Furry Logic by Jane Seabrook

Furry Logic by Jane Seabrook is a small sized gift book that would make the perfect gift for anyone in need of a laugh.  Not only funny, each page has a well known saying or proverb- adapted with a satirical twist.  This book makes light of the real emotions we all experience: tiredness, anger, gossip- and turns it into a little humorous proverb.  The beautiful artwork of a variety of animals is also contained within the pages of this book.  Each spread features a brightly drawn piece of art of an animal and its corresponding proverb.  The true to life illustrations are pieces of art in of themselves.

By looking at the cover, one might feel that this book is intended for cat owners and cat lovers.  I feel many readers may pass up this book simply because the drawing of the cat may imply that the theme centers around cats.  It is only when you actually sit down to read the book that you will find a variety of animals: birds, reptiles, a meer cat, a lopsided owl and even a hippo! I feel this book should feature another animal on its cover to accurately portray the diversity of animals and that this is not just another book for cat fans and cat owners.  As a blogger I recieved this book published by Ten Speed Press for the purpose of writing this review.

NIV Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible

 NIV Discover God's Heart Devotional Bible -Explore the King's Love for His People on a Cover-to-Cover Journey Through the Bible, is the newest themed bible published by Zondervan.  The book is modern yet minimalist with traditional graphic touches in its cover design.  The cover of this bible is reminiscent of a dark dungeon with a small keyhole through witch one can view a beautiful serene landscape. This bible is very attractive and would make a nice gift as well as a good personal choice for daily reading.  The two tone rustic color tones and font is easy to read.  Yet even the "standard print" is still somewhat small in my opinion.

As far as the articles and content- this is a great devotional bible.   This is not a study bible- there are no book introductions or study notes.  Within the book are truly motivational and inspirational articles- full of substance. In contrast to many devotionals that seem superficial or fake- these powerful bits of inspiration will empower the reader in any need. One can say this is a pretty bland bible if you compare it to the full color study bibles on the market.  Yet the devotionals this bible contains fit a real need- and one can say without all the "extra" features, one can focus on scripture.

As far as content, this bible is a great choice. This is an original an unexpected bible on the market.  It is wonderful- all the niche bibles out in the market- there is truly a bible for every taste.    As a blogger for Booklook I received a copy of this bible published  by zondervan for the purpose of writing this review.

940 Saturdays by Harley A. Rotbart, MD

940 Saturdays by Harley A. Rotbart, MD is a newly published gift book- journal.  It is hard to decide what genre this thick volume of blank pages fits. Is it a scrapbook to be used to tape movie ticket stubs and photos? Or is it a journal to jot down a few notes for each Saturday? There is no room for lengthy accounts for example if you celebrated a special birthday or holiday or took a vacation or trip.  This is too restrictive no flexibility to account for special days on any other days of the week.  And what if you have multiple kids- can this be adapted to an 18 year family journal or does it center around the activities of one particular child?  Also there is no space to include basic family info.  As far as fill in child journals go- this is pretty Spartan.

Firstly, this is a quality bound hard cover book, adorned with simplistic cartoon art on the cover- reminiscent of doodle art.  When you open the book it is simple and basic- white lined journal entries for you, the journalist to fit in.  Each page is divided to allow for two days worth of entries.  Each entry is labeled by a big, boldfaced number and a space to fill in the particular date.  There is enough space to jot down a few lines of text.  The decorated teal patterned end papers and the pocket is attractive.  Inside the pocket is a booklet that can be removed, about ideas for family activities.

In my opinion the $24.99 retail price could be better spent elsewhere if you are simply looking for a journal.  This journal is simply too expensive and too much for a niche market.  Its bold date headings are too rigid and take up too much space in proportion to the blank writing space. A plain bank journal offers more flexibility with an option to add personal touches.  A baby book styled scrap book provides better structure and opportunity to catalog important "firsts" and important little mementos.  This particular book has a vary narrow use- jotting a few notes down once every saturday for 18 years.  It is an interesting concept, but its just not practical. As a blogger I received this book published by Potter Style of crown publishing fot the purpose of writing this review.

Doctor Who The Blood Cell By James Goss

Doctor Who The Blood Cell By James Goss is the newest edition the Doctor Who series of books. Each book is like an episode and this book in particular centers around  mysterious mutant insects.  Doctor Who is a popular TV series originally produced in1963 and has since earned a place in pop culture. Who hasn't heard of the infamous traveling "Tardis"? Anyone familiar with popular media would recognize the "Public call box" as it  travels in space.  There have been many "Dr Whos" and this fiction novel is based on the adventures of the 12th doctor.  The different books in this series are written by different authors- each with their own unique style and twist.

Goss's fast paced narrative jumps right into the action.  His action packed dialogue will keep the attention of all readers.  Fans of the popular TV series will enjoy the common themes of the television show, within this book.  Readers who enjoy  mystery and science fiction fans alike, will also enjoy this book. There is enough authentic graphic scientific description to hold the attention of true Sci fi fans.  The authentic historic elements of traveling back into time will be appreciated by history enthusiasts.  This is a well rounded story with a variety of elements. While the tv series is equally enjoyed by adults as well as teens and children alike, this novel is written at the middle school age level.  It is an appropriate book choice for teens or  young adults.

As a blogger I received a copy of this book published by Broadway books an imprint of Crown Publishing Group, for the purpose of writing this review.

44 Animals of the Bible by Nancy Pelander Johnson

What does an eclectic mix of animals that include the frog, heron, whale, quail, weasel, ibex and mole have in common? They are all animals mentioned in the bible.  These and many other animals are included in the new children's book, 44 Animals of the Bible by Nancy Pelander Johnson, illustrated by Lloyd R. Hight.  The brushed, water color styled animal illustrations give this small hardcover picture book, a vintage look.  The quality illustrations will appeal to children as well as adult readers.  Each animal featured includes an illustration as well as a short paragraph of text which provides some information about the animal and about its appearance in the bible.  There is also a relevant scripture on the bottom of the page that mentions the particular animal.  Surprisingly there is an entry for a "unicorn".  The Unicorn is actually a horned wild ox.  The reasoning behind this is that the "unicorn" mentioned in the bible most likely was another name for the wild ox. 

This quick little book can be read in one sitting.  It is not intended to be an encyclopedia- each entry is pretty short basic as its purpose is to tie the particular animal to its mention in the bible.  This storybook will appeal to children of all ages and also to animal enthusiasts who just happen to love reading the bible as well.  Some secular readers may find themselves offended at the idea that there may be some stereotypical discrimination of certain animals such as the weasel that will "steal food", the moles that "ruin crops" or the fox, referred to as a "tricky animal". Yet the author uses these common stereotypes in the sense that these negative traits seen in some animals are a consequence of the fall and that there are many ungodly people who exhibit these same ungodly traits as these animals.  As a blogger for Moms of Master Books I received a copy of this book for the purpose of writing this review.   This book is available from New Leaf Press Publishers online as well as from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible

Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible, edited by Phil & Al Robertson, of the TV series, Duck Dynasty, is the newest themed bible published by Thomas Nelson.  For those who are unfamiliar with the TV series, this bible is easy to enjoy nonetheless.  With the textured matte finished book jacket, and its low key out door nature  themed graphics, this sturdy hardcover bible is made to be durable. Under the dust jacket is a textured, wood grain simulation cover with an etched bird in flight.  The book is modern yet minimalist in design.  This bible is very attractive and would make a nice gift as well as a good choice for daily reading,

As far as the articles and content- this is a great devotional bible.   This is not a study bible- there are no book introductions or study notes.  Within the book are truly motivational and inspirational articles- full of substance. In contrast to many devotionals that seem superficial or fake- these powerful bits of inspiration will empower the reader in any need. There are "Set Your Sites" articles based on relevant topics encountered in life such as temptation and healing.  And also "On the hunt" scripture verses that dig deep into the bible to support the topical content of the articles.  This version is the NKJV,  I would have like to see this bible also published with the easy to read more modern translation, the NLT. 

As far as content, this bible is a great choice. This is an original an unexpected bible on the market.  It is wonderful- all the niche bibles out in the market- there is truly a bible for every taste.  I  As a blogger for Booklook I recieved a copy of this bible published  by Thomas Nelson for the purpose of writing this review.

 

 

 

Have a tough time deciding what bible to choose? Please visit this guide online.
http://pjtheemt.blogspot.com/2011/06/bible-versions-communicating-gods-word.html

The Martian by Andy Weir

In the new science fiction novel, the reader follows astronaut Mark Watney's personal log during his failed mission to Mars where he was left behind, stranded when an unexpected storm hits.  The new docu-drama format is becoming a popular genre in media in culture- originating with the subject of the paranormal, in films and TV.  Recently, this first person styled narrative has branched into the sphere of science fiction to provide the reader an authentic, realistic experience.  As the reader follows along each entry written in real time, identified by the headings  "LOG ENTRY: SOL...", it is easy to follow along as if reading an authentic journal account. 

From the first page of the first chapter, this fast paced novel draws in the reader, without too much extraneous details, to obscure the story.  This is one novel without the usual extraneous side plots or tedious romance  filler. The author keeps to the raw details, emotion and events without censorship.  There are enough authentic, science related details about the space mission to keep science fiction and science enthusiasts entertained and engaged. The details about the food supply, and cultivating viable Martian soil to grow potatoes is narrated in detail.  All the various repairs are narrated with detail as if in real time for an authentic touch.

  The first lines grab the reader's attention as are reminiscent of real, unedited footage of one facing a crisis, as the protagonist writes "I'm pretty much f......ed!" True, there is a lot of adult language and even potty humor, but there are no offensive explicit adult scenes to spoil the book.