A Star-Reckoner's Lot | Darrell Drake

*This book was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Ashtadukht is the worlds worst Star-Reckoner. Her attacks have a tendency to be volatile. But she was meant for this life when, from a very young age, she proved her intelligence and integrity before the great king. This book follows Ashtadukht's adventures to find vengeance for her husband while saving people in her kingdom from evil and trickster divs.

Review:

This book was an interesting journey. Despite this being a fantasy book, this isn't like my usual reads. The setting is Iran and the culture and references are general unknowns to me. To Drake's credit, it didn't take too long to get into the world and follow the story.

The characters in A Star-Reckoner's Lot are interesting, to say the least. Drake uses his research of divs to create some interesting looking and interesting sounding creatures. Waray was greatly my favorite character and it was easy to visualize her half-human, half-reptilian features. Her jokes and pranks were quite entertaining, then again, I wasn't on the receiving end. Tirdad was an incredibly strong and noble character who goes through quite a bit of growth throughout the book. Heck, even some of the side characters were given good lines: "I'm a whore, not a politician. I'm not heartless."

I will admit the pacing felt a little off to me. I don't know if it's the ebook format or the writing, but there would be a jump forward in time and a realization that a character had had that you, as the reader, just had to accept. The progression of Ashtadukht's character in her quest for revenge  makes sense after you've thought about it, but can be confusing at the time of reading.

Overall, I have to say that this was an entertaining adventure. Not for everyone given some of the sexual references and scenes, but definitely entertaining and interesting. 4 hoots!

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Spaceman | Mike Massimino

*Image and book provided by NetGalley

Summary:

This book is an autobiography of Mike Massimino and his journey to become an astronaut.

Review:

While most people's introduction to  Mike Massimino (Mass) was The Big Bang Theory, I was first introduced to him via StarTalk Radio. Every episode that he has participated in I enjoyed immensely. His humor, intelligence and even just the sound of his voice are engaging when he speaks. So, when I found this book available on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it. I was not disappointed! 

From beginning to end this story is incredible. Whenever you think about the journey to become an astronaut you have ideas about what it's like. While some of Mass's experiences are what we'd consider typical (competing with the best of the best to make the cut) there are several that I never would have thought of. Truth be told, it sounds like Mass never would have thought of them either. 

One of my favorite messages in this book is that, some of the things in our lives that we think are mistakes, may end up being what we actually need to live our dreams. Had any one thing in his life gone differently, Mass may never have made it to the Hubble telescope for his first space walk. And I can speak from my own experience that, when you reach a plateau of happiness, you can look back and see how your mistakes got you there. Something to keep in mind when you're mind is filled with regrets; It's not over. 

I don't read autobiographies often. In fact...I think this may be the only autobiography I've read outside of a literature or history class. I am so glad I made the exception for Spaceman! This is a book that almost had me crying. Twice. In public. For beautiful reasons! The camaraderie of NASA, not just the astronauts, but everyone involved is amazing and heartwarming. 

I'm not sure I've ever said this before but, I feel that this is a good read for anyone. Mass is so relatable, even for those of us not dreaming of going into space. This is one of those books that's going to be at the forefront of my recommendations list for a LONG time! 5 Hoots!

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The Command Is Forward | Alexander Woollcott

*Book and Image provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

A reprint of the Stars and Stripes newsletter written during World War II to build the morale of the AEF (American Expeditionary Forces) in 1918. 

Review:

I knew I was reading a different kind of book when I saw the copyright date, 1918. That's the beauty of books and their ability to time travel. The Stars and Stripes was created with purpose of unifying American soldiers spread throughout the battlefront in Europe. It was considered to be a rounding success. After reading these stories, I can see why.

Every story recorded is incredibly inspiring, even those that are less than jovial. There are stories about the different roles that soldiers perform and how each one supports the other. From runners risking life and limb to pass messages to observation pilots getting shot in the air. From engineers building makeshift bridges to gunners forcing the enemy to flee. Almost every story in this collection is about the camaraderie. There are stories about men giving up their rations for the wounded. Stories about men in charge doing dangerous jobs because they wouldn't ask their men to risk their lives.

At the same time, there are also stories about French refugees returning home and rebuilding. About the reception they gave the soldiers who pushed back the German Army. The personal stories were just as moving as the group stories.

This book is not just for fans of history or World War II buffs. This is a book that people of almost all walks of life can be inspired by. Not necessarily inspired to join the armed forces, but inspired to view America in a new way. The way the final installment of The Stars and Stripes says the soldiers did when they were finally able to return home.

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The Great Mathematicians | Raymond Flood & Robin Wilson

Summary:

A quick look at some of histories greatest mathematical contributors. From Western to Eastern philosophy, from ancient to contemporary history, these are the people who made mathematics. 

Review:

This isn't a book for laymen. I generally enjoy reading about mathematics but I had problems getting through this book. I had to force myself to read a lot of it and other parts I had my husband (a natural with mathematics) explain some of it to me.

That being said, I did appreciate how the book doesn't focus on western or European mathematicians. Influences from around the world are given well deserved representation in this book. Not everyone knows that "zero" was created by India.

I don't recommend this book for everyone. You'd have to be really interested in mathematics and the history of mathematics to really like this book. That said, I give this book 2.5 hoots.

Alien Love Story | A. K. Dawson

*This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Dan, an orphan who lives with his grandmother, has suffered migraines since the day his family was taken from him. He can't do much socially because of the pain. One day, when he attempts to skateboard, he finds himself on his back with another migraine. Then, he meets a girl digging for food in a dumpster and realizes after that, his migraine was gone. The girl looks weird, she has huge eyes, but he must find out more about her and why she helps his headaches. Before long, he's in love.

Review:

By now, you know that I don't like love stories. When the author approached me with this book, I (hopefully politely) asked him to re-read my review policy. He insisted he read it and promised me it would be worthwhile, that it wasn't a regular love story. He was right. 

This was not the kind of story I was expecting. The fact that everything was from Dan's perspective really helped. It kept me in a state of just-enough-information. It's also adorable how much of his thought process is dedicated to his mystery girl, even though she may not exist. After all, why would any sane person believe that aliens exist and experiment on humans? Or believe that he has telepathic abilities?

The book was a pretty fast-paced read, which makes sense given that it's 125 pages. I felt like it ended abruptly, but in a good way, if that makes sense. I got to the end of the book and thought "I need to know more!" Despite the abrupt ending it is an endearingly optimistic story about a young boy in love. I give it 4 hoots and recommend you pick it up.

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Calendar Book Tag

Hello everyone! Once again I'm doing a book tag that I found on BookTube. This time it's from BooksAndOtherNerdyThings. While I was not tagged, I kinda liked this one and decided to join in!


January: New Years: A new book coming out that you are greatly anticipating.

I don't actually know that it will be released this year, but TwoKinds author, Tom Fischbach, recently had preview copies of his book The Art and Evolution of TwoKinds available at Comic Con (someday I'll get to go to Comic Con!) While I haven't been a fan of his since the beginning, I have reread the comic several times and have an appreciation for how his art has developed over the years. 

February: Leap Year: A book or series that you would like to skip, and refuse to read.

I know I love high fantasy. I know I love books about dragons, but I will not be reading the Game of Thrones Series. Possibly ever. What's the point when all the good characters get killed off? When, even when I don't know the characters, I want to smack so many of them. Plus, I don't have a good history with really long books. I had to force myself to read the Lord of the Rings trilogy. So, I will not be reading any of these books. 

March: St Patricks Day: Favorite book set in the countryside or a rural area?

I gotta give this one to a childhood favorite of mine: Little House on the Prairie. It was one of the first books that made me interested in an entire series. Plus, it doesn't get much more rural. 

April: April Fool’s: A book that had a story that tricked you into thinking it was going one way, but ended up going somewhere else.

I'll admit, there have been a handful of books that had major surprises for me or kept me guessing, but I'll give this one to Cinder because I thought it was just going to be a boring, lovey-dovey fairy tale remake. It ended up being an incredibly interesting story about cyborg rights, plagues, and aliens!

May: Mothers Day: A book that's always there for you. You love it and it lightens the mood when you're feeling down.

I don't generally re-read my books. I have far too many for such luxuries. But, over the course of my lifetime, I have continuously re-read Foxtrot books by Bill Amend. They have a touch of nostalgia for me and remind me of some good times. I almost always have one of the books within reach, especially when I'm feeling a little low.

June: Summer Solstice: A book that felt like it took forever to read.

I could default to LotR, but I feel like I've said it often enough. So I'm going to go with More Than This by Patrick Ness. I struggled to keep my interest in that book because so many people said that the ending was so beautiful and perfect. I got to the end and said "THAT'S IT?!" 

July: Independence Day: A strong, independent character that inspired you.

Definitely Onyesonwu from Who Fears Death. That book had my soul burning and ready to take on the world. I highly recommend you read it.

August: No holidays - If you could create a holiday that was about books, what would it be?

I actually consider the Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon to be my biannual book holiday. I cook food in preparation of the event. I request time off to recover from it. I get to interact with all sorts of friends and strangers about books. And, most importantly, I get to READ!!!! If you haven't participated before, feel free to join in April and October. I'm so happy I've finally reached the point in my life that I can donate prizes and host my own challenges!

September: 911 Remembrance Day: A book that had a huge impact on you, one that you will always remember?

This may sound strange, but I have to give this one to The American Girls: Addy series. I first read her books when I was in 3rd grade. By 4th grade I had exhausted my school library of its books on the Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement. While I don't read many books on these topics today, that book was my introduction to a different part of American history that, previously, I either didn't know about or didn't comprehend enough.

October: Halloween: What is your favorite mystery or horror book?

I'm not ashamed to admit that World War Z scared the sleep out of me. I couldn't rest easy while reading that book. If you've only watched the movie, you won't understand. The horrible things people went through and the even worse things they did to each other kept me wide awake at nights.

November: Thanksgiving: What series are you most thankful exists?

Honestly, I give full credit to the Dragonriders of Pern series for getting me into science fiction and fantasy. If those books hadn't existed I don't know what I'd be reading today. While I haven't continued the series since The Dolphins of Pern I am still very glad that it exists. It is a gateway series to so many others.

December: Christmas: If you could recommend one book as a gift, what would you recommend? 

I never feel comfortable answering this question. So many people have such varied tastes, myself included, that it feels impossible to recommend just one book.That being said, you can never go wrong with Calvin and Hobbes. Any of their books is almost guaranteed to bring anyone a smile. Which reminds me, I need to buy some more of them. I lost several in my many moves since college.

So, those are my choices for each month. Do you agree? Disagree? Have some other ideas? Let me know! And, as always, keep reading!

Weapons of Math Destruction | Catherine O'Neil

*Image and book provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

Today's world is run by algorithms. From our credit reports and finances to how well teachers and employees are doing, algorithms guide business in their decisions. They praised as being non-biased since they are programs, not people. Yet, as O'Neil shows us, the fact that they are made by humans and built upon data from prejudiced humans, the algorithms are not so fair as they are made out to be.


Review:

I first found out about this book because I follow O'Neil's blog, Math Babe. So when it came up on NetGalley, I immediately requested a copy. As someone who reads her blog, little of the information presented was surprising, but the depth that she was able to add in this book was very helpful.

The first several sections of the book talk about the author's relationship with algorithms. She worked in the finance industry and was only given so much information about each "black box" algorithm. This way no one employee could have all the secrets to what made the algorithm work. Unfortunately, this lack of transparency ended up hurting a lot of people. And it wasn't just the financial industry, either. Many companies, as well as the government, use algorithms based on data that may be incredibly irrelevant to whether or not someone will be a good employee or should stay in jail longer or shorter times, or should pay higher insurance premiums. Many aspects of humanity can't be quantified, so the algorithms attempt to fill the void by using other data. The problem with that is that there is no feedback on whether or not it works so the algorithm cannot adjust itself.

While the majority of the book is explaining these algorithms and how they hurt people, I was very grateful that O'Neil included a section on proposed solutions. I was worried the author would only complain about the problem throughout the book, but there were ideas for making things better. More importantly, to me, every claim she wrote about why the algorithms are broken or need transparency had a reference to back it up. O'Neil presents the problem, proposes solutions, then enables the reader to follow up on her research.

This is a good book for anyone looking to see how mathematics can help and hinder real life. This is also a good book for anyone interested in learning more about Big Business. Heck, even if you just need an explanation for why you pay so much for car insurance, give this book a read. 4 hoots!

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