books

Book Review: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

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The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (The Twilight Saga, #3.5)
by Stephenie Meyer

3 out of 5 stars

It is definitely interesting to see this completely different perspective into the vampire world of Twilight. I like that it broadens the world-building and creates even more meaning behind the way the Cullens choose to live without killing humans. I think that Bella doesn’t quite realize just how unique the Cullens are in their morality. Seeing this other perspective of the way other vampires live is definitely eye-opening.

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Book Review: Eclipse

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Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, #3)
by Stephenie Meyer

4 out of 5 stars

I love all the extra backstories and world building that we get in this book. Just when you think you know everything about vampires and werewolves, we get Jasper’s backstory about the vampire wars in the south, and we get to hear the Quileute legends about how werewolves first came to be. I just love these imaginative and compelling stories within the main story!

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Book Review: Death at Dusbar College

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Death at Dusbar College by Laura DiNovis Berry

Death at Dusbar College
by Laura DiNovis Berry (Goodreads Author), Lee Thompson (Illustrator)

3 out of 5 stars

Cristiano is visiting his aunt at the magical Dusbar College, where he hopes to learn more about magic. When the Grand Magician of the college dies, he leaves behind a riddle. Whoever solves the riddle will win the Grand Magician’s amazing sorcerer’s hat. Cristiano begins to investigate, looking for clues in the Grand Magician’s office.

I love how imaginative and funny this book is! The people and creatures in Dusbar College are so interesting and weird. The writing style is really funny and had me laughing!

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Book Review: Oceanarium

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Oceanarium by Teagan White

Oceanarium
by Teagan White , Loveday Trinick

3 out of 5 stars

This book gives a lot of interesting information about the ocean and the animal that live there. There are sections all about whales, fish, reptiles, and every type of weird creature you can imagine!

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Picture Book Review: All Around Bustletown Nighttime

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All Around Bustletown by Rotraut Susanne Berner

All Around Bustletown: Nighttime
by Rotraut Susanne Berner

5 out of 5 stars

Everywhere in Bustletown people are settling in for the night. The cops are on the lookout for crime, children camp out for a sleepover, commuters catch a late train, and people gather for the fireworks show. Everywhere you look there is something interesting happening and a story line to follow!

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Picture Book Review: What’s Cooking in Flowerville?

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What's Cooking in Flowerville? by Felicita Sala

What’s Cooking in Flowerville?
by Felicita Sala

4 out of 5 stars

People all over the city are harvesting fruits, vegetables, and herbs from their gardens. There are rooftop gardens, community gardens, window ledge herb gardens, and fruit trees in the apartment square. Each month of the year, something is being harvested and used in a special recipe. With a list of fresh ingredients, the reader can also make each recipe following the instructions.

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Book Review: New Moon

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New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

New Moon (The Twilight Saga, #2)
by Stephenie Meyer

4 out of 5 stars

I am always amazed at this author’s writing style. There is something so immediate and emotional in her scenes. Even if Bella is just doing something boring like eating cereal, there is an emotional undercurrent that makes every action meaningful. It captivates me every time.

This book is not perfect, but I really loved it. The flaws were not severe enough to ruin my enjoyment, and all the good things and the wonderful characters made it so satisfying to read.

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Non Fiction Book Review: Olaf Hajek’s Fantastic Fruits

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Olaf Hajek's Fantastic Fruits by Olaf Hajek

Olaf Hajek’s Fantastic Fruits
by Olaf Hajek, Annette Roeder

3 out of 5 stars

This book pairs whimsical artwork of fruit together with history and myths about each fruit. Did you know that when pineapples were first introduced to Europe only the very wealthy could afford them? Legend says that spirits inhabit cherry trees. There is a story that a starving woman prayed for food, and the beads of her necklace were turned into blueberries for her to eat.

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Book Review: Midnight Sun

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Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Midnight Sun (The Twilight Saga, #5)
by Stephenie Meyer

4 out of 5 stars

Midnight Sun is a retelling of Twilight, but from Edward’s perspective, instead of Bella’s. I really liked that the dialogue and main plot remain the same, but we get all these insights into what was happening with the Cullen family when Bella was not around. We get to hear Edward’s inner thoughts and feelings, and his reactions to everything that happens.

I really enjoyed the scenes of the Cullen family, and all of Edward’s flashback memories of his earlier days as a vampire. It was so cool to get this background and more depth to the story. All these extra facets made it almost feel like a whole new story!

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Book Review: The Big Book of Less

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The Big Book of Less by Irene Smit

The Big Book of Less: Finding Joy in Living Lighter
by Irene Smit, Astrid van der Hulst, Flow Magazine

2.5 out of 5 stars

2.5 stars – The first article in this book is a serious analysis of the American economy, the financial crisis of 2008, the history of consumerism, and progressive theories about economic change. Not what I was looking for in this book. I wanted something much more lighthearted, personal, and inspiring; not a bunch of political theories.

However, there were many other articles and little personal biographies in this book that I DID enjoy, and which I found very inspiring! There is one article about stepping away from our screens that really spoke to me, and encouraged me to spend less time on my phone. I like the overall message of this book about slowing down, living more simply, and embracing what it truly important.

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