Book of Interest: Hidden Universe Travel Guide: The Complete Marvel Cosmos

A travel book that has insight from the Guardians of the Galaxy, now that's something different. I can imagine all the things they would say about the universe and some of the planets they've visited. I love books that don't take themselves so seriously especially since this covers the many worlds of the Marvel universe.

Book: Hidden Universe Travel Guide: The Complete Marvel Cosmos by Marc Sumerak

Description:

The ultimate guidebook to Earth, the Nine Realms, and other dimensions from Marvel Comics, as told by Peter Quill, Rocket, Groot, and the rest of the Guardians of the Galaxy.

Ever since Super Heroes like Thor and the Guardians of the Galaxy started stomping around planet Earth, we’ve had to open our horizons a little and embrace the wider reaches of space. If you’re thinking of journeying to one of the many new realms for a little R’n’R, then don’t leave home without Hidden Universe’s guide to the cosmos. Whether you’re looking to enjoy the divine splendor of Asgard or soak up the multicultural atmosphere of intergalactic waypoint Knowhere, this is the book for you. It even provides some tips on surviving excursions to Planet Moord and Chitauri Prime, if you like your vacations to be on the extreme side.

•    SEE THE COSMOS – Features information on the hot spots, history, and culture of more than forty locations in the Marvel Universe, including Planet X, Halfworld, Weirdworld, and the Planet of the Symbiotes.

•    REDISCOVER EARTH – Get the lowdown on some of the Earth's most exotic and mysterious locations, such as Wakanda, Latveria, the Savage Land, and New Attilan.

•    GET INVALUABLE ADVICE – Star-Lord, Gamora, Drax, Rocket, and Groot, aka the Guardians of the Galaxy, have filled this book with their own unique travel tips, from where to get a drink in Alfheim to dealing with Ego the Living Planet.

Book of Interest: Batman & Robin Adventures vol #1

I still love watching Batman: The Animated Series and I'm sure other fans do as well. It was a great show. Over the years I've only read a few of the Batman Adventures comic books and now that the series has been republished I'm now able to read them all. I already have volume #1 and I'm working on getting the remainder volumes #2-4.

With that said why did I just find out that they also started republishing Batman & Robin Adventures? I will be getting this as well, this make me happy to be a fan.

Book: Batman & Robin Adventures volume #1 (issues #1-10) by Paul Dini with art by Ty Templeton and Rick Burchett

Description:

The adventure continues in this follow-up to the four-time Emmy Award-winning Batman: The Animated Series! Join Batman, Robin and Batgirl as they fight crime against the deadliest, craziest villains Gotham City has to offer. The dynamic duo takes on the likes of Two-Face, Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, the Riddler, Penguin, the Joker and more as the streets of Gotham get darker and wilder.

Books of Interest: Whole New You and Stirring Up Fun with Food

I love watching "Tia Mowry at Home" it's one show that I make sure not to miss. The food always looks so good and easy to make and ever since the show first premiered in 2015 on the Cooking Channel, I always wondered why Tia didn't have a cookbook? I guess I don't have to wonder any longer because her new cookbook Whole New You will be available in March. Can't wait to read this.

But that's not the only cookbook I will be buying, Sarah Michelle Gellar will be releasing Stirring Up Fun with Food in April. The book will focus on making food a little more fun which is something kids would really like. I believe her food company Foodstirs is also focused on making food creative as well. I think it's pretty cool that both Sarah and her husband Freddie Prinze, Jr. will both have published cookbooks.

Book: Whole New You: How Real Food Transforms Your Life, for a Healthier, More Gorgeous You by Tia Mowry

Publication: March 14, 2017

Description:

From the star of the Cooking Channel’s Tia Mowry at Home comes a timely clean-eating cookbook that will change the way you think about what you eat and jump-start your journey to a healthier, more gorgeous you.

When actress Tia Mowry landed her breakthrough role on the sitcom Sister, Sister, she swapped home-cooked meals for catering spreads. But her teen-dream diet of candies and carbs turned into a nightmare when she developed endometriosis, a painful disease that affects one in ten women worldwide.

Two years and two surgeries later, some surprising advice from her doctor inspired Tia to radically change one of the most basic elements of her life: her diet. After ditching the dairy and the refined sugars and processed foods, Tia’s pain receded drastically. What’s more, her migraines stopped, her skin cleared up, and she was finally able to get pregnant. Drawing on the latest research on whole plant foods, inflammation, and gut flora, Whole New You chronicles Tia’s journey to wellness and provides all the resources you need to feel better, including

• A ten-day menu plan to begin your healthy life
• More than 100 delicious recipes
• Lighter versions of your favorite comfort food recipes, including “Buttermilk” Fried Chicken and Crispy Collard Chips
• Healthy recipes for your kids
• Tips and tricks for eating on the go
• Complementary approaches, such as acupuncture and yoga, for whole body healing

Like a trusted friend, Tia recounts both her setbacks and her triumphs—and shows you how to listen to what your body is telling you. With Whole New You, your healing begins now.

Book: Stirring Up Fun with Food: Over 115 Simple, Delicious Ways to Be Creative in the Kitchen by Sarah Michelle Gellar and Gia Russo

Publication: April 4, 2017

Description:

More than 100 fun food-crafting ideas that will engage, delight, and amaze kids-from actress, entrepreneur, and mom, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and former Martha Stewart Living editor Gia Russo.

Why stop with making basic brownies? Why not put them on a stick and decorate them? Why not take boring broccoli and turn it into a yummy cheese muffin instead? Sarah Michelle Gellar learned quickly that to get her kids to be adventurous with food, she had to involve them in preparing it. She wanted that process to be fun and help them develop self-confidence, creative thinking, and even math skills! So Sarah and co-author Gia Russo came up with more than 100 fun food-crafting ideas that take basic food preparation to a surprising new level.

Organized by month, the book offers projects for every occasion and theme, including Super Bowl, Valentine's Day, Shark Week, Halloween, and even a Star Wars Day with licensed Star Wars creations! The possibilities are endless!

Book of Interest: Grumpy Cat (and Pokey!): The Grumpus

Sometimes it's hard to believe that one little cat became so popular that it even has comic books. Last year, I read The Misadventures of Grumpy Cat (and Pokey!) volume #1 and it actually was a fun read. Grumpy and Pokey always find themselves in some sort of crazy adventure and I can only wonder what will happen in this book.

Book: Grump Cat (and Pokey): The Grumpus! by various writers and artists

Description:

The World's Grumpiest Cat -- and the world's most adorable internet sensation -- continues to delight fans of all ages with her comic book misadventures (although she's actually quite disappointed to delight anyone, of course)! Whether she gets drawn into her fun-loving brother Pokey's games of hide-and-seek, spends her afternoon daydreaming of a world without humans, or unleashes a genie from the bottle to answer her every malcontent whim, Grumpy Cat's escapades are guaranteed to make you smile... even if she's scowling!

Book of Interest: Not Your Sidekick

Okay, Not Your Sidekick looks like it's going to be a fun read. In a world of superpowers Jessica doesn't have any and also will be interning with a supervillain while also maybe finding love. This is a Must Add to my wishlist.

Book: Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee

Description:

Welcome to Andover... where superpowers are common, but internships are complicated. Just ask high school nobody, Jessica Tran. Despite her heroic lineage, Jess is resigned to a life without superpowers and is merely looking to beef-up her college applications when she stumbles upon the perfect (paid!) internship only it turns out to be for the town s most heinous supervillain.

On the upside, she gets to work with her longtime secret crush, Abby, who Jess thinks may have a secret of her own. Then there's the budding attraction to her fellow intern, the mysterious 'M,' who never seems to be in the same place as Abby. But what starts as a fun way to spite her superhero parents takes a sudden and dangerous turn when she uncovers a plot larger than heroes and villains altogether.

Book of Interest: Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years

What super huge Batgirl fan will be buying this book? Did you guess me, well then you are correct. This 50th anniversary book will not only celebrate Barbara Gordon but Cassandra Cain and Stephanie Brown as well. What more could a Batgirl fan ask for?

Book: Batgirl: A Celebration of 50 Years by various writers and artists

Publication: February 21, 2017

Description:

Fifty years ago, Batgirl made her Million Dollar Debut taking down the nefarious Killer Moth. And ever since, the butt-kicking hero has been a vital part of Batman’s team and a role model for girls everywhere, squaring off against mobsters, assassins, super-villains and more. 

Though many young women have worn the cowl—from unassuming librarian Barbara Gordon to deadly mute assassin Cassandra Cain to teen vigilante Stephanie Brown—all have made their distinct mark on the DC Universe.

Now BATGIRL: A CELEBRATION OF 50 YEARS collects all the greatest triumphs and most tragic moments of the many Batgirls in one volume, offering a crash course in the character, from Babs’ first appearance by Gardner Fox and Carmine Infantino to her modern-day adventures by Cameron Stewart, Brenden Fletcher, Babs Tarr, Gail Simone and more.

Book of Interest: Tiny Pretty Things

As a dance and ballet geek, I'm loving the description for this, it seems really interesting. But I'm a bit disappointed with the cover. Looking at it, you would have no idea the story was even about ballerinas. It would have been nice if they had been featured on the cover. 

Book: Tiny Pretty Things (book #1) by Sona Charaipotra and Dhonielle Clayton

Description:

Black Swan meets Pretty Little Liars in this soapy, drama-packed novel featuring diverse characters who will do anything to be the prima at their elite ballet school.

Gigi, Bette, and June, three top students at an exclusive Manhattan ballet school, have seen their fair share of drama. Free-spirited new girl Gigi just wants to dance—but the very act might kill her. Privileged New Yorker Bette's desire to escape the shadow of her ballet-star sister brings out a dangerous edge in her. And perfectionist June needs to land a lead role this year or her controlling mother will put an end to her dancing dreams forever.

When every dancer is both friend and foe, the girls will sacrifice, manipulate, and backstab to be the best of the best.

Book of Interest: The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars part 1

I can't believe it, the first book of The Legend of Korra comic book series will officially be out in June. I'm so excited. I absolutely love the animated series and the fact that Michael Dante DiMartino is writing this should make it a good read. For those who don't know he is one of the co-creators of the TLoK and Avatar: The Last Airbender.

I already have this to my wishlist I'm just trying to figure out when I'm going to pre-order it. I can't wait to read this.

Book: The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars part 1 by Michael Dante DiMartino with illustrations by Irene Koh

Publication: June 20, 2017

Description:

Relishing their newfound feelings for each other, Korra and Asami leave the Spirit World . . . but find nothing in Republic City but political hijinks and human vs. spirit conflict!

A pompous developer plans to turn the new spirit portal into an amusement park, potentially severing an already tumultuous connection with the spirits. What's more, the triads have realigned and are in a brutal all-out brawl at the city's borders--where hundreds of evacuees have relocated!

In order to get through it all, Korra and Asami vow to look out for each other--but first, they've got to get better at being a team and a couple!

Book of Interest: The Many Lives of Catwoman

I have so many favorite characters and Catwoman is one of them. Over her 75+ years, different writers have moved Selina Kyle away from being a standard run of the mill Batman villain to someone who is neither hero nor villain. She's known as the protector of the East End looking out for the residents there. Yes, Selina is still one of the best burglars in the world of DC Comics but she's more on the line of Robin Hood giving away money to help others. Although she does keep quite a few jewels, cash and items for herself, I never said she was a hero.

This is a must read for me, I can't wait to get this book, The Many Live of Catwoman to see how the author researched the character and what insights he brings to it.

Anyone else planning on reading this, let me know?

Book: The Many Lives of Catwoman: The Felonious History of a Feline Fatale by Tim Hanley

Publication: July 1, 2017

Description:

For more than 75 years, Catwoman has forged her own path in a clear-cut world of stalwart heroes, diabolical villains, and damsels in distress. Her relentless independence across comic books, television, and film set her apart from the rest of the superhero world. When female-led comics were few and far between, Catwoman headlined her own series for over 20 years. But her unique path had its downsides as well. Her existence on the periphery of the superhero world made her expendable, and she was prone to lengthy absences. Her villainous origins also made her susceptible to sexualized and degrading depictions from her primarily male creators in ways that most conventional heroines didn't face.

 

For good and ill, Catwoman serves as a stark counterpart to the typical evolution of the history of women in comics, and in popular culture generally. Her adventures have charted an inimitably varied journey of empowerment and exploitation. Exploring the many incarnations of this cultural icon offers a new perspective on the superhero genre and showcases the fierce resiliency that has made Catwoman a fan favorite for decades.

Book of Interest: When Dimple Met Rishi

Despite having a busy weekend, I did manage to find a new book of interest which I also added to my wishlist. When Dimple Met Rishi is being touted as a Young Adult romantic comedy which is great because I love books that make me laugh.

I think the cover looks adorable, just a happy go lucky girl who has no idea her family is planning on arranging a marriage for her. I can't wait to read this, I have to see how this turns out.

Does this seem like a book that would interest you?

Book: When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon

Publication: May 30, 2017

Description:

A laugh-out-loud, heartfelt YA romantic comedy, told in alternating perspectives, about two Indian-American teens whose parents have arranged for them to be married.

Dimple Shah has it all figured out. With graduation behind her, she’s more than ready for a break from her family, from Mamma’s inexplicable obsession with her finding the “Ideal Indian Husband.” Ugh. Dimple knows they must respect her principles on some level, though. If they truly believed she needed a husband right now, they wouldn’t have paid for her to attend a summer program for aspiring web developers…right?

Rishi Patel is a hopeless romantic. So when his parents tell him that his future wife will be attending the same summer program as him—wherein he’ll have to woo her—he’s totally on board. Because as silly as it sounds to most people in his life, Rishi wants to be arranged, believes in the power of tradition, stability, and being a part of something much bigger than himself.

The Shahs and Patels didn’t mean to start turning the wheels on this “suggested arrangement” so early in their children’s lives, but when they noticed them both gravitate toward the same summer program, they figured, Why not?

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

Book of Interest: The Meaning of Michelle

When I think of First Lady Michelle Obama it's of her intelligence, her determination to help children, her style and grace and lastly her kindness and compassion. I added this book to my wishlist because I'm interested in seeing how she inspired others.

I will be picking this up.

Book: The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our Own edited by Veronica Chambers

Publication: January 10, 2017

Description:

Michelle Obama is unlike any other First Lady in American History. From her first moments on the public stage, she has challenged traditional American notions about what it means to be beautiful, to be strong, to be fashion-conscious, to be healthy, to be First Mom, to be a caretaker and hostess, and to be partner to the most powerful man in the world. What is remarkable is that, at 52, she is just getting started.

While many books have looked at Michelle Obama from a fashion perspective, no book has fully explored what she means to our culture. The Meaning of Michelle does just that, while offering a parting gift to a landmark moment in American history. In addition to a tribute to Michelle Obama, this book is also a rollicking, lively dinner party conversation about race, class, marriage, creativity, womanhood and what it means to be American today.

Contributors include: Ava DuVernay, Veronica Chambers, Benilde Little, Damon Young, Alicia Hall Moran and Jason Moran, Brittney Cooper, Ylonda Gault Caviness, Chirlane McCray, Cathi Hanauer, Tiffany Dufu, Tanisha Ford, Marcus Samuelsson, Sarah Lewis, Karen Hill Anton, Rebecca Carroll, Phillipa Soo, and Roxane Gay