The Week in Review: 11.08.2019

Between the Covers

Finished last week:

THE BODY: A GUIDE FOR OCCUPANTS by Bill Bryson is just what it says it is – an overview of the human body.  Bryson takes readers on a tour of the intricacies of the human body, system by system.  Not only does he describe each system, he gives details on diseases, research and medical pioneers, treatments, etc. all in a very readable, accessible way.

I found this book fascinating and always looked forward to returning to it.  I learned a lot and gladly shared the information with anyone who would listen.  A few of the things I learned were:

• The only sure way to prevent male baldness is castration before hair loss begins.
• We become nauseated when we’re dizzy because the body thinks it’s been poisoned.

I listened to the audio version which is narrated by Bryson himself.  At first it seemed odd to hear British pronounciations and an American accent but I adjusted to it quickly and ending up loving this book.  I wanted more and hated for it to end.  (Review copy provided by Penguin Random House.)

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WILLOW THE THERAPY DOG by Lisa M. Gerry is part of National Geographic Kids Doggy Defenders Series.  It features a rescued greyhound named Willow who has become a therapy dog.  Readers follow Willow for a day, starting in the morning when she puts on her therapy dog vest.  Once she’s ready, she visits patients (as well as doctors and nurses) in a hospital, children in a school, veterans in a home, and children in a library.  After her busy day, she goes home to relax, eat, and cuddle.

This sweet picture book contains lots of full color photos by Lori Epstein throughout Willow’s day.  The back of the book includes a Question and Answer with Willow’s owner about what it’s like to own a therapy dog and a page of tips on being a good friend and neighbor.  Young dog lovers will adore this book like I did and want to read it over and over again.  (Review copy provided by Media Masters Publicity.)

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Shortly after Lucy Knisley got married, she and her husband decided to forgo birth control “not try but not try not to get pregnant,” and get pregnant she did.  Sadly that pregnancy ended in miscarriage and Knisley dealt with guilt, grief, and conception issues before her successful pregnancy.  She shares her journey in her latest graphic memoir, KID GLOVES: NINE MONTHS OF CAREFUL CHAOS.

I’m a big fan of Knisley’s work and was excited to see our library had a copy of her latest book.  This VERY personal memoir is informative, educational and entertaining.  I’m well past child-bearing years so most of the information in this book doesn’t pertain to me but I still thought the book and its artwork were terrific.  Not only does Knisley share a lot of information about pregnancy and birthing, she dispels many pregnancy myths.  Be forewarned, though, her childbirth experience was harrowing, so those about to give birth might want to wait to read this book.

Currently reading:

• NOTHING TO SEE HERE by Kevin Wilson
• SURPRISING STORIES BEHIND EVERYDAY STUFF by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
• THE BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince

On the Screen

Not much of anything.

Off the blog

• Our warm weather seems to be gone for the season and I broke down and cut the heat on Monday morning.
• I’ve noticed Christmas decorations popping up all over the place, including our neighborhood.
• I’ve been fighting a cold all week and will be glad when I finally shake this thing.  It’s been years since I’ve had one so I’d forgotten how long they can linger.
• I walked at least three miles every morning and averaged almost 16,100 Fitbit steps a day.

What’s going on in your corner of the world?