Smarter by Dan Hurley
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Title: Smarter Author: Dan Hurley Review: Do you think it is possible to train your brain to get smarter? Dan Hurley surveys the field of brain training and improvement, then uses himself as a test subject. Weill he actually ger smarter for his efforts? And could you improve your own brain? Read to find out. Review by: Ben |
Joseph Smith and the Mormons by Noah Van Sciver
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Title: Joseph Smith and the Mormons Review: The graphic novel, Joseph Smith and the Mormons, provides insight on the founder of the religion of the Latter Day Saints, and Mormonism as a whole, Joseph Smith. The book paints his life from birth to death, in a most informing manner. A very interesting book for one not familiar with The Church of the Latter Day Saints. Review by: Isaac |
Passersthrough by Peter Rock
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Title: Passersthrough Author: Peter Rock Review: 36 year old Helen has many questions about her disappearance at age 11 while camping with her dad in the wilderness of Mt Rainier. Her memories are vague but haunting. She has now reconnected with her estranged father to see if she can connect the dots of her memory. Her voyage brings her to Sad Clown Lake, a lake "that could only be found by getting lost, that was never in the same place twice." Maybe it's better to let the past stay in the past. Review by: Jannelle |
King Arthur Baking School
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Title: Baking School Author: King Arthur Baking Company Review: This is now one of my new favorite cookbooks. This cookbook gives so much info and tips for the novice baker and some inspiration for the seasoned baker. The recipes are simple yet you can make them your own with different options. This cookbook is a great gift for beginners or pro bakers. Love it!! |
Trees of the West by Molly Hashimoto
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Title: Trees of the West An Artist's Guide Author: Molly Hashimoto Review: A stunning book. Almost every page is a framable work of art. This is a book I would not hesitate to give to anyone on my list who loves nature and/or art. Review by: Jan |
Bird Planet by Tim Layman
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Title: Bird Planet Author: Tim Layman Review: Travel to parts of the globe with this exquisite coffee table book of some of the world’s most beautiful birds. Appreciate the rare moments that these images bring home to us. A perfect gift for the bird lover in your life! Review by: Ben |
Brave Hearted by Katie Hickman
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Title: Brave Hearted Author: Katie Hickman Review: From the perspectives of whites, African-Americans, indigenous women, and even immigrants from China, this book paints the vivid reality of what we call the 'Wild West'. From the frenzy of the gold rush, to the horrors of the Donner-Reed party and Whitman massacre, this book tells the stories of the women of the west. |
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr
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Title: Cloud Cuckoo Land Author: Anthony Doerr Review: This is a beautifully written, intricate narrative that connects the lives of five people spanning across time and space. From the ancient walls of Constantinople, to present day Idaho, to a starship in the twenty-second century, this story revolves around an ancient Greek text in which each character finds comfort and hope. This is a story of history and humanity that I would highly recommend. |
Mooncakes and Milk Bread by Kristina Cho
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Title: Mooncakes and Milk Bread Author: Kristina Cho Review: Mooncakes and Milk Bread was definitely the cookbook that I needed for the holiday season! Kristina Cho’s recipes are perfect for any time of the year, and there’s such a wonderful selection of flavors and ingredients included in this cookbook!. If you’re looking for a great new cookbook— or simply just a gift for someone who enjoys baking, this is a must-have! Review by: Jo |
Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger
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Title: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six Author: Lisa Unger Review: Lisa Unger has been writing Psychological Thrillers for some time but I've just gotten around to trying one. I wasn't disappointed. Three couples get away for the weekend at a remote luxury cabin only to discover that they may have more guests than they bargained for. Someone is trying to ruin the weekend but why? |
The Stay at Home Chef by Rachel Farnsworth
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Title: The Stay at Home Chef Author: Rachel Farnsworth |
Every Tool's a Hammer by Adam Savage
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Title: Every Tool's a Hammer Author: Adam Savage Review: Known for his part on the show Mythbusters, Adam Savage shares wisdom from his own shop, including the tools and methods that any maker would do well to imitate! Review by: Ben |
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
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Title: You Deserve Each Other Author: Sarah Hogle Review: This hilarious romance novel will leave you with a warm melty heart, and maybe looking at your significant other with newlywed-tinted glasses all over again. Naomi and Nicholas are engaged and by all appearances look to be the perfect, happy couple, and yet they are entirely sick of each other. However, whoever calls off the wedding will have to pay the entirety of the nonrefundable bill. And so begins a silent war to push each other to the breaking point. But as time drags on, Naomi starts to wonder if Nicholas is really trying to drive her away, or if maybe he’s trying to rekindle their love.
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City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
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Title: City of Girls Author: Elizabeth Gilbert Review: While City of Girls may be too "racy" for some, I love this author's writing. An 89 year old woman reflects back on her life as a young single woman in the big city, her life in the theater, her life becoming a woman who never married in a time where marrying was the "expected" thing to do. She was not the usual good and proper girl. She did not have the usual job. But she learned to fend for herself, to be true to herself and to be a good and kind person, to be happy and to love and be loved. Quite an accomplishment, I'd say. Review by: Jan |
The Bacchae and Other Plays by Euripides
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Title: The Bacchae Author: Euripides Review: The Bacchae is absolutely my favorite ancient Greek play of all time, and for good reason! It follows Pentheus and Dionysus, two figures that oppose one another in a very distinct manner. I adore the portrayal of Dionsyus— not just as a god of wine, but also a god of madness. It’s difficult to categorize this piece as a comedy or as a tragedy, and in reading it, this becomes very evident. If you enjoy ancient world history or just mythology in general, this is the best title to pick up! Review by: Jo |
Hidden Half of Nature by David Montgomery
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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 |
Cloud Spotting by Casey Schreiner
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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. |
One Women’s War by Christine Wells
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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!! |
Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
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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 |
The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler
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Title: The Mountain in the Sea 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! |