Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes by Rebel Girls

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing Rebel Girls Champions: Tales of Unstoppable Athletes by Rebel Girls. It is a non-fiction book for younger readers and it will be published on October 12th from Rebel Girls.

This collection tells us the stories of 25 unstoppable women athletes. They are inspiring stories of girls who wanted to become athletes and they succeeded despite the difficulties and discriminations they faced. 

It is written like a fairytale and it is perfect for young readers, Also, the stories accompany great illustrations.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book

It is part of the award-winning Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series.

This paperback collection showcases some of the most beloved stories from the first three volumes of the New York Times best-selling series Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls. It also features brand new tales of game-changing athletes and their drive, resilience, and sportsmanship. In Rebel Girls Champions, young readers can win the World Cup with Megan Rapinoe, flip and tumble with Simone Biles, and land breathtaking snowboard tricks with Chloe Kim. 

Coming out directly after the Tokyo Olympics, Rebel Girls Champions will include the most thrilling anecdotes from the 2021 Games.

 

The exciting, easy-to-read text is paired with colorful full-page portraits created by female artists from all around the world 

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic by Rebel Girls - A Review

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing  Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic, which is a non-fiction book for young readers and it will be released on September 28th by Rebel Girls .

This is the latest installment in the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls series and it features 100 barrier-breaking Black Women and girls who showcase the spirit of Black Girl Magic. 

The stories are very inspiring and they are well written with all the important information for the reader.

Rating: 4 Stars

About the book

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic celebrates the lives and accomplishments of 100 barrier-breaking Black women and girls who showcase the spirit of Black Girl Magic. Edited by award-winning journalist Lilly Workneh, with a foreword by CaShawn Thompson, creator of the hashtag #BlackGirlsAreMagic, the book includes stories of real women from all walks of life written in fairy tale style. Arranged in alphabetical order by first name, each brief biography is accompanied by a vibrant full-page illustration.

Contemporaries like tennis player Naomi Osaka, astronaut Jeanette Epps, and filmmaker Ava DuVernay join historical figures like aviator Bessie Coleman, Empress Taytu Betul, and journalist Ida B. Wells. Readers will also meet chess champion Phiona Mutesi, video game designer Muriel Tramis, punk rocker Poly Styrene, and chef Leah Chase.

The book exclusively features the work of Black female and non-binary editors, authors, and illustrators as they drive the stories of these phenomenal women from around the world and throughout history.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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The Ancient World: Ideas in profile by Jerry Toner - A mini Review

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing The Ancient World Ideas in profile by Jerry Toner  which is small non-fiction book about the ancient world and more specifically about Rome and Greece. It was published originally in 2015 by Profile Books and I read its Greek translation (Maria Fakinou translator) by Patakis Publications.

It was  pretty interesting to read as it introduced a new perspective to the Ancient World and the study of it. The author's writing style and though was easy to follow. 

This book is a good introduction for beginners and also for more advanced readers in the subject. 

It is also a quick read as it is only 160 pages.

Rating: 4 Stars

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Ideas in Profile: Small Introductions to Big Topics

This introduction to the ancient world, part of the Ideas in Profile series, covers all its different cultures, from the million people crammed into Rome to the Jews and Syrians who refused to be Romanised. Jerry Toner shows what can be learnt from new approaches to ancient history, from analysing the bones of the dead in Pompeii or assessing the impact of environmental change, and considers how we can discover what it was like to live back then. He looks at every period, not just classical Athens and Republican Rome, but the Hellenistic kingdoms that followed Alexander and the Christian-dominated later Roman Empire. Greece and Rome, he argues, must be fitted into the global history of their day: what did Persians think of Greeks and how does the Roman empire stack up to China's?

With vivid examples and animation from award-winning Cognitive at every stage, this is the ideal introduction to the ancient world for general readers and students.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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The Madman's Library: The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History by Edward Brooke-Hitching - A mini Review

 

Hello everyone!

Today we are reviewing The Madman's Library The Strangest Books, Manuscripts and Other Literary Curiosities from History by Edward Brooke-Hitching which is being published on April 6th by Chronicle Books.

Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

My favourite non-fiction genre to read is books about books and the history of books, so when I get the chance to do it I am very excited. This book was a really exciting one. It compiles the most unusual and obscure books from around the world and throughout history. It's a beautifully illustrated journey with a lot of information about the most strange and intriguing books, It is divided into many categories such as books that are not books, books made of flesh and blood, cryptic books and many more.

All in all, I really liked it and I believe that if you are a book lover you definitely need this in your life. I know I do!

Rating: 4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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A Little History of Economics (Little History) by Niall Kishtainy - A Mini Review

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing A little History of Economics by Niall Kishtainy which is a non-fiction book about the history of economics. It was published in 2017 by Yale University Press. I  have read the Greek translation published by Patakis Publiscations and translated by George- Menelaos Asteriou.

It is a very well-written and informative non-fiction book. The author through short chapters recounts the contributions of key thinkers like Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and many more. He also examines topics such as the invention of money and the Great Depression. 

In a sentence, this book summarizes the development of economic thinking until the present day. 

It is written in a way that even younger readers can understand it.

I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about economics and its history.

Rating: 4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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The Real J.R.R. Tolkien - The Man Who Created Middle-Earth by Jesse Xander - A Review

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing The Real J.R.R. Tolkien - The Man Who Created Middle-Earth by Jesse Xander, which is a non - fiction book published by Pen & Sword and is been released tomorrow February 28th.

Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The Real J.R.R. Tolkien: The Man Who Created Middle Earth is a comprehensive biography of the linguist and writer; taking the reader from his formative years of home-schooling, through the spires of Oxford, to his romance with his wife-to-be on the brink of war, and onwards into his phenomenal academic success and his creation of the seminal high fantasy world of Middle Earth. "The Real J.R.R. Tolkien" delves into his influences, places, friendships, triumphs and tragedies, with particular emphasis on how his remarkable life and loves forged the worlds of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Using contemporary sources and comprehensive research, "The Real J.R.R. Tolkien" offers a unique insight into the life and times of one of Britain's greatest authors, from cradle to grave to legacy.

Reading author biographies is one of the things I like to do and especially if they are about an author I like. That is the case with this book. Jesse Xander has done an incredible research about J.R.R. Tolkien and that shows in his writing.

I learned many things about Tolkien regarding his family and career that shaped him and his work. I liked that the author didn't show us only the good things in Tolkien's life but also the darker part of it. That way we learned more about his personality and his relationship with his wife and his friends.

Highly recommend it to any Tolkien and Middle - Earth fan.

Rating: 4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson - A Review

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing Shout by Laurie Halse Anderson which is a searing poetic memoir and call to action from the bestselling and award-winning author of Speak. It was published in March 2019 by Penguin Young Readers Group. 

This is a very powerful book and very different from what I usually read. It is a poetic memoir written in free verse. In it she talks about rape and sexual assault and shares her reflections and thoughts through her personal experiences sharing (personal) stories from her life. 

It's an important book for any reader and especially those who can associate with the #metoo nd #timesup movements. 

The first half of the book is a memoir of the author's upbringing, including her rape and her struggles. The second half was more powerful and strong. The poems talk about sexual abuse and the way society treats those who find the courage and strength to talk about it.

TW for rape, PTSD, abuse, alcoholism, substance abuse

Rating: 4 Stars (It's always difficult to rate a memoir because it is somebody's life.)

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson is known for the unflinching way she writes about, and advocates for, survivors of sexual assault. Now, inspired by her fans and enraged by how little in our culture has changed since her groundbreaking novel Speak was first published twenty years ago, she has written a poetry memoir that is as vulnerable as it is rallying, as timely as it is timeless. In free verse, Anderson shares reflections, rants, and calls to action woven between deeply personal stories from her life that she's never written about before. Searing and soul-searching, this important memoir is a denouncement of our society's failures and a love letter to all the people with the courage to say #metoo and #timesup, whether aloud, online, or only in their own hearts. Shout speaks truth to power in a loud, clear voice-- and once you hear it, it is impossible to ignore.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Rebel Girls Lead : 25 Tales of Powerful Women by Rebel Girls - A Mini Review

 

Hello everyone!!

Today we are reviewing a book that is coming out tomorrow, January 26th. The book is of course Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women by Rebel Girls and I was lucky enough to read an eARC of it thanks to the publisher (Rebel Girls) and Netgalley.

It is a non-fiction book for middle grade readers. In this book Rebel Girls gathered 25 incredible and inspiring stories of women who are leaders in politics, business, sports, activism and more. It is written like a fairy tale which is perfect for the young readers.

I have previously read books by Rebel Girls like the Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and had loved everyone of them. This one focuses more on leadership and it was no exception. 

The choices of women were perfect. It's a combination of old ones (from previous Rebel Girls books) and new ones and every story has a gorgeous illustration by a female artist to accompany it. 

It is also very diversified and I appreciate that. 

I highly recommend it for the young readers in your lives and why not, older ones too.

Rating: 5 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

Disclaimer: I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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The Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows - A Review

Today's review is about The Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows which was published yesterday July 30th and I had the pleasure to read an early copy thanks to the publisher Pen & Sword and Netgalley.

The Magic Of Terry Pratchett is the first full biography of Sir Terry Pratchett ever written. Sir Terry was Britain's best-selling living author, and before his death in 2015 had sold more than 85 million copies of his books worldwide. Best known for the Discworld series, his work has been translated into 37 languages and performed as plays on every continent in the world, including Antarctica.

Journalist, comedian and Pratchett fan Marc Burrows delves into the back story of one of UK's most enduring and beloved authors, from his childhood in the Chiltern Hills to his time as a journalist, and the journey that would take him - via more than sixty best-selling books - to an OBE, a knighthood and national treasure status.

The Magic Of Terry Pratchett is the result of painstaking archival research alongside interviews with friends and contemporaries who knew the real man under the famous black hat, helping to piece together the full story of one of British literature's most remarkable and beloved figures for the very first time. 

To be honest the only work of Terry Pratchett that I have read is Good Omens (co-authored with Neil Gaiman), but after reading The Magic of Terry Pratchett by Marc Burrows I want to read everything and thankfully there are a lot. 

In my mind Terry Pratchett is attached to Discworld but he has written many more with many children's books among them. 

In this book Marc Burrows does a brief analysis and description of the books while giving background information on them, which is very interesting and informative at the same time. I also learned many things about his personal life that made Terry Pratchett even more interesting than before. 

The book mostly focuses on his work and his books. It is very well-written and it's an easy read. I also liked the fact  that the notes were included in the chapters and not at the back, making reading easier. 

If you are a Terry Pratchett fan you will love this biography, but even if like me you haven't read many of his work you will be fascinated by it. 

Rating: 4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

You can buy this book from Book Depository using this link (affiliate link)

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Cult Writers : 50 Nonconformist Novelists You Need to Know by Ian Haydn Smith - A Review

I have said it before and I will say it again. I really like books about books, authors and the art of literature in general. So, Cult Writers  50 Nonconformist Novelists You Need to Know by Ian Haydn Smith was a no-brainer for me.

I liked the way it was written and the selection of writers it included. Through this book I learned about authors I wasn't familiar with but I also learned more things about favorite authors. 

I should also mention that the illustrations done by Kristelle Rodeia were very good and perfect for the book. 

Cult Writers  handpicks 50 notable figures from the modern world of literature and explores the creative genius that earned them the cult label, while celebrating the works that made their names.

What makes a cult writer you may ask? Whether pioneering in their craft, fiercely and undeniably unique or critically divisive, cult writers come in all shapes and guises. Some gain instant fame, others instant notoriety, and more still remain anonymous until a chance change in fashion sees their work propelled into the limelight.

In Cult Writers Ian Haydn Smith introduces 50 novelists deserving of a cult status. The literary genres and subjects explored within these writers’ pages are rich and diverse – acting as mirrors of their genius minds: from Irvine Welsh’s gritty Edinburgh streets, to Ken Kesey’s drug-fuelled madness; from feminist trailblazer Sylvia Plath to the magical realism of Angela Carter. Discover little knowns with small, devout followings and superstars gracing the covers of magazines: each writer is special in their individuality and their ability to inspire, antagonize and delight. 

If you are a book lover, I believe that this books should be on your bookshelves.

Rating:4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

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The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers by David C Weinczok - A Review

Today we are talking about The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers by David C Weinczok which is published by Pen & Sword Books.

I enjoyed reading this non-fiction book about the history behind Game of Thrones. The author tried to connect the events, people, and places of Game of Thrones with real ones from the history of Scotland and he did a very good job. I didn't know much about thw Scottish history and this book was a good introduction for me. 

The book is very weel researched and written and it was easy to get through. The truth is that I learned a lot.

However, I would prefer it if the illustrations were throughout the book and not at the end. It would be easier to follow (especially if you read an ebook as I did).

Despite that, if you are a fan of Game of Thrones or/and history you should pick this book up.

Synopsis from Goodreads

A wall in the distant north cuts the world in two. Ruthless seaborne warriors raid the coasts from their war galleys, yearning to regain lost glories. A young nobleman and his kin are slaughtered under a banner of truce within a mighty castle. A warrior king becomes a legend when he smites his foe with one swing of his axe during a nation-forging battle. Yet this isn't Westeros - it's Scotland.

Game of Thrones is history re-imagined as fantasy; The History Behind Game of Thrones: The North Remembers turns the tables, using George R. R. Martin's extraordinary fictional universe as a way to understand the driving forces and defining moments from Scotland's story. Why were castles so important? Was there a limit to the powers a medieval king could use - or abuse? What was the reality of being under siege? Was there really anything that can compare to the destructive force of dragons? By joining forces, Westeros and Scotland hold the answers.

Writer and presenter David C. Weinczok draws on a vast array of characters, events, places, and themes from Scottish history that echo Game of Thrones at every dramatic turn. Visit the castle where the real Red Wedding transpired, encounter the fearsome historical tribes beyond Rome's great wall, learn how a blood-red heart became the most feared sigil in Scotland, and much more.

By journey's end, the cogs in the wheels of Martin's world and Scottish history will be laid bare, as well as the stories of those who tried to shape - and sometimes even break - them.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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30-Second Literature by Ellla Berthoud - A Review

Today is the release day of 30-Second Literature: The 50 most important forms, genres and styles, each explained in half a minute by Ella Berthoud publishd by Ivy Press.

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

These kind of books are right up my alley. I like reading books about books and literature. In this one the author manages to give us all the information we need regarding forms, genres and styles of literature, in texts that are short (around 300 words) but fully understandable. 

The book is part of the 30-Second series and it is an introductory guide to literature. It is split into 7 chapters that cover:

The History of Literature – from Sanskrit to Modernism

The Novel – in all its glorious genres

Literary Prose – non-fiction from diaries to philosophies

Poetry – from the sonnet to the haiku

Drama – interesting theatrical forms and genres

Literary Devices – the techniques authors use in their works

Literary Styles – the features and history of different styles of writing

As you can see it covers all the important genres, styles and forms of literature and at the same time gives you examples and further reading material.

It is perfect for anyone that loves books and literature and it is also a great reference book.

Rating: 4 Stars

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

You can buy this book from Book Depository using this link (affiliate link)

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Harry Potter: A Journey through... series (Review)

"The history of magic is as long as time and as wide as the world. In every culture, in every age, in every place and, probably, in every heart, there is magic."

In the summer of 2019 Pottermore Publishing released four non-fiction short-form eBooks featuring content which is adapted from the audiobook Harry Potter: A History of Magic – inspired by the British Library exhibition of the same name.

The four ebooks explored the real History of Magic through the Hogwarts classes. They are done really well and it's a good source for someone to learn a little bit about the History of Magic. 

So, Harry Potter: A Journey through... series was created.

Harry Potter: A journey Through Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts (Book 1)

This one focuses on Charms and Defense Against the Dark Arts and how they relate to  the colourful characters and curious incidents of the real History of Magic. Spells and charms have captured the imagination for hundreds of years. Warding off evil is also something that has concerned people throughout history. From werewolves to all manner of snakes in the wizarding world, you’d learn how to face a number of strange and frightening forces in Defence Against the Dark Arts classes. It has interesting information and some behind the scenes of the books. I liked it and I was glad there were more of it. 

Rating: 4 Stars

Harry Potter: A Journey Through Potions and Herbology (Book 2)

This one focuses on Potions and Herbology and it's full with interesting facts about them. Potions have been made for thousands of years – associated with bubbling pots and mysterious ingredients, they have been brewed to make medicines, drugs and poisons. Harry Potter became much better at Potions with a little help from the Half-Blood Prince. Plants have also been important components of medicines as much as myth-making and magic. A source of danger as well as a means of overcoming obstacles, Herbology was a subject which had a major bearing on Harry’s key decisions and mistakes in the Wizarding World.

Rating: 4 Stars

Harry Potter: A Journey Through Divination and Astronomy (Book 3)

As the title suggests this is about Divination  and Astronomy.  Prediction and fortune-telling make up the subject of Divination in the real and Wizarding World. From the use of bones and shells thousands of years ago, to peering into teacups in the parlours of Victorian England, for millennia people have strived to see what fate and fortune holds. Trying to read our destinies, the study of the night sky has fascinated people for centuries, from the star atlases of ancient China to the celestial globes of 17th-century Venice. Astronomy holds a special place in the Wizarding World as a source of inspiration and identity for Harry Potter’s life at Hogwarts, and beyond.

This one was the least favorite of mine.

Rating: 4 Stars

Harry Potter : A Journey Through Care of Magical Creatures (Book 4)

This is the last one and focuses on the subject Care of Magical Creatures. It has a lot of information about our favorite magical creatures. Well-known folkloric creatures like giants, dragons and merpeople, and lesser-known beings such as Acromantula and Hippogriffs, all play a key role in Harry Potter’s journey. Nevertheless, it seems part of human nature to want to believe in the unbelievable: from the bestiaries and cabinets of curiosities of the medieval period onwards. We think that truth and myth are easily distinguished today, but magical creatures and the stories around them continue to fascinate us – and they are as central to the Harry Potter stories as Harry, Hermione and Ron.

Rating: 4 Stars

I think that all the ebooks are a very good dose of Harry Potter magic for everyone who misses the Wizarding World.

My favorites were the first two.

Do you know these books?

Have you read them?

If you are a Harry Potter fan (but even if you are not) , I think you should.

See you in the next post and don't forget to keep reading!!!

Athina

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Ήρθε το χαρτί - Κώστας Μαλιάτσης (Mini Review)

Σήμερα θα μιλήσουμε για το βιβλίο Ήρθε το Χαρτί του Κώστα Μαλιάτση που κυκλοφορεί από τις Εκδόσεις Χρονικό. Αν το όνομα Μαλιάτσης σας θυμίζει κάτι, αυτό σίγουρα οφείλεται στο Youtube μιας και ο Κώστας είναι από τους πιο γνωστούς Έλληνες Youtubers.

Πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο σε μια μορφή ημερολογίου του Κώστα Μαλιάτση κατά τη διάρκεια της θητείας του στο στρατό.
Το Ήρθε το Χαρτί είναι ένα βιβλίο ευχάριστο και χαρούμενο. Πολλές ήταν οι φορές που με έκανε να γελάσω δυνατά αλλά είχε και κάποιες συγκινητικές στιγμές.
Περιέχει επίσης και αρκετές πολύ σωστές συμβουλές για τους φαντάρους. 

Σύνοψη από Goodreads:
Ήρθε η ώρα, ρε; Πας φαντάρος; Κι εγώ, σήμερα παρουσιάζομαι! Πας σ' έναν τυπά εκεί μπροστά, σε κοιτάει και ρωτάει το θεϊκό: «Δεν πιστεύω να έχεις κινητό με κάμερα μαζί σου!» Τον κοιτάς, του πετάς ένα «όχι βέβαια», γελάτε κι οι δυο σαν μαλάκες, βγάζετε και μια σέλφι...
Ζήσ' το, πέρνα στιγμές, δημιούργησε εμπειρίες κι αποκόμισε ιστορίες που θα έχεις να μοιράζεσαι...
...πάρε μαζί σου ό,τι σκοτώνει έντομα! Μην πας έτσι στον πόλεμο μ' αυτά τα πλάσματα!
...θα αποκτήσεις φίλους κι εμπειρίες που καμία άλλη κατάσταση δεν θα σου δώσει, καθώς... κι ατέλειωτη ξενέρα!
Θα είναι μια εμπειρία που θα την κρατήσεις για πάντα...
«Απολύομαι, ψαρούκλες, τα μαλλιά μου καν-...»
Άκυρο, δεν κάνω τίποτα τα μαλλιά μου, γιατί δεν έχω! Αλλά... «ΠΟΛΙΤΗΣ ΠΑΛΙ ΑΛΑΝΙΑ ΜΟΥ!» Αυτό ήταν! «ΛΕΛΕ!» Σταματάω κάπου εδώ γιατί τρέχω φωνάζοντας!
Στρατιώτης Υγειονομικού, Κωνσταντίνος Μαλιάτσης 2017 Γ' ΕΣΣΟ.

Αθηνά

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Μιλώντας στην Άννα για τα Μαθηματικά - Τεύκρος Μιχαηλίδης (Mini Review)

Σήμερα θα μιλήσουμε για άλλο ένα βιβλίο του Τεύκρου Μιχαηλίδη που ανήκει στη σειρά βιβλίων Μιλώντας ... των Εκδόσεων Πατάκης. Αυτή τη φορά πρόκειται για το βιβλίο Μιλώντας στην Άννα για τα Μαθηματικά. 

Είναι καλογραμμένοκαι κατανοητό για όλους, ακόμα και αν δεν έχεις ιδιαίτερες γνώσεις μαθηματικών. Ο τρόπος που γράφει και αναλύει τέτοια θεματα ο Τεύκρος Μιχαηλίδης, τον κάνει ένα από τους αγαπημένους μου συγγραφείς που αγοράζω βιβλία τους χωρίς δεύτερη σκέψη. 

Το συστήνω σε όσους θέλουν να αποκτήσουν μια επιπλέον γνώση στα μαθηματικά. 

Σύνοψη από Goodreads: 

Όλα ξεκίνησαν όταν η οικογένεια της Άννας εγκαταστάθηκε για το καλοκαίρι δίπλα στο εξοχικό ενός παλαίµαχου µαθηµατικού. Η Άννα ήταν από εκείνα τα παιδιά που η αγαπηµένη τους λέξη είναι το «γιατί;» κι ο νέος της γείτονας αρεσκόταν όχι µόνο να απαντά στις ερωτήσεις, αλλά και να γεννά µε κάθε του απά­ντηση µια νέα ερώτηση. Κουβέντα στην κουβέντα, το ένα καλοκαίρι ύστερα από το άλλο, οι δυο καινούριοι φίλοι διαβαίνουν ολόκληρη τη διαδροµή που ξεκινά από την πρωτόγονη αρίθµηση και την πρακτική γεωµετρία και φτάνει, περνώντας από τις διαδοχικές γενικεύσεις της έννοιας του αριθµού και τις απανωτές προκλήσεις όλο και πιο περίπλοκων σχηµάτων, στα σηµερινά ανοιχτά προβλήµατα των θεωρητικών και των εφαρµοσµένων µαθηµατικών.

Μέσα από τους διαλόγους της ανήσυχης έφηβης και του περιστασιακού της µέντορα, ο αναγνώστης θα ταξιδέψει στον µαγικό και τόσο παρεξηγηµένο κόσµο των µαθηµατικών γνωρίζοντας τόσο τη γοητεία της θεωρητικής έρευνας όσο και τις εντυπωσιακές εφαρµογές των µαθηµατικών σε κάθε πτυχή της καθηµερινότητάς µας.

Αθηνά

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For the Love of Books by Graham Tarrant - A review

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Today we are talking about a non-fiction book about books. It's full title is For the Love of Books: Stories of Literary Lives, Banned Books, Author Feuds, Extraordinary Characters, and More, is written by Graham Tarrant and comes out today (June 18th) by Skyhorse Publishing.

According to its synopsis is a  light-hearted book about books and the people who write them for all lovers of literature. A treasure trove of compelling facts, riveting anecdotes, and extraordinary characters, For the Love of Books is a book about books—and the inside stories about the people who write them. You learn how books evolved, what lies behind some of the greatest tales ever told, and who’s really who in the world of fiction. 

From banned books to famous feuding authors, from literary felons to rejected masterpieces, from tips for aspiring writers to stand-out book lists for readers to catch up on, For the Love of Books is a celebration of the written word and an absolute page-turner for any book lover. 

I love reading books like this, books that talk about books, authors and literature in general. This book is all these and even more and I really enjoyed it. It's full of bookish facts and I learned many things that I didn't know and also got some great book recommendations. 

If you love books you need this one and I assure you that you will love it!!

You can buy this book from Book Depository using this link (affiliate link)

Athina

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Μιλώντας στην Αθηνά για το Χάος και την Πολυπλοκότητα - Τεύκρος Μιχαηλίδης & Τάσος Μπούντης (A Review)

Σήμερα μιλάμε για το βιβλίο Μιλώντας στην Αθηνά για το Χάος και την Πολυπλοκότητα, το οποίο προέκυψε από τη συνεργασία του Τεύκρου Μιχαηλίδη και του Τάσου Μπούντη και κυκλοφορεί από τις Εκδόσεις Πατάκης στη σειρά "Μιλώντας για...".

Στο βιβλίο βλέπουμε τον κύριο Αρχιμήδη, γείτονας της Αθηνάς, καθηγητής μαθηματικών στο πανεπιστήμιο, που αναλαμβάνει να της εξηγήσει τις δυσκολίες στην πρόγνωση του καιρού εντάσσοντας το κλίμα σε μια γενικότερη κατηγορία φαινομένων που χαρακτηρίζονται ως χαοτικά. 

Εγκαινιάζεται έτσι μια σειρά συναντήσεων στη διάρκεια των οποίων η νεαρή μαθήτρια μυείται στα μυστικά της πολυπλοκότητας, ενός σχετικά νέου γνωστικού αντικειμένου που συνδυάζει τα μαθηματικά µε τις φυσικές και κοινωνικές επιστήμες σε μια προσπάθεια να ερμηνεύσει φαινόμενα που η παραδοσιακή σοφία δυσκολεύεται να διερευνήσει.

Κουβεντιάζοντας µε τον ηλικιωµένο καθηγητή, η Αθηνά και οι φίλες της θα έρθουν σε επαφή µε έννοιες όπως η αυτοοµοιότητα, τα φράκταλ, οι κλασµατικές διαστάσεις, οι παράξενοι ελκυστές και θα καταλάβουν πώς όλα αυτά εµπλέκονται στη λειτουργία του σώµατός µας, στην ανάπτυξη των φυτών, στον σχηµατισµό των ακτογραµµών, στη µορφή των νεφών. 

Αυτό το βιβλίο το αγόρασα, εκτός από το ενδιαφέρον θέμα του και για δύο άλλους προφανείς λόγους. Πρώτον είναι γραμμένο από τον Τεύκρο Μιχαηλίδη του οποίου τα βιβλία είναι από τα αγαπημένα μου και τα αγοράζω χωρίς δεύτερη σκέψη και δεύτερο περιέχει στον τίτλο το όνομά μου οπότε δεν μπορούσα να το προσπεράσω. 

Διαβάζοντάς το λοιπόν μου άρεσε πάρα πολύ. Με τον υπέροχο τρόπο που γράφει ο Τεύκρος Μιχαηλίδης μας μαθαίνει μέσα από την ιστορίας της Αθηνάς και του κ. Αρχιμήδη ότι χρειαζόμαστε να ξέρουμε για το χάος και την πολυπλοκότητα. Ότι έχει να κάνει με αυτες τις έννοιες είναι γραμμένο κατανοητά και με πολλά παραδείγματα και εικόνες με αποτέλεσμα ο αναγνώστης να μαθαίνει χωρίς να κουράζεται. 

Έχω διαβάσει και άλλα βιβλία από τη σειρά "Μιλώντας για..." των Εκδόσεων Πατάκης και θεωρώ πως αποτελούν μια πολύ καλή εισαγωγή σε πολλά ενδιαφέροντα θέματα όπως τα μαθηματικά, η φυσική , οικονομία και πολλά άλλα.

Αθηνά

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21 Lessons for the 21st century by Yuval Noah Harari - A Review

Σήμερα θα μιλήσουμε για το βιβλίο 21 Lessons for the 21st century του Yuval Noah Harari. Το όνομα του συγγραφέα θα σας είναι σίγουρα γνωστό μιας και είναι ο ίδιος που έγραψε τα βιβλια Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind & Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow. Και τα τρια αυτά βιβλία έχουν μεταφραστεί στα ελληνικά και κυκλοφορούν από τις Εκδόσεις Αλεξάνδρια. 

Στο Sapiens ο συγγραφέας εξερεύνησε το παρελθόν μας και στο Homo Deus κοίταξε στο μέλλον μας. Σε αυτό όμως το βιβλίο στρέφεται στο παρόν για να μας κάνει να καταλάβουμε την πραγματική ουσία των πιο πιεστικών θεμάτων του σήμερα. 

Σε 21 προσιτά κεφάλαια που είναι τόσο προκλητικά όσο και βαθιά, ο συγγραφέας βασίζεται στις ιδέες που αναπτύχθηκαν στα προηγούμενα βιβλία του και ξεδιπλώνει πολιτικά, τεχνολογικά, κοινωνικά και υπαρξιακά ζητήματα, προσφέροντας ταυτόχρονα συμβουλές για το πώς να προετοιμαστεί κανείς για ένα πολύ διαφορετικό μέλλον από τον κόσμο που εμείς τώρα ζούμε και γνωρίζουμε. 

Πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο που μου άρεσε και που με έκανε να σκεφτώ πολλά διαφορετικά θέματα που δεν μου είχαν περάσει καν από το μυαλό. Ο τρόπος που γράφει και αναπτύσσει τις ιδέες του ο συγγραφεας είναι όπως μου αρέσει, χωρίς να σε κουράζει αλλά αντίθετα να σε κάνει να καταλαβαίνεις τι θέλει να πει. Ασχολείται με πολλά θέματα του 21ου αιώνα και το πως αυτά εξελίσσονται και θα μας επηρεάσουν. 

Περιγραφή από Goodreads:

Yuval Noah Harari's 21 Lessons for the 21st Century is a probing and visionary investigation into today's most urgent issues as we move into the uncharted territory of the future. As technology advances faster than our understanding of it, hacking becomes a tactic of war, and the world feels more polarized than ever, Harari addresses the challenge of navigating life in the face of constant and disorienting change and raises the important questions we need to ask ourselves in order to survive.

Το βιβλίο αυτό μου είχε σταλεί σαν ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) από τον εκδοτικό και το Edelweiss+. 

Μπορείτε να αγοράσετε το βιβλίο από το Book Depository πατώντας εδώ (affiliate link)

Αθηνά

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The Templars by Dan Jones - A mini review

Σήμερα θα μιλήσουμε για ένα non-fiction βιβλίο το οποίο μου πήρε αρκετό καιρό να το διαβάσω. Όχι βέβαια από έλλειψη ενδιαφέροντος αλλά λόγω μεγέθους. Πρόκειται για το βιβλίο The Templars: The Rise and Fall of God's Holy Warriors από τον ιστορικό Dan Jones. 

Το βιβλίο είναι αυτό ακριβώς που λέει και ο τίτλος του. Μιλάει για τους Templar knights από τη δημιουργία τους το 12ο αιώνα μέχρι και τον αφανισμό τους το 14ο αιώνα. 

Είναι καλογραμμένο βιβλίο και διαβάζεται σαν ένα μυθιστόρημα με αρχή, μέση και τέλος και όχι σαν ένα βιβλίο ιστορίας. 

Σου δίνει πάρα πολλές πληροφορίες και αρκετές φορές νομίζω πως χάθηκα με τόσα ονόματα και ημερομηνίες.

Το σίγουρο είναι ότι μαθαίνεις πολλά πράγματα για τους Templars, ορισμένα από τα οποία ουτε καν φανταζόσουν.

Περιγραφή από Goodreads:

Jerusalem 1119. A small group of knights seeking a purpose in the violent aftermath of the First Crusade decides to set up a new order. These are the first Knights of Templar, a band of elite warriors prepared to give their lives to protect Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Over the next two hundred years, the Templars would become the most powerful religious order of the medieval world. Their legend has inspired fervent speculation ever since. But who were they really and what actually happened?

In this groundbreaking narrative history, the bestselling author of The Plantagenets for the first time in a generation tells the true story of the Templars, drawing on extensive original sources to build a gripping account of these Christian holy warriors whose heroism and depravity have so often been shrouded in myth. 

Μπορείτε να αγοράσετε το βιβλίο από το Book Depository πατώντας εδώ (affiliate link)

Αθηνά

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The Story of Greece and Rome by Tony Spawforth - A mini review

Σήμερα θα μιλήσουμε για ένα non-fiction βιβλίο το οποίο μου στάλθηκε για review από το Netgalley. Πρόκειται για το The Story of Greece and Rome από τον  Tony Spawforth και τις Εκδόσεις Yale University Press. Το βιβλίο κυκλοφορεί σήμερα. 

Πρόκειται για ένα βιβλίο που μας περιγράφει με σύντομο τρόπο την ιστορία της αρχαίας Ελλάδας αλλά και της Ρώμης (όπως μας λέει και ο τίτλος του). Ξεκινάει από τα πρώτα δείγματα πολιτισμού στην Ελλάδα και φτάνει μέχρι κάποια χρόνια μετά τον Μέγα Αλέξανδρο. Στο κομμάτι της Ρώμης ξεκινάει  και εδώ από τα πρώτα δείγματα πολιτισμού και φτάνει μέχρι και την κατάρρευση της Ρωμαϊκής Αυτοκρατορίας.

Με λίγα λόγια περιγράφονται οι αλληλοσυνδεόμενοι αυτοί πολιτισμοί σε μια περίοδο πάνω από έξι χιλιετιών, ξεκινώντας από την Εποχή του Χαλκού και φτάνοντας μέχρι τον 7ο αι. μ.Χ.

Μου άρεσε που διάβαζα γι' αυτούς τους δύο πολιτισμούς, την σύνδεση και την ιστορία τους. Πολλά από αυτά που περιγράφει το βιβλίο μου είναι κατά κάποιο τρόπο γνωστά αλλά μου άρεσε που μάθαινα περισσότερες λεπτομέρειες. Φυσικά υπήρχαν και πράγματα τα οποία δεν γνώριζα. 

Το βιβλίο έιναι πολύ προσιτό, εύκολο στο διάβασμα και γεμάτο πληροφορίες.

Ελπίζω να μεταφραστεί σύντομα και στα ελληνικά.

Μπορείτε να αγοράσετε το βιβλίο από το Book Depository πατώντας εδώ (affiliate link)

Αθηνά

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