Concert Katie

Yells For Ourselves focuses on the 99/00 Mets team.  I was vaguely a Mets fan at this time – I remember them making it to the World Series but was in no way as invested with the team as I would be 5 or 6 years after this.  This book was originally a blog that got made into a book (that’s the dream, isn’t it?) and begin with Bobby V and goes through some of the team changes and highlights during this time.  I thought it was a very good retelling of the era – and really enjoyed going back to this time in Mets history!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

During the 1990s, as New York was transformed from a crumbling city into a vibrant metropolis, the New York Mets were anything but vibrant. Beginning in 1999, the team waged a battle to recapture the hearts of New York baseball fans from their crosstown rivals, and they came closer to succeeding than anyone dared dream. At the same time, mayor Rudy Giuliani—architect of this new New York and those rivals’ biggest cheerleader—was engaged in his own battles to win a Senate seat and to save his sagging legacy as savior of the city.

Yells For Ourselves chronicles the 1999 and 2000 seasons of the New York Mets, and explores how local and national politics were interwoven with the obsessions of a baseball-mad city. It paints a picture of this forgotten time in the history of baseball and New York, when new ballparks, rapid expansion, and “enhanced training methods” caused a home run explosion; when rising free agent salaries separated teams into the Haves and Have Nots; and when a politico’s answer to the question Mets or Yankees? could make global headlines. Above all, Yells For Ourselves captures what happened when an underdog struggled to find an identity in a city with no room left for lovable losers.

The Vagina Bible has all the details on anything and everything you’d ever want to know about your vagina. (Or any vagina, I guess.)  There are a lot of myths that are dispelled and it is written by an OBGYN so you know that the author knows her stuff! At the end of each chapter there’s a nice little recap so you can make sure you’re following all the important parts.  I actually learned a lot reading this and I always prefer to read books like this since I can be shy or embarrassed to ask questions.  (Although I will when absolutely necessary!)

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Instant New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestseller!
Boston Globe bestseller
#1 Canadian Bestseller

OB/GYN, writer for The New York Times, USA Today, and Self, and host of the show Jensplaining, Dr. Jen Gunter now delivers the definitive book on vaginal health, answering the questions you’ve always had but were afraid to ask—or couldn’t find the right answers to. She has been called Twitter’s resident gynecologist, the Internet’s OB/GYN, and one of the fiercest advocates for women’s health…and she’s here to give you the straight talk on the topics she knows best.
 
Does eating sugar cause yeast infections?
 
Does pubic hair have a function?

Should you have a vulvovaginal care regimen?
 
Will your vagina shrivel up if you go without sex?
 
What’s the truth about the HPV vaccine?

So many important questions, so much convincing, confusing, contradictory misinformation! In this age of click bait, pseudoscience, and celebrity-endorsed products, it’s easy to be overwhelmed—whether it’s websites, advice from well-meaning friends, uneducated partners, and even healthcare providers. So how do you separate facts from fiction? OB-GYN Jen Gunter, an expert on women’s health—and the internet’s most popular go-to doc—comes to the rescue with a book that debunks the myths and educates and empowers women. From reproductive health to the impact of antibiotics and probiotics, and the latest trends, including vaginal steaming, vaginal marijuana products, and jade eggs, Gunter takes us on a factual, fun-filled journey. Discover the truth about:

• The vaginal microbiome
• Genital hygiene, lubricants, and hormone myths and fallacies
• How diet impacts vaginal health
• Stem cells and the vagina
• Cosmetic vaginal surgery
• What changes to expect during pregnancy and after childbirth
• What changes to expect through menopause
• How medicine fails women by dismissing symptoms

Plus:

• Thongs vs. lace: the best underwear for vaginal health
• How to select a tampon
• The full glory of the clitoris and the myth of the G Spot

. . . And so much more. Whether you’re a twenty-six-year-old worried that her labia are “uncool” or a sixty-six-year-old dealing with painful sex, this comprehensive guide is sure to become a lifelong trusted resource.

Words from the White House is all about words and phrases that are made popular by or were created by Presidents!  There is a section on firsts- Jefferson the first to wear long trousers and George HW Bush the first to publicly refuse Broccoli.  Madison came up with the term “squatter”, Wilson dropped the “The” before “Congress”.  There’s also an A-Z list of all the words and it is interesting to see where they began to gain popularity (or existence) and how many are still used today!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review, I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

“A compendious, entertaining look at our nation’s leaders through words and turns of phrase.” — Kirkus Reviews

From George Washington’s “New Yorker” and Thomas Jefferson’s “pedicure” to Theodore Roosevelt’s “lunatic fringe,” Richard Nixon’s “silent majority,” and Donald Trump’s “covfefe,” this entertaining and eminently readable volume compiles words and phrases that were coined or popularized by American presidents. Discover the origins of “bloviate” (Warren G. Harding), “military-industrial complex” (Dwight D. Eisenhower), “misunderestimate” (George W. Bush), “squatter” (James Madison), and other terms that have helped define American culture. The entries are listed alphabetically, featuring a definition and — in most cases — a brief discussion that places them in historical context.

“Thoroughly enjoyable.” — The Washington Post

“The author is an essayist and lexicographer who presents this entertaining look at how presidents have used and shaped our language.” — The Dispatch (Columbus)

Music Is My Life has a lot of ways to help you cope with life through music – cry it out, get creative with it, shout about it.  Of the artists mentioned in the book, I had seen about 10 of them live, which was pretty cool.  There are song examples and facts about them and they are all split by your moods so you can choose your playlist based on how you are feeling.  There are some really cool illustrations in this book and all  genres and eras of music seem to be included so at least someone you’re interested in should be in here!

I received a free e-copy of this book in order to write this review. I was not otherwise compensated.

About the Book

Do you remember the first time you discovered an artist you really loved? Have you listened to them over and over again at different points throughout your life?

This book harnesses that feeling, by collecting together 80 of music’s finest artists to guide young people through the good, bad and sad times. Whatever the feeling, these artists have been there and sung about it. Organised by mood, young ones can dip into the library to discover new artists from decades past to present day.

Fall in love with Mariah Carey, shout about it with Nirvana, love yourself with Lizzo, or cry it out with Adele. With 80 artists, bands, and composers from all genres (including classical) there’s something for every family member to love and recommend to the next generation.

Each entry contains biographical information on each artist, lists must-hear songs, and has accessible musical analysis from author and journalist Myles Tanzer. Every artist is captured in full-colour, rocking art by Ali Mac. With information at the front on how to soundtrack your mood, and information at the back on how to listen to and make your own music.

A pitch-perfect first introduction to music for tweens.