Fashion and Family History by Jayne Shrimpton

Fashion and Family History by Jayne Shrimpton ISBN-13: 9781526760265 Paperback: 200 pages Publisher: Pen and Sword Released: January 30th 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As Britain evolved during the 1800s from a slow-paced agrarian society into an urban-industrial nation, dress was transformed. Traditional rural styles declined and modern city modes, new workwear and holiday gear developed. Women sewed at home, while shopping advanced, novel textiles and mass-produced goods bringing affordable fashion to ordinary people. Many of our predecessors worked as professional garment-makers, laundresses or in other related trades: close to fashion production, as consumers they looked after their clothes.

The author explains how, understanding the social significance of dress, the Victorians observed strict etiquette through special costumes for Sundays, marriage and mourning. Poorer families struggled to maintain standards, but young single workers spent their wages on clothes, the older generation cultivating their own discreet style. Twentieth-century dress grew more relaxed and democratic as popular culture influenced fashion for recent generations who enjoyed sport, cinema, music and dancing.


My Review:
Fashion and Family History describes British fashions from 1800 to 1950. The author first described women's dress, men's dress, and children's dress (including babies) and how it changed throughout these years. She then went into more detail about the differences between city fashions and what rural people would wear, what was worn for business, uniforms for servants, department store employees, etc., what made up "Sunday best" clothing, what was worn for travel and holidays, sports (horseback riding, tennis, cycling, motoring, golf, walking), for brides at weddings, mourning attire, and evening dress. She also talked about activities that involved fashion and clothing, like sewing, being a seamstress or laundress, the rise of patterns and sewing machines, knitting, etc. She also described the care of clothes of different materials: how it was washed, ironed, starched, and stored.

There were some photographs and fashion plates showing the different fashions, but there were not very many of these. There were more for the 1900s than the 1800s, and even there, the photos did not show every change of fashion. Overall, the descriptions were clear enough that I could identify the clothes in the photographs. Since the aim of the book is helping people date old photos and paintings by the fashion, it should be helpful in that regard. I got this book because I was interested in seeing what the different fashions looked like, so I was disappointed that there weren't more fashion illustrations and photographs included.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Authentic Homemade Pasta by Carmella Alvaro

Authentic Homemade Pasta by Carmella Alvaro ISBN-13: 978-1647397449 Paperback: 266 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: October 20, 2020

Source: review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
With high-quality ingredients and just the right amount of care, you can create delicious homemade pasta in your own kitchen. Authentic Homemade Pasta is a comprehensive homemade pasta cookbook filled with 100 tried-and-true recipes for noodles, pasta dishes, sauces, and fillings so you can make classic Italian meals you’re proud to serve. Get step-by-step instructions for mixing pasta dough by hand and with a machine, rolling out and shaping dough, and storing or cooking the finished results.

Inside this unique homemade pasta cookbook, you’ll find master dough recipes for egg pasta, whole-wheat flour pasta, and more. Explore “Learn and Make” recipes that teach you dough-shaping techniques with step-by-step photos and instructions for cut, hand-shaped, stuffed, and extruded pastas, as well as gnocchi and gnudi. Then move on to recipes for sauces, fillings, toppings, and complete pasta dishes.


My Review:
Authentic Homemade Pasta teaches how to make your own handmade pasta. The author started by explaining the different supplies needed and then provided several different pasta dough recipes (including one for gluten-free pasta and for pasta that has herbs or spinach, etc. in it). She then had sections for cut pasta, shaped pasta, stuffed pasta, and a small section on machine-extruded pasta. For each section, there were one or two pastas that had a step-by-step, how-to demonstration with six pictures. The rest of the section was a variety of Italian recipes, but many of these recipes had pasta variations that were slight modifications of those taught in the demonstration. Most of these were simple enough to understand, but most did not have a picture. I wasn't sure I understood the instructions on some of the more complex pastas that had no pictures.

The sauce part of the recipes used a lot of vegetable, herb, meat, and dairy. There were also some basic sauce recipes at the end of the book. While the recipes are based on regional Italian recipes, the ingredients looked like they can be found in America. Personally, I'm more interested in learning how to make pasta than in having a bunch of recipes, so I was disappointed that there weren't more pasta-making demonstration pages with illustrative pictures. Still, I'd recommend this book to those interested in learning to make handmade pasta.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Light Ages by Seb Falk

The Light Ages by Seb Falk ISBN-13: 9781324002932 Hardcover: 416 pages Publisher: W. W. Norton Company Released: November 17th 2020

Source: review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Soaring Gothic cathedrals, violent crusades, the Black Death: these are the dramatic forces that shaped the medieval era. But the so-called Dark Ages also gave us the first universities, eyeglasses, and mechanical clocks, proving that the Middle Ages were home to a vibrant scientific culture.

In The Light Ages, Cambridge science historian Seb Falk takes us on an immersive tour of medieval science through the story of one fourteenth-century monk, John of Westwyk. From multiplying Roman numerals to navigating by the stars, curing disease, and telling time with an ancient astrolabe, we learn emerging science alongside Westwyk, while following the gripping story of the struggles and successes of an ordinary man in a precarious world. An enlightening history that argues that these times weren’t so dark after all, The Light Ages shows how medieval ideas continue to color how we see the world today.


My Review:
The Light Ages explained in detail some of the mathematics, astronomy, and scientific knowledge of the 1300s. Not much is known about a monk named John of Westwyk. What little is known about his life is used as a frame for talking about the mathematics and science that he would've encountered and used. The author didn't just tell what he knew but explained in detail how they did the mathematics or used the machines.

He explained how they could tell time by shadows and the sun's location, how to count using Roman numerals and the sexagesimal system, why they changed over to using Hindu-Arabic numerals, and the development of precise clocks and accurate calendars from the close observation of the sun, moon, and stars. He explained how monks were sent to universities and the opposition to their learning and debating Aristotle's ideas before learning theology. He explained how to use an astrolabe, the Albion device developed at St. Albans, and how astrology was calculated and used to predict weather. He talked about St. Albans and the priory at Tynemouth and how some monks went on crusade. He explained why many medieval maps are distorted but served a distinct, useful purpose, the development of compasses and the exploration of magnetic attraction, and general information about medicine at the time and what was used for dysentery. He ended by explaining John's creation--a computer of the planets--and how it could be used to quickly find where the planets were in the sky. Overall, this book may be of most interest to mathematicians as a lot of math was described, but it does convey how scientific knowledge was being exchanged between cultures and religions and actively developed during the Middle Ages.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm by Daniel Mays

The No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm by Daniel Mays ISBN-13: 9781635861891 Harcover: 256 pages Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC Released: October 13th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
No-till farming — a method of growing crops and providing pasture without disturbing the soil with tillage — has become a proven and enormously important alternative to standard farming practices. In this comprehensive guide to no-till vegetable farming for aspiring and beginning farmers, author Daniel Mays — himself the owner and manager of a no-till farm in Maine — details the many benefits of this system, along with how to establish no-till beds, intensive crop planning, mulching strategies, techniques and timing of occultation and solarization, selection and timing of no-till cover crops, holistic approaches to weed management, and efficient methods of harvest and post-harvest handling.

The book presents innovative labor structures that replace reliance on expensive machinery, as well as streamlined planning and record-keeping tools, marketing strategies, and the value of community engagement through programs like CSA, food justice initiatives, and on-farm education. It shows farmers concerned about the future of their profession and the planet that, together, all of these elements form a cohesive system that works toward the health of the soil, the farm as a whole, the natural environment, and the people it feeds and employs.


My Review:
The No-Till Organic Vegetable Farm details how to start and run a successful market garden using organic and no-till methods. The focus of the book was more on teaching a beginner the details needed to successfully buy a farm and start a market garden. However, the author also included details about how to do this using an organic, no-till method. He covered topics like:

What to look for when buying land, things to think about when designing the farm layout, how to break ground (with and without tilling) and start your vegetable beds, things to consider when deciding what to plant and where to plant it, making a greenhouse and equipping it, transplanting and direct seeding, ways to irrigate and how to maintain a system, how to deal with weeds including mulching and manual weeding, using compost as mulch, using cover crops and what to do when it's time to plant, how to break up compaction and avoid it to begin with, multi-cropping, planting beneficial plants elsewhere on the farm, using livestock with the beds, fertilization, dealing with pests and disease, how to harvest efficiently and keep crops clean and fresh, the different ways you can sell your produce, how to hire laborers, record keeping, and more.

He gave specific examples of how they do these various things on his farm and included many full-color photographs of what this looks like. This is a very informative book and is probably most helpful to those who live in a more northern climate like he does (in Maine). I felt like he was not aware of some issues that come up in the South where the winters are mild. Since I'm already an organic farmer and was mostly interested in the no-till method, I was a little disappointed that he did not cover these issues pertinent to my region. However, I did learn quite a lot of new information about no-till and how it works, and I plan to use some of this information next year in my hobby garden.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Python Programming for Beginners by Patricia Foster

Python Programming for Beginners by Patricia Foster ISBN-13: 978-1646113880 Paperback: 198 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: October 20, 2020

Source: review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Think like a programmer with this fun beginner’s guide to Python for ages 10 to 14. Python Programming for Beginners is the perfect way to introduce aspiring coders to this simple and powerful coding language. This book is packed full of fun and creative activities that make learning a blast!

In Python Programming for Beginners, kids will start off with the basics, learning all about fundamental coding concepts and how they can put these concepts together in Python to build their own games and programs. Each chapter focuses on a different coding concept—like variables, data types, and loops—and features three awesome coding activities to try. These activities get more difficult as they go, so young coders can see just how much their skills are growing. By the end of Python Programming for Beginners, they’ll create their own fully functional sci-fi game and crack the code to a secret message!

No coding experience needed! Designed for kids, this Python programming book is filled with step-by-step directions, simple explanations, and detailed code breakdowns. Kids will build their programming skills, learn how to troubleshoot bugs with a handy bug-hunting guide, and practice their Python programming knowledge with cool activities.

Python is an awesome starting language for kids! It’s a powerful programming language that can be used for lots of projects but features simple syntax so beginners can focus on learning programming logic. Set kids up for a lifetime of programming success with Python Programming for Beginners.


My Review:
Python Programming for Beginners teaches the process of coding, specifically how to code in Python. It's targeted at ages 10 through 14 and it's explained clearly enough that it should be understandable to that age range, but it's also useful for adults who want to learn the basic concepts of coding. The author did a good job of showing how to think through what needs to be in the code and how to identify the problem and fix bugs that happen in the code. She taught how to get set up with Python and explained what a certain type (variables, data types, loops, etc.) of code does, how to write it so that it will work, and then showed step-by-step how to use it by coding a simple animation or game. She then walked you through two more projects, each involving progressively more advanced coding, as well as suggested some changes that the reader might try by themselves. By the end, I felt like I finally understood the basics of coding and that I could use Python to create from scratch, not just copy and modify the game code in the book. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Science and Cooking by Michael P. Brenner, Pia M. Sörensen, David A. Weitz

Science and Cooking by Michael P. Brenner, Pia M. Sörensen, David A. Weitz ISBN-13: 9780393634921 Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: W. W. Norton Company Released: October 20th 2020

Source: review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The spectacular culinary creations of modern cuisine are the stuff of countless articles and social media feeds. But to a scientist they are also perfect pedagogical explorations into the basic scientific principles of cooking. In Science and Cooking, Harvard professors Michael Brenner, Pia Sörensen, and David Weitz bring the classroom to your kitchen to teach the physics and chemistry underlying every recipe.

Why do we knead bread? What determines the temperature at which we cook a steak, or the amount of time our chocolate chip cookies spend in the oven? Science and Cooking answers these questions and more through hands-on experiments and recipes from renowned chefs such as Christina Tosi, Joanne Chang, and Wylie Dufresne, all beautifully illustrated in full color. With engaging introductions from revolutionary chefs and collaborators Ferran Adria and José Andrés, Science and Cooking will change the way you approach both subjects—in your kitchen and beyond.


My Review:
Science and Cooking explores the science behind the way we cook and bake. The authors did a good job of explaining the science by using analogies that made clear the principles being explained. There were some simple examples that you could reasonably try at home, like the different temperatures at which the different parts of the egg solidify. However, the main recipes used to demonstrate a way to chemically change food (heat, pH, diffusion, fermenting, etc.) tended to use unusual ingredients or equipment that a home cook would not have. These recipes were created by chefs known for using an understanding of the science behind cooking to create unusual food experiences. These recipes demonstrated the principles being taught, but they weren't necessarily foods that you would want to serve people on a regular basis. Basically, don't buy this book expecting a bunch of practical recipes. However, I'd recommend this interesting book to people curious about molecular cuisine or those who want to know things like why common recipes use certain temperatures for certain lengths of time to create the perfect crust or a tasty steak.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Scratch Programming for Beginners by Raina Burditt MS MA

Scratch Programming for Beginners by Raina Burditt MS MA ISBN-13: 978-1647396381 Paperback: 188 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: September 1, 2020

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Fun guide to Scratch programming for ages 8-12. Scratch is a visual computer language designed especially for kids, and Scratch Programming for Beginners is the perfect book to introduce kids to coding! It explains the fundamental concepts of Scratch in a kid-friendly way, and comes jam-packed with fun, creative activities.

This book starts with the scratch programming basics, teaching kids what coding is, and all about the different tools they can use to build their own programs and games. Each chapter teaches a different aspect of coding, with exercises that get more challenging as they go, so kids can test their abilities and unleash their imagination. They’ll even build their own game where they’ll fight off a fire-breathing dragon!

This book is designed for coding beginners, with kid-friendly explanations, step-by-step instructions, and lots of pictures. Kids will build their own toolbox of skills, learning how to install and use Scratch, how to troubleshoot any pesky coding bugs with the Bug-Hunting Guide, and practice their Scratch programming lingo with a glossary of computer terms. Scratch uses blocks of code that fit together like puzzle pieces, so kids can watch how their code affects the program as they’re building it. The fundamentals they’ll learn in this book apply to other coding languages, too!


My Review:
Scratch Programming for Beginners teaches the process of coding, specifically how to code in Scratch. It's targeted at ages 8 through 12 and should be easily understood by them, but it's also useful for adults who want to learn the basic concepts of coding. The author did a good job of showing how to think through what needs to be in the code and identifying potential bugs based on understanding how a computer reads code. She taught how to get set up with Scratch and how to use the different coding blocks as well as setting up the stage, getting sprites and sound, etc. For each section, she explained what the code did and then showed step-by-step how to use it by showing the process of coding a simple animation or game. She then provided several more advanced projects as well as suggested some changes that the reader might try by themselves. By the end, I felt fully confident in using Scratch to create my own unique projects, though obviously there will still be some trial and error. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Beginner's Guide to Aquaponics by Seth Connell

Beginner's Guide to Aquaponics by Seth Connell ISBN-13: 978-1647397487 Paperback: 154 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: September 15th 2020

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
A complete guide for aquaponics beginners. Discover a sustainable way to grow your food—while using a fraction of the water, land, and labor conventional gardens require. The Beginner’s Guide to Aquaponics makes starting your first system simple with easy-to-follow instructions that teach you the basics and offer clear step-by-step instructions.

Combine the benefits of fish farming with hydroponics to grow food in new and efficient ways. Whether it’s understanding how to balance water chemistry, pick your optimal fish and plants, or assemble aquaponic setups, you’ll find tables, blueprints, and practical tips to walk you through each part of the process.

This guide breaks down the most essential aquaponics information with checklists, system design plans, fish/plant charts, and more. Use price estimates and approximate timelines to help you stay on budget and effectively plan out the proper build for your needs. Get expert advice for dealing with any trouble spots you might encounter while building or maintaining your systems.


My Review:
Beginner's Guide to Aquaponics instructs on how to combine fish farming with hydroponics to grow food. The do-it-yourself instructions for the various systems are all for 100 square-foot units. Depending on the system, this could take up something like 5' x 20' or 10' x 10' of floor space, so they take up a lot of room. They generally cost between $3,000 and $6,000 for materials to make your own or about $10,000 if you buy a turnkey system. You will only be able to grow about 10 fish (trout, cod, bass, perch, catfish, etc.) at a time and it will take about 12 months or more for those fish to grow to 1 pound size. You also have to decide if you're going to do cold or warm water fish as this limits what type of plants you can grow. If you're interested in a system like this, then this book contains a lot of useful information.

The book covers everything I think you'd need to know and takes you step-by-step through the process of putting the systems together in general as well as specific step-by-step instructions for building your own systems. Part of my problem with the book, though, is that each aspect was initially covered separately, making it more difficult to see how it all worked together. You look at a chart showing which fish are warm water and which are cold water, then later there's a chart showing which plants can be grown in warm or cold water. It would've been helpful to have these charts on the same page rather than having to search back and flip between them. We're told how tricky it is to keep all the aspects in balance (fish, bacteria, plants) before I even had a clear idea of what the finished systems would look like. So I felt very discouraged even before finding out how expensive and big these systems would be. I'll just stick to small-scale hydroponics, but I do think this book would be helpful for someone already strongly interested in doing this size of aquaponic system.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

KitchenWise by Shirley O. Corriher

KitchenWise by Shirley O. Corriher ISBN-13: 9781982140687 Hardcover: 288 pages Publisher: Scribner Released: November 17th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Want to cook fluffier scrambled eggs and more flavorful sauces, keep your greens brilliantly green, and make everything taste more delicious? KitchenWise combines beloved cooking expert Shirley Corriher’s down-to-earth advice with scientific expertise to address everyday cooking issues. Whether you are a beginning cook or a professional chef, Shirley will let you know exactly what to do behind the stove. A gifted teacher with a degree in chemistry, Shirley takes readers through the hows and whys of what she does in the kitchen, explaining the science behind common problems and offering solutions for how to fix them. (For example, salt has an amazing ability to suppress bitterness and allow other flavors to emerge.) Filled with more than 30 of Shirley’s favorite time-tested recipes, in KitchenWise readers learn how to cook more successfully, why certain ingredients work well together, and what makes good food great.

Packed with proven techniques, KitchenWise serves up new ways to get the most from your cooking.


My Review:
KitchenWise explains some of the chemical reactions in cooking and some troubleshooting tips based on this information. The author also included recipes that demonstrated the points she was making in the chapter. She talked about flavor and things that can be done to increase flavor in food. Then she talked about meat, eggs, and other animal products, with much of the focus on using eggs in cooking and troubleshooting possible problems. The next section was on fruits and vegetables, and much of the focus was on potatoes (baked potatoes, French fries, potato salads, etc.) and troubleshooting problems with potatoes. The next section was on beans and grains. The next was on making the perfect sauce, and many of these seemed to involve cream or chocolate. She talked about which foods freeze well and which don't. She finished with a section on baking (mainly cookies, cakes, and baguettes) and a section on chocolate, ice cream, and other desserts.

Apparently, getting the "perfect" dish very often involves a lot of butter, cream, egg, or sugar. No wonder most commercial cakes taste so extremely sweet since they use more sugar than flour (by weight)...and that's not including the icing. Since I'm more interested in healthy (but still tasty) eating, much of her advice wasn't helpful for me. Overall, I'd recommend this book to people with an interest in science and cooking who are most interested in how food tastes.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Fabric of Civilization by Virginia Postrel

The Fabric of Civilization by Virginia Postrel ISBN-13: 9781541617605 Hardcover: 320 pages Publisher: Basic Books Released: November 10th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In The Fabric of Civilization, Virginia Postrel synthesizes groundbreaking research from archaeology, economics, and science to reveal a surprising history. From Minoans exporting wool colored with precious purple dye to Egypt, to Romans arrayed in costly Chinese silk, the cloth trade paved the crossroads of the ancient world. Textiles funded the Renaissance and the Mughal Empire; they gave us banks and bookkeeping, Michelangelo's David and the Taj Mahal. The cloth business spread the alphabet and arithmetic, propelled chemical research, and taught people to think in binary code.


My Review:
The Fabric of Civilization is a history about the far-reaching influence that textiles have had on the world. The author looked into aspects of fabric production, selling, and use that I have not seen covered in other histories about textiles. Overall, this was an interesting read, and I'd recommend it to those interested in this topic.

The author talked about how cotton, silk, wool, and flax were used to make fabrics very early on and how people improved the plants' and animals' production and quality of fiber through selective breeding and other practices. The first person to come up with the germ theory did so because he was working on curing a disease affecting silkworms. The next chapter covered spinning technologies, starting with the drop spindle and moving on to the spindle wheel, spinning jenny, and other factory machines. The third chapter covered weaving and how advanced math may have been developed by weavers creating complicated patterns, how physical codes for patterns were created in different cultures, the history of weaving patterns like brocade, and information about knitting machines.

The fourth chapter covered dying fabric and the developments in chemistry created by the demand for certain colors, from the original plant- and animal-based dyes to the synthetic dye development. The fifth chapter covered fabric merchants and how they developed things like accounting, using cloth as money, bills of exchange, and more. The sixth chapter covered how the demand for various fabrics influenced what was made and how some countries forbade certain fabrics or fashions. The last chapter covered modern innovations, from new types of synthetic thread to coatings that can be put on cloth to prevent stains and such.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Tuning into Frequency by Sputnik Futures

Tuning into Frequency by Sputnik Futures ISBN-13: 9781982147945 Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Tiller Press Released: November 3rd 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Energy is Everywhere. From the light, sound, and electromagnetic waves that flow all around us to the intricate electrical networks that flow through us, energy is a frontier as exciting as it is uncharted. Every year new science suggests that harnessing the extraordinary power of these invisible frequencies may be the key to a variety of innovations to improve our health and wellbeing, and to repair our struggling ecosystems.

In Tuning into Frequency, the minds of Sputnik Futures explore cutting-edge discoveries from doctors, physicists, healers, ecologists, technologists, and thought leaders and explore how we can employ frequency to improve not only our physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, but the health of the planet.

For example, did you know:
-That your heart and your brain share an electromagnetic field?
-That trees can talk to each other?
-That sound can heal the body?
-That color affects your mood?
-That the sun can help fight depression?


My Review:
Tuning into Frequency is a collection of information about present and future applications of our growing understanding that everything is basically energy. They covered topics like acupuncture, reiki, PEMF and some of the scientific studies about how they work. They talked about how whales communicate through song, flowers react to the wing beats of bees, and other nature-related communication. They explored the science behind using light therapy and color therapy for healing and some information about biophotons. They talked about using music and chanting for healing (including white noise, pink noise, binaural beats, ultrasound, etc.) and about electroceuticals for drug delivery and mood enhancement. They also got into things like cold fusion and other alternative energy sources, lucid dreaming, psychic abilities like remote viewing, and mystical experiences.

They explained the theory about how these things work and mentioned scientific studies when they're available. I've been hearing a lot lately about "we are all energy beings" but I did not understand what some of that was based on. This book helped answer my questions about these ideas even though some of them are still very speculative. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting and informative book to those interested in these topics.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Naturally Fermented Bread by Paul Barker

Naturally Fermented Bread by Paul Barker ISBN-13: 9781631599132 Hardcover: 160 pages Publisher: Quarry Books Released: October 13th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Learn to bake healthy, gut-friendly loaves and sweet fermented buns using wild yeasts cultivated from fruits, flowers, vegetables, and plants. To bake naturally fermented bread—fruit, vegetables, plants, or flowers are submerged in water and left for a few days to a few weeks to ferment. Yeasts living in this newly fermented water, or botanical water, will, like a sourdough starter, raise the dough more slowly than commercial fresh or dried yeast resulting in a more flavorful and gut-friendly bread.

You can use this technique to make traditional long-fermented loaves and also a range of sweet fermented buns that showcase the subtle and surprising flavors of your own botanical starters. Recipes include: Tomato and Basil Pizza Dough, Cucumber Burger Buns, Chocolate Orange Brioche, Botanical Laminated Pastry, and much more!


My Review:
Naturally Fermented Bread is a cookbook that describes how to use wild yeasts found on fruit and vegetables to make bread. The author started by describing how to culture these wild yeasts found on various fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, and flowers. He then gave step-by-step instructions on how to make your own breads using this instead of prepackaged yeast. The breadmaking part is basic enough to help those not used to baking as well as those simply not used to working with higher hydration doughs or wild yeast cultures.

Most of the book was recipes for yeast breads and sweet buns that included tips on making that ferment (using raisins or figs or whatever) and things like how to modify the hydration levels as well as the recipe for that type of bread. Each recipe included a picture of the finished loaf. The author also included some recipes for sourdough breads. Overall, the author made naturally fermented bread making sound relatively easy and doable, and I will soon try making some bread using apples. I'd recommend this book to anyone interested in trying this process.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook by Linda Ly

The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook by Linda Ly ISBN-13: 978-1558329973 Hardcover: 192 pages Publisher: Harvard Common Press Released: April 7th 2020

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Learn how to make the most of the edibles in your garden or the farmer's market bounty! The No Waste Vegetable Cookbook will help you cook your way through greens, beans, roots, and herbs with seasonal recipes that utilize every edible part of the plant. Author Linda Ly shares a wide variety of recipes and techniques from her popular CSA Cookbook, from creative pickling (think watermelon rind) to perfect pestos. Chapters and recipes include:

Tomatoes and Peppers: Spicy Minty Tomato Sauce Infused with Tomato Leaves, Spicy Fermented Summer Salsa, Ginger-Spiced Chicken Soup with Wilted Pepper Leaves, Blistered Padron Peppers and White Onions

Leafy Greens: Kale Stem Pesto Spring Bulgur Salad with Kale Buds, Stuffed Collard Greens, Potlikker Noodles with Collard Greens, Broccoli Green and Baked Falafel Wrap

Peas and Beans: Pea Shoot Salad with Radish and Carrot, Pan-Charred Beans with Bean Leaf Pesto, Yardlong Bean Curry with Wilted Spinach, Fava Leaf Salad with Citrus, Feta, and Walnuts, Charred Fava Pods with Parmesean

Bulbs and Stems: Fennel Front and Ginger Pesto, Kohlrabi Home Fries with Thyme Aioli, Leek Green, Wild Mushroom and Goat Cheese Crostini, Scallion Soup, Green Onion Pancake with Spicy Soy Dipping Sauce

Roots and Tubers: Carrot Top Salsa, Beetza Beetza, Quick-Pickled Sweet 'n Spicy Radish Pods, Savory Sweet Potato Hummus, Creamy Sweet Potato Soup with Maple Syrup, Hasselback Potatoes, Vietnamese Carrot and Daikon Pickles

Melons and Gourds: Watermelon Rind Kimchi, Stir-Fried Watermelon Rind, Gingered Butternut Bisque, Four Ways to Toast Pumpkin Seeds, Sicilian Squash Shoot Soup, Drunken Pumpkin Chili, Pan-Fried Cucumber in Honey Sesame Sauce

Flowers and Herbs: Chive Blossom Vinegar, Nasturtium Pesto, Cilantro Pepita Pesto, Chimichurri, Marinated Feta with a Mess of Herbs, and "All In" Herb Dressing Whether you're excited to make the most of the farmer's market or use every bit of your garden's bounty, this is the book that keeps the food on your table and out of the trash can (or compost bin)!


My Review:
The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is a cookbook focused on using all parts of the vegetable in a recipe. The author described how you can use the leaves on many vegetables, like tomatoes, peppers, peas, beans, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, etc. I already knew a lot of this, and that you don't necessarily have to peel vegetables. That part probably is best for someone who doesn't have a lot of experience in the kitchen and is unaware of just how much of the vegetable you can use. The author also included recipes that use these various vegetable greens, though I was surprised that some of these recipes were simply for leafy greens or used herbs. I was interested in the many different ways one can make pesto and a few of the other recipes. Overall, I recommend this book to beginners interested in learning more about this topic.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Artisan Kitchen by James Strawbridge

The Artisan Kitchen by James Strawbridge ISBN-13: 978-1465499363 Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: DK Publishing Released: September 8th 2020

Source: review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Rediscover traditional culinary skills made accessible for the creative, contemporary cook. This cookbook is for people who like to escape to their kitchen and plan a new culinary project; who would be proud to feed their sourdough starter, culture their next batch of kefir, salt and hang their curing sausages; who are happy to leave their chutney to mature and their home-brewed wine to mellow; who are up for the challenge of building their own smoker and rigging up a turning spit to roast over an open fire.

The Artisan Kitchen is a compendium of culinary projects, each explored in three stages to spark your creativity: "The Science" explains the science and technical know-how; "The Practice" gets you started on an enticing recipe, with action shots of tricky techniques; and "The Possibilities" provides further recipe ideas plus the tools and inspiration to devise your own recipes.


My Review:
The Artisan Kitchen explained how to do various traditional cooking skills like fermenting, breadmaking, curing, and smoking. For each skill, there was a page explaining the science (chemical reactions and such), one or more recipes teaching how to do the skill along with expert tips, then two pages exploring possible variations on the ingredients. The skills taught were how to do or make: sour-fermented pickles, vinegar pickles, chutney, jams, jellies, and syrups, fruit curds, dehydrating, vinegar, fermented soft drinks, alcoholic cider, flavored spirits, yogurt, butter, cheese, sourdough, flat breads, confit, potting, dry curing, wet curing, sausages, cold smoking, hot smoking, campfire cooking, spit roasting, and wood-fired oven. The information was not difficult to understand, and there were many pictures that helped to show the process (though these weren't full step-by-step illustrations). Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in learning these skills.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The 99% Invisible City by Roman Mars; Kurt Kohlstedt

The 99% Invisible City by Roman Mars; Kurt Kohlstedt ISBN-13: 9780358126607 Hardcover: 400 pages Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Released: October 6th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Have you ever wondered what those bright, squiggly graffiti marks on the sidewalk mean? Or stopped to consider why you don't see metal fire escapes on new buildings? Or pondered the story behind those dancing inflatable figures in car dealerships? 99% Invisible is a big-ideas podcast about small-seeming things, revealing stories baked into the buildings we inhabit, the streets we drive, and the sidewalks we traverse. The show celebrates design and architecture in all of its functional glory and accidental absurdity, with intriguing tales of both designers and the people impacted by their designs.

Now, in The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to Hidden World of Everyday Design, host Roman Mars and coauthor Kurt Kohlstedt zoom in on the various elements that make our cities work, exploring the origins and other fascinating stories behind everything from power grids and fire escapes to drinking fountains and street signs. With deeply researched entries and beautiful line drawings throughout, The 99% Invisible City will captivate devoted fans of the show and anyone curious about design, urban environments, and the unsung marvels of the world around them.


My Review:
The 99% Invisible City explains how different design features in cities have come about and why they are that way. These are short entries, only two or three pages long per topic. Rather than looking at the best design, we're often told about a poor design that doesn't work. Or we're told how someone was inspired to create something and how it works. The book covered things like what various sidewalk markings mean, how to spot fake façades and what they might cover up, how a city changes over time and how to spot marks of the past that have been left behind, how to create a memorable flag or warning symbol, how advertising can literally hide things, why manhole covers are round and have a design on the top, safety features that are built into signs and such, design considerations behind creating cycling lanes, the naming of streets, how revolving doors came about, how regulations have affected architecture over time, lots of things about skyscrapers, and more. There are some rough line drawings that show the object being discussed. Actual pictures would have been better, but you get an idea of what the thing being talked about look like. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting book.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

USA National Parks by DK Eyewitness

USA National Parks by DK Eyewitness ISBN-13: 9780744024494 Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: DK Eyewitness Travel Released: September 15th 2020

Source: review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The USA's National Parks are places of wonder: staggering landscapes of jaw-dropping dimensions and incredible diversity where you can stand on the very edge of civilization. They are the earth's breathing spaces; precious places to conserve nature and wildlife for future generations. And they are playgrounds filled with countless places to hike, camp, climb, swim and paddle, where you and your family can create lifelong memories of freedom and wide-open spaces.

Wild Places is a celebration of these magnificent parks - packed with beautiful photography and inspiring ideas for your next adventure, whether you want to be alone amid the vast and haunting wilderness of Alaska's Denali Park or get up close to the teeming tropical wildlife of Florida's Everglades. All 61 national parks are covered, showcasing what makes each one unique, with maps, facts and figures, things to do, and when and where to experience it at its best.


My Review:
USA National Parks provided a tour of things that you can see at the various USA National Parks. The book started out by providing some history of national parks, including notable Park Rangers. They provided a map showing where all of the different national parks are located. Each location was then profiled in the order that they were made into a USA National Park. The biggest national parks had a four page layout while smaller ones had two pages. Each profile included pictures of several main attractions, an overall description of what is in the park and the history of the park (mainly focused on what makes it unique), information about the animals found in the park, different activities that you can do there in the different seasons, descriptions of some of the top hiking trails, and things to see if you have one hour, several hours, or a day or more. Overall, this was an interesting read, especially if you plan to see these parks. I've seen many of these parks, and it was a fun trip down memory lane.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Smithsonian Makers Workshop by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Smithsonian Makers Workshop by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt ISBN-13: 9780358008644 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Released: September 8th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
The Smithsonian Institution presents a uniquely curated collection of lively how-to projects and historical narratives of four realms of American domestic arts: cooking, crafts, decorating, and gardening. Perfect for hobbyists interested in the historical context of what they create for their homes, this beautifully illustrated book contains fifty DIY projects—from a uniquely American quilt pattern to on-trend crafts like terrarium making and pickling—that all offer satisfying ways to bring history and culture to life. For those craving more, features provide rare insights from Smithsonian experts on prominent figures, events, and trends. Readers can learn about influential Americans who've had an impact on each realm; look at visual timelines of significant events that pushed development forward; or stay in the present and see how American arts in contemporary life is being redefined, all while enjoying satisfying and unique projects.


My Review:
Smithsonian Makers Workshop provides an overview of the Smithsonian collection in several areas: crafts, cooking, interior decoration throughout history, and gardening. Each section talked about different types of crafts, for example, providing an overall history of that craft, profiles of notable people who promoted the craft, how some old craft is now popular again, a closer look a technological development that has changed how the craft is done, etc. They also provided several step-by-step projects related to the things under discussion, like how to cook a poundcake or directions on how to decoratively mend some jeans. This book was not very in-depth on any specific topic, but it was an informative overview. There were many pictures showing different quilt styles throughout American history, for example, or a style of furniture popular in a certain time period. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in a brief overview of these topics.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Whole Food Vegetarian Cookbook by Ivy Stark

Whole Food Vegetarian Cookbook by Ivy Stark ISBN-13: 978-1646118847 Paperback: 3063 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: August 25, 2020

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Amazon:
Vegetarian cooking has never been so nutritious and delicious. The Whole Food Vegetarian Cookbook makes it quick and easy to cook up tons of fresh and tasty meals every day that will boost energy levels and optimize your overall health.

From Vegan Sloppy Joes to Vegan Macaroni & Cheese, this complete vegetarian cookbook gives you everything you need to get started, including the holistic health benefits of vegetarian cooking, tips for stocking your pantry, kitchen and prep essentials, and more. Switching to a plant-forward diet and a healthier lifestyle will give you lots of flexibility so you can fit it into your active, everyday schedule.

The Whole Food Vegetarian Cookbook includes 135 Tasty recipes―Discover dozens of delicious vegetarian cookbook delights made with natural, whole-food ingredients. Explore essential information on prep time, cook time, and nutritional information. Learn substitution tricks to make these flavorful meals vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free.


My Review:
Whole Food Vegetarian Cookbook is a vegetarian cookbook that focuses on using minimally-processed, whole-food ingredients. She used dairy and eggs, but she also included recipes for making your own soy or nut milk, dairy-free soft cheese, nondairy yogurt, butterless butter, eggless mayonnaise, as well as tips in the actual recipes for making substitutions for eggs and dairy. She occasionally used ingredients like tempeh bacon or vegan cheese. I was disappointed that she did not warn to avoid GMO soy, canola oil, corn, and other GMO ingredients though she did mention avoiding rBGH in dairy. She tended to make the dishes spicy, and so far I haven't really cared for the spice combinations even when I greatly reduce the amounts to levels that my family can tolerate. Others may enjoy them, though.

Most of the recipes served between 4 to 8 people and took around 20-70 minutes to make. Most of the ingredients in the recipes should be easy to get, but there were a few ingredients I've never even heard of. She included 18 recipes for staples and snacks, 17 recipes for sauces and dressings, 15 recipes for breakfast, 14 recipes for sandwiches, burgers, and handheld, 18 recipes for bowls, salads, and sides, 15 recipes for soups and stews, 25 recipes for dinner mains, and 14 recipes for drinks and desserts.

The recipes provided the preparation time, cooking time, how much is made, ingredients, instructions, cooking and substitution tips. Recipes were sometimes labeled gluten-free or dairy-free. Each recipe included "per serving" information on calories, total fat, carbohydrates, fiber, protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. There were only two or so pictures of finished recipes per each section of recipes. At least one picture was paired with the wrong recipe.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators by DK

Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators by DK ISBN-13: 9781465492333 Hardcover: 256 pages Publisher: DK Publishing Released: September 1st 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Trying your hand at watercolor painting? Or looking to advance your range of artistic skills? Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators is for you. Beginning with the basics - such as honing your observational skills, choosing a subject, and learning about composition - the book then takes a comprehensive, in-depth look at techniques to expand your repertoire. With expert advice from artists and illustrators working in a range of styles - from classic to cutting-edge contemporary -this book will equip you with the skills and confidence to develop your own style and grow as an artist.


My Review:
Watercolor Techniques for Artists and Illustrators covered watercolor techniques and tips from beginner to advanced level. They also covered a variety of styles of painting (realistic, abstract, etc.) as well as a variety of subjects (landscape, portrait, etc.). Each technique had some instruction and tips on how to do it, but the main part was a step-by-step project for each technique. This project used the new technique and some previous techniques, and the basic projects were much simpler than the more advanced ones (later in the book). Some of these projects were step-by-step instructions (use this color and this technique to get this result) while other projects were more tips of what to think about or look for in that step (mostly in the advanced section).

The focus was solely on watercolor, but they assumed that you could draw very well when it came to the advanced projects. For example, you draw the profile of a person for step one in the portrait "technique" project. The rest of the steps were loosely filling in certain parts of the drawing with watercolor. They did a good job of describing the techniques, providing tips, and choosing interesting projects. Overall, I recommend this book to beginners and intermediate watercolor artists.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Botanical Art Techniques by The American Society of Botanical Artists, Carol Woodin, and Robin A. Jess

Botanical Art Techniques by The American Society of Botanical Artists, Carol Woodin, and Robin A. Jess ISBN-13: 9781604697902 Hardback: 416 pages Publisher: Timber Press Released: September 16th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Botanical Art Techniques is a beautifully illustrated and comprehensive guide to one of the most delicate art forms. From the experts at the American Society of Botanical Artists, this essential reference features how-to tutorials for all the major techniques, moving from basic to intermediate to advanced, so the reader can build on their skills as they progress. Media covered in detail include graphite, pen and ink, watercolor on paper and vellum, and colored pencil, with further tutorials on egg tempera oil, acrylic, gouache, silverpoint, etching, and more. Additional information includes a detailed overview of the necessary materials, basic information about the principles of composition, and advice on how to develop a personal style. Filled with 900 photographs, Botanical Art Techniques is a must-have for creative people everywhere.


My Review:
Botanical Art Techniques is an awesome, comprehensive guide to drawing or painting botanical art for anyone from a complete beginner on up. They started with the very basics and progressively worked up to projects suitable for more advanced artists. The different articles were written by different people, but the articles worked well together to teach about botanical art techniques. The authors covered the basics of the different mediums: graphite, pen and ink, colored pencil, watercolor on paper or on vellum, and more briefly on egg tempera, oil, acrylic, gouache, silverpoint, and etching. They also covered the basics specific to botanical art, like working in a studio or outside, how to keep the plant alive while you draw it, and things to consider in composition.

They also gave step-by-step demonstrations for drawing or painting a variety of subjects, like flowers, leaves, fruits and vegetables, roots, branches and stems. There were demonstrations for a cactus, kiwi vine, crab apple branch, slipper orchid, grapes, magnolia flower, and many more. The instructors did a very good job of teaching how to do these things rather than just telling you how to replicate a certain drawing. I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn how to make realistic art in a wide variety of mediums, but also specifically to anyone interested in botanical art.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

150 Food Science Questions Answered by Bryan Le

150 Food Science Questions Answered by Bryan Le ISBN-13: 978-1646118335 Paperback: 198 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: July 21, 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Amazon:
Does cold water come to a boil faster than warm water? Why does fat taste so good? What makes popcorn pop? Most of the processes that occur during cooking are based on principles found in biology, chemistry, and physics. 150 Food Science Questions Answered is an intriguing look into the science of food, from the eyes of a food science Ph.D. candidate and recipient of the James Beard Legacy Scholarship.

Learn food science―how controlling heat, moisture, acidity, and salt content can magically transform the way flavors are developed and perceived. Understand the food science behind the few hundred milliseconds that creates our sense of taste. With increased knowledge will come increased mastery, no matter what you’re cooking.

Inside 150 Food Science Questions Answered you’ll find: Can you control garlic’s intensity by the way you cut it?―Garlic’s signature burn is released when its cell walls are cut into. Whole garlic will impart mild flavor; garlic crushed into a paste will deliver the strongest punch. Does alcohol burn off when cooked?―Quick processes like flambé eliminate only about 25% of alcohol, while long-simmering can remove almost all of it. Does searing a steak seal in the juices?―No, but it does develop delicious flavors through a process called the Maillard reaction.


My Review:
150 Food Science Questions Answered answers common questions people have about cooking and baking. The author took a common question, then described the science behind it and how to apply this information in your kitchen. He covered the categories of cooking basics; flavor basics, meat, poultry, and fish; eggs and dairy; fruits and vegetables; baking and sweets; food safety and storage. The science was not so deep that it should lose the average cook. The application of the science does help the reader to get the desired result, like tasty browning of food by knowing the ideal temperatures and other tips. As a "health nut," I felt like he sometimes missed the point of the question. For example, he says that preservatives "in moderate amounts" are safe (he does not say what moderate amounts are), whereas food without preservatives can make you very sick if it goes bad. True, but one can have foods without either the artificial preservatives or bad microbes. Anyway, overall, I'd recommend this interesting and informative book to those interested in the science behind cooking and baking.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Midwest Native Plant Primer by Alan Branhagen

The Midwest Native Plant Primer by Alan Branhagen ISBN-13: 9781604699920 Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Timber Press Released: July 7th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
More homeowners than ever before are adding native plants to their gardens, because they are drawn to their amazing benefits. These superstar plants attract wildlife, act as pollinators, require less maintenance, and can better withstand climate change and related weather issues. In The Midwest Native Plant Primer, garden expert Alan Branhagen shares the best plant choices for the Midwest and details how gardeners can grow them successfully. Introductory chapters cover plant selection, design suggestions, and the benefits of choosing native plants. The bulk of the book is 225 plant entries that include everything a gardener needs to successfully grow these important garden additions. This beginner-friendly, accessible guide is for home gardeners in northern Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, eastern Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.


My Review:
The Midwest Native Plant Primer is for people who are looking for information about native plants for landscaping purposes. The author talked about the advantages of using native plants, provided tips on how to grow them successfully, and suggested using these plants specifically to attract beneficial insects, butterflies, or birds. He then provided information on specific native trees, shrubs, groundcovers, perennials and vines that are good for landscaping. Each entry gave the common name and Latin name of the plant, what animals it attracted, where it is usually found in the wild (like woodland understory), amount of light that it likes, some background information, why it is desirable in landscaping (interesting bark, colorful leaves, attracts birds, etc.), and a picture or two of the plant. I'd recommend this book to someone looking for native plant ideas for landscaping purposes.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Healthy Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook by Dana Angelo White

Healthy Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook by Dana Angelo White ISBN-13: 9781465493316 Paperback: 160 pages Publisher: Alpha Books Released: September 1st 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Wondering what your air fryer can do? How about quickly making foods that use less oil than deep frying and thus have less fat than their traditional deep-fried counterparts? With this book, you can go even further by making foods that contain only vegan ingredients. Plus, every recipe has nutritional data to show you how low in calories and fat each meal is. You can make pizza, tacos, and, yes, even cake--all without compromising your eating habits and without needing to submerge your food in unhealthy oil.

Not only can this appliance fry foods, but it can also bake, roast, and grill. So if you were hesitant to use your air fryer before, now you can put it to good use by making all your vegan favorites quickly, easily, and healthfully. This cookbook features 100 vegan recipes with low calories, low fat, and with detailed nutritional data for every recipe, including calories, fat, carbs, fiber, and sodium.


My Review:
Healthy Vegan Air Fryer Cookbook is a vegan cookbook that focused on recipes that use an air fryer. The book was mainly recipes as it contained only a brief introduction to air fryers and vegan eating. The author used store-bought vegan butter, vegan cheese, vegan mayonnaise, etc., in many of the recipes. She often used canola oil, which isn't healthy, especially if you use a GMO canola. Basically, the author didn't always choose healthy ingredients. She also sometimes had you cook several servings in a row when it didn't all fit in the air fryer--and using an oven would make more sense. While I can use some of these recipes, I'll have to modify them a lot.

She included 18 recipes for breakfast, 25 recipes for main dishes, 17 recipes for sides, 24 recipes for snacks and salads, and 17 recipes for desserts. The recipes provided the preparation time, cooking time, fryer temp, serving size, ingredients, instructions, and tips. Each recipe included nutritional data for calories, total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbs, fiber, sugar, and protein. There was usually only two or three pictures of a finished recipe in each section of recipes.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Wood Burn Book by Rachel Strauss

The Wood Burn Book by Rachel Strauss ISBN-13: 9781631598920 Paperback: 144 pages Publisher: Rockport Publishers Released: August 18th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In The Wood Burn Book, Rachel Strauss (@woodburncorner) teaches you everything you’ll need to know to master pyrography, whether you're brand new to the hobby or you've been "writing with fire" for years.

This essential guide opens with a brief background to the art of wood burning, a list of tools and how to use them, basic techniques that can be used over and over again, and even what to burn and how to be safe doing it. You will also find a detailed explanation of the process from start to finish, with patterns, techniques for lettering and adding color, as well as dozens of projects ready for gifting, including picture frames, cutting boards, coasters, cards, wooden spoons, and jewelry.

Mastering the art of writing with fire begins with the ability to follow a line. If you can trace, you can burn.


My Review:
The Wood Burn Book teaches how to do wood-burning projects. The author started by describing the different equipment and materials you'll need, then she described various techniques for wood burning. She also discussed how to transfer a design onto the wood, how to add color to the wood-burned art, and how to finish a piece. She then provided step-by-step projects for adding decoration to various types objects made of wood. You can see examples of these projects on the cover. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in learning how to do wood-burning.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Adaptogens by Melissa Petitto, R.D.

Adaptogens by Melissa Petitto, R.D. ISBN-13: 9780785838470 Hardcover: 160 pages Publisher: Chartwell Books Released: May 26th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Harness the ancient healing power of adaptogens: herbs, roots, and other medicinal plants that help the body function better than its natural capacity. Learn all you need to know about 50 of the most common healing herbs and how to make delicious, nutrient-dense recipes to have you functioning at a higher frequency. Adaptogens are packed with amino acids and/or vitamins that help manage the harmful effects stress has on the body.

The bulk of the book is the adaptogen A–Z directory so that you can figure out which products and powders will best work with the stresses of your life. Then there's a slew of delicious and nutritious recipes. These plants are not a quick fix for a stressful situation. Rather, they are a way to help the body better deal with the higher amounts of stress we seem to be seeing a lot of right now.


My Review:
Adaptogens is a short book about herbs, foods, and supplements that help your body deal with stress when taken over time. The author started by briefly describing what an adaptogen is, then there's a directory of adaptogen profiles. Each profile gave the common and scientific name, a brief history of its use, the health benefits, any safety concerns, and dosing information (though this was sometimes merely a recommendation to ask your doctor). There were about 40 full adaptogen profiles plus about 10 brief superfood/powder profiles. The author also included some recipes for drinks, soups, spreads, and more using combinations of these adaptogens. The book doesn't actually include a lot of information as one page of each profile or recipe is simply a full-color picture of the herb or recipe. But it might be good for a beginner who would be overwhelmed by more information. I'd recommend this book to those who don't know about adaptogens who are specifically interested in these herbs rather than medicinal herbs in general.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Ultimate Pasta Machine Cookbook by Lucy Vaserfirer

The Ultimate Pasta Machine Cookbook by Lucy Vaserfirer ISBN-13: 9781592339488 Paperback: 208 pages Publisher: Harvard Common Press Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Making pasta by hand at home lets you create and enjoy dozens and dozens of different flavors of noodles. Cooking teacher and food blogger Lucy Vaserfirer explains the methods of master chefs in simple-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that let home cooks cook like the pros. Lucy shows you how easy it is to use a sheeter, extruder, and cavatelli maker of any type, manual or electric, to create tasty pastas that will please everyone from grown-up gourmands to picky kids who want pasta at nearly every meal.

Lucy shares in these pages terrific purees that you can make, using a blender or a mixing bowl, that you then can turn into all sorts of flavored pastas, from the familiar tomato or spinach pastas to noodles flavored with herbs like basil or chives, spices like pepper or saffron, and other flavors, such as beet, sweet potato, corn, and even, surprisingly enough, chocolate. She teaches you how to make every kind of pasta shape with your pasta machine, including ones you can't find in stores. She includes durum and semolina pastas, the most common kinds, as well as buckwheat and ancient-grain pastas. She even shows how to make Asian noodles, such as udon, soba, and ramen, with your pasta machine. There are recipes, too, for fillings for ravioli, tortellini, and other stuffed pastas, as well as a feast of sauces for finished pasta dishes.

Whether you are a first-time owner of a pasta maker or a seasoned pro looking for exciting new ideas, this book has more than 100 splendid recipes, plus loads of clever tips and tricks, that will make you love your pasta machine and use it often.


My Review:
The Ultimate Pasta Machine Cookbook explained how to make a variety of pastas using three different types of pasta machines: a sheeter pasta machine, an extruder pasta machine, and a cavatelli pasta machine. The author talked about tools, equipment, and ingredients for making pasta. She included many recipes for different types of pasta dough (egg dough, chocolate dough, spinach dough, etc.), pasta fillings, sauces, and even completed dishes. This is a useful, informative book about using these pasta machines.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Origami Fold-by-Fold by John Montroll

Origami Fold-by-Fold by John Montroll ISBN-13: 9780486842424 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Dover Publications Released: July 15th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
This unique collection of 35 original origami models, presented in order of difficulty, is the invention of bestselling origami artist John Montroll. The projects start with simple one-star models (ladybug, angelfish, sailboat) and progress to very complex four-star models (grasshopper, wooly mammoth), with a crane, lion, peacock, and several geometric shapes in between. This comprehensive volume includes step-by-step instructions and full-color illustrations to allow folders at all levels to gradually develop their skills.

Internationally renowned author John Montroll has significantly increased the origami repertoire with his original designs. Best known as the inspiration behind the single-square, no-cuts, no-glue approach, the American origami master presents meticulously developed folding sequences that allow folders to create better models with fewer steps.


My Review:
Origami Fold-by-Fold teaches you how to fold 35 original origami models. The author started by explaining the different symbols that show where to fold and which direction to go as well as how to do the most common folds. He started the projects with simple models and worked up to the most complex so that you can learn the skills you need as you go along. He had 10 simple projects, 10 intermediate projects, 8 complex projects, and 7 very complex projects. For each step, he had an illustration as well as the symbols, but minimal to no text.

On the digital version, each step's illustration was rather small and it was sometimes difficult to see the difference between the symbol for folding forward and folding back. I had trouble following the directions even on the first project. I had to carefully study the picture (rather than the symbols) to catch on to what I was supposed to do since the symbols were not clear in one spot. He then had you go back and repeat several steps (starting with the wrong step) but doing it on the other side. If you have trouble flipping/reversing instructions, this could be challenging. If you are familiar with the folding symbols, I think this would be much simpler to follow. However, this may not actually be the best book for a complete beginner (like me) to start with.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Creative Woodburning by Bee Locke

Creative Woodburning by Bee Locke ISBN-13: 9781465492685 Paperback: 128 pages Publisher: Alpha Books Released: August 11th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
If you're a crafter or an artist looking for something new and different, try pyrography. With this type of art, you use a heated instrument to burn images and words into wood. By using techniques from drawing, such as shading and stippling, you can also add depth and embellishments to your creations.

It's easy to get started with pyrography--and Creative Woodburning can help you jump into this hot new craft. This book features an introduction to pyrography and the tools you need to get started; expert advice on how to choose the right materials and how to create a safe working environment; 20 projects, including a jewelry box, a cutting board, a wooden egg, a clock, and a gourd birdhouse; more than 180 patterns--from animal and nature designs to borders and geometric and decorative shapes; and techniques for shading, adding color, and sealing your projects.


My Review:
Creative Woodburning is a guide on how to do wood-burning projects to make works of art. The author started by describing the different equipment you'll need for safe use during the wood burning and provided tips on the easiest-to-work-with wood. She described various techniques for wood burning, like shading, blackening, and stippling, in enough detail that I felt confident that I could do it. The author used templates to create her designs, and she provided the templates for the projects in the back of the book. She also described how to get the template onto the wood. She also talked about things like staining the wood or the different ways you can color the wood-burned art. She then provided a variety of projects, from decorating a jewelry box to a wooden egg or a clock face. While she described how you would do the project, it's not the usual step-by-step description with matching illustrations, but I felt the earlier techniques sections provided all that was needed to complete the projects. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in learning how to do wood-burning art.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

This Is Your Brain on Food by Uma Naidoo

This Is Your Brain on Food by Uma Naidoo ISBN-13: 9780316536820 Hardcover: 304 pages Publisher: Little, Brown Spark Released: August 4th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
How to eat for mental health, from a go-to expert on the impact of food on the brain. Did you know that blueberries can help you cope with the aftereffects of trauma? That salami can cause depression, or that boosting Vitamin D intake can help treat anxiety? When it comes to diet, most people's concerns involve weight loss, fitness, cardiac health, and longevity. But what we eat affects more than our bodies; it also affects our brains. And recent studies have shown that diet can have a profound impact on mental health conditions ranging from ADHD to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, OCD, dementia and beyond.

Dr. Uma Naidoo is a board-certified psychiatrist, nutrition specialist, and professionally trained chef. In This Is Your Brain on Food, she draws on cutting-edge research to explain the many ways in which food contributes to our mental health, and shows how a sound diet can help treat and prevent a wide range of psychological and cognitive health issues. Packed with fascinating science, actionable nutritional recommendations, and delicious, brain-healthy recipes, This Is Your Brain on Food is the go-to guide to optimizing your mental health with food.


My Review:
This Is Your Brain on Food explains what foods can positively or negatively affect your brain health. The author covered depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, dementia, brain fog, insomnia, fatigue, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, OCD, and libido. For each problem, she talked about scientific studies using nutrition to treat the issue, cases that she's treated successfully, and advice about what foods should be avoided and what foods help heal the problem. About a fifth of the book was some recipes along with cooking advice for people that are beginners at cooking. Since I'm interested in food as medicine, I've heard some of this advice before. She generally recommended whole food over refined foods and getting your nutrition from food rather than supplements. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who want to try changing their diet to heal. However, she doesn't mention avoiding GMO's even though she does recommend canola oil and soy foods. I strongly suggest anyone eating those foods buy organic or become informed about genetically modified foods.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Homesteader’s Guide to Growing Herbs by Kristine Brown

The Homesteader’s Guide to Growing Herbs by Kristine Brown ISBN-13: 978-1647393724 Paperback: 167 pages Publisher: Rockridge Press Released: July 7, 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Amazon:
Growing herbs means growing your own food, medicine, home remedies, beauty products, and more. The Homesteader’s Guide to Growing Herbs is packed with expert information on planting, caring for, and using herbs to nourish and nurture yourself, your family, your pets, and even your livestock.

Learn about cultivating herbs on your homestead and get a step-by-step guide to creating your own herbal preparations—from teas and infusions to tinctures, syrups, and salves. Explore an informational index of common household herbs, including the parts used, plant properties, safety considerations, preservation methods, and much more. Try dozens of recipes for everything from homemade marshmallows and basil-infused cooking oil to sunburn soother spray, furniture polish, and natural deodorant.


My Review:
The Homesteader’s Guide to Growing Herbs is a book about growing and using common herbs. The author started by briefly talking about why you would want to grow herbs and how you can use them. She then talked about good locations for an herb garden (space needed, soil type, etc.) and how to prepare herbal medicine (teas, syrups, tinctures, poultices, salves, infused oil). She provided profiles for 20 common herbs: basil, black walnut, chamomile, comfrey, echinacea, elderberry, fennel, garlic, lavender, marshmallow, mullein, onion, peach, peppermint, raspberry, rose, sage, stinging nettle, thyme, and willow. She included a picture the plant (though not always suited for identification purposes) and information about the parts of the plant that you use, growing tips, how to preserve it for future use, medicinal uses, preparation tips, dosing, and safety considerations.

She also included recipes using the profile herbs along with other herbs. She included 20 recipes for eating (herbed butter, green man pesto, etc.), 25 recipes for healing and wellness (fire cider, flu fighter tea, tummy tamer tea, etc.), 8 recipes for housekeeping (surface cleaner, furniture polish, etc.), 7 recipes for beauty (tooth powder, mouthwash, etc.), and 15 recipes for pets and livestock (wound powder, flea powder. etc.). I had expected this to be a gardening book, so I'm disappointed that the focus seemed to be more about uses for herbs. Overall, though, the information is good though mostly an overview of a variety of topics.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.