Period Power by Nadya Okamoto

April 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Period Power: A Manifesto for the Menstrual Movement by Nadya Okamoto
Publisher: Simon and Schuster Young Readers
Genre: Non-Fiction, YA, Middle Grade
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

PERIOD founder and Harvard College student Nadya Okamoto offers a manifesto on menstruation and why we can no longer silence those who bleed—and how to engage in youth activism.

Throughout history, periods have been hidden from the public. They’re taboo. They’re embarrassing. They’re gross. And due to a crumbling or nonexistent national sex ed program, they are misunderstood. Because of these stigmas, a status quo has been established to exclude people who menstruate from the seat at the decision-making table, creating discriminations like the tampon tax, medicines that favor male biology, and more.
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Period Power aims to explain what menstruation is, shed light on the stigmas and resulting biases, and create a strategy to end the silence and prompt conversation about periods.

I wish there had been a book like this when I was a teen.

There are a lot of things we aren’t always told when we’re younger. When I was a teen, my mother was shy about explaining my period. I might have gotten mine later than most of my friends, but I remember being mystified and embarrassed about it. I also wish there hadn’t been such a stigma about getting ‘feminine protection”. This book does a lot to explain to people in plain speak what the heck menstruation is and why it’s not a bad thing. I also liked that the author encompasses those who menstruate–all of us that do.

This book is geared toward the YA audience, but can be enjoyed by all ages, young adult and up. There are some sections that come across as a bit political, but if read with an open mind, it’s easy to see the author isn’t going the political route, bur rather the educational one.

If there’s anything you’ve ever wanted to know about periods, then this is the book to get and give.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Postcards from the Boys by Ringo Starr

April 14, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Postcards from the Boys by Ringo Starr
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Whenever John, Paul, or George went on a trip, they would send Ringo a postcard. Now, for the first time, Ringo Starr is opening his private archive to share this delightful and very intimate correspondence. Whether it’s John advising Ringo to record a “great & simple” song like Blondie’s Heart of Glass, Paul and Jane Asher dropping a note from Rishikesh to report on their meditation lessons with the Maharishi, or George writing from the Great Barrier Reef to confirm plans for Christmas dinner, each postcard is a warm and personal snapshot of life in (and after) The Beatles. The 51 postcards — many of which are covered in whimsical drawings — are colorfully reproduced, both front and back. Ringo’s droll commentary fills in the blanks, though he does confess that at times he had to consult the Internet for details! Often funny, occasionally bittersweet, and always revealing, Postcards from the Boys is a must for Beatles lovers.

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I’ve mentioned before that I love the Beatles and I have a soft spot for Ringo Star. Want to know why? He’s a riot. I love his sense of humor and it shines through in the stories to go along with these postcards.

These are all postcards sent to him from George, Paul and John. It’s kind of neat to see how they took on the task of writing to him. It’s definitely chatter among friends, but I enjoyed Paul’s little drawings, John’s sometimes nonsensical writings and George being more than the quiet Beatle. He’s quite funny, too. There is a variety of images and witty little stories to go with the images.

This is a must for Beatle fans and those of Ringo Starr. This is sort of a peek behind the curtain kind of book, so be sure to check it out!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Photograph by Ringo Starr

April 13, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Photograph by Ringo Starr
Publisher: Genesis Publications
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

From behind the drums to behind the lens, in PHOTOGRAPH Ringo Starr opens his archives to share memories of his childhood, The Beatles and beyond.

Rare and unseen photographs taken by Ringo, with others reproduced from his family albums, are showcased here for fans of The Beatles and anyone passionate about modern music. Accompanied by Ringo’s original manuscript of over 15,000 words, PHOTOGRAPH gives unprecedented insight into the life of one of the world’s greatest musicians.
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From Pwllheli to Delhi, obscurity to superstardom, join Ringo on his travels in his photographic memoir.

Photographs by and of Ringo Starr…with his explanations. Oh my!

I love the Beatles, so it wasn’t a hardship to read this book. It’s delightful the little stories given with the photographs. I love that it’s like listening to a friend discuss holiday photos. There are some he doesn’t remember, some he does and some that are just zany. There are some seen a few times images, but many behind the scenes and never before seen ones, too.

The writing flows well, but this is truly a photographic memoir. It’s cool to see how Ringo Starr changed and matured through the photographs. It’s like a diary in photos.

If you like the Beatles, Ringo and rock & roll, then this is one to check out.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Where Are You, Agnes? by Tessa McWatt

April 9, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Where Are You, Agnes? by Tessa McWatt
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Agnes Martin was born on the Canadian prairies in the early twentieth century. In this imagining of her childhood from acclaimed author Tessa McWatt, Agnes spends her days surrounded by wheat fields, where her grandfather encourages her to draw what she sees and feels around her: the straight horizon, the feeling of the sun, the movement of birds’ wings and the shapes she sees in the wheat.

One day, Agnes’s family moves to a house in a big city. The straight horizon and wheat fields are gone, but Agnes continues to draw what she sees and feels around her. No one except her grandfather understands what she is trying to capture ― not her mother, who asks, “Where are you, Agnes?” when she sees her daughter engrossed in her drawing; nor her siblings, who think her art is ugly. Still, Agnes keeps trying to capture what she sees inside her mind.

This process results in decreased generic cialis overnight lathering, deposits on metallic surfaces, dry or itchy skin, dysfunctional appliances, rough and tangled hair, congested pipes, and much more. It helps the men to get longer erection throughout the entire course of sexual activity. order viagra on line http://cute-n-tiny.com/tag/tufted-dear/ Lack of sleep is one of the potential reasons of impotence comprise: An over ingestion of alcoholic drink Weariness Using injurious meds, named cannabis, heroin or cocaine Few other reasons, which encourages the threat of ED An excess weight downside Smoking Causes of impotence are endless and there are lots of conceptions and misconceptions about female sexual dysfunction. order viagra online cute-n-tiny.com Don’t roll out viagra uk any improvements in the dose on own. Agnes Martin grew up to become a famous abstract expressionist artist. Tessa McWatt has written a beautiful story of Agnes’s childhood and how it might have shaped her adult work. Zuzanna Celej’s watercolors adeptly capture Agnes’s world, including hints of the grid paintings that she was later known for, against the backdrop of prairie and city landscapes.

Where do artists find inspiration for their work? Sometimes it begins in childhood.

It’s rare to find a picture book that works just as well for older kids as it does for the little ones! The multiple layers of the plot were what made it possible for it to be understood one way by a preschooler and an entirely different way for a preteen. I was impressed with how the author pulled this off. It certainly wasn’t an easy task to accomplish.

This tale skipped over several of the most important details of Agnes Martin’s life. I ended up needing to google her in order to jog my memory and put all of the pieces together. It wasn’t clear to me if the author assumed everyone already knew those facts or if she didn’t think they were important to include for the age groups she was writing for. Either way, it was confusing at times even though I’m already familiar with the twentieth century Canadian art scene and was very interested in the subject matter in general. This was something that would work best for readers who are already fans of this painter’s work or who are willing to do a little homework ahead of time.

With that being said, I did appreciate the subplot involving grief. It was sensitively written and had some thought-provoking things to say about what happens to the emotion of love after someone dies and why it’s so important to seek out the beauty in life wherever you may find it. Those scenes could be the starting point of so many conversations about death, grief, and how to move on afterwards.

I’d recommend Where Are You, Agnes? to art lovers of all ages.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Sparky Brain – Epileptic Tips and Stories by Ada Almond

April 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Sparky Brain – Epileptic Tips and Stories by Ada Almond
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

“I got diagnosed with epilepsy. It was a hard time for my family, but in the future it turned out to be alright. However, it took hard work getting where I am now – and I will go through my journey in this book.”

Packed with true events and practical facts and applications, this is a handy book for anybody struggling with epilepsy. Following the author’s seizure stories, you’ll learn how with the support of her loved ones, she overcame many problems associated with the condition. Almond describes her difficult experiences and how they affected her life; from topics such as diet and exercise, to unpleasant life encounters and asking for help, she gives tips based on personal experience and research.

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Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases in the world. How much do you know about it?

Ms. Almond had a friendly, conversational writing style that I enjoyed reading. It almost felt like I was sitting in a coffee shop with her as she talked about how her epilepsy affected her medically, socially, and emotionally. She explained every facet of her disease clearly and without making assumptions about what her audience already knew about the topic. Occasionally, I giggled at the jokes she made about how she handled some of the potentially embarrassing consequences of having epilepsy. There is definitely something to be said for purposefully seeking out the humorous side of serious subject matter when possible.

There were a few times when the author veered so off-topic that I wondered how she was planning to tie her anecdotes back to the topic at hand. They generally happened when she was describing where she was and what she was doing before a recent seizure occurred. While I did soon figure out where she was going in those passages, it was a bit jarring to leap from sensible advice in one chapter to what appeared to be a completely unrelated story in the next one. I’m saying this as a reader who really liked this book in general and will be mentioning it to the people I know who have or who love someone who has this illness.

Speaking of advice, my favorite portions were the ones that discussed what the author learned about trying to prevent seizures and reducing their severity through certain dietary and lifestyle changes. These pages were filled with tips on everything from what to eat to how she responds when she feels a seizure coming on. Obviously, not every tip will work for everyone, but I took notes of the things she recommended so I’ll have a few new tricks up my sleeves the next time I’m in the same room as someone who has a seizure. There are so many things that can be done to help someone in this situation whether you are the person who is experiencing them or a friendly bystander.

Honestly, I believe that everyone should read Sparky Brain – Epileptic Tips and Stories. Knowledge is power!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West

March 26, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Upstairs at the White House: My Life with the First Ladies by JB West
Publisher: Open Road Media
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

In this New York Times bestseller, the White House chief usher for nearly three decades offers a behind-the-scenes look at America’s first families.

J. B. West, chief usher of the White House, directed the operations and maintenance of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue—and coordinated its daily life—at the request of the president and his family. He directed state functions; planned parties, weddings and funerals, gardens and playgrounds, and extensive renovations; and, with a large staff, supervised every activity in the presidential home. For twenty-eight years, first as assistant to the chief usher, then as chief usher, he witnessed national crises and triumphs, and interacted daily with six consecutive presidents and first ladies, as well as their parents, children and grandchildren, and houseguests—including friends, relatives, and heads of state.

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What a glimpse into the world of the White House.

First, I have to say this isn’t a political book. It’s got the words White House in it and First Lady, but honestly, it’s not a political book. It’s about the women who ruled the White House, no politics involved. I have to also admit right off that it’s the end of FDR’s presidency through the beginning of Nixon’s presidency. It’s dated. It’s long before my time and can come across as old. But it’s also a snapshot into the lives of these people.

The writing is somewhat simplistic, but oddly, it worked. The book was originally published in 1973 and the author is dead, but that didn’t bother me while reading. I enjoyed the sneak peeks into the lives of these ladies. There isn’t much about the presidents, but more of the first ladies, as the title states. Yes, there is a lot about how the ladies decorated, but it’s of the time. The ladies of the era the author worked in weren’t concerned with social causes, per se. Their domain was making the White House a home for them and their children. That’s not to say they didn’t have causes, but if there seems to be a big chunk of description on the decor and furnishings–that’s why.

I rather liked learning about the presidents as people through the eyes of the author and the first ladies. I loved that Johnson had dogs named simply Him and Her. It’s cute. Or that Eisenhower loved watching westerns and that the staff had to hunt down new ones because he’d seen the rest at least a half dozen times. It made them seem more like people than simply names in a book.

If you’re looking for a book that’s an easy read, engrossing, but somewhat tedious at times (the descriptions of the decor can get tiresome), yet a book where you’re going to learn about the presidents and first ladies, then this might be the book for you. I enjoyed it.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist by Mike Tranter PhD

March 25, 2021 By 3 Comments


A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist by Mike Tranter PhD
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rated: 5 stars
Review by Rose

A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist answers some of the most asked questions about the brain, making the science fun and accessible to everyone. Inside, you will journey through some of the most interesting and strange things that our brain does every single day. Have you always wanted to know just what a memory actually is, or why we dream? What is our consciousness? Why do some people seem to ‘click’ with others? And can our brain really multi-task?

I am the first to admit that I do not have a scientific bent of mind! And, normally, I shy away from anything that smacks of science.  But when I saw this book and read the blurb, I was definitely intrigued. And I am so glad I asked to review it!

Dr. Tranter explains things in a way even the most non-science-oriented ones  (like me) can understand. Not only are the explanations easy to understand, he has some comments that made me literally laugh out loud and interrupt my husband’s reading to share with him.

In addition to the “asking questions” section of the book, Dr. Tranter discusses what he refers to as the “X-files of neuroscience”, and I found this section even more intriguing than the question/answer segment.

One of the best parts about the book is you can easily pick it up and put it down. The chapters are relatively short, and it’s easy to pick and choose what you want to read.  There’s no need to read the book straight through. I loved that about the book.

Towards the end of the book, Dr. Tranter also gives other resources in case you want to read more.  I’m looking forward to checking some of them out!

Thank you, Dr. Tranter, for an look at one of the most interesting organs in our body!  And kudos for making it where even someone like me can understand it and enjoy it!

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Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton

March 17, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction, Memoir
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics is a landmark celebration of the remarkable life and career of a country music and pop culture legend.

As told by Dolly Parton in her own inimitable words, explore the songs that have defined her journey. Illustrated throughout with previously unpublished images from Dolly Parton’s personal and business archives.

Mining over 60 years of songwriting, Dolly Parton highlights 175 of her songs and brings readers behind the lyrics.

• Packed with never-before-seen photographs and classic memorabilia
• Explores personal stories, candid insights, and myriad memories behind the songs
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Dolly Parton, Songteller: My Life in Lyrics reveals the stories and memories that have made Dolly a beloved icon across generations, genders, and social and international boundaries.

Containing rare photos and memorabilia from Parton’s archives, this book is a show-stopping must-have for every Dolly Parton fan.

• Learn the history behind classic Parton songs like “Jolene,” “9 to 5,” “I Will Always Love You,” and more.
• The perfect gift for Dolly Parton fans (everyone loves Dolly!) as well as lovers of music history and country.

Dolly can do anything, but she’s one heck of a story teller.

I love Dolly Parton and when I saw this book had come out, I had to grab it. I’m glad I did. This is Dolly talking about her songs and the stories behind them. She doesn’t hold back, either. I loved how she gets right into the thick of the stories and explains why she wrote the songs she did. I liked how she talked about the different parts of her life, too. She talks about her husband, her life and how she put in the work to get where she did.

The writing flows well and it’s believable. It’s like reading conversations with a friend. Plus, there are photos of her gowns and other memorabilia that goes with the stories. I liked how she talked about why she wore what she did and where her mind was at the time she wrote the songs. She’s not always easy on herself and not always mean towards those she dislikes. She’s telling stories through those songs and it shines.

If you’re looking for something that’s a must for Dolly Fans, then this is the book you should pick up. Recommended.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Shadows on the Koyukuk by Sidney Huntington as told to Jim Rearden

March 15, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Shadows on the Koyukuk: An Alaskan Native’s Life Along the River by Sidney Huntington as told to Jim Rearden
Publisher: Alaska Northwest Books
Genre: History, Non-fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

“I owe Alaska. It gave me everything I have.” Says Sidney Huntington, son of an Athapaskan mother and white trader/trapper father. Growing up on the Koyukuk River in Alaska’s harsh Interior, that “everything” spans 78 years of tragedies and adventures. When his mother died suddenly, 5-year-old Huntington protected and cared for his younger brother and sister during two weeks of isolation. Later, as a teenager, he plied the wilderness traplines with his father, nearly freezing to death several times. One spring, he watched an ice-filled breakup flood sweep his family’s cabin and belongings away. These and many other episodes are the compelling background for the story of a man who learned the lessons of a land and culture, lessons that enabled him to prosper as trapper, boat builder, and fisherman.
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This is more than one man’s incredible tale of hardship and success in Alaska. It is also a tribute to the Athapaskan traditions and spiritual beliefs that enabled him and his ancestors to survive. His story, simply told, is a testament to the durability of Alaska’s wild lands and to the strength of the people who inhabit them.

Sidney Huntington is half Athapaskan and half Caucasian and lives off the land in the interior of Alaska. Life there is harsh and demanding with the temperature commonly being well below zero degrees Fahrenheit. His story is a giant adventure filled with little slice of life vignettes.

At age five, the oldest of three children, his mother died while his father was away. This five-year-old has nowhere to turn and has to survive and help his younger siblings survive as well. At one point, a bear was dragging away his baby sister by her diaper.

This true story entertains while educating on the reality of living under such circumstances. Sidney is a likeable character, and smart. It is a wonder to read about how he gets out of many difficult situations. Readers are also graced with cultural insights. This book is a great look into another culture. I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning about other places.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman

March 4, 2021 By Leave a Comment


The Crown in Crisis: Countdown to the Abdication by Alexander Larman
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

The thrilling and definitive account of the Abdication Crisis of 1936

On December 10, 1936, King Edward VIII brought a great international drama to a close when he abdicated, renouncing the throne of the United Kingdom for himself and his heirs. The reason he gave when addressing his subjects was that he could not fulfill his duties without the woman he loved―the notorious American divorcee Wallis Simpson―by his side. His actions scandalized the establishment, who were desperate to avoid an international embarrassment at a time when war seemed imminent. That the King was rumored to have Nazi sympathies only strengthened their determination that he should be forced off the throne, by any means necessary.

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For the first time in a book about the abdication, readers will read an in-depth account of the assassination attempt on Edward’s life and its consequences, a first-person chronicle of Wallis Simpson’s scandalous divorce proceedings, information from the Royal Archives about the government’s worries about Edward’s relationship with Nazi high-command Ribbentrop and a boots-on-the-ground view of how the British people saw Edward as they watched the drama unfold. You won’t be able to put down The Crown in Crisis, a full panorama of the people and the times surrounding Edward and the woman he loved.

A complicated love and a complicated situation all the way around.

I had no idea how complicated and what a deal it was when Edward decided to abdicate. This was just simply history to me. Something that happened, but this book makes the situation come alive.

I will be the first to admit I didn’t know much about the abdication. I didn’t know much about the people involved beyond knowing their names. That was it. By reading this book, it brought the situation to life for me. Wallis was more than a name on a page. She’s complicated and cunning. She’s also in love with Edward–it seems sort of that she’s in love with his status and his position, but there also seemed like genuine love there. Edward was in love. He wanted Wallis because she seemed to be everything he loved in life–her freedom, her coolness and her ability to worm her way into situations. She knew how to be someone. She could be vain and snotty, though, too.

There were a lot of levers being pulled in this situation and so many players. It’s a complicated read, but it’s also worth the time. Pick this one up and go for the ride.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
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