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Vegan Cooking for Dummies
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Background:
Over the fourteen years I've been a (ovo-lacto) vegetarian, I've often thought of becoming a vegan, but usually discarded it because it seemed like it would be too difficult, and really, how could I give up cheese? Especially my favorite comfort food, macaroni and cheese. Sure, there's soy cheese but it has been harder to find, not to mention, more expensive. However, I've recently discovered what rennet is and cannot stomach ever eating cheese again. This comes years after I'd already stopped eating gelatin when I found out where that came from. So, slowly but surely, I've been taking one step at a time towards becoming vegan. Now, I don't know if I'll ever become fully vegan, but that's where books like this one can help.

The Book:
I can't tell you how awesome this book is. For the first one-hundred pages, it explains what veganism is, what certain foods are (tofu, which gets a bad rap, tempeh, soy, etc.) and how to properly prepare them, where to get nutrition, what to stock in the pantry, adapting non-vegan recipes to become vegan, and a heck of a lot more helpful information. The recipes make up the bulk of the book and have all the usual categories: breakfast, condiments, desserts, entrees, etc. The introduction page of each category includes what recipes are actually in that chapter, which is a nice feature. All the directions are clearly explained, most are easy to prepare, and don't contain too many 'odd' ingredients that are difficult to find (meaning most of the recipes aren't gourmet and are more on the simple side, which makes me happy). They also contain nutritional information per serving, how much prep time, and tips and variations. I've been very impressed with the page layout of the recipe section, which features a border that separates it from the information section, so even when closed you can clearly see where this portion starts and that makes it easier to find the recipes. In the last chapter, there's even is a list of emergency snacks for vegans on the road or otherwise stuck without their own pantry, which could be very helpful for newbies. From beginning to end, this is a well-organized book chockful of useful tidbits and interesting recipes that I'll be sure to go back to again and again. Highly recommended.
  
Definitely a page-turner
This was one of those books that I won on Librarything and then totally enjoyed being introduced to a new author. It was a little wild and crazy in places, but it kept me engrossed and reading, which I really appreciated. I was amazed that absolutely no one seemed to believe Alex: I understand that she had no real evidence to back up her story, but it seemed tragic to me how quickly her friends and family abandoned her to sadness and despair.

I wasn't sure I would like this book at first, because I'm not a huge fan of the unreliable narrator to begin with, especially the self-pitying alcoholic one, which seemed to fit Alex quite well. But, I won't lie, she definitely grew on me. This was *even with* the fact that something else had happened in Alex's life thirteen months ago--something that her friends and co-workers felt she had conflated with her "pretend attack," and everyone, including Alex, referred to incessantly. But, of course, it took forever for anyone to tell us what had actually happened, which drove me a little insane. There's dragging something out for suspense and then there's annoying your reader to no end!

However, I really enjoyed the fact that we couldn't trust any of our characters--even the policewoman investigating Alex's case, Laura Best, who was only out to further her career, not actually seek justice for Alex. My favorite character was Laura's boss, Greg Turner. He was a great detective, and I could totally root for him in his own series. Not being able to trust anybody else, though, was kind of fun. It kept me constantly guessing. The book was surprisingly compelling: truly a page-turner. There were some great twists and turns in this one. I guessed a couple of pieces, but not all of them. In the end, I stayed up late to finish this book, which is always a sign of a winner for me (my sleep is a precious commodity!).

I was impressed that this was the author's debut. I also enjoyed how it kept me madly flipping the pages, trying to figure out what happened. I see Liz Lawler has another book out now, and I'll definitely be checking that one out at some point.
  
Leaving Time
Leaving Time
Jodi Picoult | 2014 | Fiction & Poetry
8
7.9 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Jenna Metcalf is thirteen years old and more than anything, she wants to find her mother, Dr. Alice Metcalf. Alice is a doctor who studies the behavior of elephants, specifically, grief. She goes missing when Jenna is just three years old and there was a tragic accident at the Elephant Sanctuary where they lived and that her parents owned/worked. Jenna doesn't believe that her mother would have ever left her behind, so she enlists the help of Serenity Jones, a once famous psychic who helped to find missing people and Virgil Stanhope, a private detective, who was on the police force and was a part of the investigation of the accident at the Sanctuary. With their help, will Jenna be able to find her mother? And when she does, will she be disappointed by what she finds?

I have enjoyed reading Jodi Picoult novels for a long time. They always leave me with different kinds of emotions. Some happy, some sad, sometimes confused. Leaving Time was no exception. I felt a connection to each character. With Jenna, I felt sadness of the loss of her mother and her plight to find her. For Alice, a felt compassion for her work and the situation she was living in. For Serenity, I'm not quite sure my feelings about her, but she was a caring force in Jenna's life. For Virgil, it was pity, that he was unable to get his life together and accomplish his goals.

Listening to this book I was intrigued by the subject matter. Based on the idea that "an elephant never forgets" it was fascinating to learn about how elephants interact with humans and with each other, especially after they suffer a loss. A lot how we as humans grieve. This is another book that will make you think and keep you on your toes, covering subject matters of wildlife, mental illness and supernatural abilities. In the last 5% of the book there was a twist that I didn't see coming and it made me rethink everything I had just read/listened to. This is why Jodi Picoult is one of my favorites.

My favorite line from the book: "...there was a tear in the fabric I was made of and he was the only color thread that would match to stitch it back up."
  
TI
The Immortal Throne (Into the Dark, #3)
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Wow... It's been so long, I didn't even think I would remember this series.

Yet here we are, finally, <i>FINALLY</i>, getting to see the fates of Daphne, Haden and all the others, even after the doors to EgmontUSA closed years ago.
<h2><b>Let's chat about </b><i><b>The Immortal Throne</b></i><b>, shall we?</b></h2>
<b>Let me make it clear early on: I wasn't a fan of the first, and the second was better but not OMG I LOVE THIS SERIES.</b>

But I did want to find out what happened because <b>there was a cliffhanger and even if it's been years, I need that satisfaction. </b>#inthecornercurious
<h3><b>We've got a refresher.</b></h3>
Most people would reread the entire series (or at least skim it), but Despain gave the run down in book two and I was expecting her to do so with book three.

She does exactly that early on, and this makes forgetful me very happy. (Plus there are SO. MANY. BOOKS?! How do I keep track of the deets?)
<h3><b>We're jumping right in after the events in </b><i><b>The Eternity Key.</b></i></h3>
So not only do we get a refresher, but we also get things going on right at the moment, right after everything that happened in the second book. I highly recommend at least skimming the first two novels to get a sense if it’s been awhile (don’t be like me, learn from my mistakes).
<h3><b>The ending is very satisfying.</b></h3>
Honestly I’m just happy Daphne and Haden got an end to their story (BECAUSE WHAT IF IT DIDN’T HAPPEN AND NO ONE PICKED UP THE LAST BOOK) and there’s room for more if Despain so chooses to extend it (I think it’s fine though).
<h2><i><b>The Immortal Throne</b></i><b> is probably my favorite of the three - there are more risks at stake as we try to find out if the story will end horribly or if it’ll be a happily ever after.</b></h2>
(Secretly I wanted tragedy but I’m evil™.)

<a href="https://bookwyrmingthoughts.com/the-immortal-throne-by-bree-despain/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Bookwyrming Thoughts</a>
  
Magic Unleashed
Magic Unleashed
Devri Walls | 2018 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
6
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Fast Paced with some problems
TW: Sexual Assualt, Child Abuse, Abuse, mention of slavery, mention of forced prostitution, Victim blaming verbiage.

When I was approached about this book tour, I knew I needed to jump in. Magic Unleased is right up my alley, and I couldn't wait to get started. I ended up low on time, so I snagged the audiobook so that I could read it while reading a few other books in between. The narrator did a good job of portraying the characters, though, at times, his voice bordered on monotone.

Devri Walls sure knows how to write a vast world. The descriptions were great, and at times I felt like I was walking around with Rune & Grey. The setting itself was well done, and I liked to see the author's interpretations of the supernatural characters. My favorite was how the fae were portrayed. They weren't sweet, helpful things but tricksters. I just loved it.

The characters were also well done. I wanted to get to know more about Grey and Rune, and I liked seeing how they interacted with all of the characters. I enjoyed the side characters, as well. It seems like everyone, for the most part, was three dimensional. I will admit, I struggled with how young Grey & Rune acted though this is more of a me issue and not a book issue.

The one thing that didn't sit well with me was some of the victim-blaming verbiages in a specific scene. I felt that the character had every right to be upset, and I feel like she was gaslit because she didn't just accept that something "had" to happen. This scene soured me on the book, and I have to admit, I almost DNFd right then and there. After that scene, I started to notice just some of the ways that Rune was treated, and I hated how she was consistently berated instead of helped.

Though I did find some faults with this book, I ended up pushing through. In the end, I enjoyed the world that created. It was fun to see a more sinister side of faeries, and I enjoyed how fast-paced the plot was. I'm not sure that I will continue in the series, but I do understand why so many people have enjoyed it.
  
The Night Hawk
The Night Hawk
Elly Griffiths | 2021 | History & Politics, Mystery, Thriller
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Captivating and atmospheric mystery featuring archaeologist Ruth Galloway
In the 13th entry in the Ruth Galloway series, we find Ruth and her daughter Kate back in Norfolk. Ruth is now head of the department at the university, dealing with the perils of being in charge. This includes handling David Brown, her replacement as lecturer, who always seems to be in Ruth's business. As for Nelson, his boss Jo wants him to retire--something Nelson is firmly against. Instead, Nelson and team find a body washed up on shore, as well as a skeleton that Ruth believes may date to the Bronze Age. Thrown together again, Nelson and Ruth find themselves investigating a series of murders--all of which relate to a group of local metal detectorists, who keep finding the bodies, and the myth of the Black Shuck, a black dog who forewarns of death.

I love all of the Ruth books, but oh, this one was a particular favorite. It's creepy with the references to the Black Shuck filling you with an ominous sort of fear. There's the usual atmospheric feeling from a Ruth book, especially with Ruth returning to her beloved Norfolk--with the marshes, the sea, and the tides playing their own role in the story.

Griffiths writes with her typical charm and wit where you feel like you know Ruth, Nelson, and the whole gang. Clough shows up and Cathbad, our lovable druid and partner to Judy, Nelson's faithful DI, has a strong role. Everyone seems like an old friend at this point. The book is filled with Nelson and Ruth banter and plenty of tension between the two; it was excellent!

The mystery in this one is superb, as the bodies pile up and Nelson tries to figure out how the Night Hawks relate to his case, and why David Brown seems to follow Ruth everywhere. It kept me guessing, which is something I always appreciate! The Black Shuck myth adds a creepy element on top as well.

Overall, this is a lovely book with an captivating mystery and wonderful characters who are beloved. I'll be so sad when this series ends, but I'm loving it right now. This book will stand alone, but you'll fully appreciate the Ruth and Nelson nuances/dynamic if you read them all. 4.5 stars.
  
A Killer Carol
A Killer Carol
Laura Bradford | 2019 | Mystery
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
A Killing at Christmas is Anything but Heavenly for Claire
Christmas is approaching in Heavenly, Pennsylvania, and Claire Weatherly has her hands full. Not only does she have the normal tourists coming into her shop, Heavenly Treasures, but she is organizing the first annual One Heavenly Night event designed as a chance for residence and tourists to enjoy the town at Christmas. However, murder rears its ugly head once again one night. Annie, the Amish teen who works for Claire, is out Christmas caroling with some friends, and when they stop at the Esch’s farm, they find both of the them dead. Detective Jakob Fisher is quick to realize it was murder. Unfortunately, the last people to visit the victims were Claire’s Amish friend Ruth and her new husband Samuel. Even worse, the couple appear to have a motive for committing the crime. Claire doesn’t believe they could have done it, but Jakob has to follow the evidence wherever it leads, even if it ruins the unofficial inroads he has made in building relationships with the people who used to be his family before he left the Amish community. Can Claire help him solve the case before that happens?

This series works best when the characters are driving a strong mystery, and that’s definitely the case here. I’ve felt like I knew the series regulars from their first appearances in the series, so it was fantastic to spend time with them again. They are still just as strong as ever, and the new character are just as compelling. Since Heavenly sits on the edge of an Amish community, life is a bit slower, and that is reflected in the plot. This isn’t a twist a page type of book, but that faster pace wouldn’t feel right. Don’t get me wrong, we do have twists and surprises, but the impact on the characters is just as important, and the two combined keep me glued to the book. I had to fight to keep from peaking ahead and making sure everyone was going to be okay. Honestly, just reading about Heavenly refreshes my soul, so picking up this book was great. The Christmas setting was an added bonus since I love that season so much. There are a couple of niggles with the book, but they are minor. This is a fantastic addition to a favorite series.
  
I Must Betray You
I Must Betray You
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Trigger Warnings: blackmailing, manipulation, revolution, shooting, police brutality, government oppression

Set in late 1989 communist Romania, 17-year-old Cristian is forced to become an informer by the secret police in exchange to help his family. While he deals with the guilt and paranoia of being an informer, Cristian also risks everything to let the world know what is happening in Romania. But what is the cost of the revolution?

As usual, another section of history I didn’t really know anything about until Ruta Sepetys wrote a book about it and now I’ll be doing a ton of research about it this weekend. I was in middle school and high school in the 2000s, so I kind of understand why I probably never really learned much about this if they didn’t unseal files for 15 years… though I do remember learning about Nadia Comăneci leaving the country? But I don’t remember Nicolae Ceaușescu or the horrors of his regime.

Rita Sepetys is one of my favorite authors - if she writes it, I know I’m going to read it, get immersed in a new part of history I probably wasn’t aware of, and learn something new. I know Sepetys does a ton of research on each of her books, and this one is no different. She lets you know it is a work of fiction, but that a ton of research went into the novel and then she lists resources at the end of the book. Knowing how much research was done for this and matching it with a narrator who captivates the readers - I couldn’t put this book down.

The chapters were mostly short and a quick read, but that matched with the franticness of Cristian’s life. You slowly see his eyes opening to the fact that what his country is doing to him and his countrymen is not right and how much they had been lied to to keep them in line. You felt the same suspension he felt as he tried to figure out who he could really trust.

Please read this book (and other titles by Sepetys as well) and learn about an aspect of history that most likely wasn’t taught much in school in a way that’s well written and well researched.
  
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