Book Review: Plein Air Techniques for Artists by Aimee Erickson

Title: Plein Air Techniques for Artists

Author: Aimee Erickson
Genre: Nonfiction - Art - Painting
Publisher: Rockport Publishers - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: April 4, 2023
ISBN: 9780760379356
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Take your plein air artwork to the next level through easy-to-understand workshop-style lessons and skill-building exercises. 

In Plein Air Techniques for Artists, award-winning artist and respected workshop instructor Aimee Erickson demystifies how to capture a variety of light effects and guides you in strengthening your plein air skills through practice. This accessible book covers: 

• Materials and gear. Gain a basic knowledge of the possibilities so you can keep your options open and your plein air process fresh. 
• Composition and value. Explore the impact of proportion, color, value, line, edges, shape, and texture. 
• Color. Consider how knowledge and intention, your color palette, and what you see—your perspective—take turns being in charge of the color game, inventing rules and finding solutions. 
• Light effects. Learn how conditions of the day—how much light there is, and whether it’s soft, diffuse, golden, harsh, pale, or dusky—affect everything we see and how we paint. 
• Design and the visual idea. Discover strategies for developing a visual idea, from creating serial studies to working with a camera to improvisation. 

Featuring exceptional still lifes, figures, and landscapes by other noted artists working in a range of mediums, Plein Air Techniques for Artists gives artists at all levels of experience the guidance they need to grow as a plein air artist.

Review: "Plein air" is just a fancy way of saying "painting outside." It normally is referring to painting during daylight hours, but Aimee Erickson doesn't limit the techniques demonstrated in this book to strictly daytime. Plein Air Techniques for Artists covers the range from morning, noon, and even twilight and nocturnal. (Personally, I think nocturnes are far more interesting than daylight paintings and don't receive nearly enough attention.)

Erickson covers the basics from materials and gear to various forms of lighting--indirect, back, front, sunlight and shadow, and nocturnes--to special effects and even includes a glossary and quick reference guide. As part of the materials and gear section, I appreciated the explanation of the various mediums and their pros/cons such as oils, acrylics, watercolors, etc. Erickson also provides information on composition and value, perspective, color, and so much more. 

Plein Air Techniques for Artists is perfect for the beginner as well as the more experienced artist who may be looking to expand their knowledge.

Book Review: Balls Up by Bobika

Title: Balls Up - A Contraceptive Journey

Author: Bobika
Genre: Nonfiction - Health - Comic
Publisher: Europe Comics - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: December 21, 2022
ISBN: 9791032813737
Read: March 20, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advance reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Trigger Warnings: This is a "graphic novel"-style nonfiction tale of one man's journey into the world of male contraceptives. As such, it contains both textual and artistic representations of male genitalia, contraceptives, intercourse, and cis heterosexual men. Therefore, the subject matter may be disturbing or offensive to some readers and is not suitable for very young audiences.

Synopsis from Publisher: Bobika is a man who has been practicing birth control since 2016. This is the sometimes moving, and often enlightening, story of his journey as he explores the methods of contraception available to him. Full of nutty anecdotes and accounts of his meetings and discussions with sociologists, doctors, and feminists, Balls Up is a reminder that, in addition to a personal choice, (male) contraception is above all a social issue.

Review: I am by no means an expert on contraceptives, especially male contraceptive techniques. (After all, I am female.) However, I do know that for the majority of time it has fallen to women (yes, I'm aware this is a cis-heterosexual-centric view point but I can only speak from my personal experience) to bear the brunt of contraceptive responsibility. It's unfair, really, since human reproduction does take two participants. Bobika, the author of Balls Up, agrees with the unfairness. Hence...this book.

Now, unless you've been living under a rock here in the United States, you are surely aware that women's reproductive rights are very much in the news. With the reversal of Roe v. Wade, options for women--regardless of personal beliefs/views on the subject--to take control of their own bodies are dwindling. Rather than being a personal choice, reproduction has become a political and social matter, which is one reason I find Balls Up and the idea of male contraceptive practices to be timely.

Bobika addresses the issue from historical, medical, social, and personal views. The book is informative, but also shouldn't replace sound medical advice from a licensed physician. (Men, if you're interested in the topic, do your research and have a frank discussion with your doctor before trying any of the techniques mentioned in this book.) At times humorous, Balls Up is candid look at the subject, and as the author writes, "...We [cis-heterosexual men] have a debt to pay, and it would be super dope of use to move our lazy butts and take the initiative, without waiting for women to rouse us out of our dormancy (p. 101)." 

So, how about it, guys? Are you ready to go Balls Up?

Book Review: Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather by Lora S. Irish

Title: Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather

Author: Lora S. Irish
Genre: Art - Pyrography - Woodburning
Publisher:  Fox Chapel Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 3, 2023
ISBN: 9781497103283
Read: January 22, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Accomplish your hand lettering goals and make amazing personalized gifts and signs with flair! 

The ultimate guide to burning letters, this is a must-have resource for pyrographers of all skill levels to learn various hand-lettering techniques to apply on different surfaces. Opening with detailed overviews on safety, tools, basic pyrography techniques, pen tip styles, burning strokes, tonal values, and hand grips, also included are sections on three main pyrography media surfaces: wood, leather, and artist paper. 

After learning how to work on each medium, this insightful guide then shows you everything you need to know about hand lettering with heat! You'll find tutorials on fill techniques, resizing letters, creating curved letters, fixing mistakes, and more. Templates for 10 fonts are provided, as well as a step-by-step practice project to build your skills, and five additional lettering projects to try. 

Finally, with this complete and comprehensive resource to learning and burning alphabets, renowned and award-winning artist Lora Irish takes you through how to prepare your chosen media to finish it with flair! Irish offers expert guidance on materials for pyrography, including preparing, cleaning, finishing, and sealing the surface.

Improve your hand lettering skills to make beautiful customized gifts, signage, and other amazing calligraphy projects with Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather!

Review: Pyrography, also known as woodburning, is the act of creating art with a hot-tipped pen (similar to a soldering tool) a natural surface like wood, leather, or paper. The art created can be simple lines (like basic lettering) or complex masterpieces of surprising depth and detail. 

Lora S. Irish focuses on transferring hand-lettered calligraphy to pyrography in this book. Filled with how-to details, tips, and projects, Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather is a perfect introduction to anyone familiar with calligraphy who is looking to expand into a new and challenging area. Irish covers the basics of what is pyrography, safety tips, and tools and techniques before explaining the differences in substrates that make for good pyrography. Information on various types of burning systems, cleaning and care for tools, preparation of the surface areas, and how to transfer patterns is detailed and written in an easy-to-follow manner. 

She then turns her attention to the different styles of lettering and font elements, how to resize letters to fit smaller and larger works, incorporating and fixing mistakes (something I love seeing because I'm guaranteed to screw up at least once), cleaning and finishing a piece, and sealing your project to protect it for years to come. The provided projects range from beginner to advanced and are sure to provoke your inner creative spirit. Templates for the fonts used in the projects are provided so you don't have to make your own or go on an endless internet hunt for them.

Overall, whether you're new to pyrography or experienced, Lettering on Wood, Paper, and Leather will make a great addition to your artistic library.

Book Review: Creating Art with Alcohol Ink by Laurie Williams & Sheryl Williams

Title: Creating Art with Alcohol Ink

Author: Laurie Williams and Sheryl Williams
Genre: Art - Painting
Publisher:  Design Originals - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 17, 2023
ISBN: 9781497206250
Read: January 16-19, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Whether you're a seasoned artist or are about to paint your first brush stroke, Creating Art with Alcohol Ink will show you how to paint with alcohol ink! 

In this complete painting book, you'll discover 12 different painting techniques — including pouring, dripping, blowing, blending, staining and lifting, masking, brush painting, push and glide, dabbing, doodling, splattering, and wisping — so you can practice and master them all on different surfaces! Also included are detailed opening overviews on the basics of alcohol inks, surfaces, color theory, and other essential topics to know. 

Stunning step-by-step alcohol ink painting projects are provided to recreate beautiful birch trees, tropical scenes, mountain landscapes, and even home décor items like tile coasters, ornaments, and jewelry pendants using easy-to-find and affordable materials. With so many easy-to-follow technique tutorials and inspiring projects to try, this is an absolute must-have resource!

Review: Alcohol ink is a difficult creature to master, but co-authors Laurie Williams and Sheryl Williams make taming this beast look easy! Creating Art with Alcohol Ink focuses on techniques for using bottled alcohol-based ink versus markers, but there is a very small section dedicated to art created with markers, which I appreciated since the markers are the only alcohol-based ink I've personally used. However, after reading this book, I'm ready to try delving into the world of bottled inks.

In addition to a full-color inspiration gallery filled with art that's sure to light the creative fire in any artist, the authors take time to cover the tools and supplies needed for working with alcohol inks as well as the safety equipment. Yes, there are hazards to working the alcohol-based inks and proper precautions must be taken. I always love when artists-turned-authors share safety information so this can be factored into not just the cost of working with a new medium but into the set up of my workspace. 

The authors then cover a topic I don't see covered nearly enough in books: Color Theory. Since the nature of alcohol inks lends to free-flowing blending techniques, it pays to know in advance which colors will blend to create secondary and tertiary colors and so on rather than the well-known brownish color known as "mud." With step-by-step instructions for making your own color wheel, this vital section will save time in the long run because you'll not only know which colors will work to create dazzling new colors but how the inks work before ever starting a project. Time savers = bonus points!

Speaking of projects, Creating Art with Alcohol Ink doesn't skimp on them. With a choice of landscapes, birds, flowers, abstracts, and more and substrates from paper to metal, any alcohol ink artist from beginner to seasoned pro will find something to inspire and try. The instructions for each are clear and easy to follow, as is the writing as a general whole. It's like having two patient and knowledgeable instructors sitting next to you, sharing their secrets and their passion. If you're looking for a new artistic challenge, then pick up a copy of Creating Art with Alcohol Ink. You won't be disappointed.

Book Review: The Little Book of the Occult by Astrid Carvel

Title: The Little Book of the Occult

Author: Astrid Carvel
Genre: Occult - Magic - Witchcraft
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: March 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781524882174
Read: January 13-16, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Come along on a journey of self-discovery and begin to make sense of the unpredictability of our existence with this fun and insightful introduction to the occult. 

An exploration of rich history and a discovery of lasting benefits, The Little Book of the Occult is a quick dive into the world of occult magick, perfect for both beginners and those who are more familiar with the practice. From sigils to tarot cards and rituals, occult practices are an insightful way to achieve your dreams, discover more about yourself, and feel empowered.

Review: The Little Book of the Occult is simply what the publisher's description states: "a quick dive into the world of occult magick." With only 128 pages, one cannot expect to have all the mysteries of the occult revealed. However, one can expect to have at least some of the mystery taken away, but Astrid Carvel seems to leave more questions unanswered than answered as if trusting the reader to continue researching the subject on their own. (Personally, I have no problem with research. I love nothing better than a deep dive into a subject that interests me. But it's not something everyone enjoys, I know.)

Most of the topics in this book are covered in the span of one or two pages. Again, this is not a book that's meant to be an exhaustive resource. It's meant to be more a means to pique the curiosity. Could Carvel perhaps spend a little more time on certain topics? Yes, absolutely. Does Carvel include every topic related to the occult? No, definitely not. Does Carvel at least cover the basics? Meh, I leave that up to the reader to decide.

Overall, The Little Book of the Occult is a very basic, Cliff Notes-version of an introduction to occult magick and history. If you're interested in the topic, chances are you'll continue on with your own research. If you're not that interested but are at least a little curious, then it will probably satisfy that curiosity. If you're looking for an exhaustive, authoritative treatise on the subject, this is definitely not the book for you.

Book Review: Mountain Magic by Rebecca Beyer

Title: Mountain Magic

Author: Rebecca Beyer
Genre: Folklore - Mythology - Magic - Witchcraft
Publisher: Wellfleet Press - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: February 21, 2023
ISBN: 9781577153351
Read: January 12-13, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Discover the wisdom and magic of Appalachia through Mountain Magic, an illustrated guide to the occult power of the hills and hollows. 

The people of Appalachia and the American backwoods have a long and deep magical tradition, one rooted in the power of place, land, and nature. With a creativity and ingenuity born of necessity, Appalachian witches built and sustained a wealth of magical knowledge drawn from European, Native American, and African American folk magic. Guided by expert witch and forager Rebecca Beyer, you can explore the wisdom of this powerful place: 

Learn medical and magical uses for common plants and herbs 

• Meet the traditional magical practitioners of Appalachia, from Blood Stoppers to Water Witches 
• Delve into a wealth of charms and curses, from witchballs to love workings 
• Follow the lore of the stars and seasons to grow and thrive 

Some of the magic and culture you will encounter in this enchanted guide include: 

• Magical lore surrounding the weather, seasons, and the movements of the moon and stars 
• Recipes for a tonic salad to move the blood in springtime and a cleansing spicebush tea 
• Profiles of the medicinal and magical properties of some essential mountain plants, including ginseng, blackberry, poke, sassafras, and mullein 
• Charms to protect from evil, including witch bottles, a holly twig charm, and the SATOR ROTAS square 

With this beautifully illustrated guide, you can bring the wisdom and magic of the backwoods to meet the challenges of modern life, building a magical practice that’s fueled by ancestral traditions and the nourishing power of the natural world.

Review: Rebecca Beyer lifts the veil of mystery surrounding Appalachian folk magic and provides a glimpse into this unique world of Yarb People, Water Witches, Burn Whisperers, Granny Women, and Conjure Folk. A blend of European magic, West African folklore, and Native American herbal knowledge, Appalachian folk magic is both a fascinating and powerful by-product of the landscape and the people who populated the Smoky Mountains, and it's still practiced today.

Mountain Magic is insightful and interesting in that much of the information has been passed down through generations, influenced by different eras and cultures, but remains largely unchanged in its core beliefs. Beyer's writing is easy to read and offers good explanations for concepts or items that may not be as familiar to readers outside of Appalachia. The illustrations compliment the information provided without distracting from the writing. Overall, this guidebook is a great introduction to a unique culture and the folklore and magic that has helped to shape it.

Book Review: Mary Berry's Baking Bible (Revised Edition 2023)

Title: Mary Berry's Baking Bible (Revised & Updated 2023)

Author: Mary Berry
Genre: Cookbook - Baking
Publisher: Clarkson Potter - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: May 9, 2023
ISBN: 9780593578155
Read: January 10, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Baking legend Mary Berry, longtime judge of The Great British Baking Show, presents this revised and updated edition of her seminal baking book, featuring 250 recipes, including 20 all-new bakes, updated photography, and Americanized measurements. 

Mary Berry’s Baking Bible has been thrilling home bakers with delectable, no-fuss, trustworthy recipes for more than a decade. Now the queen of British baking brings her straightforward advice and expertise to this fully revised edition of classic bakes. Her biggest collection yet also features 20 new recipes plus mouthwatering photography. A sampling of her beloved desserts includes: 

• Cakes: Victoria Sandwich; Very Best Chocolate Fudge; Lemon Yogurt 
• Cookies and Bars: Melting Moments; Orange and Chocolate Shortbread; Bakewell Slices 
• Traybakes: Lemon Drizzle; Coffee and Walnut; Double Chocolate Chip and Marshmallow 
• Tarts and Pastries: French Apple Tart; Chocolate Eclairs; Profiteroles 
• Breads: Crunchy Orange Syrup Loaf; Quick Sourdough Loaf; White Cottage Loaf 
• Puddings and Pies: Sticky Apricot Pudding; Classic Apple Pie; Crème Brûlée 
• Cheesecakes: American Chocolate Ripple; Buttermilk and Honey; and Key Lime Pie 

Readers will also be delighted to discover that many of her treasured recipes have been updated and simplified to suit the needs and tastes of today’s home bakers. And, as always with foolproof recipes from Mary Berry, there will be no soggy bottoms!

Review: Mary Berry is a living baking legend in her UK homeland, and now she's become well-known here in America thanks to the popularity of The Great British Baking Show via Netflix. In this revised and updated edition of her Baking Bible, she offers over 250 mouthwatering recipes from across the UK, parts of Europe, and even some American favorites like apple pie. Combined with the stunning photography, you'll practically want to lick every page of this fabulous cookbook.

Berry gears her books toward the home baker, whether they be new baking or a practiced hand. The recipes range from the simple--chocolate chip cookies--to the most complex, French patisserie-style dessert--Gâteau Saint Honoré--to easy, bake-with-the-kids suggestions. But it's not all recipes. Berry includes nearly everything a baker needs to know about the art of baking: equipment list, how-to instructions for lining pans, baking terminology, key ingredients, baking tips, and so much more. All recipes include both metric and imperial measurements and many include helpful hints or variations to up your baking game.

Overall, any of Mary Berry's books are worth adding to your collection, but if you're serious about baking and only have room for one more recipe book on your shelf, Mary Berry's Baking Bible: Revised and Updated is the one you need.

Book Review: The World of Urban Sketching by Stephanie Bower

 

Title: The World of Urban Sketching

Author: Stephanie Bower
Genre: Art - Landscape - How-To
Publisher: Quarry Books - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: November 29, 2022
Read: December 20, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Award-winning urban sketcher and best-selling author Stephanie Bower presents a spectacular, all-new collection of sketchers and their art from 39 countries in a city-to-city tour around the world. 

The remarkable work of the vibrant, international urban sketching community was first documented in The Art of Urban Sketching by Gabriel Campanario. In the ten years since its release, sketching on location has grown into nothing less than a worldwide phenomenon. 

A visual feast of more than 700 images from over 150 sketchers, The World of Urban Sketching unveils the latest developments and innovations in the creative and rewarding pursuit of on-location drawing and painting. 

• New Artwork. Discover the stunning and informative work of both established and emerging urban sketchers, from Seattle to Santiago, from Singapore to Sydney. 
• New Techniques. Consider new styles and approaches in color and linework, including digital, through artists’ tips and step-by-step demonstrations. 
• New Stories. Learn what inspires sketchers, even during a pandemic, and get invaluable insights into creating artwork on location through artists’ observations and advice. 

Whether you draw during your travels or in your own backyard, the beautiful work in The World of Urban Sketching will expand your skills and inspire you to pick up a pencil and sketch your world!

Review: My first love was--and always will be--art, and I studied studio art before making the switch as an undergraduate to English/Creative Writing. When I'm not reading, I'm usually parked in front of an easel or drawing table with paints, pencils, pens, and whatever else currently holds my attention. The World of Urban Sketching certainly held me attention with its vibrant representation of artists' work from around the globe and impressive array of tips and techniques.

Urban sketching is basically the art of capturing a snapshot of time from direct observation through the use of different media, whether is be pencil, ink, crayon, paint, or a blending of materials. No one style is dominant and all artistic forms of expression are welcomed. In the introduction of the book, Stephanie Bower lays out the "manifesto" of the urban sketchers, which simply says (in a nutshell) that the drawings/paintings are created on location, serve as a record of time and place, individual styles are cherished, supported, and shared online, but most importantly, urban sketchers "show the world one drawing at the time." 

The wide variety of artists from around the world showcased in this book will certainly inspire anyone who is looking to expand their knowledge of landscape art. With tips and techniques shared from many of these same artists, even someone who is new to the art form will be impressed with the depth of knowledge found in these pages. The World of Urban Sketching has definitely earned a place on my art book shelf, and I'm sure I'll be referring to it often as I continue to hone my own style.

Book Review: Nourishing Vegan Every Day by Amy Lanza

Title: Nourishing Vegan Every Day

Author: Amy Lanza
Genre: Cookbook - Vegan
Publisher: Fair Winds Press - Copyright 2023
Publication Date: January 3, 2023
Read: December 10, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: Nourishment meets flavor in this collection of vibrant and delicious vegan recipes. 

Nourishing Vegan Every Day embraces the flow of everyday life by providing recipes that range from nutritious to decadent, recognizing the important balance between time and taste buds. Whether you’re in need of a quick and energizing breakfast or a show-stopping meal to impress your guests, this book will provide inspiration for delectable plant-based meals. 

With gorgeous photography for every recipe and helpful kitchen tips, discover family favorites like Cheesy Pesto Tomato Swirl Buns; weeknight meals like Cashew Cauliflower and Spinach Dahl; and delightful vegan desserts like Strawberries and Cream Cheesecake. 

Beyond bringing flavorful meals to the kitchen table, this book creates a basis for nourishment and satisfaction, giving you the tools to build your own plant-based pantry. From kitchen staples to easy vegan swaps, learn more about low-waste meal preparation and methods to enhance your cooking experience as you craft delicious meals, snacks, and desserts. 

Breakfast: Nourish on the go with quick morning recipes such as Nourish Me Smoothies or Overnight Oats! The choice is yours. 

Brunch: Lazy weekends and beautiful brunches are the perfect time to serve up towering plates of delicious Chocolate Chip Raspberry Waffles or Vegan Eggs Benedict. 

Lunches, Salads, and Light Meals: Liven up your lunch break with easy-to-prep recipes like Herby Chickpea Tabouleh Salad and Moroccan Style Quinoa Salad. 

Dinner: Vegan dinner has never been more versatile! Chock full of vegetables and nourishment, recipes like Sweet Potato Gnocchi and Sesame Chili and Garlic Tofu Noodles will be a hit at the dinner table. 

Snacks: Easy recipes such as No-Bake Chocolate-Covered Muesli Bars and 2-Ingredient Flatbreads will have you reaching for homemade plant-based snacks, whether you’re craving something salty or sweet. 

Desserts: Enjoy a variety of vegan treats sure to satisfy any sweet tooth, such as No-Churn Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream or Apple and Blackberry Crumble Pie. 

Celebration and Gathering Dishes: These sweet and savory recipes will prove to be crowd-pleasers at your next gathering. Impress your family and friends with a Vegan Celebrations Snack Board or Pumpkin Layer Cake.

Review: I don't often review cookbooks, but I am happily making an exception for Nourishing Vegan Every Day by Amy Lanza. OMG...I want to cook up every single recipe in this book! Over the past year or so, I've been steadily transitioning to a fully vegan diet--no small feat when living in small town Mississippi and the term "vegan" is often misunderstood as meaning "those little green guys from Venus" or maybe someone hailing from Las Vegas. Either way, telling someone you're vegan in Mississippi means they'll more than likely look at you as though you've sprouted two heads. Thankfully, there are a plethora of cookbooks on the market catering to the vegan/plant-based lifestyle.

Amy Lanza's dishes in Nourishing Vegan Every Day are hunger-inducing. (My stomach began growling almost instantly!) Using simple, easily sourced ingredients each recipe seduces the reader/cook to try it. What can be more simple than whipping up a batch of overnight oats? Easily when provided multiple variations? And the Vegan Eggs Benedict...oh, honey. Eggs Benedict have been a favorite of mine since my dad introduced them to me when I was a teen. Now I can have a vegan version of them? Yes, please! From breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner to desserts and more, every page is filled with mouthwatering recipes and bright, colorful photos you'll want to lick because they look so amazing. (Gingerbread Layer Cake, I'm looking at you, and you, too, Salted Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream...)

Whether you're new to the vegan lifestyle, curious about the plant-based food hype, or just looking to incorporate more healthy meal alternatives into your diet, Nourishing Vegan Every Day makes veganism approachable, simple to understand, and delectable. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some cooking to do.

Book Review: Freddy's Magic Garden by Angelina Dayan

Title: Freddy's Magic Garden

Author: Angelina Dayan
Genre: Cats - Memoir - Slice of Life
Publisher: Angelina Dayan Publishing - Copyright 2022
Publication Date: September 8, 2022
Read: November 29 - December 3, 2022
Disclaimer: I received a digital advanced reader copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Synopsis from Publisher: If you like cats, you will enjoy this delightful book filled with wonderful stories told by cutie Freddy cat & his mum, based on real-life adventures. Perfect for animal lovers, these heartwarming tales can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. You will whizz through the pages as the end of each chapter brings a longing to find out what happens next. These uplifting stories will make you smile and laugh and maybe even bring a tear or two to your eyes from time to time.

Review: Told in a first person point of view by Freddy (a stray kitten turned contented house cat), his human Mum, and other felines, this is a sweet book filled with wonderful stories of how Freddy and his sister were saved from a hard life in a vacant lot, learned to live with their adopted Maine Coon siblings, and saw their feline family and friendships grow over the years. 

Anyone who knows me in real life knows I'm a sucker for animals, especially cats. (I have two rescue kitties of my own, but they are only the latest in a long line of rescues stretching back to childhood.) I loved reading the stories told from the cats' POVs. So charming and alternating between funny, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching. The photos of Freddy and his feline buddies are adorable! 

Overall, it's a cute book and a fairly quick read. If you love watching cat videos on Instagram or TikTok, you'll love reading Freddy's Magic Garden by Angelina Dayan.