Jax's Reviews

I don’t normally read nonfiction, but I devoured this insightful book on the diverse countries that make up the continent of Africa, along the way looking at why most Americans don’t know that Africa is not a country, let alone tell the countries apart from one other, how we got to this moment, and what the future might hold. Faloyin is warm, wry, and masterfully engaging. If you or someone you know might possibly be interested in the history and context of this amazing continent, pick this up!

—JAX

I love the heck out of Melissa Clark’s recipes in the New York Times, mostly because they are uniquely unfussy. So I was thrilled to learn she has a new book coming out, this one on one-pan meals. Yes, please! Clark has such a skill for making it easy for home cooks to create five-star meals without having to buy a million weird ingredients or dirtying tons of bowls unnecessarily. She’s my go-to on weeknights and any night I’m looking for something delicious and homey. Enjoy!

—JAX

Are you, or someone you know, a new cook who is hoping to learn to make those key dishes all the other cooks in your life seem to come up with so effortlessly? This is the book for you! Great pictures, engaging stories, and helpful hints abound. I think one of the funnest parts of learning to cook is finding out about the context and culture of food, and this book is the perfect introduction to it. Oh, and the Green Goddess dip is amazing.
—JAX

This book felt like a crash course in music—the industry, the production, and above all, the science of why we like what we like. If you’ve ever tried to explain to a friend just why sea shanties tickle you so, or why Lizzo is a force of nature, Rodgers and Ogas give you the language and understanding of how your personal taste intersects with music. Complete with fun examples that illustrate different musical terms, this is perfect for the die-hard music lover and for those looking to expand their knowledge.

—JAX

The American conception of the Wild West, those decades of rapid western expansion that wrought great change, opportunity, chaos, and death across this nation, is so often one of masculine identity. But what of the women? In Brave Hearted, Katie Hickman tells stories of women who chose to leave everything behind for a new life, making the western expansion of America possible; and of Indigenous women whose resistance and courage reverberate to this day. Fascinating and perfect for history lovers or anyone looking for a good western.  —JAX

When we think of the Romantics, we think of Byron, Shelley, and windswept moors. But who inspired those greats, and where does the modern idea of the self come from? What is it about the German countryside that promotes scandals? Wulf answers all these questions and more in her meticulously researched book. Perfect for those looking for a deep dive, ready to snuggle up with something seriously academic.

—JAX

As someone who has been meaning to read Deborah Miranda’s book (“memoir” is perhaps not quite the right word) for literally the last decade, I am so, so glad I took the plunge. The topics Miranda grapples with are hard, but she works through them with as much care and humor as one could ask for, embedding her writing always with admiration for her ancestors and hope for the future.

—JAX

Munroe, the creator behind the webcomic XKCD, takes us on another wild ride through science, humor, and above all, the joy of curiosity. It was such a pleasure to remember that while some questions may seem absurd, there is value in silly questions as well as serious ones. Some of Munroe’s answers may cause you to rethink your place in the universe (there are more stars, and therefore more solar systems, than grains of sand on Earth) and some may cause you to laugh (Soupiter, anyone?), but all of them remind us to keep asking.

—JAX

Kate Beaton is one of my favorite comic artists of all time, and I am so pleased that she is back with a new book! Ducks is very different from her other work, although it has her characteristic playfulness and wry wit; it’s a quiet, autobiographical story, full of introspection and deep yearning for home. Ducks is a great graphic novel for both her die-hard fans and for those who are looking for some serious, good storytelling. 
—JAX

Are you looking to add a bit more magic in your life, or have a friend who seems to be collecting crystals at an alarming rate but doesn’t seem to know what to do with them? Look no further than Spalter’s fun and warm introduction to all things witchy! Perfect for the beginners or those looking for a bit of structure in their practice. I especially like that she gives options for those not pursuing the Wiccan path, and the no-nonsense attitude about love spells (just don’t do it!). —Jax