Review: The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook

The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook by Melani Sanders is a companion piece to Melani's online videos of the We Do Not Care Club meetings.  If you are not already familiar with the We Do Not Care Club and are a person perimenopause, menopause, or post-menopause, I highly encourage you to look them up.  I also urge you to get this book.  I got the ebook, but I think a hard copy would be better because it is interactive.  Also, you may want to make copies of the badges and things like that in case you start your own club or just award yourself.  If you are someone who may one day have to experience menopause, you might also want to read this to prepare yourself.  It may not make sense now, BUT IT WILL.  I am putting you all on notice right now that I am a card-carrying member, and I do not care anymore. Thank you.

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Review: How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler by Ryan North
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How to Invent Everything: A Survival Guide for the Stranded Time Traveler by Ryan North is written as a reference guide for someone who took a time machine into the past and got stuck and now needs to rebuild civilization (as we know it).  However, this book could come in very handy in the future in case we need to rebuild civilization (as we know it) due to some major catastrophic event.  I suggest buying a hard copy and putting it in your bunker, safe room, or fire/water-proof safe.  You are not going to speed read your way through this. You also don't even need to read it in order.  You read the parts you need when you need them.  It will tell you if you need to read another section to accomplish your goal.  This is a very comprehensive distillation of just about everything.  Even without a background in engineering or basically many skills, I feel like I could take on the challenge of building a whole new world.  It is also done with humor which makes getting through the really dense parts easier.  

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Review: The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic

The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina Bargiel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Crone Zone: How to Get Older with Style, Nerve, and a Little Bit of Magic by Nina Bargiel is worth reading for the illustrations alone.  Just kidding although they are fantastic.  I've always known I would be a crone.  Even when I was younger, I liked to wear a caftan, preferred the company of animals over people, and read lots of books on witchcraft.  When I saw this book, I knew it was for me.  I am in my crone era!  I live woods-adjacent with my animal familiars.  I discovered that Ross has a caftan section.  A whole section!  I bought two...for now.  So while The Crone Zone didn't have a lot of revelations for me, it was enjoyable to read the insights of a fellow crone and know I am in good company.  It is also nice to embrace the positive aspects of aging.  Be yourself, unapologetically.  I also liked that there is not just one way to crone.  You can mix it up!  This is perfect for the aspiring crone, somebody looking for a mid-life pick-me-up, or the seasoned crone who wants a laugh.

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Review: America Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States

America Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States by Atlas Obscura
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of America Obscura: An Explorer's Guide to the Hidden Wonders of the United States by Atlas Obscura from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley.  This book will be published around October 20, 2026

I am a huge fan of the Atlas Obscura website, so when I saw this book, I knew I would have to read it.  If you like to travel off the beaten path in the United States, this book is for you.  When I travel, I don't want to go to the regular tourist destinations.  I want some place quirky, some place fun, or some place where I won't run into a million other people and wait in super long lines.  I want a place that is going to give me a good story to tell.  An example: I once did a road trip to visit holy sites for alternative, non-mainstream religions.  I had the best time!  America Obscura gave me a bunch of ideas for future road trips.  It is organized by part of the country and state.  Interesting sites are grouped sort of in categories.  The published book will also include maps. It is bright, colorful, and fun!  Even if you don't plan to travel a lot, this is a great coffee table type book to get people talking.  Plus, you can learn about some of the crazy things that inspire people!

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Review: How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay

How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay by Jenny Lawson from Penguin Life via NetGalley.  This book is set to be published on March 31, 2026.

How to Be Okay When Nothing is Okay by Jenny Lawson is slightly different from the other books or articles you may have read from Jenny.  Although it does include humor and stories of her life, this is more of a companion for you when times are tough and you need a pick-me-up or to know someone cares about you.  Because Jenny does care about you.  She knows as well as anyone what it can be like when the darkness starts to take over.  The book is segmented to address different times of not being okay.  The introduction of each part will give you examples of when it might be a good time to read that section.  The really nice thing is each "chapter" is fairly short, so you can pick it up and read it in a few minutes to get that refreshing burst you were looking for.  The timing of this book also feels like a gift because even if you don't feel like you have mental health struggles, you may still feel like nothing is okay right now.  This book will remind you that you aren't the only person who feels that way.  

Bonus points for giving the animals in our lives the credit, and snacks, they deserve.

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Review: Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore

Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington from Ten Speed Press via NetGalley.  This book will be published around March 4, 2025.  

Attention Cat Fans!  Medieval Cats: Claws, Paws and Kitties of Yore by Catherine Nappington is a delightful (and disturbing) collection of art, quotes, and history of cats in the Middle Ages. It is the kind of book you can pick up and flip through or read through when you just want a little distraction or need some cat time.  The caption for the art are quite funny.  Some of it is difficult to read because not everyone has loved cats throughout history.  Some cultures revered them.  Some cultures feared them.  If you don't want to read the sad facts, you can just skip them.  It also makes me wonder why so many people thought cats could cure blindness. I guess because of their reputedly good night vision?  This would make a nice coffee table book or gift for the cat lover. 

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Review: Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre

Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. This book should be available to the public after November 12, 2024.

I was very excited to receive a copy of Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke because I am a big fan of his podcasts on tales of the weird. If you've listened to his podcasts, the book is very similar. It is a collection of true stories of unusual happenings throughout history and the world. They are loosely grouped by theme. You don't need to read them in order. You could read it in small snippets or big chunks, however you like. Having listened to the podcasts so much, I could nearly hear Aaron reading the accounts to me. The writing is very similar to the way the stories are presented in the podcasts. Besides being interesting and entertaining, you can come away with some great pieces of trivial knowledge. You never know when that can come in handy!

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Review: How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training

How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training by Annie Grossman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training by Annie Grossman from Sourcebooks via NetGalley.  It should be available to the public on September 10, 2024

How to Train Your Dog with Love + Science: A Dog Lover's Guide to Animal Behavior and Positive Reinforcement Training by Annie Grossman is a good introduction to dog training.  There are some basic exercises you can do to start a foundation for training your dog.  More than anything, this book provides a good description of positive reinforcement training and how it differs from other dog training methods. This is really great for people who might be new to dog training or might be struggling to train a dog.  Even though my dog has been through training, I picked up a few tips.

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Review: Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One

Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One by Anita Lo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Solo: A Modern Cookbook for a Party of One written by Chef Anita Lo is exactly that.  There really aren't enough cookbooks in the world designed for single people.  Most recipes make too much food for one person and who wants to do the math to get it down to a single portion?  Not this woman!  I also loved that Lo focuses on making sure there is no waste and supports eating things other people would throw in the trash.  While many of the dishes have meat in them, there were plenty of veggie options or modifications to make vegetarian options.  Make sure you read the stories that come before each recipe too because that is one of the best parts!  

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Review: The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat . . . Everything with Ranch

The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat . . . Everything with Ranch by Charlie Berens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of The Midwest Survival Guide: How We Talk, Love, Work, Drink, and Eat...Everything with Ranch written and read by Charlie Berens.  I now plan to buy a physical copy to keep on hand as a reference book.  This is also the perfect gift for anyone who lives in the Midwest, just moved to the Midwest, or thinks they might move to the Midwest.  If you aren't originally from the Midwest, the audiobook will help you get a sense for the correct pronunciation and accent to use when you are here.  

Having grown up in the Midwest, I realized just how much of my life has been influenced by my place of birth.  And even though I have spent most of my life not in the Midwest, certain parts of the Midwest culture have really stuck with me.  This book helped me realize that I have imposed the 12 Step Goodbye on people who were probably absolutely befuddled by why I wouldn't just leave.  So much good information in here, you will want to get your copy right now!

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Review: Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek

Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek by Daniel Levy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I went to a book launch event in New York City where Daniel and Eugene Levy talked about their book, Best Wishes, Warmest Regards: The Story of Schitt's Creek.  I got a copy of the book at the event.  I don't normally need to have books about the shows I watch, but I really, really, REALLY loved Schitt's Creek.  I love those characters and the cast that played them.  I will watch anything they are in.  Reading the book was a walk down memory lane.  I am surprised about how vividly I can remember the scenes they talk about.  I also enjoyed all the extra visual bits, like seeing all of David's sweaters and all of Moira's wigs.  If those wigs could talk!  If you loved the show too, this is a nice companion piece.  Looks lovely on a coffee table.  

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Review: Perimenopause Power: Navigating your hormones on the journey to menopause

Perimenopause Power: Navigating your hormones on the journey to menopause by Maisie Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you were born with a uterus, Perimenopause Power: Navigating your hormones on the journey to menopause by Maisie Hill is a great introduction to why your body is suddenly betraying you as your approach middle age.  This book really breaks down everything aspect of the menstrual cycle, how they change, and why it is important to understanding the symptoms you may be experiencing.  It also includes a number of non-prescription methods of dealing with symptoms.  It is written in an accessible style and doesn't come across as a reference book.

A couple of caveats.  Maisie Hill is based in the United Kingdom.  She references things available there that may not be available in other countries.  She does try to mention some alternative brands that may be more universally available.  Something that might be cheap or free in the UK is not necessarily so in the US so do your research!  Also, she is a big proponent of using hormones to treat perimenopause but not necessarily through contraceptives.  She lays out her case for why it is safer than you think.  However, many doctors will still caution you about long term use, especially if you have mild symptoms.  Bottom line: find a health professional you trust and work with them based on your unique circumstances to find solutions that work for you.  

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Review: What Fresh Hell Is This?: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You

What Fresh Hell Is This?: Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather Corinna
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you were born with uterus or will experience menopause at some point in your life, you owe it to yourself to get educated.  What Fresh Hell is This? Perimenopause, Menopause, Other Indignities, and You by Heather Corinna is great is you are pissed off (especially at the patriarchy) and/or maybe don't fit into a neat box of the type of person who would experience menopause.  I am fortunate to have found a doctor who understands perimenopause but many don't.  You might not ever realize that it is what you are going through until you've been suffering for a very long time.  The problem is many of the signs of perimenopause overlap with, well, everything else.  This book can help you start to identify what might be perimenopause or menopause versus everything else.  It is also going to offer you some basic options for dealing with the myriad of things being thrust upon you.  

What I found most helpful about this book is Heather is angry.  Were you born with a uterus and find that you suddenly have RAGE ALL THE TIME?  Did you think it is because we are living in a dumpster trash fire world?  It might be, or it might be perimenopause.  Heather gets you.  

Think you are too young to read a book about menopause?  Think again because it will creep up on you before you know it.

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Review: The Black Guy Dies First: Black Horror Cinema from Fodder to Oscar

The Black Guy Dies First: Black Horror Cinema from Fodder to Oscar by Robin R. Means Coleman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure:  I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of The Black Guy Dies First: Black Horror Cinema from Fodder to Oscar by Robin R. Means Coleman and Mark H. Harris from Gallery/Saga Press via NetGalley.

My mom was a horror fanatic, and she passed that love onto me.  So when Gallery/Saga Press offered me the opportunity to read The Black Guy Dies First, I couldn't resist.  I've seen many of the movies mentioned in the book.  I still think Candyman is one of the scariest films I've ever seen.  You won't catch me saying that name, let alone repeating it.  I didn't even see the new version because NOPE.  This was an easy-to-read, informative analysis of the history of black horror and people of color in horror.  It was also surprisingly funny for a scholarly book.  It made me think about many of these movies in new ways, going beyond the surface scares to what they really represent and how they reflect society.  If you like horror, you owe it to yourself to read this.

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Review: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook version of Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle written and read by Emily and Amelia Nagoski because that's what was available at my library.  It is the kind of book I would buy though so I could reference it again and again plus I would like access to the worksheets that are mentioned for the audiobook but not available through the library loan.  All of that said, whether you listen to or read it, there is valuable information for women in this book.  While other people may find the advice helpful, the Nagoskis are upfront that they wrote this for a specific audience because that was the audience the science they referenced used.  The biases of scientific research studies is a whole other book.    

I found the informal, conversational style of writing engaging and felt it makes the science feel accessible.  The examples given are simple enough that you don't have to wonder how you will try to make this work in your own life.  This book is not going to solve your problems.  Your life isn't going to be magically better for reading it but maybe it will suck just a little less for the effort.  

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Review: I Hate Vegetables Cookbook: Fresh and Easy Vegetable Recipes That Will Change Your Mind

I Hate Vegetables Cookbook: Fresh and Easy Vegetable Recipes That Will Change Your Mind by Katie Moseman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have many cookbooks, but I don't necessarily read many cookbooks.  I made an exception for I Hate Vegetables by Katie Moseman.  As a vegetarian, I am always looking for ways to incorporate new vegetables into my life, but I don't always know what to do with them.  This cookbook is great for veggie lovers and haters alike.  All of the recipes are suitable for omnivore and vegetarian diets.  There are thoughtful explanations of some of the more exotic veggies, like Aquafaba (chickpea liquid) and Haricots Verts (fancy green beans), and how to cook with them.  The recipes are designed to give you a chance to experiment with these new veggies and the various techniques for cooking them.  All around super useful for anyone wanting to incorporate more vegetables in their diet.

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Review: She Has Her Mother's Laugh: What Heredity Is, Is Not, and May Become

She Has Her Mother's Laugh: What Heredity Is, Is Not, and May Become by Carl Zimmer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

She Has Her Mother's Laugh by Carl Zimmer is not a quick read, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't read it if you have an interest in genes, genetics, heredity, or genealogy.  In fact, if you have an interest in any of those things, I highly recommend reading this book.  Are there a lot of scientific terms and concepts?  Yes (but come on, how could there not be?)  Zimmer breaks those concepts down using interesting examples so that the book is accessible to the general reader.  

This book takes you beyond what you learned in high school biology.  Some of the things I learned:  Lactose intolerance is more common than tolerance.  Thank goodness I got the right gene for that!  A woman can give birth to a child, with a court-appointed witness, and still have a DNA test show she isn't the mother.  WHAT?  Also, pregnant women will still carry cells and DNA from their child after giving birth.  I took that as a cautionary tale to pick your baby daddy wisely.  Even more mind-blowing....genetic chimeras.  I'm not even going to try to explain it although if you have a calico cat congratulations.  But there are also human chimeras.  Oooo, you'll have to read the book. 

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Review: Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks: A Librarian's Love Letters and Breakup Notes to the Books in Her Life

Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks: A Librarian's Love Letters and Breakup Notes to the Books in Her Life by Annie Spence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dear Fahrenheit 451: Love and Heartbreak in the Stacks by Annie Spence is exactly that, a series of letters to books.  She pours out her feelings about a wide variety of books, many of which will be familiar to readers.  While her taste doesn't necessarily align with mine, I enjoyed her humor very much.  I certainly endorse anything that gets other people to read more.  Maybe someone will pick up a new book after reading her letter to it.  I'll admit that I enjoyed the breakup letters slightly more than the love letters.  Some books really are just terrible.  And some books are just not for you.  There is nothing wrong with acknowledging that and letting a book go.  Thanks for that message.

This book is also a bit of a love letter to libraries.  This is where I put in my shameless plug for people to support their local library and librarians.  Even if you aren't a big reader, your library probably has something that would benefit you.  Check it out!

Bonus points for mentioning Bunnicula, one of my very favorite series.  

Extra bonus points for including one of my favorite quotes!  “If you go home with somebody, and they don't have books, don't f**k 'em!” -John Waters  Such good advice, John!

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Review: Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age

Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age by Annalee Newitz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My mom once told me she wished she could have been an archaeologist.  It seemed fitting to listen to Four Lost Cities: A Secret History of the Urban Age written by Annalee Newitz and narrated by Chloe Cannon as I drove her ashes to their final resting place in Illinois.  Our final road trip was an emotional journey.  Mom stoked my passion for far away places and Annalee's book was like a salve on the open wound of my heart, a reminder that nothing is ever truly lost.

Growing up in Illinois, I had heard of Cahokia.  I was surprised to learn that the pictures I'd seen of grass-covered mounds are not exactly historically accurate.  I remember being a little bit obsessed with Pompeii after reading a National Geographic article about it.  My mom helped me do a class project on the city, complete with stunning pictures of ashen remains.  Not surprisingly, the section on Pompeii was my favorite.  I still find that place fascinating after all these years.  I've heard plenty about Angkor and have friends that have visited.  My own planned trip was thwarted by avian flu, back when we thought that was one of the worst things you could get.  Maybe I will still make it there one day.  Çatalhöyük was new to me but really set the stage for the book.  

This book has a lot to offer to a wide variety of readers.  Annalee does a great job of explaining the science and technology used to uncover these cities in a way that someone without any background in the field can understand.  Travel, history, anthropology, and archaeology buffs will enjoy it.  

Bonus points to Chloe Cannon for pronouncing all those words without missing a beat.  Quite a feat!

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Review: New Yorkers: A Feisty People Who Will Unsettle, Madden, Amuse and Astonish You

New Yorkers: A Feisty People Who Will Unsettle, Madden, Amuse and Astonish You by Clifford Browder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Full Disclosure: I received a copy of New Yorkers: A Feisty People Who Will Unsettle, Madden, Amuse and Astonish You by Clifford Browder from BooksGoSocial via NetGalley.

As a fellow Midwesterner transplanted to such an iconic city as New York, I was interested in Mr. Browder's take on the experience.  Granted, he has lived in New York quite a bit longer than I have.  The book is a mix of travel guide, history, and social commentary.  I learned some really cool things and noted some places I need to check out as I get to know the city.  If you have a connection to NYC or just enjoy reading about it, check this book out.

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