Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Apollo 13: A Successful Failure by Laura Bufano Edge


Apollo 13: A Successful Failure is a must-read for anyone interested in space exploration, science, and history. It is a gripping and inspiring story of courage, teamwork, and ingenuity in the face of adversity.

The book tells the story of the Apollo 13 mission, which was aborted in 1970 after an oxygen tank explosion just two days into the flight. The crew of Apollo 13, astronauts James Lovell, John Swigert, and Fred Haise, were forced to abandon their plans to land on the moon and instead focus on returning to Earth safely.

With the help of the NASA ground team, the crew of Apollo 13 devised a series of ingenious solutions to overcome the challenges they faced. They used the lunar lander module as a lifeboat, rationing their oxygen and power supplies carefully. They also had to make difficult decisions about how to navigate back to Earth without the use of their main engine.

One of the most impressive things about the Apollo 13 mission was the way in which the crew and the NASA ground team worked together to solve problems. In a crisis situation, they were able to put aside their differences and work together as a team to achieve a common goal.

The Apollo 13 mission was also a testament to the power of human ingenuity and perseverance. The crew of Apollo 13 faced incredible challenges, but they never gave up. They worked together to find solutions to the problems they faced, and they eventually returned to Earth safely.

The story of Apollo 13 is a reminder that anything is possible if we work together and never give up. It is also a story of hope and inspiration. Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

In addition to the above, I would also like to add that the Apollo 13 mission had a significant impact on the space program. It showed that even the most carefully planned missions can go wrong, and that it is important to be prepared for unexpected events. The Apollo 13 mission also led to a number of changes in the way that NASA trains astronauts and prepares for space missions.

The Apollo 13 mission is a reminder that space exploration is a dangerous endeavor, but it is also a reminder of the incredible things that humans can achieve when we work together.

An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes By Randy Ribay

An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes is a young adult coming-of-age novel by Randy Ribay. It was published in 2015 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

The novel follows four friends from different backgrounds as they face the challenges of senior year and growing up. They must also learn to deal with their own personal struggles, including family secrets, identity issues, and first love.

The four friends are:

* Archie: A math whiz who is struggling with his parents' divorce after his dad comes out as gay.

* Mari: A talented artist who is trying to figure out her place in the world.

* Dante: A kind and caring young man who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality.

* Sam: A popular and outgoing young man who is dealing with the heartbreak of a breakup.

The friends bond over their shared love of Dungeons & Dragons, and they use the game as a way to escape from the challenges of their real lives. However, as they face the realities of senior year and adulthood, they must learn to rely on each other and to support each other through thick and thin.

An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes** is a beautifully written and engaging novel that explores themes such as friendship, identity, self-acceptance, and the challenges of growing up. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Here are some of the things that I liked best about the book:

* The characters are complex and well-developed. The four friends are all relatable and sympathetic characters, and their struggles are real and believable.

* The plot is engaging and suspenseful. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end.

* The writing is beautiful and evocative. Ribay does a wonderful job of creating a sense of place and atmosphere.

* The themes are explored in a thoughtful and nuanced way. Ribay doesn't shy away from difficult topics such as divorce, sexuality, and identity.

Overall, I highly recommend An Infinite Number of Parallel Universes to fans of young adult fiction, or to anyone who enjoys a well-written and engaging novel with complex characters and a thought-provoking plot.


Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Almost There: A Twisted Tale By Farrah Rochon


Imagine a world where your deepest desires have come true. Where you have everything you've ever wanted: a successful business, a loving partner, and a supportive family.

But what if something is wrong? What if the world you're living in isn't as perfect as it seems?

This is the world that Tiana finds herself in in Almost There: A Twisted Tale, a new young adult fantasy novel from Farrah Rochon.

In this retelling of the classic Disney film The Princess and the Frog, Tiana is transported to a world where all her dreams have come true. But she soon realizes that things are not as perfect as they seem. The people she loves are acting differently, and the city of New Orleans is under threat from a mysterious force.

Tiana must work with Naveen and Charlotte to set things right, or risk losing everything she holds dear.

Almost There: A Twisted Tale is a beautifully written and engaging novel that explores themes such as love, family, and the importance of being true to yourself. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Almost There: A Twisted Tale is a story that will challenge and inspire secondary students. It is a story that will stay with them long after they finish reading it.

Sunday, September 24, 2023

Becoming a Project Manager By Amie Jane Leavitt



Becoming a Project Manager: Tech Track: Building Your Career in IT by Amie Jane Leavitt is a must-read for anyone who wants to start or advance their career in project management, especially in the tech industry.

The book is packed with practical advice and real-world examples, covering everything from the basics of project management to more advanced topics like agile development and risk management. It also includes specific tips for job seekers, including how to write a resume and ace an interview.

Leavitt is a certified project manager with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry. She writes in a clear and engaging style, and she makes complex topics easy to understand.

Here are some of the things you'll learn from Becoming a Project Manager:

  • What is project management?
  • What are the different roles and responsibilities of a project manager?
  • What are the different types of projects?
  • How to develop a project plan
  • How to manage a team
  • How to communicate with stakeholders
  • How to troubleshoot problems
  • How to close out a project successfully

Becoming a Project Manager is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn the skills and knowledge they need to be a successful project manager. It's also a great resource for experienced project managers who want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices.

If you're serious about starting or advancing your career in project management, I highly recommend reading this book.

Sea Monsters by Ken Karst

 

Imagine a creature so large and powerful that it can capsize a ship with a single flick of its tail. Imagine a creature that is so mysterious that it has been the subject of legends and myths for centuries. Imagine a creature that may or may not exist, but that continues to fascinate us all.

That creature is the sea monster.

In Sea Monsters, Ken Karst takes us on a journey to explore the world of these mysterious creatures. He introduces us to the Kraken, the Loch Ness Monster, the Leviathan, and other sea monsters from around the world. He also discusses the scientific evidence for and against the existence of sea monsters, and the different theories about how they might have evolved.

Whether you believe in sea monsters or not, Sea Monsters is a fascinating read that will leave you wondering what lies beneath the waves.

Saturday, September 23, 2023

Philosophy By: Julian Baggini

 


Imagine you are sitting in a coffee shop, talking to a wise and witty friend. Your friend is telling you about the big questions in life: What is the meaning of it all? What is the nature of reality? What is the best way to live?

This is the kind of experience that Julian Baggini offers in his book Philosophy. Baggini is a clear and engaging writer, and he has a knack for making complex philosophical concepts accessible to a general audience.

In Philosophy, Baggini covers a wide range of topics, including:

  • The nature of knowledge
  • The nature of reality
  • The nature of the mind
  • Ethics
  • Aesthetics
  • Politics

But he doesn't just present a dry survey of the different philosophical schools of thought. He also offers his own views on many of the topics he discusses, and he does so in a way that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

For example, in the chapter on ethics, Baggini discusses the different theories of right and wrong that have been developed over the centuries. He then goes on to offer his own view on what it means to live a good life. He argues that the best way to live is to live a life that is both virtuous and meaningful.

In the chapter on politics, Baggini discusses the different theories of government that have been proposed over the centuries. He then goes on to offer his own view on what makes a good society. He argues that a good society is one that is both just and free.

Philosophy is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. It is a book that will challenge you to think about the big questions in life in new and interesting ways.

If you are looking for a book that is both engaging and thought-provoking, I highly recommend Philosophy by Julian Baggini.

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

The Complete Philosophy Files by Stephen Law

 

The Complete Philosophy Files by Stephen Law is a book for children and young adults that introduces them to the big questions of philosophy in a fun and engaging way. The book is divided into short chapters, each of which explores a different philosophical topic, such as the existence of God, the nature of reality, and the meaning of life.

Law uses a variety of storytelling techniques to make his points, including dialogues between cartoon characters, science fiction scenarios, and real-life examples. He also includes a glossary of philosophical terms at the end of the book.

The Complete Philosophy Files is a great way to introduce young people to the world of philosophy. It is written in a clear and accessible style, and it covers a wide range of topics in a way that is both informative and thought-provoking.


Here are some of the topics covered in the book:

  • God and religion
  • The nature of reality
  • The meaning of life
  • Free will and determinism
  • Knowledge and skepticism
  • Ethics and morality
  • Political philosophy
  • Aesthetics and the arts

The book is designed to be read by children and young adults aged 9-11, but it can be enjoyed by readers of all ages. It is a great way to learn about philosophy and to start thinking critically about the world around you.

Fairy Tale - Stephen King

Exploring the Fantastical Realms of Stephen King's "Fairy Tale" Legendary author Stephen King has released a spellbinding new ...