Audiobook Review: I Don't Know What You Know Me From by Judy Greer

Title: I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star

Author: Judy Greer
Narrated by: Judy Greer
Publication Date: April 8, 2014
Publisher: Doubleday, audio by Books on Tape
Genre: Non-Fiction/Celebrity Memoir
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository; Audible
Source: Purchased

You know Judy Greer, right? Maybe from The Wedding Planner, 13 Going on 30, Carrie, Arrested Development, orThe Descendants. Yes, you totally recognize her. And, odds are, you already feel like she’s your friend.

In her first book of essays, I Don’t Know What You Know Me From, Greer writes about everything you would hope to hear from your best friend: how a midnight shopping trip to Walgreens can cure all; what it’s like to wake up one day with stepchildren; and how she really feels about fans telling her that she’s prettier in person. Yes, it’s all here—from the hilarious moments to the intimate confessions.

But Judy Greer isn’t just a regular friend—she’s a celebrity friend. Want to know which celebs she’s peed next to? Or what the Academy Awards are actually like? Or which hot actor gave her father a Harley-Davidson? Don’t worry; Greer reveals all of that, too. You’ll love her because, besides being laugh-out-loud funny, she makes us genuinely feel like she’s one of us. Because even though she sometimes has a stylist and a makeup artist, she still wears (and hates!) Spanx. Because even after almost twenty years in Hollywood, she still hasn’t figured everything out—except that you should always wash your face before bed. Always.

I've been a fan of Judy Greer's for a while now. While she may not be instantly recognizable to some, her acting resume is impressive and varied. She's been in Thirteen Going On Thirty, The Wedding Planner, Arrested Development, The Village and 27 Dresses. One of my favorite roles of hers is Cheryl/Carol from the animated series Archer, in which she plays a psychotic railway heiress who likes auto-erotic asphyxiation, bobcats and country music. She often plays the best friend or kooky co-worker, which suits her well as she seems like she would be a really great girlfriend. In my imaginary celebrity life, she, Sandra Bullock and Jennifer Garner would be a part of my bestie girl crew and we'd have epic dinner parties and sleepovers complete with a dance montage (I said it was imaginary).

I Don't Know What You Know Me From tells the story of Greer's childhood and eventual rise to Hollywood co-stardom. She takes us from the suburbs of Detroit all the way to Hollywood, telling her story through funny anecdotes, letters and journal entries. Greer has a dry wit and self deprecating manner that make you like her, not hate her for getting to make out with the likes of Ashton Kutcher and George Clooney. Greet tends to ramble a little bit, which can be endearing or annoying, depending on your view. I didn't have a problem with it though. The book jumps back and forth in time a lot which I found a little bit confusing at times but didn't detract from the overall experience.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book which is narrated by Greer herself. Greer is a voice over veteran and there is no one better to narrate her story than herself. Listening to her, I can easily imagine that we're just two good friends having a late night chat. I admit that I was a little sad that she didn't yell out any quotes from Archer, but I'll get over it. 

This book is very similar to how I imagine Greer to be - sweet, funny, and down-to-earth. Greer doesn't take herself too seriously and seems genuinely happy and grateful for the career she has. While this book isn't really going to give you any deep insight into the Hollywood system or tons of juicy celebrity gossip, it's a light and entertaining read that made my weekly commute a bit more bearable. I would recommend the audiobook if you can get it, as I think hearing Greer's story in her own voice made for a better read.

*All images are property of the respective film and television studios. Images are meant merely to illustrate Greer's career and no harm or infringement is intended.

Non-Fiction Review: Skirt a Day Sewing by Nicole Smith

Title: Skirt a Day Sewing 

Author: Nicole Smith
Publication Date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction Crafting/Sewing
Find It: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Book Depository
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Design a skirt for every day of the week! With these 28 irresistible projects, you'll learn all the techniques you need to custom-design and sew fabulous skirts that fit you perfectly. Smith shows you how to draft a pattern for a custom fit and then alter that pattern into one of four basic silhouettes: wrap, straight, flared, and high-waisted. Each skirt can then be easily redesigned into seven distinct and delicious looks -- one for each day of the week. These projects are suitable for sewists at every level, including beginners.

The first three chapters of Skirt a Day Sewing give a pretty good primer on basic sewing tools and techniques. The sections on how to use interfacing, sewing different seams, and how to make a sloper for a custom fit are extremely helpful to me as a novice “sewist”. Most skirt patterns I’ve picked up in the past are the paper patterns where you just pick the one that might be the closest to your measurements, then cut around. With these instructions, you take your own paper (I’ve been using cheap drawing paper which is a bit stiffer than pattern paper--I just happen to have tons of it!) and create a pattern that’s perfect just for you.

The designs are built around 4 basic shapes: wrap, straight, flared, and high-waisted skirts. I rather like the vintage silhouettes on some of the pieces, like the flared Line by Line, and the high-waisted French Toast. Some otherwise cute shapes are dragged down by unnecessarily garish embellishment, such as the appliqué on the Spring-Loaded Wrap Skirt and the exposed zipper on Nip and Tuck. There are also a couple of unfortunate fabric choices, like the clashing colors on the Great Scot Skirt and the weird metallic on Heavy Metal. However, there are enough good designs to get you through at least a week of dressing up for work and play--I’d call that well worth the price of the book. It just takes a bit of imagination on the part of the reader to look beyond the photos.

Although the book advertises a custom fit, at first glance the designs don’t look like they’d be very friendly to bigger ladies. However, I think this is mostly an illusion caused by the skinny models. The sloper should make quite a few of the skirts with unfussy waists, especially the A-line ones, well-suited to apple shapes. There are also a couple of design variations that I can’t wait to try out for my own skirts, like the elasticized back waistband. No more unhooking the waist in the car after dinner!

Beginners will probably find the whole thing daunting without a hand to hold, but those with in-between sewing skills will probably do well with this book. Advanced sewists will probably skip the first three chapters, but I’ve already pored through them at least twice and will probably re-read each section I need when I start sewing. I have actually made a skirt in under 3 hours (though to be fair, I did have a professional sewing teacher on hand for the first two hours) so I do believe the skirt-a-day claim is plausible if the reader is organized and can focus on following the directions.

I’ve purchased quite a few instructional skirt books in the past, but this is the first I’ve ever pre-ordered. I can’t wait to get started on some projects! My favorites are the Block Party, Super Fly, Coney Island, Girlie Show, and Tough Luxe (despite the exposed zipper which I still find odd). I’ll post photos if/when I actually get them done--just in time for our SoCal summer.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at http://www.styleschematic.com/category/blog/

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Non-Fiction Review: Ice Cream Sandwiches

Ice Cream Sandwiches by Donna Egan

Publication date: 4 June 2013 by Ten Speed Press

ISBN 10/13: 1607744953 | 9781607744955
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Cookbook
Keywords: Dessert, Cookies, Ice Cream, Ice Cream Sandwiches
Format: Hardcover, e-Book
Source: eARC from Netgalley

From Goodreads:

A sweet collection of 50 recipes for ice cream sandwiches from London's popular Buttercup Bake Shop.

Ice cream sandwiches are the perfect treat for both kids and adults, whether you prefer zesty lemon ice cream surrounded by soft ginger cookies or fudgey brownies encasing refreshing mint chocolate–chip ice cream, indulgently dipped in chocolate. Somehow, combining crunchy, buttery cookies with creamy, cold ice cream makes both elements better.

Alethea’s review:

With summer coming up, I was excited to see Ice Cream Sandwiches pop up on Netgalley’s list of available titles. As a diet- and budget-conscious foodie, I’m always interested in cookbooks that teach you how to make yourself something that you would typically buy pre-packaged in a shop--that is, if you’re not lucky enough to live in the vicinity of somewhere like author Donna Egan’s cupcakery, Buttercup--which I’m not. I like the idea of fresh, made-by-hand foods versus eating things with unpronounceable ingredients in the fine print of their wrappers. I imagined this cookbook would hit the spot.

Sadly, for a new book on desserts, Ice Cream Sandwiches doesn’t offer much in the way of the innovative or the unexpected. It also acknowledges that most of the ingredients can be bought and slapped together--so what do we need the cookbook for? I think the disappointment most home cooks are in for is the lack of inspiration.

A couple of the flavors are a little less vanilla--there’s a rosewater cream sandwiched in meringue, a melon sorbet sandwiched in butterfly-shaped vanilla cookies, and fig cream pigs (yum?). Egan ends the book with a few odd beverage recipes: a cola float (apparently young British people don’t know what this is or how to make one?) and a cupshake (where you blend a cupcake into a milkshake, which sounds like a total diet-buster). The only one I really would like to try is the elderflower amaretto, mainly because I’ve never tried a good amaretto cookie recipe, and there is a shop near where I live with a great elderflower sorbet (Paradis in Montrose) so I won’t have to make my own filling.

I do plan to compare store-bought ingredient results with sandwiches made from the cookie recipes in the book, as I suspect some cookies will crumble when combined with something as melty as ice cream. I expect the book’s cookies to hold up. However, with underwhelming photography and just utilitarian recipes, I suspect Ice Cream Sandwiches will see a lot of action at the bookshop and in the library, but it won’t find a home on my cookbook shelf.

If you’d like to try out a recipe, the Lemon Ginger Gems one is posted on the book’s Amazon page.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the the Buttercup Cake Shop online at http://www.buttercupcakeshop.co.uk/, follow @yum_buttercup and like them on Facebook

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Knit Your Socks On Straight - Advance Review

Knit You Socks On Straight: 
A New and Inventive Technique with Just Two Needles 
by Alice Curtis

Publication date: 18 June 2013 by Storey Publishing

ISBN 10/13: 1612120083 | 9781612120089
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Knitting - Crafts/Hobbies
Keywords: Knitting, socks, fiber arts
Format: Hardcover (spiral-bound)
Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Synopsis:

Now you can knit SOCKS on the straight needles you love! Alice Curtis developed the technique, and in Get Your Socks on Straight she explains exactly how to do it. She also includes 20 original patterns featuring a wide variety of yarns, motifs from cables to argyle, and instructions for a wide range of sizes. You'll love the beautiful, cozy socks you'll make, and you'll love making them without double-pointed needles!

Review:

Though I am not a prolific sock knitter (I tend to lose steam after the first sock), I do enjoy making them and am always trying to encourage people to take the plunge and knit them, too. One of the most common excuses I hear for not knitting socks is that people don't know how to use double points or that using them for socks seems too difficult. Of course I have heard of knitting socks on straight needles but they never seemed like anything I would want to wear. Socks are meant to be well fitting and comfortable and I did not think that a seamed sock could be either of those things. However, when I saw the title of this book along with the very cute pair of socks on the cover, I was intrigued and requested this book for review to see for myself what this innovative technique was.

The first part of the book explains the anatomy of a sock and the basic construction using two straight needles or a circular used a a straight needle. It also goes through the technique for seaming the sock with a crochet chain, which produces a straight, smooth seam. The author also goes into some detail about toe and heel types. There is a basic sock to start with, that will help familiarize you with the technique. From there you can choose from a wide variety of sock styles to knit. From intricate lace and cables, ribbed patterns, and even some colorwork, there's really something for everyone.

The patterns are laid out neatly and are easy to read. The instructions are clear and I had no problem understanding them. I also love that there were a lot of really gorgeous pictures of the socks, including close ups of pattern stitches. So many modern knitting books are more concerned with having pretty girls in dresses with out of focus knits, so it's really nice to see really good, attractive pictures that still focus on the knitting.

My favorite socks were the Maple Seed Whirlies, which had a pretty cable pattern. I also really liked the Blue Tranquility socks, which have an allover knit/purl pattern that give the socks a very squishy, soft look. My least favorite pair of socks were the Moccasoks which have some unfortunate fringe. Many of the patterns are also unisex and would be great for both men and women.

I was initially a little skeptical about this book, believing that socks knit on straight needles would not be as attractive as those knit the traditional way on double points. However, this book has proven me wrong. I don't know if I want to put away my trusty double points but, if I wanted to knit socks on straight needles, I would definitely use this book and the techniques in it, to do it. Knit Your Socks On Straight would be great for a new sock knitter who is not ready to take the step to double points just yet or even for a more advanced knitter who wants to try a new technique.

*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

 

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Visit the author online on Ravelry or Goodreads



Please note that this post contains affiliate links. For more details, please see our full disclosure policy here. 

Non-Fiction Review: Sewing In A Straight Line

Sewing In A Straight Line by Brett Bara

Publication date: 19 July 2011 by Potter Craft

ISBN 10/13: 0307586650 | 9780307586650
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Non-Fiction Crafting/Sewing
Keywords: Non-fiction, crafts, sewing
Format: Paperback, eBook
Source: Library

Thuy's Review:

Have you ever wanted to learn how to sew but were afraid to? Perhaps you think it’s too hard or you’re just not sure where to start. You’re not alone. Author and crafter Brett Bara sets out to prove that anyone can learn to sew in her book, Sewing In A Straight Line. With only a few basic materials, she will show you just how easy and simple it is to start sewing and, in no time at all, you’ll be making your own chic garments and accessories.

The book starts off with a brief intro into the materials you will need to start sewing. This part is pretty basic and gives you just enough information without being overwhelming. I would have preferred a few more illustrations on some of the techniques like the basic hand stitches (since I am terrible at hand stitching), but that’s just my preference. I do wish that the section on buying a sewing machine was more extensive. Buying a sewing machine is quite personal so I understand the author leaving the decision up to the buyer but, if you’re going to have a section about it it should be more informative. I would have even appreciated some links to sources online that might help me choose a machine.

The book breaks down projects into three categories - fashion, home, and gifts. All of the clothing items are really simple, but cute. Since this book is all about sewing a straight line, all of the patterns are based on basic shapes like squares and rectangles. You don’t have to worry about learning to read or use paper patterns with this book. I think this makes the projects much less daunting and more accessible to the novice sewer.

The fashion items range from a one hour skirt to cute belts, bags, and blouses. While I thought the projects were pretty, I don’t know if I would wear a lot of them. I like my clothes more fitted and most of these garments don’t have shaping. The skirts were my favorite of them and I would not mind making the sewing school skirt that is on the cover of the book.

one hour skirt

top and tote

 
My favorite section of the book was the home items. There are cute quilts, blankets, pillows, and containers to make to spice up your home. I could see making a lot of these items to change up the look of my apartment. The projects, again, are really straight forward and rely on simple shapes. The last section on gifts has fun things to give including some plush toys, a sewing kit, and jewelry case. My favorite was the box bag though, perfect for holding a knitting project or cosmetics. 

love this duvet cover

All in all I was impressed with the projects in this book. It’s a great jumping off point for someone hasn’t sewn before or maybe has a little experience but needs that push to make more complicated projects.

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Visit the author online at www.brettbara.com and follow her on Twitter @brettbara

The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes: Timber Tuesdays (2)

NITE LITE NON-FICTION

Alethea will be highlighting Timber Press books on Tuesdays! Disclaimer: I am not paid for these reviews, though I occasionally get eBook review copies from Netgalley. I just really like their books.

The Handbook of Natural Plant Dyes by Sasha Duerr

Publication date: 19 January 2011 by Timber Press

ISBN 10/13: 1604690712 | 9781604690712

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Category: Non-Fiction Crafting

Keywords: Dyes, Plants, Nature, Sustainability

Format: Paperback

Source: Borrowed from the library

Alethea's review:

This handbook covers the methods, materials, and reasons for using natural ingredients instead of artificial chemical dyes to color cotton, wool, and other fibers. I really like the simple recipes and how the author mentions all the different ways you can come by the ingredients and equipment. The book is really well-designed.

Many crafters taking on a new method know that it's usually an expensive process, getting started by purchasing specialized items. The main themes of Duerr's instructions include sustainability and economy, and thus many of the items you need to start a project can come from things you already have around the house, can get cheaply at thrift stores, or even find growing in your garden. The ingredients listed are so many and varied that you can even buy quite a few at the produce section of your grocery store, or pick up plants at the garden center and grow small plants indoors. This is great for suburban apartment dwellers like me.

Duerr's research seems very well-informed and also highlights safety precautions, as on the surface it may seem that because you are using handmade and natural methods and materials, that the process is entirely safe and non-toxic. However, this mainly depends on how informed and responsible the dyer is, and so that is one of the main ideas focused on by the text.

Apart from the great technical advice included in this book, the projects and photos are very inspirational. The book is well-designed and easy to follow. If anything, the reader will be overwhelmed by the myriad of possibilities presented in this book. From upcycling old garments to using up table scraps and yard clippings, Duerr seems to have thought of every possibility.

I especially like the palette that shows off some of the great colors you can achieve through plant dyeing at home. While comprehensive, it is by no means encyclopedic. Reading this book makes me want to go for a walk and find the nearest lawn or park with a dandelion explosion because I can't imagine what the red extraction from dandelion roots looks like. It's not pictured in the book.

This would be a great gift for fans of both art and fashion, as well as nature and chemistry. If I ever plow through my yarn stash I'll probably buy some undyed wool to try this out myself.

By the way, if you love color, check out this great podcast from Radiolab all about colors.

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Find more about the author at sashaduerr.tumblr.com. Check out www.timberpress.com for more awesome books published by Timber Press.

Terrarium Craft: Timber Tuesdays (1)

NITE LITE NON-FICTION

Introducing a new feature! 

From now on, Alethea will be highlighting Timber Press books on Tuesdays.

Terrarium Craft by Amy Bryant Aiello and Kate Bryant

Photographs by Kate Baldwin

Publication date: 11 May 2011 by Timber Press

ISBN 10/13: 1604692340 | 9781604692341

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Non-Fiction Gardening

Keywords: Non-Fiction, gardening, terrariums

Format: Paperback

Source: e-ARC received from Netgalley

Alethea's Review:

I confess: after downloading the review copy on Netgalley, I placed an order for my own copy straight away. Amy Bryant Aiello owns Artemisia, a store that sells terrarium supplies as well as teaches workshops on how to put them together. Kate Bryant is an author and contributes articles about plants and gardening to publications like Portland Monthly. Together they have created a great beginner's book that includes great inspirations for designs that appeal to a modern aesthetic. It also includes resources and suggestions for finding containers and materials to make your own tiny green wonderlands.

As someone who has tried and failed to keep even the simplest, pre-grown bonsai alive, I have to say terrariums are slightly less intimidating. There's something so accessible about the instructions in this book (though I haven't yet read another upcoming release, Keshiki Bonsai, which might do the same for those tiny trees I dread) that makes me feel like I could try one without disastrous results. 

While the trend is turning up everywhere from newspapers to hipster DIY forums, it's easy for erstwhile newbies to turn a simple project into an expensive eyesore, especially when it involves living things. I highly recommend that if you get this book, you attempt to follow at least a couple of the projects to the letter rather than just getting all creative from the get-go. The book contains great advice to get the chemistry and biology of your terrarium right so you don't end up with goopy plants or worse, like gnats or mold. Ugh!

This book has gorgeous photos and great information. My only criticism would be that some of the spreads don't quite make sense, but it's only two out of fifty that give me this impression, so I still give the book 4 stars out of 5.

To get a feel for what Amy and Kate's projects are like, check out this one they shared with Make magazine. Better yet, win a copy of their book right here! The giveaway is open internationally wherever bookdepository.com delivers. Good luck!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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*I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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*FTC disclosure: I participate in the BookDepository & Amazon affiliate programs. Clicking on the link and making a purchase may result in revenue for this blog. Find our full disclosure policy here.

Non-Fiction Review: Miette Bakery Cookbook

The Miette Bakery Cookbook by Meg Ray

Publication Date: 22 June 2011 by Chronicle Books

ISBN 10/13: 0811875040 | 9780811875042

Source:  Purchased

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

From Amazon:

Renowned for beautiful cakes and whimsical confections, Miette Patisserie is among the most beloved of San Francisco's culinary destinations for locals and travelers. Miette's pretty Parisian aesthetic enchants visitors with tables piled high with beribboned bags of gingersnaps, homemade marshmallows, fleur de sel caramels, and rainbows of gumballs. This cookbook brings the enchantment home, sharing 100 secret formulas for favorite Miette treats from chef and owner Meg Ray. More than 75 gorgeous color photos capture the unique beauty of Miette desserts and shops. Scalloped edges on the book block enhance the preciousness of this fetching package. Just like the adorable cakes, cookies, clairs and tarts for sale in Miette's case, this book is irresistible!

Thuy's Review:

This is a beautiful book. The layout, photos and even the scalloped page edges are all lovely and feminine and oh so French. I've visited Miette and the bakery itself is bright and charming and everything I've bought there has been delicious. Unfortunately the recipes from the Miette Bakery Cookbook did not yield the results that I was hoping for when I bought this book.

First off, the weight measurements for the recipes are off in the first printing of this book. I usually weigh my ingredients thought that the measurements looked a little off but gave the book the benefit of the doubt and made the Lemon Shortbread cookies per the instructions. My cookies ended up spreading all over the baking sheet and looked nothing like the shortbread cookies from the store. Later I found out that there was errata for the book. I understand that things happen and many books have a small number of errata. However, this one seemed to have more than normal and the mistakes are big ones. I mean, if the weight measurements are off then it means that every recipe is off. If you have a first printing, please do yourself a favor and download the errata here before making anything in this book. I have been told that the next printing of the book will have this mistakes fixed and Amazon is even sending me a copy free of charge. The Miette philosophy is a unique one. All of the cakes and even cookies are done in a smaller scale than traditional size cakes (8 or 9 inch rounds). All of the cakes are made with a smaller 6 inch round or contour pan. Though adorable, I think that people unused to baking on this scale will find it a little impractical. First, you'll have to get said 6 inch pans before making any of the cakes in the books, which I was not expecting. The cake recipes also make 2 6 inch rounds which means you’ll have to either make two fully decorated cakes or save the extra foundation cake for another time. For some this might be great but, for me, I would have preferred the recipe to be for just one full cake as I have little freezer room to spare. The recipes themselves are well written and very detailed. Don't expect quick and easy cake recipes. You're meant to take your time with these recipes. The cake recipes are all variations on a core arsenal of cake bases. The fillings, frostings and flavorings change to create an endless number of variations based on only a few simple recipes. I admit that since my shortbread failure haven’t attempted any other recipes in the book, but I want to. I am hoping that having the errata handy will yield better results next time. While I respect the owner's philosophy and vision, I think it’s a lot to commit to for your average baker. Experienced bakers who have 6 inch pans or who are willing to invest in them and in trying out smaller scale recipes will enjoy this book. I wouldn’t call these every day cake recipes. They take a lot of care and technique and are probably best saved for a special occasion. I don't regret buying this, as it is truly lovely to look at, but it is probably going to be a coffee table book for me. One that I will pull out and look at when I need a little visual inspiration. Visit the Miette Bakery website at miette.com

The Demon In The Freezer - Review

The Demon In The Freezer by Richard Preston

Publication date: 26 August 2003 by Random House

ISBN 10/13: 0375508562 | 9780375508561
Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Indiebound

Category: Adult Non-Fiction
Keywords:Non-fiction, true story, diseases, smallpox, biological warfare
Format: Mass market paperback, eBook

From Goodreads:

The first major bioterror event in the United States-the anthrax attacks in October 2001-was a clarion call for scientists who work with “hot” agents to find ways of protecting civilian populations against biological weapons. In The Demon in the Freezer, his first nonfiction book since The Hot Zone, a #1 New York Times bestseller, Richard Preston takes us into the heart of Usamriid, the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases at Fort Detrick, Maryland, once the headquarters of the U.S. biological weapons program and now the epicenter of national biodefense.

Peter Jahrling, the top scientist at Usamriid, a wry virologist who cut his teeth on Ebola, one of the world’s most lethal emerging viruses, has ORCON security clearance that gives him access to top secret information on bioweapons. His most urgent priority is to develop a drug that will take on smallpox-and win. Eradicated from the planet in 1979 in one of the great triumphs of modern science, the smallpox virus now resides, officially, in only two high-security freezers-at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta and in Siberia, at a Russian virology institute called Vector. But the demon in the freezer has been set loose. It is almost certain that illegal stocks are in the possession of hostile states, including Iraq and North Korea. Jahrling is haunted by the thought that biologists in secret labs are using genetic engineering to create a new superpox virus, a smallpox resistant to all vaccines.

Usamriid went into a state of Delta Alert on September 11 and activated its emergency response teams when the first anthrax letters were opened in New York and Washington, D.C. Preston reports, in unprecedented detail, on the government’s response to the attacks and takes us into the ongoing FBI investigation. His story is based on interviews with top-level FBI agents and with Dr. Steven Hatfill.

Jahrling is leading a team of scientists doing controversial experiments with live smallpox virus at CDC. Preston takes us into the lab where Jahrling is reawakening smallpox and explains, with cool and devastating precision, what may be at stake if his last bold experiment fails.

Thuy's Review:

The Demon In the Freezer is the chilling and true story of the evolution of smallpox. It takes a close look at the disease, our attempts to eradicate it, and its later use in bioterrorism. I really loved Preston’s The Hot Zone, which was probably one of the scariest books I have ever read. While The Demon In The Freezer didn’t pack quite the same punch (it’s hard to compete with Ebola), it was still a fascinating and frightening read.

In a world of modern medicine, WebMD and countless vaccinations, it might be hard to think of a time when a disease such as smallpox could cause such a panic. Recent outbreaks of swine flu and bird flu are tiny blips when compared to effects of smallpox at its peak. I really didn’t know much about smallpox before reading this book except for references on The X-Files and this book gave me a new respect for the various government agencies and individuals who worked tirelessly for years to get rid of the disease.

Though no longer an immediate threat, smallpox is far from gone. The samples that we know of reside in various government freezers and are being used for research. Whether or not this research is really being done for the good of humanity or as an attempt to gain a weapon that no other country has is debatable. The idea that someone might be working on a weaponized version of smallpox terrifies me and I hope that it’s something that we never see in action

Preston is matter of fact in his depictions of smallpox and what it can do to the human body and population which makes it even more terrifying. Seriously, you won’t want to go out for or touch anything after reading this book. Some of the really scientific parts can be a little dry at times but it still manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. And Preston has a flair for making you feel like you are there watching these events unfold. A must read for Preston fans and fans of biological thrillers.

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Visit the author online at richardpreston.net and find him on Facebook

Non-Fiction Review: Knits For Nerds

Knits For Nerds by Joan of Dark (aka Toni Carr)

Publication date: 21 February 2012 by Andrews McMeel

ISBN 10/13: 1449407919 | 9781449407919
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From Goodreads:

The best of science fiction, manga, and animaguiri meets knit one, purl two as knit siren and part-time roller derby girl Joan of Dark offers up an out-of-this-world assortment of knitting nerdiness inside Knits for Nerds. The patterns for 30 iconic clothing and accessory items inspired by popular TV shows, books, films, comics, and more--including Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Firefly--are presented alongside full-color photographs showcasing completed projects, such as:

* Lieutenant Uhura's sexy Star Trek minidress
* Hobbit feet slippers
* Firefly-inspired scarf, socks, hat, and jacket
* Tank Girl socks
* Hermione Granger's secret beaded bag
* Manga-inspired leg warmers
* The Big Bang Theory-inspired his and hers sweater-vests
* Lord of the Rings-inspired shrug

In addition to a wardrobe of costume finery, hobbyists will also find instructions for practical projects such as an e-reader cover or a laptop bag crafted of checkered fabric that serves double-duty as a chessboard and carryall, as well as patterns for plush toys inspired by Star Trek, robots, and the comic book Squee! Wear (and knit!) your nerdiness on your sleeve with Knits for Nerds.

Thuy's Review:

How could I resist a book called Knits For Nerds? I couldn’t really. As a knitter and a lover of many things considered “nerdy,” I was excited to pick this one up. Knits for Nerds is by Joan of Dark (aka Tori Carr) whose last book, Knockdown Knits, was inspired by roller derby. This time she tackles the nerd community with patterns inspired by things considered geeky, including television shows, books, comics and video games.

The book consists of 30 patterns divided into the categories of Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Comics & Manga, and Other Stuff. The patterns range from easy to intermediate with the Browncoat sweater or lace shrug probably being the most complicated projects. The patterns range from small accessories such as fingerless gloves, hats and scarves to larger items like shawls and sweaters. There are quite a few toys to knit in the book as well as a pair of socks. There is a brief Tips & Techniques section at the back of the book but it’s more of a refresher than a how to knit section. I’d suggest getting a book dedicated to learning to knit if don’t already know how before starting.

I had a lot of fun going through this book. The projects are inspired by things near and dear to my heart. The photos were even shot in Neil Gaiman’s house, which made me do a fangirl squee when I read it. My favorite projects were the most wearable ones, such as the Vampire Academy inspired Alchemy Scarf and the Firefly Browncoat Sweater. There’s a really beautiful cable shawl inspired by Melissa Marr’s Wicked Lovely series. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is represented by a pair of really cute, striped arm warmers. There are a pair of vests for men and woman from The Big Bang Theory that look quite cute and wearable. The Space Princess Hat and Cape (seen on the cover) are really cool but are items that I, personally, would not wear and therefore I would not make. I was kind of disappointed in the Dr. Who inspired Time Traveler Scarf. The colors are more pastel than the Dr. Who scarf I am used to and I would not have made the connection if not for the project title. There are also some fun, little projects like a checkerboard and a Gryffindor bag that would make good gifts.

While not all of the projects in this book are the most practical (do I want my feet to look like hairy hobbit feet?), it was certainly fun to go through this book and see projects that were inspired by some of my favorite movies, games and comics. For me, this gets a little bit of a lower rating because I can’t see myself, personally, wearing too many of these knits. However, I can see a lot of these projects appealing to others. Fans of cosplay will find lots of cool, inspiring things to make in this book.

Filled with a wide variety of patterns, Knits for Nerds is a great gift for the fanboy, fangirl or crafty person in your life.

I received this book free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This, in no way, affected my opinion or review of this book.

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Visit the author online at her blog 

Non-Fiction Review: The Treats Truck Baking Book

The Treats Truck Baking Book by Kim Ima Publication date: 1 Nov 2011 by HarperCollins ISBN 10/13: 0062065777 | 9780062065773 Let's be honest--baking books, by and large, are all kind of the same. Chocolate chip cookies, check. Sugar cookies, check. Oatmeal, Lemon Bars... omg, I'm getting hungry! And yet, you can't have just one. You know what I'm talking about. When I still worked in a chain bookstore, not a week went by that I didn't lust after one baking book or another. I am no longer around other people's books every day, and I don't bake or cook very often, but I can't resist a good cookbook.

There's definitely something about The Treats Truck Baking Book that says, "Take me home!" Even if you already have a million of the same or similar recipe for brownies, you'll want to try the Treats Truck way, especially if you're nowhere near their route. Aside from the usual bakery staples, Kim Ima includes tips and tricks for getting your home baking to turn out like hers. There are also fun varieties like Pumpkin Swirl Cookies, Caramel Creme Sandwich Cookies, and an Oatmeal Jammy recipe that's sure to be a hit with fans of the new Doctor Who. The real treat is stuff you can't find anywhere else--like ice cream cone cupcakes, dessert nachos, and a coconut-chocolate-chip cookie named after one of her customers. This is definitely one to add to the kitchen bookshelf or your holiday wishlist! This would even be a good one for novice bakers, since Ima's tone is very conversational. The design of the book is also very friendly--I read it on my laptop and just curled up on the couch with a hot cup of cocoa. Total comfort, even without a single cookie--but thanks to Kim, I can remedy that soon. Find out more about Kim Ima and the Treats Truck at www.treatstruck.com, and follow @TheTreatsTruck on Twitter. Thanks to HarperCollins/WilliamMorrow for allowing us to peek at the Netgalley edition of this book. Find more reviews by Alethea on the YA side of Read Now Sleep Later