Listen with me

 

The Icepick Surgeon by Sam Kean

 My hopes were high for this one and it really paid off. Kean certainly tells a complete story with these scientists: what they did, their scientific background, and how they justified their actions. And it's more than just a story of science gone wrong. Probably a quarter of each chapter explores general scientific ethics. Each chapter typically contains a second example of the same breach of ethic, reminding us that this is not the work of isolated monsters. These are lines that any scientist can cross given the right motivation. Not only am I glad I listened to this one, I'm already thinking of people who will enjoy it as well.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - The Science of Song

 

The Science of Song by Alan Cross

 We get "science of sound" books occasionally that are largely focused on the simple mechanics of sound - vibrations, the ear drum, etc. That is certainly present in this book. But it's so much more. We learn about harmonics, about the cultural and psychological elements of music, assorted technologies used to created and record music. Cross absolutely does not skimp on the details. You'll learn a great deal just by skimming. I could see this as a resource that a budding scientist returns to often.

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Blog tour book review - Egg Marks the Spot

 

Title: Egg Marks the Spot

Author: Amy Timberlake

Genre: humor

Similar books: Kitty and Dragon by Meika Hashimoto

                      Freya and Zoose by Emily Butler

Rating:

 

a sweet story with surprising depth

Summary (provided by publisher): “X Marks the Spot!”
Buried in the heart of every animal is a secret treasure. For rock scientist Badger, it’s the Spider Eye Agate he found as a cub, stolen years ago by his crafty cousin, Fisher. For Badger’s roommate, Skunk, the treasure is Sundays with the New Yak Times Book Review. When an old acquaintance, Mr. G. Hedgehog, announces his plan to come for the Book Review as soon as it thumps on the doorstep, Skunk decides an adventure will solve Badger’s problems as well as his own. Surprisingly, Badger agrees. Together
they set off on an agate-finding expedition at Badger’s favorite spot on Endless Lake.
But all is not as it seems at Campsite #5. Fisher appears unexpectedly. Then a chicken arrives who seems intent on staying. Something is up!
Indeed!
Secrets, betrayals, lies
. . . and a luminous, late-Jurassic prize. 

My opinion: At face value, the Skunk and Badger stories are exactly what you'd expect. They are a standard odd couple with the curmudgeonly Badger gradually opening up to the more playful Skunk. Timberlake has included enough weird and humorous details to keep young readers entertained. The plot is fairly straightforward and the sentence structure is basic, making the book easy to follow. Beneath that simplicity there are deeper messages at play. The first book talked about biases and long held misconceptions and the accompanying cruelties we can perpetrate. This volume addresses bullying, certainly, but also letting go of things and people. We see how the same things can motivate and hold us back. The final chapters suggest that nothing lasts forever and we sometimes have to say goodbye to things and friends even if we'd rather not. Sweet.

More information: Egg Marks the Spot releases today!

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

A truly unique doll

 My dad got some doll parts in a box at an auction. And among the box was this package:

Now, a sensible person would probably throw away the extra arm. But no one has ever accused me of being sensible. I figured the best way to use this kit was to make a three-armed doll. And if you're giving it three arms you might as well give it four legs. And a tail.

Book review - Needle and Thread

 

Title: Needle and Thread 

Author: David Pinckney

Genre: realistic fiction/graphic novel

Similar books: Be Dazzled by Ryan La Sala

                      This Train is Being Held by Ismee Amiel Williams

Rating:

 

basic and pleasant

Summary (provided by publisher): Choosing between living the life you want and living the life you're "supposed to have" is not always an easy choice. Noah, embracing his true-self, wants to pursue a career in costume design, something his loving, public service parents would never approve of. Azarie, the perfect, model daughter of a very stern, traditional family, dreams of embracing the hobbies she secretly loves, hobbies her social circle would never abide by. The two live different lives and their social statuses keep them from ever crossing paths until they have a chance encounter that exposes some common ground: the desire to be who they truly are. Together, the two set out to put it all on the line and show everyone what they're made of and what they want to achieve in the form of cosplay. Their growing friendship will be tested and their faith in themselves, as well as each other, will be tried.

My opinion: I've been fascinated by the recent trend of fashion as it's connected to cosplay. Where once cosplay was a weird thing that desperate nerds engaged in, now it is recognized as a legitimate skill worth applauding. Now, apart from the cosplay element, this is a pretty standard exploration of kids dealing with parental expectations. Both sets of parents express pretty extreme disapproval of the hobbies and interests of their kids. Noah's parents push him towards an interest in sports and a future in medicine, treating his sewing as a hobby that he will grow out of. Azarie's parents dictate every element of her life - her friends, her clothing, her behavior. The characters are pretty straightforward, the parents lacking in complexity.

More information: Needle and Thread releases September 15.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Graphic Novel Spotlight - Death and Sparkles

 

Death and Sparkles by Rob Justus

If you're like me, you tend to find unicorns a bit sappy. Something about the idea of a perfect, pure being isn't especially compelling to me. Pair that same unicorn with death, though, and something wonderful happens. Death and Sparkles are the ultimate odd couple. Their day-to-day experiences are on opposite ends of the spectrum. They are literally stuck together, thrown into a quest. It will come as no surprise that their journey proves they have more in common than they expected and that their assumptions about each other and about the world are inaccurate. The plot is very tongue in cheek but still has real messages to share. An entertaining read that holds up to repeat reading.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley

Non-fiction book review - Stolen Science

 

Stolen Science by Ella Schwartz

 It will come as no surprise to most of us that there are enough achievements "stolen" to fill a whole book. The achievements of non-white, non-male people are regularly diminished or hidden entirely. Schwartz is putting in a concerted effort to attribute discoveries and inventions appropriately, acknowledging that some credit should be shared and that some discoveries are a case of parallel innovation. Neither the science nor the scientists are explored in any depth but we get enough of an overview to keep us engaged.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley