REVIEW: Search for a Mysterious Mushroom Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser

 

Search for a Mysterious Mushroom is a lively and imaginative pick-your-path adventure that turns reading and learning into a fun quest. Designed for young readers, the book invites kids to choose their research team, gear, and expedition as they hunt for the elusive Amparoina spinosissima mushroom. Along the way, each choice leads to new habitats and discoveries, that blend real science - an introduction to mycology - with an engaging cast and a fun narrative.

This book would be perfect for an end of the week class or science club activity, with props of course. Even a weekend adventure club or a sleep over etc. The artwork is simple and conveys exactly what the authors want.

The bright comic book/graphic novel style approach makes the information feel interactive, and even if one route doesn’t find the mushroom, readers will still learn a lot. the publisher describes this book as perfect for young adventurers who are into STEM, nature and will enjoy hands-on storytelling.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the authors Amy Seto Forrester and Andy Chou Musser and Chronicle Books for a digital copy (ebook) of #SearchforaMysteriousMushroom  in exchange for my honest opinion. Search for a Mysterious Mushroom will be published on May 5, 2026. 

I AM A GREEN READER

 I took the Read Your Color quiz and I am a green reader (scored 45%)

Based on the concept or theory developed by Steven Reese that explores how readers, think, feel, process thoughts, enjoy or dislike books. "Our quiz is designed to get beneath the surface of your reading preferences — not by asking about favorite genres, but by exploring how you think, feel, and approach stories. We’ve blended insights from reader psychology, narrative theory, and thousands of book reviews and patterns to create a system that helps you find books you’ll actually finish — and love." Courtesy of https://www.readyourcolor.com/how-it-works-
Reese started posting last April and has shared books recommendations based on these six color categories. I went through his posts (the ones not behind a pay wall) to pull out the recommended GREEN books - see the titles listed below. The results were interesting as majority of them are nonfiction. On an annual basis I would say about 25% of my reading is nonfiction titles. Out of this 45 titles recommended for green readers, only a handful are fiction. I will see how well I engage with this list throughout the year. 

I OWN three of these titles, have three on my TBR and have only READ one. Am I really a Green Reader?

The Green List

1. The Gulag Archipelago (abridged) by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn (1973)

2. Neptune’s Fortune by Julian Sancton

3. Among the Bros: A Fraternity Crime Story by Max Marshall

4. Attensity! by The Friends of Attention

5. Why We Drink Too Much by Dr. Charles Knowles

6. A Flower Traveled in My Blood, by Haley Cohen Gilliland

7. The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love, and Adventure at
    the Bottom of the World by Tilar J. Mazzeo

8. Atlas Shrugged (Ayn Rand) OWN

9. True History of the Kelly Gang (Peter Carey)¹

10. Redeployment by Phil Klay

11. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann OWN

12. This Is Your Mind on Plants by Michael Polla

13. Judgment at Tokyo by Gary J. Bass

14. Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert

15. Bottle of Lies:The Inside Story of the Generic Drug Boom by Katherine Eban

16. The Finest Hotel in Kabul by Lyse Doucet

17. King of Kings by Scott Anderson

18. The Great Contradiction by Joseph J. Ellis

19. 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin

20. How Infrastructure Works (Deb Chachra)

21. The Patriarch — David Nasaw

22. Cloudsplitter (Russell Banks)

23. The Age of Diagnosis by Suzanne O’Sullivan

24. The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America by Sarah Igo

25. On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss

26. This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust

27. The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean

28. War Trash by Ha Jin

29. When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamín Labatut

30. The Face of Battle by John Keegan

31. American Pastoral by Philip Roth (1997)

32. The Cold Millions by Jess Walter OWN

33. The British Are Coming by Rick Atkinson

34. On Consolation by Michael Ignatieff

35. The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel – Douglas Brunt

36. Cue the Sun! – Emily Nussbaum READ

37. Work – James Suzman

38. Abundance – Ezra Klein

39. Some People Need Killing – Patricia Evangelista TBR

40. The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson TBR

41. The Tiger by John Vaillant

42. The Sirens Call by Chris Hayes

43. Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams

44. The Prosecutor by Jack Fairweather

45. Everything Is Tuberculosis by John Green TBR

REVIEW: BOOM TOWN by Nic Stone

 

Debut adult thriller from young adult and middle grade author Nic Stone. Boom Town is her first adult novel. 

Boom Town is a fast pace intense urban thriller set in one of Atlant's infamous gentlemens club. We find two employees, Charm a newbie and Lucky, a seasoned [former] headliner have gone missing without a trace. The only person that notices this and how similar the two disappearances are is Lucky's former partner and co- headliner, Lyriq. 

Lyriq is on a mission to find out what happened and where these women are. This thriller is a mix of Player’s Club and P-Valley. It is gritty, raw, sharp, suspenseful and thought provoking. The latter is evident in the novel's social commentary on power, abuse, race, class, misogyny and the lack of attention and resources dedicated to finding missing women and girls.

Thank you to #NetGalley and #SimonSchuster, the author Nic Stone for a digital copy of #BoomTown exchange for my honest opinion. Boom Town will be published tomorrow October 14, 2025.

#CampNetGalley: Review of Dexter: The Stand Up Dog

 

Dexter: The Stand up Dog by Bonnie Kelso and Kentee Pasek is a warmhearted true story of a rescue dog that was involved in a tragic accident. As a result he lost one of his legs. Dexter could have given up, yet he persevered and learned to walk. He went on to bring joy not only to his family but to many people especially children across the country. 

Thank you to #NetGalley and #CampNetGalley, the authors Bonnie Kelso (and illustrator) and Kentee Pasek and Gnome Road Publishing for a digital copy of #DexterDogOuray in exchange for my honest opinion. Dexter: The Stand Up Dog  will be published on September 16, 2025.

REVIEW: Black Woman Grief by Natasha Smith

Black Woman Grief: A Guide to Hope and Wholeness would be ideal for Christian women on a similar spiritual journey as the author. If would be difficult for non-Black women or perhaps non-African American women to appreciate this messages shares in the book. If it is not your lived or shared experience than it will be hard for you to relate. 

Part memoir, part self-help guide Black Woman Grief explores the different stages and types of grief Black women experience throughout their lives whether it is loss or trauma. I see this guide evolving into a workbook or devotional and being used either in Black women's bible study or religious based [grief] counseling. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Natasha Smith and IVP Audiobooks | IVP for an audio copy of #BlackWomanGrief in exchange for my honest opinion. Black Woman Grief will be published on February 25, 2025. 

REVIEW: I Am Nobody's Slave by Lee Hawkins

 

This is a very heartfelt memoir that could mirror any childhood of any African American child growing up post Jim Crow. Lee Hawkins recounts a deeply personal. somewhat scarred upbringing as he explores his family's history. Many of his experiences (parent-child or parent-parent relationships) were so relatable. One example is the ice-cream incident which I am positive has played out in many households over the past century and even today.  Hawkins also addresses some hard topics such as racism, generational trauma and slavery. This was an enjoyable read that was insightful and moving. I Am Nobody’s Slave is a powerful reflection on the African American struggle and a peoples resilience for the want of a better life. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Lee Hawkins and Amistad for a digital copy of #IAmNobodysSlave in exchange for my honest opinion. I Am Nobody's Slave comes out today January 14, 2025. 

REVIEW: The Day God Saw Me as Black by D. Danyelle Thomas

 

In The Day God Saw Me as Black: The Journey to Liberated Faith, D. Danyelle Thomas delivers a profound exploration of Black identity, spirituality, and the decolonization of faith. Through candid storytelling and a blend of cultural critique and personal reflections, Thomas invites readers to reimagine their spirituality beyond Eurocentric interpretations of Christianity. The book speaks to the healing and liberation found in reclaiming one’s faith from oppressive structures, celebrating Blackness as sacred and deserving. Thomas's writing is both intimate and empowering, making this work a compelling read for those interested in faith, cultural identity, and the resilience of the Black experience. Each chapter could be it's own standalone text as deserves it's own deep dive and exploration. There are so many gems within and between the lines. 

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author D. Danyelle Thomas and Row House Publishing for an audio copy of #TheDayGodSawMeasBlack in exchange for my honest opinion. The Day God Saw Me As Black comes out tomorrow, October 29, 2024.

REVIEW: Scam Goddess by Laci Mosley

 

Life is a Scam, Adulthood is a Scam, Everything is a Scam!! I have been a huge fan of Laci Mosley's Scam Goddess podcast and now her first book. Scam Goddess is a witty and sharp collection of essays that dives into the world of scams, frauds, and cons with unbridled humor and insight. Based on her personal experiences and the world around her, especially Hollywood,  Mosley magnificently explores how the scamming mindset and situations has influenced her life. Through her unique lens, Mosley reveals that we’re all participants in a cruel game that has been rigged against us, but with the right attitude and scam up your sleeve, one can definitely flip the script to your advantage. This was a hilarious and Both entertaining read and at times thought-provoking. Mosley provides a very helpful list of ‘scam’ tips at the end. Scam Goddess is a celebration of resilience, survival, and the art of the hustle. Let the church say Amen!! 

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Laci Mosley and Hachette Audio | Running Press Adult for a digital (audio) copy of the memoir #ScamGoddess in exchange for my honest opinion. Scam Goddess will be out September 10, 2024, so be on the lookout!!

REVIEW: They Dream in Gold by Mai Sennaar

 

They Dream in Gold is a captivating novel that weaves together human stories on multiple levels. Set against the backdrop of the 1968 New York jazz scene the book spans continents and decades and follows the passionate and tumultuous relationship and bond between Bonnie and Mansour. A bond, formed out of shared experiences of displacement and longing, is both a source of solace and inevitable heartache. It also draws on characters and its exploration of the African diaspora's quest for identity and belonging. Mansour's musical journey, infused with Senegalese rhythms and the spirit of revolution, also serves as a powerful metaphor for the migrant experience. When Mansour disappears it adds another level of mystery and urgency to the narrative, propelling Bonnie on a quest that is as much about finding herself as it is about finding him. They Dream in Gold is an intimate tale that is beautifully written and deeply moving.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Mai Sennaar and Dreamscape Select | SJP Lit for a digital copy of the novel #TheyDreaminGold in exchange for my honest opinion. 

REVIEW: Heretic by Catherine Nixey

Heretic is a provocative exploration of Jesus Christ not only as how he is known in the Christian world but as an historical figure. You will find this book challenges the status quo of what is known and believed about Christ the son of God. Catherine Nixey presents numerous concepts that will have you thinking and maybe second guessing what you have been taught in religious studies and in church. Nixey delves into the various interpretations and transformations of Jesus’s identity over centuries. This text was meticulously researched and written in engaging prose. It challenges the traditional narratives, offering readers and believers alike a fresh perspective on the central figure of the Christian religion/faith. Heretic is a fantastic, enlightening read that would be an ideal text for book clubs and anyone interested in history, theology, and cultural studies. I cannot wait for it to be published at the end of the year. I want both a physical and audio copy.
Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Catherine Nixey and Mariner Books for an advanced digital copy of #Heretic in exchange for my honest opinion.

REVIEW: Vincent by Simon Elliott

 

As an avid fan of art history and historical figures in art. This biography of the iconic artist Vincent van Gogh in graphic novel format offers an intimate and captivating look into his life. Although, I found Elliott's artwork very simplistic and scrapbook like it beautifully complemented the narrative. It captured both the vibrant colors and emotional depth mimicking van Gogh's work and life. This graphic novel explores van Gogh's struggles with mental health, his tumultuous relationships, and his unyielding passion for art. The narrative was both informative and empathetic, making the artist’s journey accessible and engaging for all readers. Elliott created a compelling tribute to van Gogh’s genius and challenges, making it a must-read for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Simon Elliott and the Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion | Frances Lincoln for a digital copy of the graphic novel #VincentAGraphicBiography in exchange for my honest opinion.

REVIEW: Freedom Was In Sight by Kate Masur

 

Kate Masur’s “Freedom Was in Sight: A Graphic History of Reconstruction in the Washington, D.C., Region” is a remarkable history text in graphic novel format. It delves into key pivotal moments of the Civil War and Reconstruction era, a critical period in American history. Masur's engaging storytelling brings to life the struggles and triumphs of African Americans fighting for their freedom and rights. This was a  meticulously researched book and would be a great way to introduce a topic of historical significance to schools. I think presenting nonfiction works in a variety of formats appeals to a wider range of readers especially the younger generations. The artwork (Liz Clarke, illustrator) itself is both vivid and evocative, capturing the emotional intensity and the significance of the period. Through these powerful visuals and poignant narrative, this graphic novel provides a nuanced exploration of the complexities of freedom, resistance, and justice. It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the ongoing struggle for civil rights of black people in this country.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Kate Masur and the University of North Carolina Press - Ferris and Ferris Books for a digital copy of the graphic novel #FreedomWasinSight in exchange for my honest opinion.

REVIEW: Born to Create by Anne Jacoby

Anne Jacoby's "Born to Create: How Creativity Sparks Connection, Innovation, and Belonging in Our New World of Work" is a timely exploration of creativity's essential role in today's evolving work environment. It  delves into the transformative power of creativity in the workplace, arguing that it is not merely a desirable skill but a fundamental component for fostering connection, innovation, and a sense of belonging. The author notes that creativity is innate to all humans and, when harnessed effectively, can revolutionize the way we work, collaborate, and connect with others. The book covers a few themes such as creativity as a universal trait, fostering connections, driving innovation, creating belonging among a few others. The book also provides practical applications in the form of  numerous exercises, frameworks, and tools that one can implement immediately. “Born to Create” is a rich resource for anyone looking to make creativity a cornerstone of their professional life.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Anne Jacoby and  Greenleaf Audiobooks | Fast Company Press for a digital copy of #BorntoCreate in exchange for my honest opinion.

REVIEW: The Intuition Toolkit by Joel Pearson

  In "The Intuition Toolkit: The New Science of Knowing What without Knowing Why," Joel Pearson, a leading Australian neuroscientist, provides practical advice to people who seek  guidance when it comes to decision making. Pearson shares five practical guidelines for cultivating intuition, which is backed by scientific research. In the book, the author emphasizes that while some individuals naturally use intuition more than others, everyone can develop and trust their own intuitive abilities. He provides five essential rules for harnessing one's intuition, summed up by the acronym SMILE: Self-awareness, Mastery, Impulses and Addiction, Low Probability and Environment.  Pearson uses numerous stories that underscore the scientific foundation, accessibility, and intrigue of intuitive understanding. This is just like any other self-help book, you get out of it what you want and cannot compare your interpretation of the information presented to other people. The information was thoughtful and Pearson presented it in a way that people can understand and follow.  

Thank you to #NetGalley, the author Joel Pearson and Simon & Schuster Australia for a digital copy of #TheIntuitionToolkit in exchange for my honest opinion.

2021 BookTube Prize Kicks Off!!!

2021 kicks off the 3rd Annual BookTube Prize. Check out the official kickoff video for this year.
If you are interested in signing up to judge the prize, you can do so via this link.  

Modern War Books

Disclaimer: I am not the creator of this video. I subscribe to Book Riot’s YouTube channel and have elected to utilize the share option and post this video to my blog.