I found this fascinating and information dense. This treats the reader as if they are new to the topic; offering an enhanced outline of the history ofI found this fascinating and information dense. This treats the reader as if they are new to the topic; offering an enhanced outline of the history of psychedelics usage in the West while lightly touching on its historical use amongst Indigenous populations. This focuses primarily on psilocybin mushrooms & LSD. Other substances are covered, explained, and given usage instructions but not expounded upon. The science-based studies largely are self reported usage of psilocybin & LSD. So I gather that has the most information.
I was familiar with the term microdosing but wasn't aware of much more than the name. This explains both macro and micro dosing and explains why each is important and offers different microdosing solutions for different problems. I liked that tolerance breaks are built into the system of microdosing. Various microdosing protocols are discussed along with whatever science-based studies exist and anecdotal experiences.
This offers scientific studies, science-based studies, and anecdotal experiences as evidence that microdosing can safely enhance everyday lives. This does not shy away from controversial topics like using microdosing to address conditions in children or pregnant and/or nursing folks. This is balanced with resources for safe usage and legal usage. This also includes outside resources for an unintended intense trip, guidance for amounts, and even how to acquire testing kits to test substances that may be decriminalized but not regulated. This offers solid guidance on microdosing a multitude of substances. I pretty much consider this the microdosing bible. I saw the authors have an AMA up on the microdosing subreddit this week, so be sure to check it out if interested.
This audiobook is narrated by Kaleo Griffith. I appreciated Kaleo for keeping the subject moving, the tone light, and using voice inflection techniques throughout. This worked to keep the narrative interesting and moving along. This book includes as many personnel narratives as it does science-based studies, and this really keeps the narrative relatable.
Thank you to James Fadiman, PhD, Jordan Gruber, JD, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.
Merged review:
I found this fascinating and information dense. This treats the reader as if they are new to the topic; offering an enhanced outline of the history of psychedelics usage in the West while lightly touching on its historical use amongst Indigenous populations. This focuses primarily on psilocybin mushrooms & LSD. Other substances are covered, explained, and given usage instructions but not expounded upon. The science-based studies largely are self reported usage of psilocybin & LSD. So I gather that has the most information.
I was familiar with the term microdosing but wasn't aware of much more than the name. This explains both macro and micro dosing and explains why each is important and offers different microdosing solutions for different problems. I liked that tolerance breaks are built into the system of microdosing. Various microdosing protocols are discussed along with whatever science-based studies exist and anecdotal experiences.
This offers scientific studies, science-based studies, and anecdotal experiences as evidence that microdosing can safely enhance everyday lives. This does not shy away from controversial topics like using microdosing to address conditions in children or pregnant and/or nursing folks. This is balanced with resources for safe usage and legal usage. This also includes outside resources for an unintended intense trip, guidance for amounts, and even how to acquire testing kits to test substances that may be decriminalized but not regulated. This offers solid guidance on microdosing a multitude of substances. I pretty much consider this the microdosing bible. I saw the authors have an AMA up on the microdosing subreddit this week, so be sure to check it out if interested.
This audiobook is narrated by Kaleo Griffith. I appreciated Kaleo for keeping the subject moving, the tone light, and using voice inflection techniques throughout. This worked to keep the narrative interesting and moving along. This book includes as many personnel narratives as it does science-based studies, and this really keeps the narrative relatable.
Thank you to James Fadiman, PhD, Jordan Gruber, JD, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is a high quality audiobook production with a full soundtrack narrated by Melinda Sewak. This uses background noises and even voices like childreThis is a high quality audiobook production with a full soundtrack narrated by Melinda Sewak. This uses background noises and even voices like children cheering, to enhance the story. The background soundtrack really enhances the story and helps to keep children interested.
This is a sweet story about welcoming and including the members of the community especially when they are in need of a friend. This is very short and ideal for younger children, toddler age, as a fun introduction to audiobooks during bedtime or story time reading. I also think this could be beneficial for early or new readers to read along with the audio. The concepts and sentences are very early reader friendly.
Thank you to Rachel Tawil Kenyon, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is really, really good. I wasn't sure what to expect with this. This is information dense and packed with illuminating research and perspectives.This is really, really good. I wasn't sure what to expect with this. This is information dense and packed with illuminating research and perspectives. This really lays out how white interference impacts and controls how education is accessed in the Black community. This covers some information I was already familiar with but offers that information in a new way and connects it to history I was unaware of. More importantly this offers a way forward in a time when white supremacy is on the rise. This offers a historical framework for this pathology as well as proven techniques for resistance. This could not be more timely. This is upsetting and frustrating history to read about. However, it's also deeply important that this history be known, discussed, studied and addressed. I LOVE that the author addresses our current president and political landscape. She offers common sense advice and solutions. We're in for a quite a struggle in the coming years and I wouldn't be surprised if these struggles tear this nation apart again Civil War style. We simply can't allow white supremacy this power flex. This book offers tools for the coming battle, gear up!
This audiobook is narrated by Heni Zoutomou. Heni has a cultured and engaging voice. This subject matter can be rage inducing in fair-minded folks and I find audiobooks help. I prefer to consume upsetting history on audiobook. It can help the history feel more distant and less traumatic.
Thank you to authors Karida L. Brown, Hachette Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is fascinating and unique. I quite enjoyed this story. This is solidly Afrofuturist and takes the time to include quite a bit of Black American hThis is fascinating and unique. I quite enjoyed this story. This is solidly Afrofuturist and takes the time to include quite a bit of Black American history to boot. Most of the story is set in 2035, though it does start in 2288. The story doesn't quite follow normal story parameters which is interesting and slightly confusing on audiobook.
Xandria A. Brown is an archivist for the Huntington Library in LA. This future is recognizable and frightening. Xandria is disabled with multiple issues, including Long COVID from COVID 19 & COVID 34 (or 35, my memory...more
This has dual time lines about a decade apart set on a remote Island near Sweden. The characters are from Sweden in both time lines. In the 2012 time This has dual time lines about a decade apart set on a remote Island near Sweden. The characters are from Sweden in both time lines. In the 2012 time line 4 friends are on an annual girls trip. In the 2022 time line a bachelorette get-away trip with yoga and healthy eating is the focus at an posh, remote, and exclusive 'experience' style locale. The story line primarily focuses on the bachelorette timeline with flashbacks to the 2012 girl's trip.
This is a locked door mystery set at a remote location. Tessa is our annoying while relatable though slightly cringe worthy heroine. She's the style of protagonist I think of 'hot mess'. I also like the 'infinitely unlikable', and, the 'everything in it's place, all rules followed' style protagonists as well. Tessa's is a bit like the average career on the rocks, obsessively nosy and boundary violating main characters that readers of this genre love and hate, and sometimes, love to hate...more
This is a middle grade biography of Malcolm X. While much of what is offered in this biography covers information I'm quite familiar with, this offereThis is a middle grade biography of Malcolm X. While much of what is offered in this biography covers information I'm quite familiar with, this offered a few new pieces of information as well as a fresh perspective on the facts I'm already familiar with. This is written for a younger audience so there's a bit of repetition that can be tiring for older audiences. This offers an interesting perspective on Malcolm's life and is structured in a way that I think would appeal to adults who are unfamiliar with Malcolm's life. If you've only ever seen Spike Lee's movie on Malcolm, this will be a treat for an adult. This is very accessible, well written, and engaging. I highly recommend it for kids and some adults. This is a thorough introduction to Malcolm while also being less distressing than some of the adult centered biographies. I recently reviewed a book that covered his childhood and incarceration in depth and great detail. This is much lighter and more easily accessible to lay readers of history.
This audiobook is narrated by Ibram X. Kendi. Dr. Ibram has a cultured and smooth voice. The advantage of the audiobook is the reader gets to directly hear the author's own excitement and emphasis on words. I truly enjoyed the narration on this. It added depth and I think helps this appeal to the targeted age group. This also offers a rich opportunity for immersion reading, which is a wonderful way to study history.
Thank you to Ibram X. Kendi, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I reviewed the first novel in this cozy mystery series for NetGalley last year. It remains one of my top 5 cozy mystery reads. I just loved the set upI reviewed the first novel in this cozy mystery series for NetGalley last year. It remains one of my top 5 cozy mystery reads. I just loved the set up and humor. This second installment follows the same pattern established in the first novel as far as storytelling style and interspersed piercing of the fourth wall. All of the charm of the first novel is on display in this novel as well. In fact, this picks up right from the final chapter of the first novel and ends with the set up of what will, I presume, be the third novel in this series. It's smoothly and entertainingly played.
This time Eleanor is at her best friend, actress Emma Wood's, wedding. Emma and her fiancé fellow actor Fred Winters, starred in a movie adaptation of Eleanor's first novel, When In Rome. On the set of the movie, the actors fell in love and the wedding is somewhat of a wrap party for the film. It's a destination wedding set on Catalina Island. This is a fun, dynamic and light cozy novel. I like that's it's a cozy mystery about an author of a famous cozy mystery series being turned into a movie. The story basis is clever and the author is able to make it work. This features some of the cast from the first book. There's Eleanor's sister, her love interest, her blackmailing ex, her blackmailing ex's ex-wife and a surprise appearance I won't spoil. I did not guess the reveal and I enjoyed the mystery. However, this felt a bit off on pacing towards the end. Still, I quite enjoyed this and am looking forward to Eleanor's next adventure. I love that each book ends with the setup and title of the next novel in the series. This was a delightful cozy. I just loved it.
This audiobook is narrated by Elizabeth Evans who also narrated the first novel in this series. Elizabeth is a wonderful narrator. She truly brings Eleanor to life and I adore how she handles the narration when she speaks directly to the reader. What a charming and talented narrator.
Thank you to Catherine Mack, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I first read the autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley in my 9th grade Social Studies class. We could read either Booker T. Washington's biI first read the autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley in my 9th grade Social Studies class. We could read either Booker T. Washington's biography or Malcolm X's. I'm pretty sure I chose Malcolm X but it may have been assigned to me. This was before Spike Lee's movie and I knew very little about Brother Malcolm. I now know much more about him as an activist but this filled in many holes about his childhood, life before prison and his transformation in prison into the leader we recognize today. This is truly fascinating and combines letters, articles and interviews seamlessly into an interesting perspective of Malcolm's development. I think this will appeal to scholars of all levels who are interested in how Malcolm was formed into Malcolm X. I loved the juxtaposition this style of biography yielded. I hope to see more important historical figures given this kind of in depth treatment. Most especially those figures who would've been marginalized by the society they lived in. Also I can not stress how intensely thorough this early focus on Malcolm's experiences are. These are the experiences that create Malcolm X the leader and it's a treasure to explore.
This audiobook is narrated by James Fouhey. James voice is rich and his intonation helps to keep the reader interested. This was well matched between narrator and text.
Thank you to Patrick Parr, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
I really liked the world building in this story. Glory Brown lives in the Seam, at the Light Inn. Which has been in the Brown family for generations aI really liked the world building in this story. Glory Brown lives in the Seam, at the Light Inn. Which has been in the Brown family for generations as a sanctuary for travelers of the Seam. The Inn is important and provides a much needed public service but Glory yearns for more. She ultimately finds the adventure she is seeking when Marcus enters her life through a hedge.
This has magic, monsters, smart kids and supportive adults. Sometimes in middle grade novels it feels like parents are creatively removed from the action. I know this is so the kid can carry the story but it often leaves the adults absent or in some cases negligent. I liked that this story managed to focus on the kids but also included the parents actively supporting the kids. I don't want to spoil the story but I truly enjoyed how this played out. I think the basic premise of children having Moxie helped to support this adult involved structure. I'm an adult so my preferences don't matter in this genre. I'm just sharing what I liked.
Though this story is written at a middle grade level, I think it would appeal to grade schoolers as well. This is also a good book for parents to read with or to grade school age children who may not yet have the skills to read this on their own yet. Parents, teachers, and librarians build a love of reading in children by introducing kids to books they can all love.
This is delightfully narrated by Tyla Collier. Tyla has a rich and melodic voice which enhances this story beautifully. This is a perfect audiobook for immersion reading. The narration truly adds to the experience of this novel and I highly recommend consuming this on audio.
Thank you to Alby C. Williams, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This was well researched and interesting. In the beginning the author lets the reader know the idea for this story was in response to increasing policThis was well researched and interesting. In the beginning the author lets the reader know the idea for this story was in response to increasing police violence towards Black men in the United States. The author uses white Americans response to and treatment of Black boxers to show how racism impacts how Black men are viewed in our society.
This really brought to mind my Black father. He was a large man, he played college football, and very dark skinned. My father was always clean, clothes ironed, smelling good and usually smiling when he left the house. I did not notice until I was an adult that was a performance so he wouldn't be harassed by police or frightened white folks. As a toddler I got into medicine in an aunt's suitcase when she visited. My white mom grew up in an all white sundown town and I was visiting with her there when it happened. My father rushed to the ER where he was held by security because of his rightful concern over the impact to his toddler. My mom thought this was hilarious but I understand what danger he was in. Just for existing as a large Black man who wasn't bothering to smile to put white folks around him at ease. Its a lot of pressure and I witnessed the toll it took on him. This narrative resonated with me on every level.
The author cleverly uses the headlines from white papers and later news programs to express how Black man are viewed as less than human beings. Most of these were painful to hear. Yet more relevant today than ever before as we roll back protections for Black Americans from white supremacy at an alarming rate. The Federal government recently removed the ban against segregation in Federal contracts. Sadly, it looks like my grandsons will be subject to much the same treatment and experience my father had. Of course, we've never really, as a nation, gotten completely away from these white supremacist views as the author brilliantly points out in this history. I was expecting this to be about Black Heavyweight champs full of names I'd recognize. This was much deeper than what I expected. While I was familiar with the more famous boxers covered, I had the opportunity to learn about Black boxers I'd never even heard of.
I'd recommend this to fellow lovers of history, boxing, and Black history in general. This was incredibly thorough and the research offered was fascinating. I highly suggest the audiobook version as this flowed well and helped some of the ugly parts feel less painful. This audiobook is wonderfully narrated by L. Malaika Cooper. Her voice was rich and firm. It truly suited the text which dealt with white supremacy and racism. This never felt preachy or dry and the narrators voice was steady but interesting.
Thank you to Jordana Moore Saggese, HighBridge Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
The illustrator of this picture book is JiaJia Hammer. The illustrations are crisp, colorful, and inviting.
This is a sweet and timely children's pictuThe illustrator of this picture book is JiaJia Hammer. The illustrations are crisp, colorful, and inviting.
This is a sweet and timely children's picture book focusing on how kindness can make a hard day better. This highlights representation for multiple kids while encouraging them to be the change they needed for someone else. This is truly what we need to be teaching children in these troubled times.
Thank you to Megan Murphy, Familius, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ebook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is largely a political thriller and the story felt both familiar and relatable. The main characters are a reporter and the yo3.5 Stars Rounded Up
This is largely a political thriller and the story felt both familiar and relatable. The main characters are a reporter and the youngest Senator to sit in Congress who was once a professional football player. I wasn't deeply invested in the characters in the beginning of the novel as they felt somewhat two dimensional. Despite that, the story itself was interesting. I think this suffered mostly from pacing issues at the beginning. When consuming a thriller, I prioritize my interest being piqued and for the action to move relatively quickly over character development or growth. Once the story got interesting, about 30% in, I was invested. I think this is a first novel and some minor faults are expected.
The mystery itself was delightfully twisted and I truly enjoyed the political focus of the story. The romance plot felt a bit thin and unnecessary. This had great bones and I think as this author continues in her craft the pacing issues at the start of the novel will naturally work themselves out. I want to stress that my initial impatience with the beginning of this novel was rewarded with how the story grew and ultimately resolved itself. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
This audiobook is narrated by Imani Jade Powers. Imani's narration was sheer perfection. I enjoyed how easily I was able to keep the characters separated based on her inflection and tone. The narration really elevated this novel.
Thank you to Maya Golden Bethany, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own. ...more
This is fast paced and action packed, much more than the first novel in this series. I was surprised and delighted with how quickly this story moved. This is fast paced and action packed, much more than the first novel in this series. I was surprised and delighted with how quickly this story moved. Abeni is in a new environment and I found the world building a treat. Much like with the first novel in this series, this felt like well established mythology. This novel was darker with violence that felt more real world than fantasy. This featured Abeni and her support crew in a more mature situation. This sophomore installment in the series felt leaner but in a positive way. I truly adore the world of Abeni and look forward to her next escapade. This audiobook is narrated by Nneka Okoye. Nneka was a delightful improvement over the narrator of the first novel in this series. Her narration enhanced the story by leaps and bounds
Thank you to P. Djèlí Clark, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own....more
This is an extremely thorough history of the Cherokee Nation covering almost 200 years of increasing colonial contact. This addresses not just the hisThis is an extremely thorough history of the Cherokee Nation covering almost 200 years of increasing colonial contact. This addresses not just the history of The Cherokee, but also the Indigenous nations & confederations they traded and squabbled with. As well the colonial powers who exacerbated existing rifts between Indigenous nations to their own advantage.
This offers a rich history of everyday life in the Cherokee nation through the years. Much of this covered history I was completely unfamiliar with. I had an opportunity to learn about governance, the daily life, friendship customs, marriage customs, child rearing, clothing, hunting, home life and so much more. At times I felt a bit overwhelmed listening to this on audiobook. It's extremely long and somewhat dry in the narration. I found myself longing for a written copy which would've allowed for an immersion experience. I truly appreciated how detailed this was.
Not being already familiar with this history, I am unable to comment on it's accuracy of facts. This covered well known historical leaders as well as everyday folks and customs. The research felt solid, if a bit weighted by colonial bias. Many of the historical sources the author sites in the text are observations from various white settlers, traders and government men. I made an effort to borrow the text from the library after it was released so I could offer a more informed opinion. Unfortunately, neither my local library, Hoopla, Libby or CloudLibrary had the written version available to borrow. My local Hoopla does have the audiobook available.
I hoped to corroborate anything I misheard in the narration with the written version. With that limitation stated, I'm going to offer with my impressions on the author's tone. The tone of this felt extremely colonial. The Indigenous Peoples of the Americas were referred to throughout the narrative with the inaccurate 'Indian' term. It felt deliberate and disrespectful on the author's part. It bothered me throughout my consumption of this history. This choice was never explained. Nor was it ever acknowledged that using 'Indian' when referring to the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas is no longer the academic standard nor considered respectful. I was bothered by settlers being referred to as 'victims' of the Indigenous Peoples fighting for their supremacy on their own land during an invasion that has never ended. The Cherokee were not themselves really acknowledged as the victims of colonization and the related settler violence. Which is inaccurate, uncomfortable, and made this text feel dated.
This audiobook is read by DeLanna Studi. I honestly found the narration a bit boring. In the narrators defense, this was a dense historical text and a bit dry in places. Perhaps this narraror is new to nonfiction or historical narration. I would definitely recommend the printed or ebook over the audiobook for this.
Thank you to David Narrett, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own. ...more