Jax's Reviews

I think of myself as a cocktail enthusiast rather than a snob, and I found kindred spirits in the gentlemen behind the New York City bar Death & Co. They break down each of the five basic cocktails so that you understand each component, and then show you ways the drinks can be altered to suit your taste and the occasion. There are plenty of recipes and recommendations for good, locally sourced spirits. My favorite aspect, though, is that they teach you how to go about mixing things up yourself! - Jax

A fascinating look into the history and medical science behind why and how humans run, and also has exercises and summaries at the end of each chapter that add a practical element to each topic. I’ve been a runner for a few years now, and this is just the book I needed. A new runner might find it a bit overwhelming, but those looking to move to the next level in their running will appreciate the thoroughness and breadth of the book. - Jax

It’s important in this time and in this country to recognize that the powerlessness we feel is something forced upon us and is entirely manufactured. Even if just for a moment, we can offer hope and comfort to those who are fighting for us all. This book, which chronicles artist and activist Ai Weiwei’s project of encouraging people to write postcards to those incarcerated for advocating for human rights, is hopeful and shattering and will galvanize its readers. - Jax

Taken from the tweets of this excellent man of many talents, each page has a thought, pep talk, or sweet encouragement for your morning or evening. Illustrated by Jonny Sun, the man behind everyone’s a aliebn, this little book is just what I need to help me start and end each day. Truly lovely and the perfect little gift book for everyone. - Jax

Avast! This book is a delight, making pirate history engaging and fascinating. Every other page had some tidbit about piratical, world, and particularly American history that I couldn’t wait to talk about with people. The pirates are presented as honestly as possible, in their heroic triumphs and in the brutality and violence they were part of. Highly recommend for the pirate or history buff in your life. - Jax

I adore our former president and I miss him. Yet I cannot help but be ecstatic that Michelle is coming out with a book about her own life so that I can learn more about this powerful, intelligent, and singularly awesome woman. Barack would be the first to say that his wife is a superstar, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Becoming to read about her in her own words. - Jax

Intersectional feminism. If this is a term you are unfamiliar with, or even if you think you know everything about it, pick up this book. What I loved about Can We All Be Feminists? is that it met me where I am on my journey and it actively engages with those who want to learn more about current feminist thought. I have a lot of work to do, but thankfully there are essays by such intelligent and thoughtful minds that can help me expand my view. - Jax

A delightful sampling of Yolen’s work, including thoughts from the writer herself on how to fracture your own tales. I love the way Yolen picks the stories apart to find the meat, the heart of the thing, and then weaves something extraordinary around that. Perfect for folk and faerie tale enthusiasts or anyone wanting to look at things a bit differently. - Jax

Fast paced and hard hitting, this blend of history and fiction will grab you and refuse to let go. What is the difference between colonization and invasion? For the people of Terra Nullius, aka Australia, this question reverberates through the past and into the future. I found myself surprised and drawn ever deeper by the twists and turns of the plot, while engaging in its historical context. This book is speculative fiction at its absolute best! - Jax

I am so freaking excited for this book! I love folk tales, and this one is particularly rooted in the Jewish folklore it is drawn from. I hope you, like me, will be eagerly anticipating the book the acclaimed Madeline Miller praised so highly, calling it, “...a gripping, powerful story of family, sisterhood, and two young women trying to find their way in the world.” Sure to appeal to fans of Bear and the Nightingale and Spinning Silver, two of my absolute faves, I can’t wait to get my hands on it! - Jax