Vampires and Cells by Agnieszka Biskup

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.



This was just too cute! I've taught some lower level 7th graders that this would be wonderful for. I'm sure it is ment to be an elementary book, but could be adapted to any age child who is interested. Vampires and Cells discusses cell makeup and division. This is a basic concept covered multiple times throughout life sciences classes. The set up is much like a comic book and has wonderful color to attract most kids eyes. My two loved it and they are in 2nd and 3rd grade. I really enjoyed this and will be using it in my classroom for the lower level readers.



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The Dolphin in the Mirror by Diana Reiss

The Dolphin in the Mirror: Exploring Dolphin Minds and Saving Dolphin Lives by Diana Reiss

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.



As a biologist, I had a great interest in reading The Dolphin in the Mirror. Diana Reiss describes how she was able to separate her scientific research from her personal interests throughout her time as a marine mammal researcher. Since journal articles only show one side of the story, this book is a great vehicle for her to discuss her personal ideas and feelings about her time with these animals. The book is well written and an easy read. Readers may feel that her attachment to the animals may be a little much, but I enjoyed it. I'll be recommending this book to my students interested in marine biology.



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Peterson's Reference Guide to Behavior of North American Mammals

Behavior of North American Mammals by Mark Elbroch

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.



As a biologist, I used Peterson's Field guides throughout my study. So, when I got the chance to review this book, I jumped at the chance. My children love to sit and look through the books at the photos and learn new things about the organisms inside. This book was no exception. My daughter and I flipped through the book stopping to read when we found a mammal of interest. For her it could have been because the animal was cute. For me, usually it was because I didn't know much about that particular mammal. The pictures are incredible, the writing is exceptional, and the information contained within the book makes this a must have for the field guide shelves.



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Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore

Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore by Stella Duffy

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.



Theodora: Actress, Empress, Whore details the story of Theodora of Constantinople. Ms. Duffy's recreation of the story of such a powerful woman works to personalize the character in a way history books can not. Theodora lives through a rough childhood becoming a dancer and whore by the age of 13. By 20, she's already seen more in her life than most women have seen in a lifetime. The story itself is well written. The progression of Theodora's life flows well from childhood to becoming Empress at 26. She is shown as a strong woman throughout who knows the benefit of taking care of herself, while being able to allow herself to be directed when needed. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by this author.



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Life by Keith Richards

I'm a rock and roll girl. I grew up on the Stones and Skynard; Moody Blues and Mamas and Papas. I have a wide and eclectic taste in music.

I was looking forward to this book for several reasons. I admit, I wanted the salacious details about what those bad boys of rock and roll, The Rolling Stones may have done. I wanted to hear about the groupies and drugs.

What I found myself drawn into was the story of a scrappin' fightin' scrawny kid who transformed his life with 6 strings and wood.

Life is a biography. But it is also a love letter to music, all music, not just rock and roll. The good, the bad and the ugly of the life of the greatest guitarist of all time; that's what Life is.

Told with an honest voice; Life by Keith Richards is not the salacious, juicy read I went in looking for. It is much better than that. I am better for having read it.

Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovitch

After 17 books you would think that one would tire of Stephanie Plum and her waffling between loves and her less than successful career. But you don't.

Janet Evanovich has delivered another Stephanie Plum novel of murder, mystery and fun. In Smokin' Seventeen, the mystery, while an important part of the book, is not the focus. Nor is it hard to figure out. I knew who the killer was by mid-story; although I will admit I did not have the wheres, hows or the why. And I did love the why! The Focus and plot of this novel is where and with whom will Stephanie settle.

Characters like Ranger, Morelli, Lula, Grandma Mazur, and Stephanie are what keep readers coming back to Evanovitch's books.

Now I'm uber eager for Explosive Eighteen! Bring it on...Soon!

Classic Elite Quick Knits

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes.

Clasic Elite's newest book is a collection of some of their most beautiful patterns. Flipping through the book, I noticed that all the patterns are easy to knit. The book is broken down into three groups- hats, mittens, and gloves; scarves, cowls, wraps, shrugs, and capelets; and blankets, bags and toys. Personally, I think I will get the most use out of the hats and scarves sections. Each one is cute and would be great for a knitted gift.

There are plenty of patterns for each skill level up to experienced. Each pattern is well described and clearly written. Overall, I love the look of the book and plan on using it often. I just can't say that about many of the knitting books I've purchased over the years.