The Medical Checkup Book

The Medical Checkup Book: Understand the Tests You Need to Keep Your Body and Mind Healthy  by Jess Baker 

Summary: Written by experts and packed with user-friendly information and practical lifestyle advice, this is the ultimate guide for anyone interested in their health. Knowing which health checks and tests to get when can prevent illness and problems, and even save your life. This easy-to-use guide explains all the common health tests so that you can understand and manage your well-being. 

When you've had a physical, how often do you understand what the results really mean for your health and your lifestyle? You've probably heard of good cholesterol and bad cholesterol, but what does that mean? And what can you do if you're told your bad cholesterol is high? Why are there two figures to show your blood pressure? Is weight gain hereditary? 

Be proactive in managing your health by learning more about how it is measured. Discover what factors influence medical tests, and what lifestyle changes you can make to keep fit and healthy for longer. Explore the variety of tests and screenings you may undergo at a doctor's or workplace health assessment - find out what is tested, why it is tested, and what the results mean. The Medical Checkup Book is the only visual guide to explain all common medical tests and what preventative measures you can take to minimize the risks and maximize your health. 

Angie’s comments: Beyond just tests, this book explains the major systems of the body and how the body works. The diagrams are usually easy to understand, and I appreciated the simple explanations of different health tests.

Recommended for readers who want a basic explanation of the body and medical tests. 

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This is Shakespeare

This is Shakespeare by Emma Smith

Summary: An electrifying new study that investigates the challenges of the Bard's inconsistencies and flaws, and focuses on revealing--not resolving--the ambiguities of the plays and their changing topicality

A genius and prophet whose timeless works encapsulate the human condition like no other. A writer who surpassed his contemporaries in vision, originality, and literary mastery. A man who wrote like an angel, putting it all so much better than anyone else. Is this Shakespeare? Well, sort of. But it doesn't tell us the whole truth. So much of what we say about Shakespeare is either not true, or just not relevant.

In This Is Shakespeare, Emma Smith--an intellectually, theatrically, and ethically exciting writer--takes us into a world of politicking and copycatting, as we watch Shakespeare emulating the blockbusters of Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Kyd (the Spielberg and Tarantino of their day), flirting with and skirting around the cutthroat issues of succession politics, religious upheaval, and technological change. Smith writes in strikingly modern ways about individual agency, privacy, politics, celebrity, and sex. Instead of offering the answers, the Shakespeare she reveals poses awkward questions, always inviting the reader to ponder ambiguities.

Angie’s comments: Reading or watching a Shakespeare play? You might want to pick up this book, which features essays on several plays. Emma Smith focuses on different issues for each play. Her viewpoints are different from what I learned in school, and I now have a different perspective on Shakespeare and appreciate the plays more. 

Recommended for readers who are interested in Shakespeare, or who aren't but think that they should be.

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And the Killer Is...

And the Killer Is... by G.A. McKevett

Summary: PI Savannah Reid has delved into the ugly side of SoCal's celebrity culture more than once. But the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency may have bitten off more than they can chew when a Hollywood legend makes a deadly comeback...

It will be a cold day in San Carmelita before Savannah skips over a high-profile homicide case, especially one attached to a tasty reward. But when 90-year-old former silver screen siren Lucinda Faraday is murdered inside her derelict mansion, serving justice comes with unsavory risks. The fallen star, considered one of the most beautiful women of her time, was found strangled by a pair of vintage stockings amid a hoard of garbage and priceless memorabilia. Now, Lucinda is making headlines again--and, like in the past, her name is connected with the worst kind of scandal . . .

As a quest for answers reveals sleazy secrets about the victim's history, the Moonlight Magnolia Agency soon discover that corruption, addiction, and blackmail were as rampant in the good old days of Hollywood as in the present--maybe even more so. Balancing a suspect list longer than Lucinda's acting credits and evidence that could destroy the reputation of people still alive, can Savannah outsmart the culprit before she or someone else get reduced to tabloid fodder next?

Angie’s comments: And the Killer Is... is number 25 in the Savannah Reid series, but it works well as a stand alone. I must admit I haven't read this series before, but I was able to jump right in and feel at home with all of the characters. The tone is down-to-earth, and Savannah's family seems like a family anyone would know. The mystery was enticing, and I didn't really figure out the murderer until the reveal.

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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Pulp Friction

Pulp Friction by Julie Anne Lindsey 

Summary: Nothing's sweeter than a fruitful family business, and for Winona Mae Montgomery and her Granny Smythe, that means Smythe Orchards in Blossom Valley, Virginia. But this year's apple crop is especially juicy-with scandal . . .

SEEDS OF DANGER

Thanks to Winnie's new cider shop, Smythe Orchards is out of the red and folks can get their fix of the produce and other delectable products they love all year round. The locals are even booking the shop for events, including a June wedding! Winnie couldn't be happier to see the barn filled to the rafters for the big bash-until her doting ex, Hank, is caught in a heated argument with the groom. Winnie plans to scold Hank after the party, but spots him running off instead. And when the groom turns up dead, apparently hit by the honeymoon getaway car, Hank is the main suspect. Now Hank is on the lam, and it's up to Winnie to get to the core of the truth-before the real killer puts the squeeze on her . . .

Angie’s comments: Pulp Friction is the second book in the Cider Shop series, but it can be read as a stand-alone. Winona and the other characters are delightful, and the mystery has enough twists to keep you guessing.

Recommended for readers of cozy mysteries. 

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Small Garden Style

Small Garden Style by Isa Henry Eaton and Jennifer Blaise Kramer

Summary: Petite gardens align with the movement to live smaller and create a life with less stuff and more room for living. But a more eco-friendly and efficient space doesn't have to sacrifice style. In Small Garden Style, garden designer Isa Hendry Eaton and lifestyle writer Jennifer Blaise Kramer show you how to use good design to create a joyful, elegant, and exciting yet compact outdoor living space for entertaining or relaxing.

A style quiz helps you focus in on your own personal garden style, be it traditional, modern, colorful, eclectic, minimalist, or globally inspired, then utilize every inch of your yard by considering the horizontal (floor), vertical (walls), and overhead (ceiling) spaces. Eaton and Kramer recommend their favorite plants and decor for small gardens, along with lawn alternatives and inspiration for making a fire pit, front door wreath, instant mini orchard, boulder birdbath, patterned vines, perfumed wall, and faux fountain with cascading plants.

You'll learn how to design stunning planters and container gardens using succulents, grasses, vibrant-colored pots, and more. Nothing lights up a little garden more than a well-considered planter. It's the welcome statement at the front door, the conversation centerpiece at the outdoor dining table, and the piece that naturally softens the patio. However small your garden, Small Garden Style will transform it into a magical, modern outdoor oasis. 

Angie’s comments: I enjoyed the beautiful pictures and lists of plants that this book featured. This book can be used for any size garden, not just small gardens. 

Recommended for readers interested in gardening plans. 

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Pumpkin Spice Peril

Pumpkin Spice Peril by Jenn McKinlay

Summary: In the twelfth Cupcake Bakery Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Jenn McKinlay, the Fairy Tale Cupcake crew follows the clever crumb trail of a killer who's anything but cookie-cutter.

Life is all sugar and spice for the Fairy Tale Cupcake bakers--Melanie Cooper is engaged to the delectable Joe DeLaura, Angie Harper and her husband Tate are savoring married life, and the bakery is bustling with happy customers. Until one of their most valued cupcake connoisseurs ends up dead.

Local glass artist and cupcake lover Rene Fischer-Klein has always suffered from a wide variety of health issues. In an effort to cheer her up, her doting husband, Peter, brings her a four-pack of her favorite cupcakes every week. But when the police discover that Rene has been poisoned, there's no sugarcoating the fact that the last things she ate were the bakery's signature pumpkin spice cupcakes! With their lives and bakery at stake, it's up to Mel and Angie to find out who poisoned their artist friend and why, before their future is frosted for good. 

Angie’s comments: This book works well as a stand-alone, so you don't need to read the others in this series to enjoy this book. Pumpkin Spice Peril has delicious desserts, some romance, lots of friendship, and an intriguing mystery. 

Recommended for readers who like cozy mysteries. 

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A History of Plants in Fifty Fossils

A History of Plants in Fifty Fossils by Paul Kenrick

Summary: An illustrated history of plants presented through the stories of 50 key fossil discoveries.

This is the lively, fully illustrated story of plant life on Earth as revealed through some of the most significant fossil discoveries ever made. Beginning with the origins of plant life in the sea, where photosynthesis first evolved in bacteria, the book traces the evolution of land plants, ferns, conifers and their relatives, and flowering plants. Each fossil is depicted with stunning full-color photography alongside narrative from paleobotanist Paul Kenrick explaining its significance and revealing the story behind its discovery. Interspersed throughout the book are contextual "snapshots" of landscapes and environments at various periods of geological time, focusing on plants and plant-animal interactions. A History of Plants in Fifty Fossils is perfect for anyone interested in plants, fossils, and the stories they tell us about life on Earth.

Angie’s comments: I loved the photographs of the fossils! Each photograph or illustration is accompanied by one or two pages discussing what the fossil tells us. The discussions are fascinating and I learned so much about plants that I never knew. Fortunately, you don't have to know much about plants to read this book.

Recommended for readers interested in biology, the environment, plants or natural history. 

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Powershift

Powershift: Transform Any Situation, Close Any Deal, and Achieve Any Outcome by Daymond John

Summary: The bestselling author and star of ABC's Shark Tank reveals how to master the three prongs of influence- reputation, negotiation, and relationships.

Have you ever wanted to make a big change in your life but weren't sure where to start? In Powershift, Daymond John shares the answer. To take control of your destiny and drive the change you want to see, you need to lay the groundwork so you're prepared to seize every opportunity that comes your way. And that means mastering

• Influence-make an impression- Develop a reputation that highlights what you stand for.
• Negotiation-make a deal- Hone a win-win negotiating style.
• Relationships-make a connection last- Nurture those connections you make along the way.

Through never-before-told stories from his life and career, Daymond shares the lessons that got him to where he is today- from how he remade his public image as he transitioned from clothing mogul to television personality, to how he mastered the negotiation strategies that determine whether deals are won or lost "in the tank," to his secrets for building long-lasting-and profitable-relationships with founders and brands.

Throughout the book, some of the world's most successful personalities reveal how they shifted their power in meaningful ways-

Kris Jenner on determining your value-"You don't have to go ask somebody else for permission. You have the power to be able to stick to your guns and demand your worth."

Mark Cuban on finding and understanding your why-"Time is the one asset we don't own, we can't buy, and we can never get back."

Pitbull on tapping into your inner power-"A lot of people feel that to be powerful is to exude strength. I think it's the total opposite. To be powerful is to be powerless. It's when you give everybody what you got."

Whether you're an innovator working to turn your big idea into a reality, a professional looking to land a major promotion, or a busy parent trying to find more time to focus on what's really important to you, Daymond shows you how to shift your power and energy towards positive change. 

Angie’s comments: This is an insightful look into business and everyday life (when aren't you trying to influence, negotiate, or have relationships?). The examples are good and address the points he is trying to make. I felt inspired to make some changes of my own while reading this book.

Recommended for readers interested in business.

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Revolver Road

Revolver Road by Christi Daugherty

Summary: Crime reporter Harper McClain is back on the beat when a troubled musician vanishes in Christi Daugherty's Revolver Road.

Even in the chill of February, no place touches Harper McClain's heart like Savannah. She should be walking beneath the historic city's towering oaks, surrounded by graceful mansions. Instead, she's hiding miles away on Tybee Island after a mysterious voice on the phone warned her that someone wanted her dead. The call was too specific to ignore. The caller knew everything about her. But that was months ago, and she's getting tired of being scared.

Her only escape is her work at the newspaper, where the hottest story in town is the disappearance of Xavier Rayne. The singer had a hit album on his hands, and was about to go on tour, but then he walked out of his beachfront home and vanished. The police believe he drowned, but Harper suspects his disappearance may be more ominous than that. Something doesn't feel right about it.

His bandmates and actress girlfriend say he's run away before. They expect him to come home. Until a body washes up with two bullet holes in it. Now everyone in Rayne's life is a suspect. As Harper digs deeper into the case, though, the threats against her own life return. The phone call she received was very real. A killer from her past is coming for her.

Now she must solve two murders, or end up dying on Revolver Road... 

Angie’s comments: Third in the Harper McClain mystery series, this works well as a stand-alone. The multiple plots are handled well and kept my attention. McClain is a strong woman who has a lot to juggle. 

Recommended for readers who like mysteries. 

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