Review: The Eleventh Plague - Audio

The Eleventh Plague - Audio by Jeff Hirsch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Finally. Someone finally managed to write a YA dystopian with a male lead and an actual ending. No trilogy, no unfinished ending, no overdone 15 year old girl drama. Just a kid with a rough life and his story of finding home. This might have been a 3 star book but the previous facts easily bumped it to a 4.

I actually enjoyed the book, was thrilled that the author didn't try and drag another 2 CDs out of it and thought the ending was strong. Very rarely do dystopian characters make the logical, practical choice and it was a refreshing change.



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Review: Don't Get Caught With Your Pantry Down

Don't Get Caught With Your Pantry Down by James T. Stevens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



If you are trying to start a stockpile or making preparedness plans and you are overwhelmed by choices, this is a useful (thought dated!) book. Another reviewer mentioned that it's like a giant phone book and they are right - but that's exactly what it was designed to be. It's an all-in-place directory of resources on everything from sealable cans and MREs to medical kits and generators. After reading the sections I am concerned with, I have a better understanding of the manufacturers, distributors and super retailers for the products I want to find. I have websites, addresses, phone numbers and company info on any vendor out there. I really wish there was a newer version as the information is 12 years old but the big names then are still the big names so it's still usable.



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Review: The Encyclopedia of Survival Techniques, New and Revised

The Encyclopedia of Survival Techniques, New and Revised by Alexander Stilwell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Useful book to add to a preparedness kit. There are 5 sections that focus on specific areas - desert, polar regions, sea, tropics and mountains - but the rest of the book focuses on tips, tricks and advice on how to survive. It includes everything from plants safe to eat to self defense against a gun. I plan to add a copy to my personal library.



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Review: Little House on a Small Planet: Simple Homes, Cozy Retreats, and Energy Efficient Possibilities

Little House on a Small Planet: Simple Homes, Cozy Retreats, and Energy Efficient Possibilities by Shay Salomon

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



A book that completely panders to my green, decluttering, minimizing side! I loved seeing examples of ways people have lived in small spaces and made it work. There are a lot of emotional barriers to paring down the objects in your life and I thought they were really well addressed. And, while I never plan to live in an earthship, have an outdoor shower or share a living space in any type of commune, the book itself was a fascinating read.



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Review: Madensky Square

Madensky Square by Eva Ibbotson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I'm a little shocked that I liked a historical romance this much. I can't believe I read a Viennese story set a century ago...and found it enjoyable!

The characters were given a depth rarely seen in books in this genre and I loved that so many relationships were taboo but successful. The women were typically strong, independent and resourceful, even the smallest baby :)



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Review: Flash and Bones

Flash and Bones by Kathy Reichs

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I've read (or listened to) several of the Tempe Brennan books simply because I like the tv show so much. Unusual for me, I prefer the show to the books. The forensic details are less involved, especially in this book. The characters are less interesting. The victims are less unique. Not that the books are bad...just lacking flair and drama.



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