Reviews by Category: Nonfiction

Teen Review
Hyperspace by Michio Kaku

Hyperspace

By Michio Kaku
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Mahad Zamir
Feb 21, 2025

Hyperspace by Michio Kaku explores the concept of higher dimensions and how they could revolutionize our understanding of the universe. Kaku explains how string theory, which relies on multiple dimensions beyond the familiar three, might unify the laws of physics, including relativity and quantum mechanics. He discusses historical and modern theories about extra dimensions, their potential role in black holes, time travel and parallel universes, and how they could explain fundamental forces like gravity.

Teen Review
Somebody's Daughter by Ashley C. Ford

Somebody's Daughter

By Ashley C. Ford
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Feb 19, 2025

Ashley C. Ford writes a stunningly beautiful memoir about her childhood experiences, and, most importantly, her relationship with her parents. For as long as she can remember, her dad has always been in prison for a crime that she wasn’t allowed to know of, and her emotionally distant mother formed new relationships with other men. Ashley recounts her experiences with her absent father and her strained relationship with her mother, who is trying to recover from heartbreak and the stress of being the sole provider for Ashley.

Teen Review
The Body by Bill Bryson

The Body

By Bill Bryson
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Feb 14, 2025

Bill Bryson's The Body: A Guide for Occupants offers an engaging and accessible exploration of the human body, revealing the intricate and often astonishing systems that sustain us. From the microscopic world of cells to the complexities of the brain and immune system, Bryson navigates the marvels of human anatomy and physiology with his characteristic wit and clarity. He delves into evolutionary history, the delicate balance of our internal ecosystems and the myriad ways things can go awry.

Teen Review
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson

A Short History of Nearly Everything

By Bill Bryson
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Anonymous
Feb 14, 2025

Bill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything is a captivating and accessible exploration of the universe and our place within it. Bryson tackles complex scientific concepts, from the Big Bang to the intricacies of human biology, with wit and an infectious curiosity that makes even the most daunting topics understandable and engaging. While the book is undeniably entertaining, it's more than just a collection of fascinating facts.

Teen Review
The Falafel Cookbook: Over 60 Fantastic Falafel Recipes to Feast On! book cover

The Falafel Cookbook: Over 60 Fantastic Falafel Recipes to Feast On!

By Heather Thomas
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Theresa K.
Feb 14, 2025

The Falafel Cookbook is a fun and lighthearted cookbook with unique recipes and healthy alternatives. Heather Thomas has written many other food specific cookbooks, but her recipes for Falafel are especially tasty. She successfully integrates healthy ingredients with fulfilling meals, creating salads, appetizers, bowls, and sandwiches all from falafel. This cookbook is beautifully designed, with inspiring photos and enticing meals.

Teen Review
What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing book cover

What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

By Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D.
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Theresa K.
Feb 14, 2025

What Happened to You? is an insightful book about human behavior and why we make decisions. Bruce Perry is a renowned psychiatrist and behavioral scientist, discussing the brain science behind the actions we make, and how our past impacts our present. This book talks about understanding behavior, trauma, and emotions, better helping people understand their behavioral patterns. The book is written like a discussion between Winfrey and Perry, as they discuss people, trauma, and their impact on each other.

Teen Review
Spare Parts book cover

Spare Parts

By Joshua Davis
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Sanay M.
Feb 13, 2025

Spare Parts by Joshua Davis is a true story based on four illegal Mexican immigrants - Oscar, Luis, Cristian, and Lorenzo. Upon journeys across the border, they settle into Carl Hayden High School in Arizona. They find themselves hungry to learn and experience a different life from what they had in Mexico. Joined by two enthusiastic teachers, the squad embarks on a mission to build an underwater robot and compete against top-tier colleges such as MIT, despite their lack of finances and available resources.

Teen Review
The Boys in the Boat book cover

The Boys in the Boat

By Daniel James Brown
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Delia G.
Feb 13, 2025

This historical biography encapsulates the life story of a boy, Joe Rantz, who joins the University of Washington rowing team in order to get his life back together in the midst of an economic depression. Boys in the Boat not only illustrates the physical and emotional toll being a rower at a high-level program has on an individual, but also how competing in such a taxing sport can be so rewarding and fulfill voids that are missing in one’s life.

Teen Review
Visitations by Corey Egbert

Visitations

By Corey Egbert
Star Rating
★★★★

Rated by
Theresa Korte
Feb 4, 2025

Visitations is the story of a family that has been torn apart by family disputes, mental illness and religion. It is haunting and sad, but also sheds a hopeful light on children's ability to recover and heal. The author is the main character in this book, and it was told from his life experience. The novel details the traumatic experiences and relationships Corey had to endure through his mother's mental illness and devotion to Mormonism.

Teen Review
The Killer's Shadow by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker

The Killer's Shadow

By John Douglas and Mark Olshaker
Star Rating
★★★★★

Rated by
Theresa Korte
Feb 4, 2025

The Killer's Shadow is a true crime novel that covers the hunt for a notorious white supremacist serial killer Joseph Paul Franklin. Instead of traditional investigation tactics, the book delves into the behavioral analysis aspects of the FBI. It begins in the 1970’s, around the time of Franklin's first murders, and stretches until his capture almost 15 years later. The book not only covers Franklin's crimes, but the motive and reason behind them.

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