The Photographs: Iconic Images From National Geographic, Foreword By Jimmy Chin, Text By Cathy Newman

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

Wow! What an awesome book! The Photographs: Iconic Images From National Geographic is AMAZING! It's truly a wonderful read chock full of gorgeous, jaw-dropping images taken by the most talented and gifted photographers in the world. There are over two hundred and fifty photographs to peruse and believe you me, you are going to take your time turning the pages in this marvelous tome. It is an absolute treat of a book. Talk about the perfect Christmas gift for anyone and everyone on your list. They will fall in love with this book - who wouldn't? Or they will love to have it on display on their coffee table, so that anyone who visits can have the opportunity to check it out. I mean it, this book is a must-have and must-read. 

The Photographs is a history book- showcasing the scope of National Geographic's coverage, topics, and reach all over the world. There are quotes, interviews and biographies throughout the book, which provide fascinating details and facts. And the stunning photographs themselves evoke a sense of wonder as you gaze at them one by one. This is a mesmerizing and unforgettable read. I absolutely LOVED it. I found myself dipping in and out of every day, sometimes three to five times a day. I couldn't help myself. I loved looking at these iconic images that reflect our world, our society, and our cultures.  The Photographs is such a beautiful book.  Make sure to grab a copy for yourself and a loved one. You most definitely won't want to miss out on this fantastic book!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book)

Wow - what a beautiful book! 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Rides by Everett Potter is a must-read for railfans. Chock full of gorgeous photographs depicting the beauty of riding the rails, this is THE perfect book to flip through for inspiration when planning a train trip. Especially, as it's filled with ALL the travel info you'll need/want about the 100 ultimate rides. Journeys to South Africa, India, Italy, and The Grand Canyon - reading about these exciting and amazing adventures will spark the wanderlust gene in us all. You'll fall in love with so many far-flung places that you'll fill up a notebook trying to figure out where you want to go and when. Potter provides the inside scoop on the trains themselves, along with intel about which ones have the most comfortable seats and delicious meals. His writing is informative and exciting - you can't help but get lost in his vivid and detailed descriptions of the train stations, the towns you'll stop at, and the adventures you'll have along the way. It's truly an inspiring book. Talk about top notch armchair travel. 

I would happily recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for their next great read, or looking for a wonderful holiday gift - 100 Train Journeys Of A Lifetime is a terrific travel guide and gorgeous coffee table book. Make sure to check it out! You'll have fun just flipping through all of the awesome rail trips Potter writes about in his book - they are unforgettable! I know I loved spending time with this book and dreaming about all the places I want to go. In fact, I'm pretty sure I heard the book shouting, "All Aboard!" at me, as I turned its pages :)

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

(Inside The Curve) Stories From The Pandemic curated by Claudi Carreras

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In the globe-spanning chronicle of an unprecedented historic event, journalists and photographers share an extraordinary collection of stories of the COVID pandemic: from the isolation and devastation of quarantine to the joy of reunion. 

As COVID-19 continued to evolve and impact communities around the globe, the National Geographic Society launched a Global Emergency Fund for Journalists to cover this extraordinary crisis within their own communities. The fund put a particular emphasis on delivering news to underserved populations, particularly where there is a dearth of evidence-based information getting to those who need it. This pandemic has made evident the vulnerability, inequity, and the many environmental injustices in our society, but it has also shown us the incredible resilience of many communities. Selections from this powerful body of work will be featured in a global traveling exhibition entitled “Inside the Curve: Stories from the Pandemic.” The book, which will extend and amplify the exhibition, will illuminate some of the themes of the crisis that have impacted all of us, as well as unique stories of heroism and survival.

my thoughts:

National Geographic has published a book titled, (Inside The Curve) Stories From The Pandemic and it is excellent. Curated by Claudi Carreras this book provides stories and photographs that capture the horrors of the COVID pandemic, along with the enduring strength of communities that rallied together to help one another during such a terrifying and unknown time. It's truly an emotional book. 

In order to chronicle COVID, the National Geographic Society decided to create a fund, called the Global Emergency Fund for Journalists, that would enable photographers and journalists to write about and share about what was happening where they lived. By doing so, this would help the world see what was happening all over the world, and also what was being done during such a scary time. The goal of the fund was to bring news to the underserved communities. Throughout the pandemic it became very clear what populations were most vulnerable and where the inequalities truly existed. This book shows us all of that and more, which makes it a fascinating and thought-provoking read. 

People can see selections from this book in a global traveling exhibition called, "Inside the Curve: Stories from the Pandemic."  Talk about a brilliant way to highlight the pandemic and the crises it brought to our attention. What a terrific book! I found myself mesmerized and reflecting on these past few years. Such a heart-wrenching time for us all. 

I would most definitely recommend (Inside The Curve) to everyone - this is must-read reading for us all. Make sure to check it out!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

National Geographic Birding Basics: Tips, Tools & Techniques for Great Bird-Watching by Noah Strycker

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Targeted to beginners and beyond, National Geographic’s fun, inspiring guide to the art, craft, and science of bird-watching combines practical know-how and expert knowledge. Browsable and bursting with helpful illustrations and photographs, Birding Basics offers new ideas for when, where, and how to get to know the birds in your world.

Not a field guide but a primer in best practices, authored by birding expert Noah Strycker, this breezy book features easy-to-follow advice on what to look and listen for, how to use field guides and birding apps, the best equipment to start with, and ways to engage with other birders around the world. Filled with fun facts and seasoned advice, this useful book will help you attract birds to your backyard, master bird identification, name a bird by its song, and witness the magic of migration. Sidebars feature fun facts, identification tips, and easy projects for exploring the world on the wing.

For everyone who loves watching the birds, whether out the window or on the trail, this colorful, easy-to-use guide to better birding has everything you need.

my thoughts:

Birding is a fantastic hobby to take up if you are looking for something new and fresh. For starters, birds. How freaking cool are they? Not only do they fly and soar up high in the sky, but they are beautiful creatures to watch. Plus, you get to go outside in nature to check them out - how is that not a great thing, right? And, lastly, binoculars. How cool and scientific will you look sporting a pair? I mean, c'mon, birding is seriously where it's at. Or at least I think so thanks to National Geographic's latest tome, Birding Basics: Tips, Tools & Techniques for Great Bird-Watching by Noah Strycker. Talk about a fun and informative read - I just loved diving right in and tabbing all the sections I wanted to take notes on. There are just so many awesome tips and facts included the book, along with some AMAZING photographs and illustrations. Strycker shares about equipment to use, seasons advice, and intel on birdsong. He writes in an engaging and accessible manner, that you can't help but find yourself excited and inspired to start birding. I know I had a great time reading through this book. And, I love how it looks on my coffee table - people can pick it up and find themselves lost in all things birding (talk about a cool pastime to learn about). This is definitely one book that I will be flipping through again and again - LOVED it!!

I would happily recommend Birding Basics to anyone and everyone interested in learning about birding - you are going to LOVE this book! Make sure to check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Cities, 5000 Ideas: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Grab your passport and get ready to explore 100 cities around the world. This informative travel guide--the next in National Geographic’s blockbuster 5,000 Ideas series--takes you from skyscraper-filled concrete jungles to coastal urban oases. You’ll find hot tips for the best sights, bites, museums, and more for each location, as well as practical planning advice for when to go and what to expect when you arrive. And there’s something in these pages for every traveler: history buff, art lover, foodie, beach bum, or anyone in between. Take a dim sum tour through San Francisco’s Chinatown; hop a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto to capture two of Japan’s best cities in one vacation; discover the hidden historical gems in bustling Mumbai; bathe in the sun on Sydney’s beaches; temple hop your way through Bangkok and shop its floating markets; stand on the edge of the world in Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city; take a walk through art history in Florence; or go on an urban safari in Nairobi. Filled with expert tips, bonus side trip suggestions, and tons of innovative activities, this is an inspirational and practical keepsake for any kind of globetrotter.

my thoughts:

I am dreaming of traveling. My notebook is filled with a vacation wish list of all the places I want to visit. I can taste the open road. And, then reality sets in and I'm back to armchair traveling. My vacation wish list will have to wait...for now.  So, that is why I read about faraway places - to get my travel bug fix. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on National Geographic's latest travel book, 100 Cities, 5000 Ideas: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do. Talk about the perfect travel guide!

Chock full of gorgeous photographs from all over the world, showcasing the beauty surrounding us all - this book will have you fantasizing about all the places you MUST visit ASAP. From Japan to Italy to India - your vacation wish list will become never-ending. OMG! And, the information the guide provides - tidbits and facts about what to do and when to go are exactly what you need when planning out your trips. I just LOVED this book so much! It is the perfect travel guide!

I would happily recommend 100 Cities, 5000 Ideas to anyone and everyone looking for their next read - you will LOVE getting lost in this book! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide To The Night Sky by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Richly illustrated with luminous photographs and informative maps and graphics, this expansive book is the perfect guide for everyone discovering the wonders of the night sky, from those just learning the constellations to dedicated telescope observers.

Combining science, exploration, and storytelling, National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas invites readers to roam the night sky for constellations, planets and moons, eclipses, comets and meteor showers, auroras, and deep-sky treasures including nebulae and galaxies—many visible to the naked eye and all with binoculars or a backyard telescope.

Beginning with basic space science and including a complete set of night sky maps for all four seasons in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, this fascinating book guides the reader toward the most rewarding observations. A unique chapter on astrotourism highlights ancient observatories, dark-sky preserves, and other global destinations for the sky-seeking traveler; a final chapter details current and future space missions and what they might discover.

Richly illustrated with awe-inspiring imagery—including photos from space missions and telescopes, science-based artists’ interpretations, and explanatory graphics—the book also contains 170 maps and charts of planets, moons, and constellations, from Earth’s moon to moons of Saturn. Practical advice throughout helps readers see what they have been reading about, building key observational skills such as “star hopping” from easy-to-find stars to fainter deep-sky objects and focusing on “deep sky treasures:” areas rich in observable phenomena.

Approachable and authoritative, gorgeous and fascinating, National Geographic Stargazer's Atlas will intrigue all who love to gaze up in wonder at the night sky—and find themselves wanting to know more.

my thoughts:

Looking up at the stars and wondering about the cosmos - talk about a fascinating way to spend your night. I absolutely love the memories I have of looking up at the night sky and imagining what the stars looked like up close and the planets filled with the unknown. It was exciting, scary, and so much fun.  The vastness that is the sky mixed with the darkness that creates night - the planet rotating and moving at its own speed as we sleep and dream.  Talk about fascinating food for thought.  And so, when I was given the opportunity to read National Geographic's latest book, Stargazer's Atlas: The Ultimate Guide To The Night Sky, I immediately said "yes."   I was so excited when I got my copy and grabbed a cuppa so I could settle in and learn about comets, constellations, planets, and all the things that have kept my imagination running wild for years.

Chock full of photographs, graphics, tips, and information - this book is THE book to read if you want to learn about watching the night sky and what's in it. You can find out about what telescope to use and the various star patterns that make up the constellations. Its so interesting, you can't help but get lost in the pages of this book - learning so much about the beautiful night sky that mesmerizes us.  I found myself completely engaged in this book - it was so much fun to read. I loved it!

I would happily recommend Stargazer's Atlas to fans of National Geographic and to budding astronomers/fans of stargazing - you will LOVE this book to bits!!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Food Journeys Of A Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe by National Geographic Society

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Few experiences are as satisfying as a chance to explore the world through food. Compiled from the expert travel writers at National Geographic, Food Journeys of a Lifetime scours the globe for the world’s best dishes, markets, and restaurants that are worth traveling far and wide to savor.
In this fully revised and updated edition, find the best of the best, including:

Tokyo’s famed fish market and its 226 Michelin-starred restaurants--the most of any city in the world
The ultimate Philly cheesesteak from the city of brotherly love
The perfect cup of tea in China
The spice markets of Marrakech
The juiciest cuts of beef in Argentina
The freshest pasta in Italy
And the ultimate Swiss wine route
Featuring more than 60 new bites and destinations, this book is the key to building a foodie traveler’s ultimate bucket list. Within the flavors and tastes of every cuisine, you’ll find unique stories about the places, cultures, climates, and chefs that produce these extraordinary dishes. A wide selection of recipes invite you to try new cooking techniques and obtain flavors from abroad at home; top 10 lists offer side trips from chocolate factories to champagne bars.

Filled with a dazzling array of diverse recommendations, each page of this inspiring book will make your mouth water--and spur your next gourmet vacation.

my thoughts:

National Geographic does food - how could I not read this one, right? I'm serious. Yummy, delicious food from all over the world - my mouth waters just thinking about it. And luckily, National Geographic always delivers the BEST photographs, so I know I'm going to be looking at vibrant and vivid images of glorious food. So, yeah, the title of this book, Food Journeys Of A Lifetime: 500 Extraordinary Places to Eat Around the Globe,  already makes me love it. Of course, once I open it up and start flipping pages and reading the different sections about coffee, restaurants, spices, and street foods, well, I am in LOVE. 

The photographs are awesome - they make you want to jump on a plane and fly everywhere to try all the foods. YUM! And the top ten lists were so much fun to read through. I loved reading about the best maple syrup, the best beer, and which food festivals should be added to your bucket list. Plus, I loved that we get to read about food from all over the world, including our beautifully diverse country. What a delectable treat this book was to peruse through. I had such a blast making my own list of places to visit and foods to try. Talk about foodie paradise!

Food Journeys Of A Lifetime makes for a terrific holiday gift - who doesn't love a beautiful coffee table book, right? And, who doesn't enjoy armchair traveling now and then? Plus, you can use this book to help you plan out your next vacation or three and check out all of the extraordinary places there are to eat in this wonderful world. All I know is that this book is a must-read. Make sure to check it out ASAP - you are going to eat it up!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

100 Great American Parks by Stephanie Pearson

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Discover diverse and breathtaking natural landscapes in this beautifully illustrated collection of America’s 63 national parks, as well as 37 state, recreational, and city parks and green spaces.

Nowhere in the world is there a park system like America’s. The National Park System was the first in the world and is a collection of the country’s best national treasures. For Americans, these places are part of our cultural DNA. Filled with beautiful National Geographic photography, wisdom from experts, need-to-know travel information including the best scenic overlooks and hiking trails, and practical wildlife-spotting tips, this inspirational collection takes readers to all 63 national parks, as well as 37 state, recreational, and city parks and green spaces. 
With a park in every state, this beautiful collection highlights the top experiences in stunning destinations from Yosemite and Sequoia to Biscayne and Mammoth Cave. You'll discover the beauty, diversity, surprises, and wonder of each park, including

The mountain peaks of the Tetons
Hawaii’s constantly erupting volcanoes
The crystal-clad underworld of Carlsbad Caverns
The steamy swamps and mangrove forests of the deep South
Hidden gems tucked in bustling cities like New York’s Central Park
And so much more!

Each entry in this magnificent volume explores the breathtaking landscapes, remarkable histories, extraordinary wildlife, and the need to conserve and explore each destination. With a foreword from legendary recording artist Garth Brooks, “the voice of America,” this innovative guide will lead you to experience the greatest park experiences the world has to offer and an understanding of these natural open spaces.

my thoughts:

What a beautiful book! I LOVED National Geographic's latest by Stephanie Pearson, 100 Great American Parks.  Chock full of stunning photographs and amazing essays all about our nation's parks - what more could I want from a travel book? We get to see the gorgeous vistas surrounding us, along with tons of tips, advice, and information about where to go and when to go. This book has it all!

I just loved flipping through the pages and getting lost in the photographs and imagining all of the vacations that I now need to take. This book is just such a treat to read. I enjoyed every minute I spent with it. 100 Great American Parks is the go-to book for anyone and everyone planning out their next excursion - you are going to LOVE this book to bits! Check it out ASAP - especially since summer is right around the corner. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish by David Liittschwager

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In this mesmerizing book of photography, acclaimed photographer David Liittschwager reveals the unnerving beauty of three notoriously mysterious sea creatures--the jellyfish, octopus, and seahorse--and how they perceive the world. 

The jellyfish, the octopus, and the seahorse are among the most wondrous species on Earth--as well as some of the most difficult to document using traditional photography methods. Enter celebrated photographer David Liittschwager, who has spent decades developing specialized portraiture techniques to capture these creatures’ pulsating bioluminescence, translucent bodies, and ethereal movements. 

This luminous collection showcases 200 of Liittschwager’s most revealing photographs, paired with penetrating essays that explain how a creature without a brain or without bones perceives the world. Bestselling science writers Elizabeth Kolbert, Jennifer Holland, and Olivia Judson explain the biology and advanced cognitive abilities of these spineless denizens of the deep, exquisitely evoking their unnerving yet undeniable charisma. In these pages, you’ll glimpse a seahorse only half an inch tall, a moon jelly spinning off a snowflake-shaped clone, and the blinking comb jelly, which may be the most ancient living animal on Earth. 

Both enlightening and profound, this enchanting book documents the expanding frontiers of marine science, creating a powerful testament to the value and beauty of these little-seen--and endangered--species.

my thoughts:

Wow! Just, wow! David Liittschwager has created a beautiful book titled: Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish for National Geographic.  His photography is stunning. Flipping through the pages of this gorgeous tome, you won't be able to stop staring at the wonderfully unique shots he was able to capture of the ocean's most mysterious sea creatures. It is truly captivating! I loved looking through this book on a lazy Sunday afternoon and reading essays about the octopus, seahorse, and jellyfish. Talk about an illuminating read.

I would happily recommend Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish to fans of National Geographic and to anyone looking for a book to get lost in - you will love reading about marine life under the sea. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!
 

100 Countries, 5000 Ideas: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

In this fully revised and updated edition of the best-selling 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas, find where to go, what to do, when to visit, and more for the top destinations around the world. Filled with new content, 11 new countries, and brand-new photography from National Geographic, you’ll find everything you need to plan your next globetrotting adventure. Travel to Vietnam where you can paddle Ha Long Bay and temple hop on a tuk tuk city tour. In France, visit well-known Parisian spots, then make your way to the off-the-beaten Dinan (France’s only walled city) and the Loire Valley. In South Africa, find yourself in an urban oasis in Cape Town before heading on a safari adventure. Go to the ends of the Earth in Chile before hopping a boat to cruise a glacier-filled bay. And history buffs will be fascinated by a three-country WWII tour. Whatever your pleasure, this rich guidebook has the trip--and country--for you. Complete with essential tips like when to go and what to bring, you’ll be packing your bags and crossing off bucket list destinations in no time.

my thoughts:

I am dreaming of traveling. My notebook is filled with a vacation wish list of all the places I want to visit. I can taste the open road. And, then reality sets in and I'm back to armchair traveling. My vacation wish list will have to wait...for now.  So, that is why I read about faraway places - to get my travel bug fix. Luckily, I was able to get my hands on National Geographic's latest edition of 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas. Talk about the perfect travel guide!

Chock full of gorgeous photographs from all over the world, showcasing the beauty surrounding us all - this book will have you fantasizing about all the places you MUST visit ASAP. From Vietnam to South Africa to France - your vacation wish list will become never-ending. OMG! And, the information the guide provides - tidbits and facts about what to do and when to go are exactly what you need when planning out your trips. I just LOVED this book so much! It is the perfect travel guide!

I would happily recommend 100 Countries, 5,000 Ideas to anyone and everyone looking for their next read - you will LOVE getting lost in this book! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

50 States, 500 Campgrounds: Where To Go, When To Go, What To See, What To Do by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

Plan your next getaway to the great outdoors with this one-of-a-kind resource for campgrounds across North America. In this comprehensive sequel to the best-selling 50 States, 5,000 Ideas, you'll discover the top tent and cabin campsites, as well as RV resorts and glamping destinations around the United States and Canada. Along with destination information—location, contact info, open seasons, and amenities—along with expert recommendations for activities including hiking, biking, and water sports; the best restaurants for days you need a break from the camp stove; and nearby attractions—from sights within nearby national and state parks to local museums. Choose from 10 sites in each state, Western and Eastern Canada, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, including a cabin at Yogi Bear's Delaware Beaches Jellystone Park Camp Resort; a tent near the stunning waterfall at the Grand Canyon's Havasupai Campground; or a cozy yurt in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Whatever your camping bucket list includes, 50 States, 500 Campgrounds has the site for you.

my thoughts:

Travel books are my jam. I just love them to bits. The adventures they inspire, the delicious photographs, and the numerous tips of where to go and what to do - what more could I want? Especially when National Geographic is responsible for publishing and creating the travel book. I mean, seriously? National Geographic?! You know what that means - the very best photographs, information, and recommendations. So, of course, I jumped at the chance to review their latest travel guide: 50 States, 500 Campgrounds. Talk about the perfect read to motivate me to start planning out my summer and fall trips this year. 

Camping sounds like the perfect way to unwind. The outdoors, night skies, hiking trails, and s'mores - all of it sounds rather blissful at the moment. Considering how cooped up we've all been these past two years, I'm thinking the outdoors is the way to go. Plus, I love the idea of a 'glamping' trip. How fun does that sound?! 

In 50 States, 500 Campgrounds we get the intel on all of the 'hotspots' in the States. The book is chock full of the best places to visit, the yummiest restaurants to dine at, and the funnest activities to partake in. You can't help but grab a notebook and pen to start jotting down ideas for all of the places you want to visit ASAP. This book will inspire and motivate you to see the USA in all its glory. I am so stoked to start figuring out which destination to visit first. What an awesome book! I would happily recommend 50 States, 500 Campgrounds to anyone and everyone - you will LOVE this travel book! Check it out!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life by Dan Buettner

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

In this companion to the number one New York Times bestseller The Blue Zones Kitchen, Dan Buettner offers a four-week guide and year-long sustainability program to jump-start your journey to better health, happiness, less stress, and a longer life.

Get started on the path to a longer, healthier, happier life with this quick start to building your own Blue Zones lifestyle. Dan Buettner, founder of the Blue Zones and author of the New York Times number one best-selling Blue Zones Kitchen, offers the challenge of a lifetime: Build a foundation for better nutrition, more exercise, and a stronger social life that will extend your lifetime by years. 

In this easy-to-implement guide, you'll start with the rules of the Blue Zones Challenge, including tips and tricks from the five Blue Zones--locations around the world where people consistently live to 100--advice for setting up a successful kitchen and pantry, and resources for expanding you support network. Then, follow week-by-week prompts to:

Change your diet
Increase your activity
Update your living spaces
Build your social life.

After four weeks--and with the help of easy-to-use worksheets and recipes--you'll see results in your weight, your well-being, and your general health. From there, follow the Blue Zones challenge through the rest of the year with an 11-month sustainability calendar that will continue to encourage you and build upon the foundation you've already started. 

What you'll find is living to 100 is easy--it just takes following the Blue Zones way!

my thoughts:

I'm a huge fan of The Blue Zones Kitchen cookbook by Dan Buettner, so I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy of his latest work, the companion book to The Blue Zones Kitchen titled, The Blue Zones Challenge: A 4-Week Plan for a Longer, Better Life. With a title like that, how could I now want to read the book, right? I mean, who doesn't want a longer and better life? Especially with the way things have been these past couple of years, I think we are all looking for ways to stay healthy. Suffice it to say, I was excited to dive into this terrific new book.

Designed as a model to help jump-start a healthy lifestyle, The Blue Zones Challenge is wonderful resource book chock full of helpful tips and ideas on eating healthier, exercising more, and focusing on your living space and social life. The author uses the Blue Zones (the regions in the world where people are known to live the longest) for advice on ways to help you set up a healthy and stocked kitchen pantry, along with ways to build a stronger support network.  I really enjoyed going slowly through this book and jotting down ideas and tips - figuring out ways to motivate myself to focus on my health in a more productive manner. This book definitely helped remind me how important it is to stay connected and move, move, move! Such a great read!

I would definitely recommend The Blue Zones Challenge to fans of Buettner's book, The Blue Zones Kitchen - you will fall in love with this latest book!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Ocean: A Global Odyssey by Sylvia A. Earle

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Discover the world's ocean--from tides and currents to the creatures living in it to the impact it has on our lives, whether we know it or not--in this richly illustrated overview of the life force that defines and sustains our planet, written by world-renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle.

Everything you want to know about the ocean can be found inside these beautiful and dynamic pages. National Geographic Ocean unveils the power and significance of our planet's watery essence: the fundamental importance of the ocean in shaping Earth's climate and chemistry as well as its vital role in supporting a multitude of life-forms, including our own human race. 

World-renowned oceanographer and National Geographic Explorer in Residence Sylvia Earle--affectionately called "Her Deepness"--guides readers with her lyrical style and inspiring wisdom, describing the evolution, beauty, and impact of our ocean; the challenges it faces, such as climate change, plastic, and overfishing; and the myriad ways we can help protect it. 

This comprehensive reference explains the fundamental science of the ocean--from plate tectonics to seawater makeup, including a fascinating illustrated guide to marine life, from sponges, kelp, and zooplankton to whales, sharks, and sea turtles. More than 100 maps and diagrams, including seafloor and political maps of all Earth's seas and oceans, elucidate Dr. Earle's authoritative text. 

For seaside dwellers and landlubbers alike, this is a book you will turn to again and again to understand why, as Sylvia Earle says, "Everyone, everywhere is inextricably connected to and utterly dependent upon the existence of the sea." 

Dive deeper into ocean discovery with more National Geographic favorites:
Into the Deep
The Nature of Nature
100 Dives of a Lifetime
Secrets of the Whales
Pristine Seas
Shark

my thoughts:

Wow! What a beautiful book! Chock full of spectacular photography and informative tidbits, Ocean: A Global Odyssey by Sylvia A. Earle is a must-read! 

Earle provides us with the history of the oceans, which is fascinating to learn about. She also lets us know just how much damage we humans have caused to our oceans. And, she lets us know how all of the damage has impacted our environment and the ways in which it will affect the future of our planet. Talk about depressing and eye-opening. Overall, she has created a terrific book that explains all things ocean. You can't help but get caught up in the beautiful photographs showcasing the depths of our oceans and the unique creatures inhabiting it. This truly makes for such a fun and engaging read. I loved spending the day with this book and mulling over the state of our oceans and our future.  

I would happily recommend Ocean to fans of National Geographic and to anyone interested in learning more about science and the environment - they will fall in deep with this book. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Good Kings: Absolute Power in Ancient Egypt and the Modern World by Kara Cooney

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Written in the tradition of historians like Mary Beard and Stacy Schiff who find modern lessons in ancient history, this provocative narrative explores the lives of five remarkable pharaohs who ruled Egypt with absolute power, shining a new light on the country's 3,000-year empire and its meaning today.

In a new era when democracies around the world are threatened or crumbling, best-selling author Kara Cooney turns to five ancient Egyptian pharaohs--Khufu, Senwosret III, Akenhaten, Ramses II, and Taharqa--to understand why many so often give up power to the few, and what it can mean for our future.

As the first centralized political power on earth, the pharaohs and their process of divine kingship can tell us a lot about the world's politics, past and present. Every animal-headed god, every monumental temple, every pyramid, every tomb, offers extraordinary insight into a culture that combined deeply held religious beliefs with uniquely human schemes to justify a system in which one ruled over many.

From Khufu, the man who built the Great Pyramid at Giza as testament to his authoritarian reign, and Taharqa, the last true pharaoh who worked to make Egypt great again, we discover a clear lens into understanding how power was earned, controlled, and manipulated in ancient times. And in mining the past, Cooney uncovers the reason why societies have so willingly chosen a dictator over democracy, time and time again.

my thoughts:

Egyptian history is fascinating and so much fun to learn about. In this epic new book by Kara Cooney, we learn about five ancient pharaohs and the history of their politics and culture. Cooney also chooses five modern world leaders to compare with these five ancient pharaohs. Talk about an unputdownable read!

Cooney's writing about these ancient kings is superb. She writes history like a story, pulling you in and taking you along on a journey through the past. You can't help but get caught up in the culture, the people, and these men. It is truly a treat to read. I found myself easily imagining the world they lived in and the ways in which they ruled. And, I couldn't help but find myself wanting to learn more. Such a great book!

I would happily recommend The Good Kings to fans of Egyptian history and to anyone looking for their great next read - this book will provide you with plenty of food for thought. What a treat!

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs by Ann R. Williams (General Editor)

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

 

about book:

Blending high adventure with history, this chronicle of 100 astonishing discoveries from the Dead Sea Scrolls to the fabulous “Lost City of the Monkey God” tells incredible stories of how explorers and archaeologists have uncovered the clues that illuminate our past.

Archaeology is the key that unlocks our deepest history. Ruined cities, golden treasures, cryptic inscriptions, and ornate tombs have been found across the world, and yet these artifacts of ages past often raised more questions than answers. But with the emergence of archaeology as a scientific discipline in the 19th century, everything changed.

Illustrated with dazzling photographs, this enlightening narrative tells the story of human civilization through 100 key expeditions, spanning six continents and more than three million years of history. Each account relies on firsthand reports from explorers, antiquarians, and scientists as they crack secret codes, evade looters and political suppression, fall in love, commit a litany of blunders, and uncover ancient curses.

Pivotal discoveries include:

• King Tut’s tomb of treasure
• Terracotta warriors escorting China’s first emperor into the afterlife
• The glorious Anglo-Saxon treasure of Sutton-Hoo
• Graves of the Scythians, the real Amazon warrior women
• New findings on the grim fate of the colonists of Jamestown

With a foreword from bestselling author Douglas Preston, Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs is an expertly curated and breath-taking panorama of the human journey.

my thoughts:

History nonfiction at its very best! I LOVED Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs! Published by National Geographic and edited by Ann R. Williams, this lovely tome is chock full of fascinating historical tidbits, spectacular photographs, and amazing stories that you will not want to stop reading about. I mean it - this book will spark your interest in history and have you jotting down all of the things you want to research further. I know that I now have a notebook filled with a variety of topics and places that I want to learn more about. It is just so refreshing to read a history book that motivates you to read even more history books. I loved it!

This is one book that you need to check out for yourself. You need to see all the stellar photography and be AMAZED at the talent behind the lens and the awesome images themselves. You need to read all about the rich historical discoveries that this book covered - they will make your jaw drop.  And, you just need to get lost in the adventure that is history. This book will definitely keep you reading late into the night. Check it out!

I would happily recommend Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs to anyone and everyone looking for their next great historical read - you will LOVE this one!! Oh, and if you are looking for a gift for that history buff in your life, then look no further - Lost Cities, Ancient Tombs is the perfect choice!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: Lost Cities Ancient Tombs

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

The 21st Century: Photographs From The Image Collection by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book: (summary from Goodreads)

The best photographs of the first 21 years of the 21st century take center stage in this incredible volume of National Geographic's world-famous imagery.

In just two short decades of the 21st century, National Geographic has ushered in a new era of visual storytelling excellence, including innovations in digital, drone, and smartphone photography, and reached out to a global audience through one of the world's most popular Instagram accounts, @NatGeo. In these 21 years, photography has transformed from a rarefied discipline to a universal medium of communication, available in the palm of everyone with a mobile phone. Through it all, National Geographic has remained at the forefront, shining a light on the beauty, wonder, and heartbreak of the world. 
A remarkable collection, The 21st Century culls more than 250 of the very best, most impactful National Geographic images across print, digital, and social media, celebrating:

Extraordinary wildlife
Unique cultures around the world
Beautiful landscapes
One-of-a-kind portrait photography
And behind-the-shot stories from celebrated National Geographic photographers like Joel Sartore, Nick Nichols, Jodi Cobb, Anand Varma, and Evgenia Arbugaeva.

Spanning the remarkable moments year-by-year from 2000 to 2021, The 21st Century is a beautiful, giftable, and important record of our rapidly changing world--a treasury you'll want to keep on the coffee table and turn to again and again

my thoughts:

Wow! National Geographic has created the ultimate photograph book with The 21st Century: Photographs From The Image Collection - it is spectacular! Spanning the first twenty-one years of the twenty-first century, this awesome book contains the most amazing photographs of our beautiful and diverse world in all its glory - the good and the bad moments in history, the unique terrain we travel thousands of miles to hike, and the unbelievable animals that pounce on their prey. It is jaw-dropping, breathtaking, and so inspiring. You will not be able to stop turning the pages and immersing yourself in these photographs. Plus, we get to see how much has changed in the world of photography - cameras, drones, digital photography, social media, etc. - talk about groundbreaking technology!

I LOVED this book to bits! I can't wait to share it with friends and family - it is going to make a fantastic gift. Definitely check it out and see for yourself how excellent the photography in this awesome book really is - you will be AMAZED! Then again, National Geographic never disappoints. 

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

1000 Perfect Weekends: Great Escapes Around the Globe by National Geographic

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)

about book:

Packed with innovative ideas and inspiring photographs, this gift-worthy treasury features 1,000 dream escapes from sunny beach retreats to lush mountain idylls, exotic city sojourns, and wild adventures around the world.

Whether you’re looking for a way to unplug from the busy work week, take the family on a quick getaway, or add to a vacation itinerary, this practical and inspiring book provides the perfect way to plan your next escape. Spend two days sailing off the coast of the Bahamas. Indulge in a foodie tour of Mexico City’s markets. Camp with wild horses on Assateague Island. Take a drive through Italy’s “Chocolate Valley.” Skate the world’s largest ice rink at Ottawa’s winter festival. Whatever your pleasure, 1,000 Perfect Weekends has a unique itinerary built to excite you and your travel companions, illustrated with dramatic National Geographic photographs. Divided by theme and interest–including nature parks, city escapes, country weekends, mountain retreats, and more–this fun-packed guide offers an adventure you can experience in 36 to 72 hours. Highlighting the best short escapes from hubs across the globe, these trips cover more than 40 countries around the world. You’ll also find 50 snackable top-10 lists–from the best places to go antiquing to the most relaxing spas to the top museums in the world–to add to your bucket list, along with first-person accounts from travelers who have scouted out each location.

my thoughts:

Fun, fun, fun! 1000 Perfect Weekends: Great Escapes Around the Globe by National Geographic is such a fantastic read! Chock full of vacation destination ideas, gorgeous photographs, tips, advice, and top ten lists - this book will have you planning out your next vacation ASAP. You won't be able to stop jotting down ideas for future trips for the next several years. There are just so many beautiful places to visit around this incredible world and their are recommendations for all kinds of travelers - foodies, hikers, snorkelers, and people who just want to chill out and drink some wine. It is truly amazing that there are so many places to visit and experience - makes you appreciate the beauty of people, culture, and nature. I was in awe flipping the pages of this hefty tome. I had my cuppa next to me, along with a notebook and pen. I found myself transported around the world just flipping through the brilliant photographs littering the pages. I loved it. What a terrific travel book! I would wholeheartedly recommend 1000 Perfect Weekends to everyone looking for some form of travel escape - you will relish your time spent with this book. I know I can't wait to buy a copy or ten for my family and friends this holiday season - they can start planning out their 2022 vacations with it. Definitely check it out!

Here's the link to the TLC Book Tour schedule for: 1000 Perfect Weekends

Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!