Jax's Reviews

I like to play the part of the perfect hostess but prefer to work smarter, not harder. This is where Hoffman’s book comes in: Now I can just make a pitcher or two of drinks that have amazing flavor and complexity and then sit back and relax for the rest of the evening. With drinks for every occasion, including the one where you get to come home to a ready-made (aged!) drink, this book is a godsend. Take a look. I know what I’ll be bringing to the season’s first barbeque! - Jax

My husband is a ranger, so when I say this gets our stamp of approval for wildlife guides, it shows it has earned the accolades. Accessible to both the novice and the experienced wildlife observer, A Californian’s Guide takes you through the do’s and don’ts and introduces the many species of mammals you’ll find throughout California. I especially appreciated that a lot of the photos in the book and the parks Hood describes are from the Central Coast, which is sure to delight locals. - Jax

I am so very excited for this heartfelt graphic novel from Kobabe, discussing gender, family, and one person’s struggle to find their identity. E has such a lovely art style and such a personal way of speaking that one can’t help but be swept along. Chances are, you know someone who identifies somewhat differently on the gender spectrum than as either straightforwardly him or her even if you don’t realize it, and I look forward to Kobabe’s work adding to the stories that normalize these experiences. - Jax

Coates, the writer for the most recent and critically acclaimed run of Black Panther among many other things, tackles the Star-Spangled Avenger and boy what a ride this was. America is still reeling from a Hydra invasion that nearly stamped out freedom the world over, and though Cap wants nothing more than to be the hero, it’s not that simple. But trouble’s brewing that’s got Russia written all over it, and standing idly by was never Steve Rodgers’ strong suit. I can’t wait to see what happens next! - Jax

I found myself telling everyone I knew how much I enjoyed reading this, and how they needed to read it right now! Norris takes us through her interest in all things Greek, from the language to the place to the literature and how she relates to it all. Her genius lies in moving agilely from one topic to another, giving insight and sparking interest while never letting the reader become weary of the subject. Perfect to delight the brain, spice up your dinner conversation, and to transport you to “the wine-dark sea.” - Jax

I think of myself as a cocktail enthusiast rather than a snob, and I found kindred spirits in the gentlemen behind the NYC bar Death & Co. They break down 5 basic cocktails into each component, and then show you ways the drinks can be altered. With recipes and recommendations for good, locally sourced spirits, my favorite aspect is learning how to go about mixing things up yourself! - Jax

If you don’t know Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, you need to correct that immediately! Lunella (a.k.a. Moon Girl) is a nine-year-old genius who teams up with Devil Dinosaur when he appears in her modern-day NYC neighborhood. Can Moon Girl solve the mystery of her own DNA, field havoc-wreaking cavemen and aliens bent on destruction, and still make it home for dinner? Full of laughter and lots of heart, this story of finding one’s voice is sure to delight. - Jax

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