Category: Book Reviews

Book Review: A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist

Book: A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist: The brain made easy

Author: Mike Tranter

Genre: Teens and Young Adult (13+), Non-Fiction, Science, Neuroscience

Review Copy: Reedsy.com

Also available at: Amazon.in

When the first word in a book is as casual as OK, you wonder if it is of any merit. A quick walk into the preface and you realize the power of this book is in its simplicity. A deep-dive and you are engrossed in the complex world of the brain but in a fun way through this book.

A Million Things To Ask A Neuroscientist – the brain made easy is listed for ages 12+ but I would recommend it for at least Grade 9 and above. Written in a succinct style, it contains some scientific terms that may disengage a younger reader. For anyone into the basics of the science of the brain and fiery neurons filled with questions about how this super organ works and controls the human body, this is one fascinating read.

Mike Tranter, a neuroscientist from the UK, living in California, embellishes this book with some easy diagrams and a lucid style that maintains the depth of the subject but with an informal tone. Complex neuroscience mechanisms are explained with daily life examples. As an avid reader of books related to the brain and the unknown areas that are still waiting to be discovered or fully explained, I found this book to be informative and engaging. From learning about the brain-blood-barrier to the fact of neurogenesis, it draws you into the captivating world of grey and white matter.

The text centers on positive messaging, as it talks about the effect of drugs, addiction, withdrawals, depression, social coupling, the power of learning languages, and recovery after injuries, amongst other things. It is almost like being in an exciting classroom with an amazing teacher who brings the subject home.

The concepts discussed are as intriguing as the brain itself – from lucid dreaming to nightmares, dream incubation and dream prophecy, fear, memories, intelligence, to whether scientists understand how anesthesia works, to the question of whether memories can be transferred to a device using technology. It touches on esoteric aspects of consciousness, meditation, syndromes, and a pertinent query – are male and female brains different? This is just 2/3rd of the book content – there is more to learn and know – so grab a copy!

This book is a thrilling ride and literally food for thought. It does not answer all the teeming questions, for example, I wanted to know about migraines. Well, it is a book that deserves a sequel. The cover design is bright and inviting, and the content is worthy of your time and attention. For more insight, read Mike’s article on why and how he wrote this book.

Book Review: Sober Thoughts from the Crazy House

The words flow, each better than the next, sometimes rhyming, sometimes like the churning of an ocean, thoughts dripping from every nook, every crevice. Each thought more relatable than the next, some philosophical, some mundane but the currents strong enough to wash you away.

Book: Sober Thoughts from the Crazy House

Author: J. Maxwell

Genre: Poetry, Self-Discovery

Review Copy: From the Author

Available on: Amazon.com

For Mental Health Awareness Month, I got the opportunity to read one of my favorite literary forms – poetry. J. Maxwell (Twitter @JMaxwell_Writer), author and illustrator’s debut poetry collection, Sober Thoughts from the Crazy House, is a candid evocation of his journey from mental health issues to a more sober approach to life.

One of the first steps to recovery, to solve issues permeating our lives, is to accept the situation and to seek help. J. Maxwell starts with the backstory of his struggles and how he overcame years of addiction and self-abuse. Words provided an artistic refuge. In searching for the words to express, Maxwell was seeking answers.

Many who have been lost and found their way will relate to the outpouring in the fluent verses. These words can be yours, mine – anyone who has grappled with self-doubt, self-disdain, guilt, shame, fear. You can imagine the poet scribbling on paper napkins and vagrant sheets, crumpled, torn at the edges, as he tries to find the meaning, define the terms in the textbook that are now a part of him. The anguish is palpable, yet with a glimmer of hope, for only those who seek shall receive.

The poems touch a vast array of experiences; hallucinations, anxiety, mania, depression, addiction, withdrawal, therapy. At a certain moment, I thought the formatting was juvenile, like children expanding alphabets to words in wordplay. However, each alphabet in Maxwell’s vocabulary dives into an intense experience with well-crafted interpretations. The words flow, each better than the next, sometimes rhyming, sometimes like the churning of an ocean, thoughts dripping from every nook, every crevice. Each thought more relatable than the next, some philosophical, some mundane but the currents strong enough to wash you away.

This is a book for those who can appreciate the beauty and depth of free verses. It can be perceived as a haven for the troubled mind, evolving from experiences in the “crazy house.” Maxwell’s poetic expressions are not only for those who want to know how they feel, how someone else in their position feels but also a must-have for caregivers and guides, for readers and learners. It is an insight into a mind filled with chaos, trying to find balance, all on its own, without reaching out for help.

When troubled souls can’t articulate, the sober writings from the recovering mind can be a guidebook. I find this to be a precious collection that I would recommend everyone to read because where thoughts overburden us only words can be saviors. I would have liked to see some illustrations along with the words, making it an immersive experience. I also found it hard to decipher the book cover* art work and would like some insight into it.

*The author reached out to me with a note: “The cover art is the underside of the bottom of a bottle. This was perfect since so many go looking for answers at the bottom of a bottle only to find there aren’t any. You have to get to the bottom to really find that out though.”

J. Maxwell’s work speaks of hope, of finding yourself, and of repeating the message:

Don’t judge yourself

Lest ye cast the first stone!

Book Review: Plastic Jesus and Other Stories

Beautifully written stories, capturing the essence of myriad people and their worlds, each ending with a twist, oft with a message.

Book: Plastic Jesus and Other Stories

Author: Judith Ets-Hokin

Genre: Short Stories, Fiction

Review Copy: Reedsy.com

We are all made up of stories. A keen observer of life, Judith Ets-Hokin picks up some interesting ones and brings them to us in a collection with an intriguing name—Plastic Jesus and Other Stories. A medley of 13 stories with an array of themes, Plastic Jesus is a good weekend read.

The stories are of varied length, The Hunt, being the longest, and encompass myriad emotions and terrains. The writing is fluid and deep, with intricately depicted scenes, intense characters, and ebb and flow of emotions showcasing linguistic penchant.

The author breathes life into inanimate objects and nature, but mostly exhibits insights into human emotions. Love, loneliness, grief, loss, fate, ambition, smugness, doubt, independence, self-sabotage, virtue, vice, urbanization—the shifting sands of the stories keep you engaged, as you turn the pages of this slim book.

A story may be open-ended or conclusive, but resist the temptation to hasten to the end; capture the essence of the tapestry of words. I enjoyed a guessing game while navigating the pages, as each character and their space is sensitively worked upon. The first story is my favorite with its element of suspense. In a couple of stories, I felt the ending was predictable and similar.

The joy of the ride is in the beautiful writing; in the delicate balance of saying more in fewer words. Humans are oft in conflict with themselves or with others as they fight for the rights of people and animals. Stories that leave you wondering, fill you with suspense, or grief, or make you wonder—all tightly packed with crisp and meticulous writing.

The storyteller in Judith Ets-Hokin invokes thoughts and weaves in magic, figuratively and literally. She moves around in different walks of life, manifold worlds, myriad people, thus creating stories rich and fulfilling. Special applause for the artistic book cover. Grab your copy for stories—long and short—and enjoy a perfect reading weekend.

Book Review: The Juju Girl

This week, I was on a fascinating journey in New Orleans of the 19th century, with a Creole girl and her Gift. The coming-of-age story of 15-year-old Gabrielle starts from a devastating flood in her hometown of Buras and ends in a New Orleans home.

The Juju Girl

Book: The Juju Girl

Author: Nikki Marsh

Genre: Teens and Young Adult (13+), Fiction, Fantasy, Paranormal

Review Copy: Reedsy.com

This week, I was on a fascinating journey in New Orleans of the 19th century, with a Creole girl and her gift. The coming-of-age story of 15-year-old Gabrielle starts from a devastating flood in her hometown of Buras and ends in a New Orleans home. This is a journey filled with magic and hauntings, spells and conjuring, sadness and misgivings. The breezy storyline has much to offer and flows meticulously and swiftly from one chapter to the next, building up curiosity as esoteric elements emerge in the life of the young girl.

The narrative creates vivid pictures of an age gone by, yet so alive. The author does not dwell much on extensive imagery and descriptions, though I felt that descriptive scenes of the ambiance and the rich Creole culture would have given more depth to the work. Maybe I was just craving for more as I became engaged in the travails of the protagonist and her family.

This young adult fiction pulled me in with its smooth and simple language and the possibilities of learning about the culture of the Creoles. As an Indian reader, I could relate to the superstitions and home remedies generously sprinkled all over the book, because we have heard all of them since our childhood. The book refers to the Creoles mixed culture of Indian, African, Spanish, and French origins.

Spooky in good parts, the novel works with a specific set of characters and builds them up well. It is reminiscent of the Classics as it dwells in 19th century America. From simple pranks to dark magic, from overnight remedies to crafted spells, secret rendezvous to clandestine affairs, from a dark past to the hopes of a future, from new friends to strange ones, from travels to worlds unknown to being unaware of the realities around, The Juju Girl, is a perfect weekend read, or to be read in short sprints and savored in parts.

The book maintains its pace throughout; the second half is as engaging as the first. Characters bring forth extra dimensions and paranormal happenings take center stage. This is the story of a family and its tryst with love, longing, death, jealousy, resentment, repentance, and a special gift. As secrets unfold, true colors revealed, they put friendships and relationships to test, culminating in the confrontation between the powers from beyond and Gabrielle’s Gift.

I thoroughly enjoyed this light young adult book; oft reading late into the night after a long day at work and that is a testimony to the fact that the book enthralls. As an avid web series watcher, I could not help but think that how well this book would translate into a televised fantasy series. It is the perfect blend of youth, drama, charms, and spells!

It also occurred to me that the character of The Juju Girl has just arrived. There is potential to build on the character and take Gabrielle on a whirlwind journey around the globe with her gift. I am hoping to read more in the series; a book that wants you to read and know more is definitely one to have on your reading list.

Reedsy Discovery – A Platform for Indie Publishing

Today, I started reading my first book in the Reedsy Discovery book review community. Reedsy is a British startup online author services firm promoting collaboration between authors and publishing freelancers in the self-publishing industry. Discovery, puts a spotlight on the best works of the Independent (indie) publishing world — great books that are often overshadowed by big bestsellers.

Reedsy

As a reviewer, I have full access to the Reedsy Discovery library of advanced review copies (ARCs) and other member perks. Hundreds of authors have submitted their books for discovery. I have access to the submissions pool and can read and review books before they launch.

I hope to guide the writing and reading community by spotting new trends and deciding which books Discovery recommends for its 200k readers. Not all writers get big publishing contracts, not all big house publications are great. A lot of talent lies in Indie publishing. I am privileged to help these writers in my own small way; I am proud to support independent publishing.

The Editorial Manager of this platform contacted me after reading my blog. My blog, in its previous avatar, and now with a new URL, has always brought me fantastic writing and reading opportunities. I am glad to read and review more books. I hope can identify some good work. As the Reedsy Discovery site for reviewers says: The best books go undiscovered, be part of the movement that shines a light on them.

I can write reviews as often as I like and they will appear in the Discovery newsletters to readers. I will also share book reviews on this blog. The first book I started reading today is an engaging story about magic in the life of a Creole girl. I am sure this will be an exciting journey.

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