Book and Game Book and Game

Hidden Half of Nature by David Montgomery

Title:  Hidden Half of Nature 

Author: David Montgomery

Review:  If you like science, gardening, and health topics, this is a book for you.  When we examine the soil in which our plants grow and the microbiome of our own gut, we find microbes doing the most important work to keep both plants and people healthy.  Here, learn how to restore both life and health to your garden and yourself.

Review by:  Ben

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Cloud Spotting by Casey Schreiner

Title:  Cloud Spotting: Observe the Clouds to Quiet Your Mind 

Author: Casey Schreiner

Review:   I have always been fascinated with clouds - all clouds. Big, little, puffy, wispy. I LOVE clouds! This is a terrific little book that succinctly describes all cloud formations. Quite handy to haul around in your back pocket as you look up at the beautiful sky.
Review by:  Jan

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One Women’s War by Christine Wells

Title:  One Women’s War 

Author: Christine Wells

Review: This is a brilliant story of cat and mouse during WWll. A tale of two women who are deeply involved with the intelligence and secrets of MI-5 and the navy intelligence officer Ian Fleming.  “Paddy“ Bennett is the true  inspiration for the famous money penny from Fleming James Bond. This story weaves truth and action and espionage all in a nice bow. With Double agents and the race to save thousands in true James Bond fashion. Great read!!
Review by:  Julie

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Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

Title:  Nona the Ninth 

Author: Tamsyn Muir

Review: Nona absolutely stole the show in this continuation of the Locked Tomb series! The story takes place on an entirely different planet, and this time around, the Blood of Eden aren’t all too pleased with the Emperor Undying… or the giant blue sphere that looms in the sky. Nona, Noodle the dog, and a cast of wonderful supporting characters, both old and new, make this book a must-read!!

Review by:  Jo

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The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler

Title:  The Mountain in the Sea
Author: Ray Nayler

Review: In this near-future world, Dr. Ha Nguyen has embarked on the journey of a lifetime.  She is studying a group of Octopus that seem to have developed their own language and culture.  But she soon realizes that she's in a race against the clock as other forces have plans of their own for utilizing the unusual abilities of these newly discovered creatures.  Great Book!
Review by:  Jannelle

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Insomnia by Sarah Pinborough

Title:  Insomnia 

Author: Sarah Pinborough

Review:  As Emma approaches her 40th birthday she begins having trouble sleeping.  When she begins losing time during the day she is forced to recall her own mother's 40th birthday.  Is Emma following in her mother's footsteps or is there more to the story?
Review by:  Jannelle

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Book of Night by Holly Black

Title:  Book of Night 

Author:  Holly Black

Review:

I couldn't put this book down. It's a wild ride of shadow magic, fear, heartbreak, stealing from the rich and powerful, and seeing where the story will go next.

Review by:  Kiana

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Littlest library by Poppy Alexander

Title:  Littlest library 

Author: Poppy Alexander

Review: Jess has always known she would have a quiet life, job at the library, and living with her Mimi. Then Mimi dies. Jess life is turned upside down.  She decides, on a whim, to buy  a small lovely house with an old red phone box.. then the adventure beings.  She learns about small towns, friend’s laughter , and love.  Nice summer read to lighten the day. 

Review by:  Julie

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She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Title:  She Who Became the Sun

Author: Shelley Parker-Chan

Review: The story follows two different characters: Zhu Chongba, a monk prophesied to have a glorious future, and their rival, a Mongol general by the name of Ouyang with a grudge to bear. If you enjoy historical fantasy, poetic writing, and / or anything surrounding ancient Chinese history, then this is absolutely the book for you!
Review by:  Jo

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Rules For Being A Girl by Candace Bushnell & Katie Cotugno

Title:  Rules For Being A Girl 

Author: Candace Bushnell & Katie Cotugno 

Review:  Marin is an exemplary student with high hopes for her future after high school. That is until her English teacher tries to make a move on her. While this book is not light-hearted, it is inspirational, and I really enjoyed it.  

Review by:  Bethany

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The Parasitic Mind by Gad Saad

Title:  The Parasitic Mind 

Author: Gad Saad

Review: Do you find yourself afraid to speak up because someone may take offense?  Have you wondered if common sense is dead?  Are you frustrated with how our basic liberties and intellectual freedom have been hijacked?  This book is for YOU! Gad Saad discusses how "idea Pathogens" are killing rational debate and freedom of thought and what we can do about it.

Review by:  Jannelle

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Shallows What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr

Title:  Shallows
What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains

Author: Nicholas Carr

Review:

Although this book is a few years old, the conclusions are as relevant today as when it was first published.  The internet, smart phones, and social media are changing us.  But is it for the better?  Read this and decide.

Review by:  Ben

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The Silmarillion by J.R.R Tolkien

Title:  The Silmarillion

Author: J.R.R Tolkien

Review: The Silmarillion is the sort of book that is so much fun to read that it’s difficult to properly describe; but I think that my favorite detail about is humor and charm. This dramatic predecessor to The Lord of the Rings is a must-read, if not just for the story of the formation of the world itself and Sauron’s terrible puns!

Review by:  Jo

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These Silent Woods by Kimi Cunningham Grant

Title:  These Silent Woods

Author: Kimi Cunningham Grant

Review:  Cooper has raised his daughter, Finch, in complete isolation in a small cabin in the Appalachian Mountains.  No power, phones or running water.  When a mysterious woman arrives on the property, Cooper must do what is necessary to protect Finch from the secrets of his past. 

Review by:  Jannelle

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She’s Strong But She’s Tired by R.H. Sin

Title:  She’s Strong But She’s Tired

Author:  R.H. Sin

Review: I don’t typically read poetry, nor do I understand it easily, but I really enjoyed this poetry book. For women who have dealt with difficult times, particularly emotional manipulation, I highly recommend. Sometimes it can help you heal simply knowing others can relate.

Review by:  Bethany

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The Forever Dog by Rodney Habib

Title:  The Forever Dog
Author: Rodney Habib
Review: 
This book goes into new science that can help you help your dog live a longer and healthy life. I found this book so insightful, I have gone back to the Nutrition and other sections highlighting what I want to improve with my dogs food  and so much more. You will be using this book as a reference. It’s a go to for sure!
Review by:  Julie
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The Music of Bees by Eileen Garvin

Title:  The Music of Bees
Author: Eileen Garvin
Review: 
When three troubled people's lives cross, no matter their ages or backgrounds, you never know what will happen. Maybe it will be magic! At the very least it's not boring! Set in Hood River, Oregon, this book is a wonderful read.  I highly recommend it. 
Review by:  Jan
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Spear by Nicola Griffith

Title:  Spear
Author: Nicola Griffith
Review: 
Well, it’s official— Spear has ruined my enjoyment of any other stories that involve re-tellings of Arthurian legend, because it was just that glorious! The prose is absolutely beautiful, the characters feel realistic and gritty, and the mythology is enchanting. Peretur’s story had me hooked by the second page, and I simply can’t recommend this short (but wondrous) story enough! Review by:  Jo
Title:  SpearAuthor: Nicola GriffithReview: Well, it’s official— Spear has ruined my enjoyment of any other stories that involve re-tellings of Arthurian legend, because it was just that glorious! The prose is absolutely beautiful, the characters feel realistic and gritty, and the mythology is enchanting. Peretur’s story had me hooked by the second page, and I simply can’t recommend this short (but wondrous) story enough!
Review by:  Jo
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One Great Lie by Deb Caletti

Title:  One Great Lie
Author: Deb Caletti
Review: Charlotte wants nothing more than to be a writer, so when she wins a scholarship to study under her literary idol in a summer abroad program, she can barely believe her luck. Not only that, the program takes place in Venice, where the women in her family rumor that her ancestor Isabella di Angelo wrote a world-famous poem, only to have it stolen by Tasso. Charlotte hopes that she can excel in the program while simultaneously solving her family’s longtime mystery. That is, until her mentor turns out to be as dangerous to her as Tasso was to Isabella. This story is not light-hearted, as it includes topics like sexism and sexual assault, but it highlights the strength women can find when they build each other up. 
Review by: Bethany
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Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Title:  Remarkably Bright Creatures 

Author: Shelby Van Pelt

Review: This is the story of Tova Sullivan, who begins working the night shift at the Sowell Bay Aquarium to help cope with the death of her husband.  One evening she rescues Marcellus, a Giant Pacific Octopus, after he had escaped from his aquarium.  This begins a friendship with this "remarkably bright creature" that may reveal surprising information about her son's disappearance during a boat trip in the Puget Sound over 30 years earlier.  I loved this book!

Review by:  Jannelle

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