The Story of Albert Einstein: A Biography Book for New Readers (The Story Of: A Biography Series for New Readers)

author: Susan B. Katz
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.56
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/31
date added: 2020/08/31
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'The Story of Albert Einstein: A Biography Book for New Readers' by Susan B. Katz is a biography for young readers.

From Albert Einstein's early years to his death, this book tell a life over eight chapters. From his youngest days, not speaking until he was four, and not doing well in school, to his days working in the patent office where he came up with early theories. Albert Einstein's theories helped develop nuclear weapons, but Albert Einstein was a pacifist.

I liked this concise and easy to read story. The chapters are broken up with nice illustrations and infographics. There are quizzes, a glossary and a bibliography at the end.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Callisto Media and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/34SCxKm

A Radical Shift of Gravity

author: Nick Tapalansky
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.82
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/30
date added: 2020/08/30
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'A Radical Shift of Gravity' by Nick Tapalansky with art by Kate Glasheen is about a planet changing even and how one man reacts.

Gravity starts to disappear and people try to adapt. Noah is in love and raising a daughter, but he's also reporting on the strange events. New sports crop up or adapt to less gravity as people react with a kind of delight. Gravity continues to change though and that has Noah and others concerned. Noah and his now older daughter find themselves at odds about the future.

I really liked this SF tale that oddly mirrors the times I find myself living in. I liked how the story jumped through time, and even though the story affected everyone, the scope stays personal. I found it moving and I'm glad I was able to read it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from IDW Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3jqpAvh

Mister Invincible #2: Local Hero

author: Pascal Jousselin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.33
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/25
date added: 2020/08/25
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Mister Invincible #2: Local Hero' with story and art by Pascal Jousselin is a series of comics and gags featuring a superhero who reaches beyond the bounds of the panel he is in.

In a series of short stories, we meet Mister Invincible who can reach ahead in the comics or below to help catch criminals and save cats from trees. He is joined by Two Dee who exists in two dimensions, and reaches far away for objects that remain small. They fight a villain who can jump through the middle of a page and into the next one.

This is the second volume I've read, and even in the 1st, the gags were running a bit thin. It's still a very clever comic and must take some crazy amount of planning. This is a title for younger readers, and likely they would enjoy reading it.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2QozqBt

Hillbilly Volume 3

author: Eric Powell
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/25
date added: 2020/08/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Hillbilly Volume 3' with story and art by Eric Powell is a graphic novel about a group of supernatural heroes based out of the Appalachians.

Rondel and his big devil killing cleaver knows that an army of witches is coming. He's recruited some unusual help, but he knows he needs more people to just stand up if they are going to win this fight.

The reason to read anything by Eric Powell is his spot on art. He's got a unique and professional style. The story here isn't the strongest, but it's worth it just for the art.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Albatross Funnybooks, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2EA9rEi

A Covert Affair: Julia Child and Paul Child in the OSS

author: Jennet Conant
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.07
book published: 2011
rating: 4
read at: 2011/04/03
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
The first thing you should know, is that the subtitle of this book is a little misleading. While Paul and Julia Child are in a fair amount of the book, this book is mainly about Jane Foster. The book also covers a fair amount of time after all of these folks have left the OSS.

Having said that, this is a fascinating, well-researched read. Jennet Conanat has written many books on the subject of covert operations during WWII, so she knows what she is writing about. While it is non-fiction, the narrative rips along like a good thriller. An interesting appendix and copious notes show the amount of detailed research that went into this book.

The subject is the OSS in the Pacific theater of WWII. It tells how ordinary people were recruited with seeming disparate or unconventional backgrounds. It tells of some of the morale operations undertaken to counteract attacks and occupation by the Japanese. The book goes into what the post-war was like in Vietnam and Indonesia, and how the operatives could see problems, but were powerless to report on those issues as their department was being disbanded around them.

During the post-war portion, it also goes into detail about Jane Foster and her troubles with McCarthy Era America. Evidence is given (such as it is) and the author maintains an unbiased opinion in presenting it until the epilogue. The conclusion she reaches is fair and well thought.

Morale operations in the Pacific, being hounded to near insanity by McCarthy's goons, good times and bad. If this interests you, I recommend this book.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2FSHrwx

The Assassination of the Archduke: Sarajevo 1914 and the Romance that Changed the World

author: Greg King
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2013/11/01
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
With the 100th anniversary of the tragic assassination that some claim led to the First World War, this is a new look at the archduke and his wife from some recently uncovered sources. Traditional sources have told that Franz Ferdinand was miserly, standoffish and dark. This book, which is written with his descendants blessings may have a different agenda, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Franz Ferdinand was nephew to Habsburg emperor Franz Joseph. When Franz Joseph's son Rudolph committed suicide and Franz Ferdinand's father renounced his claim on the throne, this left Franz in line for the throne. Complicating this was his marriage to Sophie Chotek, who was not his royal equal, creating a morganatic marriage. This inequality was never accepted by the emperor and Franz Ferdinand was riled by it. He made royal friends in other countries where she was accepted as equal, but not in Austria. They had 3 children and spent much of their time away from Vienna and the rest of the royal family.

The journey to Sarajevo and it's aftermath are discussed, as well as the fates of the three orphaned children, who suffered the loss of their parents, but the misfortunes of World War II. I've been to the military history museum in Vienna where many of the artifacts of the assassination are on display. The slashed and bloodstained uniform Franz Ferdinand wore, the couch he was laid on after he was shot and the automobile he and Sophie were riding in, among other things. It's a somber display, but with the distance of history, events can seem blurry and out of focus. This book humanized the victims of that assassination in a new way. It's a well written book about an event that may have been the most tragic of the 20th Century.

I was given a review copy by St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for letting me read this fine book.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3jaIFRN

Troy: Last War of the Heroic Age

author: Si Sheppard
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2014/06/03
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
'Troy: Last War of the Heroic Age' is one of the most concise retellings I've seen of the Trojan War. In 80 pages (inluding illustrations!) the major themes, characters and battles of the war are discussed (as well as much of the minor material as well).

It all starts with Paris running off with Helen, the wife of the king of Sparta. The city of Troy found itself besieged by the Aechaens and a huge number of forces from other states in Greece. We meet Achilles, Ajax, Hector, Odysseus, and Aeneas. Some will survive, some will be cut down. We see the capricious gods intervening to serve their own inscrutable aims. We learn the origins of the myth of Achilles heel and how it didn't become part of the myth until much later. Then there is the Trojan horse, a plan so crazy that it almost failed a couple times before succeeding.

Professor Si Sheppard has done a great job distilling this story. The illustrations are well chosen. I especially loved the bits of Greek pottery that were chosen which illustrate the heroic moments of the story. I really enjoyed this book.

I was given a review copy of this ebook by Osprey Publishing and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review the fascinating ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2EtR8jY

The Backwash of War. The Classic Account of a First World War Field-Hospital

author: Ellen N. La Motte
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.89
book published: 1916
rating: 5
read at: 2014/06/23
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
War is hell, and certainly nobody knows this more than the doctors and nurses serving in the field hospitals near the battlefields. Especially those serving the wounded during World War I in Belgium and France. 'The Backwash of War' is a firsthand series of vignettes by Ellen N. La Motte who was an American nurse serving as an army nurse in Europe during the Great War. The release of this version of the book coincides with the 100th anniversary of World War I.

The first thing that struck me was how cynical the book is. I'm more familiar with that tone in books from later wars. Certainly the futility must have been felt, but it comes through clearly here. From a patient with a botched suicide that must be tended to just so he can die to the little Belgian boy who is wounded and his mother is too busy to come visit him because of her business making money off of soldiers. A patient getting a medal means a pension, but also means the patient will die. Patching and healing and returning soldiers to the front only to have them come back to repeat the cycle. Also, the soldiers got older as the war went on as the younger soldiers were all used up.

It's a quick, brutal read and I found it completely engaging. The title is completely perfect. There is apparently a BBC drama called the Crimson Field that is based on this book and I'll have to go looking for that next. If this sounds at all appealing, I can't recommend it enough.

I was given a review copy of this ebook by Pavilion Books, Conway and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to read this great book.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3hlHjU5

D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944 [The Young Readers Adaptation]

author: Rick Atkinson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2014/10/09
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: childrens, non-fiction-history
review:
'D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944' by Rick Atkinson is an attempt to create an interesting and informative work for younger readers. For the most part, I think it works.

Pulitzer priae winner Atkinson is best known for his Liberation Trilogy, an exhaustive and excellent history of the Americans in the European theater of war during WWII. This book takes material from the final volume, 'The Guns At Last Light,' to focus just on D-Day. From a brief overview of the war to this point, and the planning meetings by commanders to the invasion and aftermath, the book covers a whole lot of ground very well in a short amount of pages. Additionally, there are lots of photos and maps showing famous generals and soldiers on the ground. The book also pulls few punches with some rough language and brief descriptions of combat wounds suffered by soldiers.

When I was 11, I would have loved this book, but I was 11 a long time ago, and I'm not sure what most kids would think of this book. Still, I think it's important that we don't forget the past, and books like this are great ways to introduce a new generation to the past. Perhaps this would be best shared among generations to connect the history to the family tree. A very good book on a very serious subject.

I was given a review copy of this ebook by Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Henry Holt and Co and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/31nyXps

The Four Freedoms: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Evolution of an American Idea

author: Jeffrey A. Engel
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2015/12/21
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
'The Four Freedoms: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Evolution of an American Idea' by editor Jeffrey A. Engel is a series of essays examining one of the most popular presidential speeches of the twentieth century. I found it compelling and interesting reading.

In 1941, in order to get the US engaged in the war in Europe, President Franklin Roosevelt designed a speech to spur the American people into understanding what was at stake. With fascists in Europe making different definitions of freedom, FDR simplified freedom into four definitions: 1) Freedom of Speech, 2) Freedom of Religion, 3) Freedom from Want, and 4) Freedom from Fear. The speech was so popular that artistic representations were made, the most famous being those by Norman Rockwell.

The essays in the book each highlight one of the four freedoms, as well as setting a tone for why the speech was given, and where we are now in relation to them. Context is fully given as well as thoughtful explorations of where we've fallen short, or where the ideas fell a bit on the overly broad side. Most interesting might the essay on free speech which does a good job of looking at where speech was before and after the speech, but I also appreciated the one which set the tone for the era and times that prompted it.

It's a powerful speech and really powerful ideas. The writers represented have done a very good job of being mostly fair-minded in their approach to how history has treated these four freedoms. I really enjoyed the chance to read this.

I received a copy of this ebook from Oxford University Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2Qi3RJo

Before Enigma (A Kindle Single)

author: David Boyle
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2016/01/06
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
'Before Enigma' by David Boyle tells the story of British codebreaking that led to Enigma and Bletchley Park. It's a short read, but still highly fascinating.

Room 40 during World War I was the precursor to the codebreakers of Bletchley Park and the larger than life personality of the group was Admiral Sir Reginald 'Blinker' Hall. He assembled an odd assortment of academics who could assist in breaking the codes coming out of Germany. The problem was that there was a disconnect between the front lines and knowledge of this secret group. This played havoc at Jutland where knowledge was known but not to the right people at the right time. Lessons learned during the first conflict would be remembered.

The problem is that a lot of the historical records of Room 40 have been purged, so what we are left with is a lot of secondhand stories, some of which might or might not be fully true. This makes it tough to recommend as a straight historical record, but I can highly recommend it as similar to the type of evening you might have at a pub listening to old soldiers relate stories. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Endeavour Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3hyx92c

Finland at War: the Winter War 1939-40

author: Vesa Nenye
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2016/07/09
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
'Finland at War: The Winter War 1939-40' byVesa Nenye, Peter Munter and Toni Wirtanen was a fascinating read about a conflict I knew little about.

The history of Finland in the 20th Century, preceding the Winter War, is told. The Jäger movement and training in Germany of Finnish troops, which was done as a measure to stop Russia from taking over Finland. There was also a civil war in Finland. Along with all this, there is growing interest from Russia in taking over Finland. It should have been a pretty easy takeover because Finland was outnumbered and outgunned. The Russians didn't count on the tenacity of the Finnish soldiers. Using tactics like "motti," which is named after a unit of measure of firewood, the Finnish would systematically surround a smaller group of attackers and deal with them the way a predator separates out the weak members of a herd. Also, the Russians were terrified of Finnish soldiers and there ability to ski out of nowhere with guns and death.

There are quite a few photos as well as insets featuring many of the leaders from both sides of the war. There are maps and an extensive bibliography. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning about this conflict. It was very interesting.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Osprey Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2EvsXBH

The Detonators: The Secret Plot to Destroy America and an Epic Hunt for Justice

author: Chad Millman
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2006
rating: 5
read at: 2017/05/16
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
'The Detonators: The Secret Plot to Destroy America and an Epic Hunt for Justice' by Chad Millman is an historical account of an act of sabotage, and the years it took a group of lawyers to get Germany to take responsibility.

During World War I, before the USA was in the war, we were helping to send supplies to England. The German government put a plan in place to sabotage Black Tom Island in New York in order to disrupt these shipments. The first part of the book recounts this. The immigrant German population, and how they were recruited. This section finishes with the completion of their plan.

The bulk of the rest of the book follows the case the US Government made trying to prove that Germany was involved. As evidence is found and a case is built, Germany finds ways to evade. John McCloy was the determined young lawyer who never gave up, even though others around him did.

This was a fascinating look at an incident that I wasn't even aware of. I loved the way the book was put together. The end of the book includes photos of the principal people and pictures depicting the evidence and the damage to the island. There are extensive notes for every chapter.

It's a good combination of spy thriller and court intrigue. I really enjoyed reading this book.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/34sIi0W

Church of Spies: The Pope's Secret War Against Hitler

author: Mark Riebling
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2017/01/30
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-history
review:
'Church of Spies: The Pope's Secret War Against Hitler' by Mark Riebling is a fascinating read focused on recently uncovered documents from the Catholic church. The narrative is fast moving and full of thrills.

History has not been kind to Pope Pius XII. He is probably the most hated pope in modern history. The church took a lot of criticism for seeming to side with Hitler and do nothing while he tried to eradicate the Jews. This book has a different story to tell. Newly discovered documents show that the church actively worked to undermine Hitler. Working with a large group of Vatican operatives and a network that extended into the German resistance, the church actually had a hand in three attempts to assassinate Hitler.

One of the main characters is Josef Müller, nicknamed as Joey Ox, and he was sent on a series of trips to the Vatican carrying correspondence. Being caught with this would have meant his death.

Another is Wilhelm Canaris, who was a German admiral and chief of the German military intelligence service. He decided that Germany couldn't win this war, and joined the opposition to overthrow Hitler.

The Vatican had a secret radio room that was set up by Marconi. Information flowed smoothly as the church was without suspicion, but the life of resistance is not glamorized, and many who were captured were tortured and killed. It's a fascinating book, and I found the way it was told to be gripping. Even though the outcome of the war is known, Mark Riebling knows how to tell a true story very well.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Basic Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'm so very thankful for the opportunity to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2Es281o

Future War: Preparing for the New Global Battlefield

author: Robert H. Latiff
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.69
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/01/11
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-computer
review:
'Future War: Preparing for the New Global Battlefield' by Robert H. Latiff is a book about technology and war and it's written as a wake up call.

The author is an expert on the place of technology and war and comes from a career in the military. The various new types of warfare and innovation are discussed. Technology has the ability to help save lives, but if it is deployed wrong or misunderstood, it can have unintended consequences. Along with the idea of what future war looks like, the ethics of war are discussed. Also, the way the public perceives what the military does.

The author feels there are a few disconnects, so the author uses this book to make rational pleas rather than emotional. The book is a thought-provoking read and I'm really glad I chose to read it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2qSeRmI

The Sentient Machine: The Coming Age of Artificial Intelligence

author: Amir Husain
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2018/07/09
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-computer
review:
'The Sentient Machine: The Coming Age of Artificial Intelligence' by Amir Husain is a thoughtful and reasoned look at the continuing advent of intelligent machines and what it might mean for us humans.

The book is divided in to 3 sections: What is AI; Today and Tomorrow; and The Future. The author makes a case for his love of technology and his lifelong study of computing. A discussion of what is artificial intelligence (AI) and what is not is given. Fears are brought to light, including those of some famous opponents. The author discusses how these anti-AI sentiments may hamper the development of technology that we may really need. Discussion is made about the internet of things, healthcare, warfare, financial markets among other things.

I like books about a hopeful future, and this book is one. It's also not blindly optimistic. It is reasoned and logical in it's approach, and does point out ways that AI could fail us. I appreciated this approach to this subject.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Scribner and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2L32J89

Magic and Loss: The Internet as Art

author: Virginia Heffernan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2019/03/14
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-computer
review:
'Magic and Loss: The Internet as Art' by Virginia Heffernan is a book about online culture and how it's evolved.

Starting with a preface about a YouTube video from 2006, the book explores how the internet has evolved so far over it's life. I was drawn to the title because it parallels my own journey on the internet. What I first viewed with wonder by creators has evolved into a corporate machine. This book addresses those feelings in a good way.

The author states she is no critic, but writes about the internet in a way that reminds me of literary criticism. The writing is crisp and sharp, and my favorite kind of writing about technology. I enjoyed reading this.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Simon & Schuster and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2THKj5d

Liars and Outliers: Enabling the Trust that Society Needs to Thrive

author: Bruce Schneier
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2013/01/18
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: non-fiction-computer
review:
How much security do you need to be safe? To keep your data safe? What is an acceptable cost or response? 'Liars and Outliers' by Bruce Schneier is an excellent book on the subject of security that approaches it from a different angle than most. While many books discuss the subject from a technical systems approach, this one uses a sociological and philosophical approach.

The book begins with a discussion of trust and the systems needed to underlie it. We need to trust many things in a given day: cars, prescription drugs, people we buy lunch from, etc. The book then works it's way into a game theory model called The Prisoner's Dilemma in which the concepts of societal pressure and defecting are introduced. Further game theory models are introduced to reinforce the subject, and many models are presented showing how societal pressures can differ for individuals, groups, and countries based on different scenarios like cheating on taxes or distributing harmful. Different societal pressures work for differing group sizes, and proper reactions and typical overreactions are discussed.

A very interesting book from a learned and brilliant writer on the subject. I will be thinking about this book for a long time to come.



via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3j74Ubk

Invincible - Volume 1: Justice and Fresh Vegetables

author: Pascal Jousselin
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2017
rating: 4
read at: 2018/11/17
date added: 2020/08/22
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Invincible Vol. 1: Justice and Fresh Vegetables' by Pascal Jousselin was a fun approach to breaking the fourth wall and playing with perspective.

Invincible is an odd hero. In a series of panels, he can reach in to future panels and fight crime. This means things are moving vertically between panels like a stolen work of art. In one gag, a cat in a tree is brought down by Invincible reaching down in to the tree from a panel above. Along the way, he meets a young hero who has two dimensional powers named Toodee who can play with objects in the background of a frame.

I thought it was a lot of fun. The pages work best seeing them all together, and there is a lot of play with the art and panel layout. I liked Invincible's costume which consisted of a series of boxes like comic page panels.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2KbeNVo

Will Bradley's Graphic Art: New Edition

author: Will Bradley
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/21
date added: 2020/08/21
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Will Bradley's Graphic Art: New Edition' by Will Bradley and edited by Clarence P. Hornung is a collection of typefaces and posters from the late 19th Century.

Will Bradley was experimenting with creative design for the business world before many were. When others were producing books with plain covers, he was introducing different weights of paper and creating intricate designs for covers. Included are over 100 examples of posters, magazine covers, designs, and printed characters. Also included is Bradley's own autobiography which is pretty easy to read, even by modern readers.

I had a good time poring through these designs. There is an intricacy to Bradley's work that is in his early as well as his Art Nouveau designs.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Dover Publications and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3gjxRzb

Fairy Tales for Fearless Girls

author: Anita Ganeri
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.56
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/21
date added: 2020/08/21
shelves: childrens
review:
'Fairy Tales for Fearless Girls' retold by Anita Ganeri with illustrations by Khoa Le is a collection of 15 fairy tales from all over the world featuring brave young women.

In this collection, brave girls fight hippos, evil forces, monsters, giants and more. They do it for love, or to avoid marriage, or to save their families. Some are born warriors and princesses, some rise to those titles.

I've read similar collections of adapted stories that felt flat and different. These retellings have resonance in the prose and flow, probably because they are from existing sources. As with any anthology, some stories are more memorable than others. The illustrations that accompany are pretty nice.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Arcturus Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3gkl3IH

Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen Children's Stories)

author: Gemma Barder
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/21
date added: 2020/08/21
shelves: childrens, classics
review:
'Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen Children's Stories' by Jane Austen with adaptation by Gemma Barder is a young reader adaptation of the classic novel.

Mrs. Bennet wants to get her daughters gainfully married. When a handsome and rich new neighbor moves in, Mrs. Bennet is elated. Daughter Lizzie meets Mr. Darcy and she doesn't like him, but that may change.

This is actually a pretty decent adaptation of the story. There are some illustrations throughout the story. I'm not sure if young readers would find a story of engagements and marriages, but if you want to introduce a young reader to a classic work of literature, this is a pretty good one.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Sweet Cherry Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/34jnAAF

Alcyon - Volume 1 - Harmony's Necklace (Alcyon #1)

author: Richard Marazano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.14
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/18
date added: 2020/08/18
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Alcyon Vol. 1: Harmony's Necklace' by Richard Marazano with art by Christophe Ferreira is a graphic novel set in ancient Greece.

A mythical necklace called Sycion is thought to be the thing to right a wrong between two tribes. The children of the two tribal leaders decide to look for the necklace, but that takes them in to Spartan territory. Along the way, they find a helpful guide. Meanwhile, the worried fathers have problems of their own.

It took a while for the story to kind of catch me, but I liked the journey and the characters. The art is really nice.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3hgZgDi

Hidden Heartbreak

author: Emma Lee
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/18
date added: 2020/08/18
shelves:
review:
'Hidden Heartbreak' by Emma Lee is a book about the journey to love and the heartbreak that can follow.

Starting with the joys of first contact, then moving in to overlooking the early warning signs, this book takes a journey. Along the way, the reader is asked a few questions too. There are answers of a sort, mainly that it takes time, but you can survive a heartbreak.

I liked the candor of this book. The parts for the reader to fill in could have honestly been skipped. The whole thing feels pretty personal, but maybe that's exactly what someone else needs to help them out.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3kYoQPG

Rose: A Double Life (Rose, #1)

author: Denis Lapière
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/16
date added: 2020/08/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Rose: A Double Life' by Denis Lapiere and Emilie Alibert with art by Valerie Vernay is a graphic novel about a woman with an odd ability.

Rose has the ability to leave her body and travel around. Others see her as inattentive, but when her father is murdered, she wants to use it to help find the killer. When the murder scene takes on a familiar look, Rose knows she is on to something. Especially when it lines up with other murders.

It's the first part, so the story isn't resolved here, but it's an interesting idea. The art is pretty nice here too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2Y3yBC8

Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters and mortals from ancient Greek

author: Stephen P. Kershaw
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.70
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/15
date added: 2020/08/15
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Mythologica: An encyclopedia of gods, monsters, and mortals from ancient Greek' by Stephen P. Kershaw with illustrations by Victoria Topping is a gorgeously illustrated book featuring 50 icons from Greek mythology.

Starting with Zeus and including Achilles, Pandora and Medusa along the way, this book features over 100 items. Also featured are entries on The 12 Labors of Hercules and The Trojan War. Each biography is 2 pages with one page giving information, including the original Greek name or variants in other mythology. The opposing page features a lush interpretation of the icon in eye-popping color.

I've read a few of these greek mythology summaries lately. The summary info is about the same here, but slightly better with the Greek names included. What makes this book stand out among the others is the art. Victoria Topping's designs are visually stunning.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Wide Eyed Editions and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3iGvqIz

Bloody London: 20 Walks in London, Taking in its Gruesome and Horrific History

author: David Fathers
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.25
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/15
date added: 2020/08/15
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Bloody London: 20 Walks in London, Taking in its Gruesome and Horrific History' by David Fathers is a book of gruesome walks through London.

London is an old city and has seen it's share of macabre events from the plague to IRA bombings and the horrific murders of Jack the Ripper. This illustrated book takes the reader on walks through neighborhoods pointing out grisly events like bombings, fires, and ghastly murders.

I like true crime, so the idea of tourism based around it is appealing. Since we can't travel at the current time, it's fun to have at least an armchair visit to places. I wish book had had some photos instead of illustrations, but that is a minor quibble.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Bloomsbury USA and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3kYj40q

Beyond IQ: Scientific Tools for Training Problem Solving, Intuition, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity, and More

author: Garth Sundem
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/14
date added: 2020/08/14
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Beyond IQ: Scientific Tools for Training Problem Solving, Intuition, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity, and More' by Garth Sundem is a book full of exercises to potentially stretch the limits of your mind.

High IQ is a good thing, but being able to use what you've been given is even better. Using breakthroughs in neuroscience, the book has chapters on Problem Solving, Intuition, and Multitasking. Each chapter is followed by a series of exercises to strengthen those areas.

I liked this book, but these exercises are really tough. I guess with practice one would get better. There are a series of things to print and cutout to get them accomplished. I'd call this a book for people who want to get serious about improving brain function.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3arX8Gb

Jackie Robinson: Athletes Who Made a Difference

author: Blake Hoena
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/14
date added: 2020/08/14
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Jackie Robinson: Athletes Who Made A Difference' by Blake Hoena with art by David Shephard is a graphic novel biography for younger readers.

In a young reader accessible graphic novel, we are told the story of Jackie Robinson. Along the way, we learn his older brother medalled in the same Olympics as Jesse Owens, and that Jackie was a phenom at many sports, but since he was black, he was discriminated against. He was given a chance to change things, and it wasn't easy, but he did it.

It's a pretty straightforward biography, but still manages to cover a lot of ground. The art works well for a biography, and this is the kind of graphic novel I would have liked as a young history buff.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lerner Publishing House and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2Y0nolG

Margot the Fridge Girl (Hercules Intergalactic Agent, #1)

author: Zabus
name: Wayne
average rating: 2.92
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2020/08/13
date added: 2020/08/13
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Hercules Intergalactic Agent #1: Margot the Fridge Girl' by Zabus with art by Antonello Dalena is a graphic novel about an alien out to help a girl from Earth.

Hercules and his alien frind Marlon are enrolled at the School of Intergalactic Agents. Hercules is sent to Earth to observe an Earth child. He meets Margot a young girl who eats ice and hides in refrigerators. She has her reasons, and Hercules will find out and help, even though he is supposed to stay hidden.

The story is kind of mediocre at best, and having a child hide in refrigerators seems like a risky plot point for young readers. I really didn't like the art. Hercules has really over sized glasses and his friend Marlon is just oddly designed.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3iEfVAH

A Thousand No's

author: DJ Corchin
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.77
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/13
date added: 2020/08/13
shelves: childrens
review:
'A Thousand No's' by DJ Corchin with art by Dan Dougherty is a picture book about facing adversity and sticking to your dreams.

A little girl has a great idea, but she is told no. She thinks it's a great idea, and is still told no. As she persists, the NO's pile up. What's to be done with all of them?

I liked this simple story about persisting in the face of rejection. The art is black and white and really humorous with the determined little girl

I received a review copy of this ebook from Sourcebooks Kids and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/30UFQ16

Terry Fox and Me

author: Mary Beth Leatherdale
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.53
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/08/13
date added: 2020/08/13
shelves: non-fiction, childrens
review:
'Terry Fox and Me' by Mary Beth Leatherdale with illustrations by Milan Pavlovic is a picture book about a famous runner and his best friend.

When Doug met Terry, he was better at basketball, but Terry practiced and got better with Doug's help. As they grew, so did their friendship. When Terry found out he had cancer and needed to have his leg amputated, he came up with a crazy plan to raise awareness for cancer. His friend Doug was by his side the whole time.

I knew Terry Fox's story, but didn't know much about Doug. I love that this book is told from his perspective and forms a tribute to a remarkable friend. The illustrations are fun and the story is a great read.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2DYc8PU

Men to Avoid in Art and Life

author: Nicole Tersigni
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/13
date added: 2020/08/13
shelves:
review:
'Men to Avoid in Art and Life' by Nicole Tersigni is a series of memes comprised of famous art and cringy things men say.

The book starts with a foreword by comedian Jen Kirkman. The book is then divided into sections with titles like The Mansplainer, The Concert Troll and The Patronizer. Each features a classic painting and something dumb that men say to women, like the best way to breastfeed or sit or play cards.

They are pretty demeaning things to say made ironically hilarious by the frilly artwork. I laughed more than a few times, and self-reflected a lot. The book ends with an appendix with art credits. It is a pretty quick read though, so probably makes for a better gift book than anything else.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Chronicle Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/30Utciz

The Harrowing of Hell

author: Evan Dahm
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2020/08/11
date added: 2020/08/11
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Harrowing of Hell' with story and art by Evan Dahm is a graphic novel about Jesus Christ and his journey between crucifixion and resurrection.

After Jesus was crucified, he went to hell to defeat death. This is about that journey, along with reflections of his life on Earth. In his trek, he is mocked by demons, but breaks chains and prisons. The Earth scenes are about the people he encountered and those scenes are done in black and white. The scenes in hell add the color red to create more striking contrasts.

I was really impressed with this graphic novel. I loved Evan Dahm's 'Riceboy' and I find his artistic style really distinctive.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Boom! Studios and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3ateH8R

I Will Never Forget You

author: Tatsuya Miyanishi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/11
date added: 2020/08/11
shelves: childrens
review:
'I Will Never Forget You' with story and art by Tatsuya Miyanishi is a picture book about an earthquake that forms a friendship.

A baby Spinosaurus is collecting berries when he is threatened by a Tyrannosaurus who wants to eat him. When a sudden earthquake breaks off the land they are standing on, they are forced into surviving together. Through kindness shown by the Spinosaurus, things between them slowly change.

I'm a fan of this weirdly dark series of childrens books. I've read a number of them and I love the odd stories and the oddly drawn dinosaurs. The art with it's juxtaposed color choices is a distinctive part of this series. I loved this one and recommend any in the series.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Museyon and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3gQd3Aa

The Old Geezers: Volume 1

author: Wilfrid Lupano
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/09
date added: 2020/08/09
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Old Geezers: Volume 1' by Wilfrid Lupano with art by Paul Cauuet is a graphic novel about growing old, but sometimes not necessarily growing up.

Antoine, Emile and Pierrot have been friends since boyhood. They grew up and grew apart ideologically. In the first story, a common friend has died and brings them all back together to reminisce about playing pirates as boys or protesting together.

In the second story, an act of kindness creates a crisis for one of the gentleman when he receives a mysterious package signed by someone he lost years ago. The plan to correct it involves striking back at an annoying bread chain.

The aged aren't typically depicted like this in American literature. Leave it to the French to show that just because we get older, doesn't mean we aren't up for some mischief with old friends. The art is fun and detailed. I really liked the story and the characters.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3iuxUJJ

Kiss/Vampirella Collection

author: Christopher Sebela
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.29
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/08
date added: 2020/08/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Kiss/Vampirella Collection' by Christopher Sebela with illustrations by Annapaola Martello is a graphic novel about a famous band meeting up with an alien vampire.

The story takes place in L.A. in 1974. A young girl comes to the city to find fame and is taken in by an all female band with Vampirella as a bass player. Meanwhile, Kiss has arrived in town to record a new album. What both bands discover is an evil plot to get rid of rock and roll bands and replace them with soft rock and disco.

The plot is a bit silly, but it's a fun read and there is some fun humor along the way. I've read a few of these mashups with Vampirella and this makes about as much sense as the rest. The art isn't the best, but it's not terrible.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2DJtXlF

Gunland Volume 1

author: Captain Artiglio
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.12
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/08
date added: 2020/08/08
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Gunland Vol. 1' with story and art by Captain Artiglio is a fever dream graphic novel full of weird ideas and strange art.

The story lets you figure things out as you go. You find yourself in a weird West world where people ride dinosaurs and odd skulls can confer strange powers. There are a couple bandit brothers. There is an orphan girl with an unclear past and a dead shot aim with firearms.

Sometimes you just have roll with the ideas in graphic novel and hang on for the ride. I'm glad I did here. What I found was some trippy world-building, some ugly characters and something that made me want to read more. Maybe that something was also the pretty cool art throughout this book.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3ilzPQW

The Kingdom of the Gods

author: In-Wan Youn
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2020/08/06
date added: 2020/08/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Kingdom of the Gods' by In-Wan Youn and Eun-Hee Kim with art by Yang Kyung-Il is a manga with two horror stories.

In the first story, a young prince who has lost his bodyguards, has to hire a rogue bandit named Jae-ha to get back to his kingdom. They are stalked by killers and zombies and Jae-ha suffers from blindness when the sun goes down.

In the second story, a criminal named Jun is stranded on an island with a psychotic doctor named Han. They come to a mutual trust when a ship shows up and could provide them a way off the island, but first they will have to defeat the strange crew onboard.

I had a really fun time reading these stories. The characters are fun and interesting. The art was cool. The carnage is over the top.

I received a review copy of this manga from Viz Media and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3gvSB7H

Beauty and the Beast

author: Jessica Gunderson
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.13
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/06
date added: 2020/08/06
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Beauty and the Beast' adapted by Jessica Gunderson with illustrations by Thais Damiao is a graphic novel for young readers, including an introduction to how to read a graphic novel.

In this version of the story, Beauty has two sisters named Gritty and Petty. While Beauty likes books, Gritty is in to fashion and jewels and Petty is vain. When Beauty's father tries to bring a flower for her from what he thinks is an abandoned castle, he has to strike a bargain to save his life. His faithful daughter steps in to save her father's life, but what is she getting herself in to?

I liked this adaptation of the story. At first, the addition of the sister's felt odd, but they only serve to give more information about Beauty's character. The art is a really nice style. I think young readers would enjoy this introductory graphic novel.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Capstone and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/3kmQUMj

James Bond: Casino Royale

author: Van Jensen
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.72
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2020/08/05
date added: 2020/08/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'James Bond: Casino Royale' by Ian Fleming with adaptation by Van Jensen and art by Dennis Calero is an adaptation of the first James Bond book.

We meet James Bond at the gambling tables in Royale-les-Eaux. In some backstory, we find out that he is out to bankrupt a shady man named Le Chiffre. Helping him out is a woman agent named Vesper Lynn and a CIA agent named Felix Leiter. Hiding in the shadoes is the spy group SMERSH.

If you are only familiar with Bond from the movies, this is a different character. It's also a book that was written in the middle of the last century, so there is lots of sexist behavior on behalf of our hero. The adaptation is pretty solid, and feels like lots of the dialogue is verbatim from the novel. The art is decent too. I enjoyed reading this.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


via Wayne's bookshelf: read https://ift.tt/2C16eN6