her cancer but didn’t see the abnormality her behaviors until after her treatments were finished. Her story is one of courage and family unity as well as triumph over a lethal form of cancer. We can hope that long term insight into mental illness is also one of the outcomes of her suffering. SH

The French Chef In America

The French Chef in America: Julia Child’s Second Act 
by Alex Prud’homme Knopf, 2016. 318 pgs. Nonfiction

This is a follow-up of My Life in France written by Julia’s nephew and collaborator Alex Prud’homme. It focuses specifically on Julia’s work in America. It discusses her groundbreaking television program, the many cookbooks she wrote, and her documentaries. By this point in her life, Paul had become confused and surly. He never really recovered from a surgery he had. Though Paul was prickly with other people, he was Julia’s partner in everything. It’s amazing to see how Julia juggled her career and her marriage. The biography reads like a narrative and was so hard to put down.

Dearie

Dearie
by Bob Spitz
Knopf, 2012. 534 pgs. Nonfiction

This is a delightful biography of a delightful woman, Julia Child. It gives comprehensive coverage of Julia’s entire life, not just her time in France. It particularly focuses the complex and passionate relationship between Julia and Paul. This relationship was the catalyst for Julia’s blossoming into a confident, competent, and creative chef and TV personality.

The book was such a great read. The new information and excerpts from letters really made Julia and Paul real. Julia Child truly is a remarkable person.

Natural Causes

Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Killing Ourselves to Live Longer
by Barbara Ehrenreich
Twelve, 2018.  234 pgs. Nonfiction

Why do we age and how can we stop it?  These are two questions that our society is trying to answer in a myriad of ways.  Ehrenreich has written of her exploration of the topic comparing quality of life with longevity.  How hard are we willing to work to live forever?  The author is very critical of preventative-care screenings that can lead to unnecessary worry and medical intervention.  She also attacks the “cult of wellness” and the tendency the wealthy have to look down on the less advantaged who may not have the time or resources to exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet.

Ehrenreich is a wonderful writer and presents her somewhat scientific summary in a very understandable manner.  I will admit that my favorite part of the book was the cover, but I still enjoyed the opportunity to evaluate my own theories on health and wellness.  This is a short but entertaining look at the state of American Health, perfect for readers who want something a little lighter than Atul Gawande’s Being Mortal.

CG

Death of Mrs. Westaway

Death of Mrs. Westaway
by Ruth Ware
Scout Press, 2018. 368 pgs. Fiction

Hal’s life is not going well.  Since her mother was run down by a drunk driver, she has been just barely getting by as a tarot reader on the pier where her mother worked until her death.  But money is tight which is why she is deeply in debt to an unsympathetic loan shark.  Just when things look their bleakest, Hal receives a letter about the death of a grandmother she has never heard of and a legacy that would come in very handy right now.  Hal knows the letter must be a mistake, but in desperation she replies to the letter and finds herself in a frightful old house with quarreling relatives and a host of secrets that may turn deadly.

I read Ruth Ware’s The Woman in Cabin Ten a couple years ago and I liked it.  But I truly enjoyed The Death of Mrs. Westaway!  Hal is a very entertaining protagonist and her family is truly crazy while still being endearing.  I loved the dark atmosphere, the decrepit mansion, and the crazy housekeeper no one trusts.   I thought it was bit more mystery than thriller, and enjoyed the plot twists and turns and ultimate showdown where the whole truth was finally revealed!

CG

Map of Salt and Stars

Map of Salt and Stars
by Jennifer Zeynab Joukhadar
Touchstone, 2018. 360 pgs.  Fiction

Nour was born in New York but after her father’s death, her mother moves her and her sisters back to her home country of Syria.  But Syria has changed and the violence they encounter soon test their courage and connection to each other.  To keep her father’s memory alive and to distract herself from the harsh realities of life as a refugee, Nour shares the stories her father taught her.  Nour’s narrative then alternates between her own travels toward hoped for safety and the journey of a Rawlya, a heroine from the twelfth century who traveled the same lands with a legendary mapmaker determined to find both adventure and a way to secure a future for herself and her widowed mother.

This is a timely story of the plight of refugees throughout the world who find themselves without home or country, safety or hope.  Nour’s story is heartbreaking but her dedication to storytelling and Rawlya’s parallel adventure lighten the mood and keep the reader from despairing to some degree.  The writing here is beautiful as is the author’s description of the diverse scenery both girls travel.  For those who enjoyed The Kite Runner or In the Shadow of the Banyan.

CG

Rocket Men

Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man’s First Journey to the Moon
by Robert Kurson
Random House, 2018. 372 pgs. Nonfiction

In 1968 the United States was losing the race to moon, an objective set by President Kennedy earlier in the decade.  Russia had reached several space milestones ahead of the U.S. space program and the pressure was mounting to pull ahead and reach the moon first.  This situation prompted NASA to make an unprecedented decision.  In just four months, they would send a crew to orbit the moon, a mission that many felt was too risky and maybe even years ahead of schedule.

The men chosen to fly this Apollo 8 mission were men of fierce resolve and unquestioned courage.  But along with their courage was the courage of those they left at home.  Wives, children, coworkers, and a host of NASA employees who would make the mission possible thanks to hard work, dedication, and a drive to prove that American resolve, determination, ingenuity would win the day.

For readers who enjoyed Boys in the Boat or Rocket Boys, Rocket Men is a wonderful recounting of a historic few months that many of the younger generation may not be aware of.  Older readers may be flooded with memories of that historic year and the national pride that was tied up in the space race.  Kurson spends a lot of his book with each of the men on the mission and their dedication to family and country.  An inspirational story filled with drama and adventure!

CG

The Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword

The Hedge Knight II: Sworn Sword
By George R. R. Martin
Marvel, 2008. 152 pgs. Graphic Novel

Ser Duncan and his squire, Egg, are in the service of Ser Eustace, an aged knight unable to let go of his past glory. While traveling on a blistering hot day, Ser Duncan discovers that the river running through Ser Eustace’s land has gone dry within a single day. As he travels upriver he soon discovers the water dammed on Lady Rohanne Webber’s land. When Ser Eustace’s other knight makes trouble with the local peasants, Ser Duncan tries to smooth things over, but past transgressions will make this a more complicated negotiation than he realized.

This was an enjoyable journey into early Westeros history, about 90 years before the events of A Game of Thrones. Ser Duncan is a knight with a solid moral compass, something very rare for the land of Westeros. Egg is a 10-year-old Targaryen in disguise, learning about the world as he travels with Ser Duncan. As the two of them encounter conflict, Ser Duncan teaches Egg about respect and honor when dealing with people and situations. This was an extremely enjoyable read and is a graphic novel I could easily recommend to fans of the Game of Thrones tv series as well as Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice series. I loved it and definitely want to read the other graphic novels about Dunk and Egg.

ACS

DIY Updos, Knots, and Twists 
by Melissa Cook
Adams Media, 2015. 143 pgs. Nonfiction

 Melissa Cook, creator of the popular fashion blog missysue.com, has created well-organized and easy to understand guide to expanding your hair-styling repertoire with this book, DIY Updos, Knots, and Twists. With 35 modern hairstyles this book has something to fit your occasion, whether it’s a quick style just to get your hair out of your face or an elegant updo for a night out on the town. Each style has step-by-step instructions and each step is accompanied by a beautiful colored photograph. 

These hairstyles look so fancy, but are simple to put together! I really appreciated the photos in the instructions; it made it a lot easier to understand. Unfortunately my hair is too fine for a lot of these hairstyles but I still found a few that will work for me. This book will be especially great for those with longer hair that has some volume to it.

ER

The Fates Divide

The Fates Divide (Carve the Mark, #2)
By Veronica Roth
Katherine Tegen Books, 2018. 443 pgs. Young Adult Fiction

“The third child of the family Kereseth will die in service to the family Noavek.”
“The second child of the family Noavek will cross the Divide.”

Akos has fallen in love with Cyra and although escaping their fates is impossible, he thinks his death might be postponed… that is until Lazmet Noavek, Cyra’s father and Shotet’s most tyrannical ruler, returns to claim his throne. As they strive to stop the ensuing war, their fates will play out in a most unexpected way.

In addition to Akos and Cyra, this book also includes chapters from the point of view of Eijeh and Cisi. Eijeh in particular, due to the split between his own memories and Ryzek’s, was a fascinating voice. While Roth doesn’t try to make her characters explicitly diverse, it’s clear that social issues are important to her as she uses subtly and symbolism to show a variety of views and perspectives. Since this is a duology, if you’ve read Carve the Mark you’ll want to pick up The Fates Divide to see how the story concludes. I can easily recommend it.

ACS

The Martian Chronicles

The Martian Chronicles 
by Ray Bradbury
Bantam Books, 1958. 181 pgs. SCI-FI

Man comes to Mars expecting human responses and an Earth-like environment and culture. Instead, the Martians are completely uninterested in the humans’ great achievement of space travel and end up killing the first few expeditions for trivial reasons. However man persists and conquers Mars, imposing their own beliefs on the planet rather than opening their eyes to learn from what is already there. This book is a collection of rather unrelated short stories that collectively tell of man’s shortcomings as they colonize the red planet.

 Honestly this book wasn’t what I was expecting. The short stories are quite disjointed from each other, which threw me off in the beginning. Then I realized that together they tell a broader story than they do individually, and it has more to do with the shortcomings and flaws of mankind than it does with Mars itself. Once I realized I was getting a bigger picture story, it was hard to put the book down! I’d recommend this one to someone looking for classics or societal commentary.

ER