Wild Horses: Running Free, by Linda L. Richards

 

Publication Oct. 17, 2023      Orca Wild, 11

As it turned out, I'd barely gotten into this book when a news article on efforts to remove the wild horses that run free in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park popped up on my computer screen. Much of what this book covers in the impact and conservation efforts surrounding the controversial program is echoed in the article, making this book all the more timely. I won't detail the article other than, for those interested in looking it up, to say it was out of Bismarck, N.D., by Jack Dura, of the Associated Press. One thing I did note, however, was something that I was curious about, the efforts to use sterilization as a means of control, which is also covered in the book. So, author Richards has done her homework, which is nicely reflected by the extensive index, glossary, and list of resources both on and offline, at the end. 

As for the book, while I've got to admit that sections demanded thought, it was actually a relatively quick, easy read. The photos are wonderful, food for this one-time horse-crazy girl's heart. In fact, the author's intro could have been written by me, including trying to adopt a stray horse, in both our cases a neighbor's wayward equine. The book is organized in five sections, with smaller sections within each. There's a wealth of info within, much of it maybe vaguely familiar to me now but nice to see made available in a shorter, more succinct manner than often rendered. The author's love of horses is obvious and she frequently gushes that everyone loves horses, which may be true in theory but, well, competing groups always prioritize and horses don't rank number one with everyone. As she says, however, it isn't that they don't like horses. They simply want to do different things with the land they now inhabit, whether grazing cattle herds, building homes, or drilling for oil, etc. It's obvious who's side she's on.

As a girl who read everything horse, while I might have struggled with some aspects of the info shared depending upon the age I encountered it, overall it was well laid-out and understandable. I particularly enjoyed the look at some lesser known types of horses. We're all surely familiar with the Chincoteague Pony (see, there I go assuming everyone reading this has read "Misty of Chincoteague") and perhaps the Brumby horses of Australia or Queen Elizabeth's favorite ponies in England, but some of the lesser known ones are fascinating.  Heck, you'll also discover how horses see and why (probably) zebras have stripes. So, part fun, part history, and part conservative, an interesting combination that resulted in an intriguing read...all richly illustrated with color photos, many taken by the author herself. Thanks #NetGalley and #OrcaBookPublishers for letting me dive back into my horse-crazy days. This one would be an excellent gift for any horse crazy kid or adult out there, even more so if they have a desire to help preserve the legacy of the wild horse.

Happy National Dog Day

 

Growing Up Powerful Journal: A Confidence Boosting, Totally Inspiring, Joyful Journal, by Nona Willis Aronowitz

 Publication October 10, 2023

I've fallen in love with this entire series of Rebel Girls' books. Even though this one struck me as a bit more of a workbook to guide growth than an actual journal, I felt the same with this one. Divided into five sections: What Is Confidence?, Take Action, Train Your Brain, Build Your Team, and Change the World, it guides the reader from discovering what confidence is to how to use it. 

I won't detail the process, those details are all inside the book, but found it an excellent guide for not only young girls but, quite frankly, something many of us not-so-young ones would find lots of food for thought within. In this day and age when confidence is often perceived as the ability to out talk, usually loudly, others, I loved how this guide takes your though recognizing what true confidence is, how to find it by finding your own strengths, or superpowers as the book dubs them, and then develop them fully. Note the name of the last section, hint hint. We all know how quickly the world and events about us can poke holes in our own confidence, so I appreciated the book's reminder that having confidence doesn't always mean you'll be successful. It empathizes that part of being genuinely confident in yourself and your goals is knowing and accepting that you might fail. Few are wonders at everything on their first try, let's face it. Sigh. If only. 

We need to celebrate even small steps forward, the book reminds us, acknowledging the courage it takes to try ... and try again and again ... to reach our goals. It provides a structured, systematic way to begin, find your own strengths, and work toward what we want as we build our personal support team. There's a great deal of advice shared, yes, but you'll also find various activities and writing prompts to help you find your way. It may lead you out of your comfort zone at times, but it's all part of the process. Oh, and did I mention there are even pictures you can color? Seriously, this book is wonderfully thought out and organized and should be on every young and maybe not-so-young bookshelf. Hmm, it'd make a great gift idea. Thanks #NetGalley and #RebelGirls for giving me this early peek at this powerful work. I wish you'd been around when I was one of those young, uncertain girls.

Sephen King nd more Facebook book thoughts

From Aug. 25, 2019

OLD FACEBOOK POST

 

So, what are you reading?

Just answered a "what are you reading?" question on another post and decided to share my answer with all. Right now, despite the following answer, I just realized I am reading Stephen King's book on writing, which is excellent, but....

"I'm still on my cozy mystery kick, tho' I read a sweet romance over the last couple days. While on this kick, I've read so many that I like but have found many "new to me" authors like Lilian Jackson Braun, Donna Andrews, and David Rosenfelt, who I know I've raved about already. Just rediscovered an author I'd read some time ago and liked but hadn't seen her books lately, Rita Lakin, so she's a happy new "refind". Have you read Spencer Quinn, aka Peter Abrahams? Love his Chet and Bernie series, which is narrated from the dog's point of view. Also on the new to me list, are Agatha Frost and Joanne Fluke.

Many more, but not those that were necessarily "new to me". I've found that I like, one, the comfortable idea of knowing the characters in a series and, two, that cozies usually have a dead body or two and some danger to the main character, but not the blood and gore of many other mysteries. Reflecting back to a comment David Rosenfelt made in an article somewhere, the main dog in his series, Tara, will never die, either, another plus for him.

Dolly Parton, by Tracey E. W. Laird

 

Publication Oct. 10, 2023

When I thought about it, I realized that I don't think I've ever met anyone who doesn't at the very least like Dolly Parton. I've always enjoyed her music and bigger-than-life stage personality but must admit that it's the down-to-earth, caring Dolly that I've most adored. As such, this book was a great review of some known and some unknown aspects of her life. Nicely illustrated, too, and there were quite a few photos included that I'd never seen, a plus. Toss in the author's easy writing style that pulls from a wide variety of sources (lengthy credits at the end for both words and photos, plus extensive index), and this was a quite enjoyable read. 

Oddly enough, her realness and kindness is what stuck with me more than all the big star photos and awards and wonderful events she's been part of in her life. The 4th of 12 children in a dirt-poor family, her early years were spent without running water and sharing a straw stuffed mattress with siblings, but Dolly seems to have grown up a loved and happy child, nevertheless. You'll enjoy the section early on of her attachment to butterflies, including one that lead her astray only to find her way home with the help of the family's also straying cow. I grew up on a farm, so that made me smile far more than the stories of meeting the presidents and such. 

I won't detail those many meetings or awards since they're surely in the blurb. Instead, I'll simply say that if you're a Dolly fan, you will enjoy this book. Heck, even if you are the rarity and haven't discovered a love of Dolly yet, you'll probably enjoy the book. It reveals her as a real person, not the glittering star we see onstage although, quite frankly, much of her true personality does come forth when performing, whether for the Grand Ol' Opry or simply reading books to children. I enjoy Dolly the performer but think I'd treasure her as a real friend. Thanks so much for letting me read this #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #Becker&Mayer! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend some down time hanging out with one of my heroes, Dolly Parton. Yes, Dolly, "I Will Always Love You".

A World Full of Winter Stories, by Angela McAllister, Angela McAllister

 

Publication Oct. 10, 2023

Given how many feral rabbits have been hanging out in my neighborhood, I had to chuckle when the very first story, from Japan, was how rabbits came to be. Then there was the Siberian story of how a snoopy rabbit/hare got long ears. Somehow, my "rabbit alert dog" wasn't impressed but I was. These stories are delightful, colorfully illustrated and many seemed to focus on the concept of "we are better together". 

Separated into sections, this is one of the first cold weather related collections I've read that didn't focus almost entirely on the Christmas or holiday season. But, don't worry. The closing chapter contains several Christmas focused stories. All are traditional stories from various cultures, wonderfully, imaginatively illustrated, and can be easily read to a child in one sitting. You may feel ready to curl up in a mitten, like the creatures of the Ukrainian tale, as you read, however. Fun book. 

Thank you #NetGalley and #QuartoPublishingGroup - #FrancesLincolnChildren'sBooks for sharing this wonderful book with me. I'll be recommending it to our library, not to mention thinking of folks who might enjoy some reading material for our long winter nights here in Alaska.

History FACTopia!: Follow Ye Olde Trail of 400 Facts, by Paige Towler, Andy Smith (Illustrator), Britannica Group

 

Publication Sept. 19, 2023

This one is just plain fun. It fed the history major/teacher/nerd part of me. Fun, quirky facts about, well, lots of stuff. It's designed not to be read straight through as the reader follows whatever thread grabs their interest, meaning you'll be able to spend some time going where your whims take you. From pirates to why the Romans, no lie, taxed the pee collected from public toilets to things like a 2000 year old battery found in a clay jar in Iraq. One of my favorites is the noted resemblance of the Vallhund, thought to originally be bred by Vikings, to a dog that looks like a cross between a wolf and a corgi. Yeah, sorta. It's fully illustrated and the illustrations are just as much fun as the words. Hard to pick a favorite but the one of a hunter on skis about to shoot his prey while ahead of him, unnoticed, a tree looms. I could just see the next imaginary panel, the stereotypical cartoon splat against a tree.

I did know quite a bit of the info, go figure, but still lots to take in. Some funny, some interesting, but all fact checked by multiple Britannica writers. If you have any interest in history, either trivial or serious, you will want to get your hands on this book when it comes out about id-September. And, hey, since I've groused about the feral rabbits that so annoy Daisy, did you know Napoleon was once attacked by a mob of bunnies....and lost. And, hey, San Fran folks, I didn't know much of your city was built atop ships abandoned by gold rushers way back when. SO much more, ranging from castles and witches to vampires and mummies and more.There's a glossary and index at the end, not to mention extensive list of online sites to check out more fun facts.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BritannicaBooks - #WhatOnEarth for providing me with such an entertaining, informative peek. I fully enjoyed meandering about wherever my whim took me. Gives new meaning to getting lost in a book.  

A Nutcracker Nightmare (Killer Chocolate #2), by Christina Romeril

 

Publication October 17, 2023

Alex and Hannah, twin sisters who own the chocolates and mystery shop, seem to have the bad luck of stumbling over bodies. That said, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be mourning Kyle's death, either. Too bad Hannah is a suspect. 

Unable to calmly step aside, Alex seems unable to keep herself from asking not-so-subtle questions and pondering scenarios and clues. She barely hesitates even after receiving a warning note on her windshield and later being almost deliberately run over while out walking her dog, Watson. She's pretty obvious about her sleuthing. How obvious? So obvious even the anonymous gossip rag identifies her as someone prone to both finding dead bodies and sleuthing. Of course, I should also note that she's still intent upon walking the dog and even searching out and confronting suspected  murderers. Probably not the best idea, huh?

So, who killed Kyle? Kyle is so obnoxious, arrogant, and, um, let's say too hands-on with women that the list would possibly run to pages. I mean, everyone seemed to have a motive. Well, except Watson. In the meantime, both Alex and Hannah are trying to make their blooming relationships work, which is a bit complicated when Duncan, Hannah's boyfriend, is faced with officially having to keep her on the police suspect list. Alex's is a bit less scary but complicated as she can't figure out what's going on with Tom. Watching them work on their normal lives, which includes lots of chocolate and baking, was interesting. We even get to see a new trick they've taught Watson, who is adorable. But, wait! More bodies? Uh-oh....

Seriously, enough teasers. While I spent a good portion of the book annoyed at Alex for not showing common sense much of the time and what seemed a slow start, I liked the sisters and found the mystery interesting. And, sigh, I didn't guess whodunit until the reveal. Didn't see that one coming although it made sense when I thought back. 

So, sit back and enjoy the ride and, oh, be prepared for an overwhelming yen for chocolate and more chocolate before you're done reading. You'll enjoy the recipes at the end which are in more of a conversational tone as they guide you. I felt like the author was talking to me rather than just handing me a recipe card and wishing me luck. Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for letting me indulge the chocoholic in me with words and recipes. My Daisy dog says to give Watson a virtual treat, btw.

Good Boy Lukey & the Dream Crumbs, by Linda Beck

 

Lukey represents the "ultimate protection of the night" as he goes about magically sprinkling his dream crumbs. If your child has bad dreams or trouble falling asleep, this may be the book for you, especially if they're a dog lover. If nothing else, it's a cute, imaginative tale told in rhyme with illustrations that should bring a smile to your face. 

The story is short and sweet. Lukey, obviously inspired by a real dog, is somehow both lifelike and comic styled in the illustrations, whereas the humans are nicely drawn but more comic style. It made me smile to note how closely Lukey's pot of dream crumbs resembles the mythical pot of gold, too. And, Lukey seems to always be wearing a smile. Good boy, Lukey, indeed. 

Thanks #NetGalley and #Independently Published for sharing this adorable tale of make-believe with me. Loved his sweet smile and magical red cape.

'Twas the Bite Before Christmas (Andy Carpenter #28), by David Rosenfelt

 Publication October 10, 2023

One of the things you're asked before you serve on a jury is basically if you can be impartial. Well, no, your Honor. I don't think I can be an impartial reviewer for an Andy Carpenter book. I love David Rosenfelt's humor, snarky and dry, even when it's only in Andy's head, and have come to know and like the characters quite well. That said, how did I miss that Andy's firm's other lawyer, Eddie Dowd, was a tight end for the New York Giants before joining Andy's law firm? See, just when you think you know all the answers, Rosenfelt still manages to surprise me. It's also great fun to "hear" the rational he has in the courtroom for what questions he asks or doesn't ask.

This book, #28 in the Andy Carpenter series, was an intriguing, amazingly quick read. Quick because, well, once I start one of these books I pretty much read straight through until, whoa, almost to my shock, I'm nearing the end. That was the case this time. The story opens with Andy trying to delay downing the eggnog at a Christmas gathering at the Tara Foundation that operates to rescue dogs. Almost to his relief, he gets a call from Pete Stanton, a friend and the town's captain of the homicide division, to come outside. Next thing we know, one of the party guests, Derek, is being cuffed and taken to jail. But why is Pete is calling him Robert Klaster? Soon, Andy doesn't have to worry about drinking the dreaded eggnog but he does have another client. You guessed it. Derek. Or, is it Robert? Or, Bobby? That's when the story really begins. 

As always, Andy's a reluctant lawyer but, well, Derek, er, Bobby is a foster failure for the Tara Foundation. That translates to him having agreed to temporarily foster a dog, two in this case, but changing his mind and deciding he can't give them up later. They're now inside, happily mixing with the other rescues and potential rescues in the shelter as Derek/Bobby is led away. Oh, the identity confusion. I won't detail how or why as that is part of the plot, but let's just say "witness protection program". From that moment on, it's a roller coaster of events, including drugs, mob lords, questions upon questions, poisoning, and, well, much, much more. The usual crew is there. In addition to Andy, we have his tough as nails wife, Laurie, ex-cop Corey and his also retired police dog Simon, Marcus, who'd give King Kong a run for his money in a match up, and Sam, the mild-mannered accountant and master hacker. Edna is still on hiatus but gets a few mentions of her travels. And, oh, the dogs: Tara, who Andy deems the world's best dog ever, Hunter the pug, and Sebastian, who's favorite speed is nap. Toss in Bobby's two, Sasha and Jake, and Andy has a house full of dogs, which is just fine with him once he figures out how to walk the dogs without Sebastian being an anchor. 

That's about as much of the plot as I'll share....the blog does an excellent summary ... but will say that it is, as always, complex and involves as much legal eagle time as investigation. Fortunately, they aren't trying to kill Andy in the courtroom, just beat his sometimes seemingly off-the-cuff defense. Mobster ties and rivalries abound and, wow, even a mob biggie has serious admiration for Marcus's skills. Let's just say, those silly enough not to just throw up their hands and immediately surrender when he's there live to regret it. Laurie may make a pancake to make Sam drool, but she's also tough and no-nonsense, a real plus as a private investigator, but even she takes a backseat to Marcus. She loves Christmas, however, and seems to take buying presents for not just son Ricky, who shares none of Andy's love of football and baseball, but herself. Andy's always amazed at the good taste he's supposedly shown in gift buying. 

That said, aside from taking place during the holiday, this isn't really a Christmas based story. It's a legal mystery. I quipped online to some friends that I recognized some of the legalese being tossed around online by commentators because of this series, so it's taught me a few things, too. But, no, I'm still keeping it to one dog. She's a rescue, tho', so Andy would approve. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for allowing me to spend some of the virtual holiday season watching Andy in action. I'm reading for the next case, even if Andy isn't.