Storm Cursed (A Mercy Thompson Novel, Book 11) --Patricia Briggs

Fiction / Urban Fantasy

368 pages / 1538 KB

5 Stars

Had my book arrived in the morning, this would have been a one-sit, one-day read. Alas, it arrived in the late afternoon, so it two sits and two days.  Aaaah, two days of Mercy and the gang.

The body count rises, some you'll know, some you'll be surprised at if you've followed the series. And if you aren't a follower of the series, I recommend you start at the beginning, although I think you could pick up anyplace in the series and not be confused, it's just that there is backstory that will make it more interesting, I think, if you understand it.

In the last book, Mercy loudly declared that the Columbian Basin pack would defend the tri-cities from all evil, and they are now called upon to do that. Favorite witch Elizaveta makes a return, as do Marsilia, Stefan, and Wulfe--our favorite vampires--to some new and rather startling situations. 

If you're a fan of Mercy, quit reading the reviews and read the book!

Intersections --by Mark Fleisher

Nonfiction / Poetry

148 pages

5 stars

This is a collection of poems about the intersections of life; everyday things from toothbrushes in an otherwise empty clam shell to the Viet Nam war to the last poem, a most beautiful poem to his one true love, Merle.

Fleisher is a consummate tour guide, whether through a flea market in Havana Cuba, a Vietnamese restaurant in Washington DC, or along the road to love. This is a book to keep by your side of the bed and read/reread often. Intersections will safely guide you through life's wonders. 

How to Build a Dinosaur: Extinction Doesn't Have to be Forever --Jack Horner & James Gorman

Nonfiction / Science 

256 pages

5 stars

I would be lying if I said I found this a page turner. I didn't. But it was fascinating. Perhaps due to the fact I would read a bit, put it down and cogitate what I had read. 

Although I don't think I'd care to visit, let alone live in, Jurassic Park, I find the idea of reverse engineering a chicken to a dino for dinner absolutely fascinating. 

As other reviewers have noted, the first part of the book was more about paleontology than embryology. While I don't think a background in science is necessary to read and enjoy this book, I do think a wee bit is a help. The book is written so a lay person can understand it without getting a headache.

If you're interested in the world we inhabit, this is a book to read. And reverse engineering a chicken to a dino will add to our knowledge both in general terms and perhaps more importantly in medical terms.