Review - Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation by Bill Nye

Genre: Science, Non-Fiction
Publication: 11/04/2014 by St. Martin's Press
Pages: 320 Pages
Format: 4 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary: 
"Evolution is one of the most powerful and important ideas ever developed in the history of science. Every question it raises leads to new answers, new discoveries, and new smarter questions. The science of evolution is as expansive as nature itself. It is also the most meaningful creation story that humans have ever found."
—Bill Nye

Sparked by a controversial debate in February 2014, Bill Nye has set off on an energetic campaign to spread awareness of evolution and the powerful way it shapes our lives. In Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation, he explains why race does not really exist; evaluates the true promise and peril of genetically modified food; reveals how new species are born, in a dog kennel and in a London subway; takes a stroll through 4.5 billion years of time; and explores the new search for alien life, including aliens right here on Earth.


With infectious enthusiasm, Bill Nye shows that evolution is much more than a rebuttal to creationism; it is an essential way to understand how nature works—and to change the world. It might also help you get a date on a Saturday night.


My Thoughts:
I grew up watching Bill Nye the Science Guy and I now sit here with my BSc reading this book with the stupidest smile on my face. I absolutely love science, and Bill was one of the first people who ever got me excited to be a scientist. Now here I am a huge Biology nerd getting excited about things like The Red Queen Hypothesis, Convergent Evolution and Sexual Selection. 


Since I do have my BSc in Biology, I know quite a bit about Evolution. I had to take quite a bit to get my degree. Therefore, I did know pretty much everything that Bill was talking about. It wasn't particularly new to me. I did really enjoy Bill's take on evolution. I couldn't help but get excited again about it. Genetics and evolution are the reason I went into biology in the first place so this whole book made me super happy. 

I do think this book is also a good introduction to evolution for people without a science background. Bill explains everything so well without having to use super complicated terms. Evolution is a pretty approachable subject and this is an easy medium to learn. Clearly, there will be people out there against this book which still baffles my mind. I can't imagine our world without evolution but I understand there are many who can.  

If you are interested in learning more about Evolution, check this one out. I listened to it on audiobook which I would suggest above the physical copy. Hearing Bill's voice tell the story makes it so much more interesting. Now I need to pick up his next book!








Top 10 Tuesday: Best and Worst Movie or TV Adaptations

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.
This week is a freebie, so I want to talk about the best book to movie adaptations. I love movies and TV just as much as I love to read. I have been thinking of new ways to incorporate them into my blog so here is where I am starting. We all know there are awesome adaptations and there are terrible ones too. Let's get started.

My Favourite Adaptations
 


The Princess Bride: This is one of my all time favourite book and movies. It's a classic. I love it to pieces and I even thought about having a Princess Bride themed wedding. Seriously...
Harry Potter (all of them): Yes, some are better than others but these have such a special place in my heart I couldn't not include them.
Orange is the New Black: Now this is kind of cheating since the TV show has gone a lot more places and isn't faithful to to the book. But the book was just SO BORING and the show is awesome!
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl: This movie was a Sundance film which suited the story so well! It has been one of the best adaptations I have seen in a while. 
Gone Girl: This book and the movie both blew my mind. The movie was well acted and portrayed the story amazingly.
The Martian: I loved the book and the movie for this one! Matt Damon was the perfect pick to play Mark and I loved it.

My Least Favourites
 
Divergent: I enjoyed the book (the first one, at least) but this movie was disappointing. It had poor production value and I felt like it was only made to make money instead of being a good movie.
Percy Jackson: Everyone who has ever read this book and the movie know that the movie is literally the worst. Even people who didn't read the books knew this was a bad movie.
50 Shades of Grey: This is just cheating cause we all know that I didn't like the book. But the actors in the movie had zero chemistry so even when it could have been steamy it was just cringe worthy.









Sunday Post #10 - Late Night Posting

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Caffeinated Book Reader. This is a place where you can talk about news from your week, what you've been reading and what you expect to come up on your blog. To join in, check out the rules here.

I haven't done a Sunday Post in months! I love these posts, and wrapping up the week behind me. This week I have been getting my life back on track for the summer. Reading was a struggle this week and I DNF'd a book. I am starting work this week but my job give me plenty of time to read so hopefully it's not the beginning of a slump. It's likely just from watching too much Orange is The New Black...


Top 10 Tuesday: Freebie Week
Review - Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation by Bill Nye
Stacking the Shelves #13 

  

Star Wars Vol 1: Skywalker Strikes
Undeniable: Evolution and the Science of Creation by Bill Nye
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (DNF)

 

 I am really enjoying The Heart if Betrayal so far and it was exactly what I wanted to read. I am about to start The Infinite Sea on audio in the morning so I am including.  How was your week in reading this week? Let me know.










Beginner's Guild to Comics

Comics have been picking up popularity around the book world and over the last year I have been reading a lot more. I have always loved any form of storytelling so I decided that I wanted to get into comics. I am by no means an expert but I have picked up some things that I think might be helpful for someone who is trying to get into comics. 

1. Graphic Novel vs. Comics
This one can be a confusing one when you start in the comic world and a lot of people have strong opinions on when the term graphic novel applies. However, all graphic novels are comics. Typically, graphic novels refers to a story that is contained in one book and wasn't released serially. If the story came out in single issues, it is often put into a bind up of 5-6 issues called a Trade Paperback. But a lot of us (including me) use the words interchangeably so don't worry about it.

2. Best Way To Read
This is up to you. I am currently reading both single issues or trade paperbacks. I find it's easier to read Trades because there is is often a whole story arch in one book so that you aren't waiting for the next issue. When I read Singles, I read them digitally on an app called Comicology. You can also buy and read Trades there as well, but I often get mine from the library or buy a physical copy. I highly recommend checking out what your library has to get started. 

3. But I Don't Like Super Heroes...
 There are lots of comics that aren't about superheroes. Often there is so much lore and history involved in superheroes that it's intimating to get into. Luckily, there is a lot more out there than just superheroes. There are comics of all different genres that are super easy to just jump right into. If you can think of a genre, there is a comic for it.

My Recommendations:
  

If you have read other comics that you think would be good for beginners, leave a comment. I have only been reading comics for a year, so I still have a lot more to explore.



Top 10 Tuesday: Favourite Reads In 2016 So Far

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

This week we are talking about our favourite books so far this year. 2016 has been a good reading year for me and I have read a lot of really awesome books. I have decided to break this list into 2 categories, my favourite novels and my favourite graphic novels/comic. 

Favourite Novels
  
 

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas : My most recent read and it completely entertained me! I won't be able to stop thinking about Rhys until the next book is released.
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon : I am not a big contemporary reader but this one was amazing. I devoured this book.
Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson : I related to Jenny so hard while reading this book. I think the audiobook is the only way to go with this one. 
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab : A fantastic new fantasy world and I am dying to pick up the next one.
Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari : Aziz is hilarious and I loved his insights into how we communicate and fall in love. Super fun.


Favourite Graphic Novels or Comics
  
 

Seconds by Bryan Lee O'Malley : This was sensational! I loved this story so much I want to read it again right now.
Nimona by Noelle Stevenson : YES, this one was amazing. I loved the turns this story took, it wasn't predictable and I loved every second.
Lumberjanes Vol 1: Beware the Holy Kitten : I have no idea why I wanted so long to check this series out. It was right up my alley in the best way possible. 
The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl Vol 1: Squirrel Power : This one is just super unique and I really loved a new take on a superhero.
Chew Vol 5: Major League Chew : This is my favourite ongoing series, so list of my favourite comics list would be incomplete without it


What have your favourite books been so far this year. Let me know!




Check It Out | Stacking the Shelves #12

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews.
I just got back from my journeys in Quebec, so one of my first stops when I got home was the library! The library is one of my favourite places in my city. I spend lots of time there and ended up checking out a few things. 

Physical Library Books
  
Locke & Key Vol 1: Welcome To Love Craft
Deadly Class Vol 1: Reagan Youth
The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E. Pearson

Library eBooks
Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I'm excited to get to these. I haven't read a graphic novel in over a month so I can't wait to pick one up. I am planning on reading Me Before You next. Wish me luck!!

Review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

Genre: Fantasy
Publication: 05/03/2016 by Bloomsbury
Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #2
Pages: 640 Pages
Format: eBook
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

Goodreads Summary
Feyre survived Amarantha’s clutches to return to the Spring Court—but at a steep cost. Though she now has the powers of the High Fae, her heart remains human, and it can’t forget the terrible deeds she performed to save Tamlin’s people.


Nor has Feyre forgotten her bargain with Rhysand, High Lord of the feared Night Court. As Feyre navigates its dark web of politics, passion, and dazzling power, a greater evil looms—and she might be key to stopping it. But only if she can harness her harrowing gifts, heal her fractured soul, and decide how she wishes to shape her future—and the future of a world cleaved in two.

My Thoughts
For the first time in a very long time, I cared so much about the characters I actually had a physical reaction to this book. I literally was vibrating in my seat waiting to see how this story ended. My poor heart was beating out of my chest. I can say I did enjoy A Court of Thorns and Roses when I read it last year, but this sequel blew it out of the water.

When I started reading this book, I knew it was getting a lot of hype and I didn't know where it could go. But this book was right up my alley. It gave me an emotional reaction, which doesn't commonly happen for me. Especailly the romance. This series is romance heavy, so if you're not into that avoid it. But I am a sucker for a good romance, and damn did I ever get one.

I knew I liked Rhys even from the first book. I knew there was more too him than what we originally saw. What we got in this book was even more than I ever expected. I am such a fan of Rhys that I even had a dream about him after reading certain parts. I have never had a crush on a book character this strong before. It's blowing my mind, how do people live like this!

This book also explored a lot of different themes. I liked how Maas didn't shy away from her characters having mental health problems, especially after the traumatizing events that occurred in the first book. Nobody would be able to walk away from that without having to work through something. I also really enjoyed how relationships were discussed in this book. There were abusive aspects of a certain relationship and they were never made to look okay. It wasn't romanticized and you could see how it was harming Feyre.

I just loved this book. It completely entertained me and melted my heart. I need more and I need more right now. I probably will be thinking this book for the next year waiting for the next installment. If you read the first book, definitely read this one. Even if you were on the fence with the first book, this one is amazing. Highly recommend.




Top 10 Tuesday - Anticipated Releases for the Rest of the Year

Top 10 Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

I am officially back from my immersion trip, so hopefully I will get some books read so that I have some reviews up for you guys. In the mean time, lets talk about the books we are excited about for the rest of the year. At the end of 2015, I discussed the books I was excited for during the first half the year. You can check it out here. Now on to the main show, these are the releases I am excited for from July - December.

  

Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake  
{Expected Publication: Sept. 20/2016}
The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon 
{Expected Publication: Nov. 1/2016}
The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan 
{Expected Publication: Oct. 2/2016}

  
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
{Expected Publication: Aug. 30/2016}
Witch's Pyre by Josephine Angelini
{Expected Publication: Sep. 20/2016}
Frost Like Night by Sara Raasch
{Expected Publication: Sept. 20/2016}

  
Furthermore by Tahereh Mafi
{Expected Publication: Aug. 30/2016}
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne
{Expected Publication: July. 31/2016}
The Beauty of Darkness by Mary E. Pearson
{Excepted Publication: Aug. 2/2016}

That's only 9, but they are the only ones that I can think of. Let me know what you are excited to read for the rest of the year. I only have 2 of these titles preordered: Frost like Night and The Cursed Child. The rest I will likely wander to the library to pick up. Can't wait to see what everyone else is excited for.