Cosmic Queries Blog Tour: Review

Cosmic Queries
Author: Neil DeGrasse Tyson
Release Date: March 2, 2021
Publisher: National Geographic
Hardcover: 312 Pages

In this thought-provoking follow-up to his acclaimed StarTalk book, uber astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson tackles the world's most important philosophical questions about the universe with wit, wisdom, and cutting-edge science. 

For science geeks, space and physics nerds, and all who want to understand their place in the universe, this enlightening new book from Neil deGrasse Tyson offers a unique take on the mysteries and curiosities of the cosmos, building on rich material from his beloved StarTalk podcast. In these illuminating pages, illustrated with dazzling photos and revealing graphics, Tyson and co-author James Trefil, a renowned physicist and science popularizer, take on the big questions that humanity has been posing for millennia--How did life begin? What is our place in the universe? Are we alone?--and provide answers based on the most current data, observations, and theories.  

Populated with paradigm-shifting discoveries that help explain the building blocks of astrophysics, this relatable and entertaining book will engage and inspire readers of all ages, bring sophisticated concepts within reach, and offer a window into the complexities of the cosmos. 

For all who loved National Geographic's StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Cosmos: Possible Worlds, and Space Atlas, this new book will take them on more journeys into the wonders of the universe and beyond.

 

Purchase Links:  National Geographic | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

National Geographic has proven it's the best in blending science, facts and fun along with stunning photography and fantastic illustrations. This book is focused on a variety of subjects including philosophy, science, history, astrology, and so much more for both beginners and those who have been studying these topics for awhile. The book covers the top questions most people have: What is life? How old is the universe and how did it all begin? Are we alone in the universe? How will it all end? and so many more. There's a ton of information packed into this book. I learned a lot just from reading through it once and I know I'll be referring to it again and again for more interesting tidbits to learn about. The photography is nothing short of gorgeous, which I've come to expect from National Geographic. Every single page of the book is packed full of valuable information, intriguing side notes, historical facts, and lots of photos and illustrations. Anyone who has ever been interested in the cosmos, philosophy, and science should definitely pick up this book!

Legendary astrophysicist NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON is the host of the popular podcast StarTalk Radio and Emmy award-winning National Geographic Channel shows StarTalk and Cosmos. He earned his BA in physics from Harvard and his Ph.D. in astrophysics from Columbia. The author of more than a dozen books, including the best-selling Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Tyson is the first Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium. He lives in New York City with his wife and two children. Follow him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.

  

Backyard Guide to the Night Sky Blog Tour: Review

Backyard Guide to the Night Sky
Release Date: March 19, 2019
Publisher: National Geographic; 2nd edition Paperback: 288 pages 

Description:

Explore the star-studded cosmos with this fully updated, user-friendly skywatcher's guide, filled with charts, graphics, photographs, and expert tips for viewing -- and understanding -- the wonders of space. 

Stargazing's too much fun to leave to astronomers. In these inviting pages, "Night Sky Guy" Andrew Fazekas takes an expert but easygoing approach that will delight would-be astronomers of all levels. Essential information, organized logically, brings the solar system, stars, and planets to life in your own backyard. Start with the easiest constellations and then "star-hop" across the night sky to find others nearby. Learn about the dark side of the moon, how to pick Mars out of a planetary lineup, and which kinds of stars twinkle in your favorite constellations. Hands-on tips and techniques for observing with the naked eye, binoculars, or a telescope help make the most out of sightings and astronomical phenomena such as eclipses and meteor showers. Photographs and graphics present key facts in an easy-to-understand format, explaining heavenly phenomena such as black holes, solar flares, and supernovas. Revised to make skywatching even easier for the whole family, this indispensable guide shines light on the night sky--truly one of the greatest shows on Earth!

 

Purchase Links: Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

National Geographic has once again proven it's spot as the best in blending facts and fun along with stunning photography. This book is a guide to stargazing and so much more for both beginners and those who have been studying it for awhile. The book covers everything from all the planets in our solar system and their various characteristics, to the earth and the moon, to the sun and beyond. There's a ton of information packed into this small book - a lot more than I expected. I learned a lot just from reading through it once and I know I'll be referring to it again and again for more interesting tidbits to learn about. The photography is nothing short of incredibly gorgeous, which I've come to expect from National Geographic. Every single page of the book is packed full of valuable information, intriguing side notes, historical facts, and lots of photos. Anyone who has ever been interested in stargazing or astronomy should definitely pick up this book!

 

Epic Journeys Blog Tour: Review

Epic Journeys
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Publisher: National Geographic
Hardcover: 416 pages

Description:

From rafting the Zambezi River's 23 stomach-flipping rapids to hiking the Inca trail and sailing from island to island in Greece, the travel experts at National Geographic reveal the world's best adventures in this stunning--and practical--treasury. 

From navigating the class-five rapids of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon to sandboarding the slopes of a volcano in Nicaragua to dogsledding in the Arctic, this beautiful and comprehensive book offers trips of a lifetime for explorers and adrenaline junkies alike. Filled with more than 300 vivid photographs, this inspirational guide reveals over 225 of the planet's best destinations for hikers, skiers, divers, rafters, and more. You'll also find everything you need to know for the ultimate epic journey: what to see, when to go, and what to do. Combining adventure with cultural experiences--for example, a safari through Madagascar or visiting the ruins of Buddhist temples after sea kayaking the warm waters of Vietnam--this one-of-a-kind collection, complemented by top ten lists and adventurer essays covering everything from the best hiking trails to the top wildlife parks, will lead you to new heights of exploration. 

 

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Amazon.ca

National Geographic has done it again with this incredibly gorgeous and informative reference book that readers of all ages and interests are sure to love. I'm a huge fan of travel and I always enjoy discovering new places, cultures, rituals and ceremonies, festivals, landmarks, and everything else I can. This book truly takes the reader all across the globe introducing them to a wide array of countries and environments they might not have even known existed. Since the book is all about journeys, it highlights some of the best destinations for different activities and travelers. From hikers and skiers to scuba divers and white water raters - there's something that will appeal to everyone inside these pages.

 

I have really enjoyed reviewing some of the National Geographic releases of this year and they have all been amazing, but this is - by far - my favorite. As I mentioned, I love to travel and learn about new people and places and that's basically what this book is all about. There's so much incredible and fascinating information about various countries and destinations packed inside the pages. And then there are the photographs. They are nothing short of stunning and I honestly just went through the book and looked at all the photos and read their captions. It was amazing and I learned so much from doing just that and not even reading any of the text. I don't know if someone could sit down and read this whole book - word for word - in one day. There's so much information and (like I've mentioned) the pictures are phenomenal. It took me hours to just look through the pages at the photos and read their descriptions. This is a must have for travel lovers and those who enjoy reference books about places around the world. I definitely recommend this book to everyone regardless of age or reading preference. This is a book that transcends all of these things and will appeal to the masses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

History at a Glance Blog Tour: Review

History at a Glance
Release Date: November 12, 2019
Publisher: National Geographic; Illustrated Edition
Format: Hardcover; 416 pages 

Description:

Beautifully illustrated, this penetrating book offers a sweeping view of humanity from prehistory to the modern day, presented in a unique time-line format. 

Sweeping but succinct, this comprehensive reference presents all of world history in a browsable format featuring more than three dozen maps, along with hundreds of photographs and illustrations. From the dawn of humankind to today's global complexities, this book provides a compelling reminder that history is unfolding all around us. 

The epic story of humanity on all seven continents is explored through a unique design that combines concise essays with expansive time lines that invite deeper reading on milestone moments, explained within the broader context of the era. The final chapter highlights such recent events as SpaceX's heavy rocket launch, the restoration of U.S./Cuba relations, and the historical trends that were the precursors to the state of our world today. 

Informative and richly illustrated, this authoritative take on world history will be a compelling reference you'll turn to again and again.

 

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

History at a Glance is another gorgeously illustrated reference book published by National Geographic that will have you so absorbed in the information that you'll forget you're learning important history. This book is certainly intimidating with over 400 pages of illustrations, time lines, maps, graphs, and loads of information filling each page. I don't think it's possible to sit down and actually look through and read this entire volume in one sitting. Even if you're not a big history buff, there's something in this book that you will enjoy and end up learning from. I don't really consider myself a big history fan, but this book was so beautiful and full of cool information that I forgot I was learning about history. I was completely absorbed into the various time periods that the book is broken down into. Each has a detailed timeline to describe a variety of things happening around the world during these times. I liked comparing how different aspects of societies - like government or culture - was both different and similar across the continents. The pictures and illustrations are on every single page, some taking up the entire thing and others only a small part. But each one is amazing and includes a fascinating caption describing it or the culture/time it represents. I'd say even if someone just went through and looked at the pictures and read their descriptions, they would still get a fantastic experience and even learn some history without knowing it. This is another wonderful reference book by National Geographic and one that I highly recommend to history buffs and readers of all kinds - no matter age or genre preference.

 

Visual Galaxy Blog Tour: Review

Visual Galaxy
Release Date: October 22, 2019
Publisher: National Geographic
Hardcover: 324 pages

Description:

This compelling visual journey through our galaxy combines more than 350 photographs, illustrations, and graphics to present the universe as you've never seen it before. Galaxia is a deep dive into the past, present, and future of our home galaxy, the Milky Way. In this mind-expanding visual tour through the cosmos, spectacular photographs are converted into interpretive graphics, starting with the sun and moving outward into space where stars are born, black holes lurk, and planets of diverse size and anatomy spin through their orbit. The final chapters locate our galaxy within the known universe and add a scintillating peek of other exoplanets in the cosmos. Detailed maps and fascinating imagery from recent space missions are paired with clear, authoritative scientific information.

 

Purchase Links: Amazon | Amazon.ca | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Visual Galaxy is a beautiful and informative collection of all astronomical subjects - from planets and moons to galaxies and black holes. There's a ton of fascinating facts on each page along with absolutely gorgeous pictures. You learn things without really concentrating on it. I loved the pictures so much and they really intrigued me, so I wanted to know more about them. And there just happens to be information, statistics, and so many other nuggets of knowledge right there. The entire book was this way and I actually sat down and read the entire thing in one sitting. I was so wrapped up in the facts and pictures that I lost track of time and then I had finished it. I can't recommend this wonderful book highly enough to readers of all ages. There's something in here for everyone. Definitely a must-have for fans of astronomy, space, and anything space-related.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almanac 2019 Blog Tour: Review

National Geographic Almanac 2019
Release Date: October 23, 2018
Publisher: National Geographic
Paperback; 400 pages

A one-of-a-kind annual featuring surprising facts, stunning color photos, arresting infographics, and illuminating maps that present the world in a whole new way. An almanac like you've never seen before, this arresting volume features key information on science, nature, history, and geography, spiked with cutting-edge ideas and spectacular visuals. Discover features that only National Geographic can deliver, including exquisite photography, explanatory infographics, illustrated timelines, and maps created by expert cartographers. Chapters include Exploration & Adventure, This Planet & Beyond, Life on Earth, and The Science of Us; featured topics range from the polar jet stream and how chameleons change colors to the world's biggest cities and the science of addiction. It includes top travel trends, new explorations, and recent discoveries, as well as fascinating trivia. Enlightening for young and old, exquisitely designed, each page of this special almanac reveals something new about today's world.

 

Purchase Links:  National Geographic | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

National Geographic's Almanac 2019 is a beautiful new edition full of interesting facts, beautiful pictures, and stories to expand the reader's mind. The book is divided up into sections and chapters, and inside the pages a ton of information is presented. The reader gets to know the latest in science topics such as genetics, space travel and exploration, and natural phenomena. I liked the time lines presented at the beginning of each part - it was interesting seeing how far we've come in so many different areas. The pictures were gorgeous and I took a ton of time just looking through them all and reading the captions about them. Other highlights include little biographies on important people in different fields and how they're changing the world, lots of great illustrations and graphics to go along with the chapters and stories, and very interesting information that I wouldn't have known about if I didn't read the Almanac. I definitely suggest that readers of all ages check out this new edition of National Geographic's Almanac as it has something for everyone and tons to learn.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Field Guide to the Birds of North America Blog Tour: Review

Field Guide To The Birds Of North America
Release Date: September 12, 2017 (7th edition)
Publisher: National Geographic
Paperback: 592 pages

Description:

This fully revised and updated edition of the best-selling North American bird field guide is the most up-to-date guide on the market. Perfect for beginning to advanced birders, it is the only book organized to match the latest American Ornithologists' Union taxonomy. 

With more than 2.75 million copies in print, this perennial bestseller is the most frequently updated of all North American bird field guides. 

Filled with hand-painted illustrations from top nature artists, this latest edition is poised to become an instant must-have for every serious birder in the United States and Canada. 

The 7th edition includes 37 new species for a total of 1,023 species. Sixteen new pages allow for 250 fresh illustrations, 80 new maps, and 350 map revisions. With taxonomy updated to recent significant scientific rearrangement, the addition of standardized banding codes, and text completely vetted by birding experts, this new edition will stand at the top of the list of birding field guides for years to come.

Purchase Links: National Geographic | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

 

National Geographic's Field Guide to the Birds of North America is a beautifully crafted tome filled with tons of information that will delight bird watchers everywhere. This edition contains over a thousand different species of birds with detailed sketches and drawings. It's a wealth of facts with gorgeous accompanying illustrations, especially with the newest revisions to the book including map revisions, new illustrations, and eighty completely new maps. The details attached to each region of the country as well as to each species of bird is astounding. I loved looking at the beautiful illustrations that fill the book as well as learning about birds both around my region of the country and from other parts of the States. Definitely recommended for bird watchers, students, and those who have dedicated their lives and hobbies to their love of birds.

Visual Atlas of the World Blog Tour: Review

Visual Atlas of the World
Hardcover: 416 pages
Publisher: National Geographic; 2nd edition (September 19, 2017)

Description:

Uniting National Geographic's incomparable photography with state-of-the-art cartographic technology, this is the most compelling, authoritative, and up-to-the-moment visual atlas on the market. 

Reimagined and completely updated for the first time since 2008, National Geographic's visual atlas of the world will delight and inspire. From spectacular space imagery to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this stunning book showcases the diverse natural and cultural treasures of the world in glorious color. Featuring more than 200 fascinating maps, more than 350 new photos, and state-of-the-art cartography and satellite imagery, this is a must-have reference for families, travelers, students, librarians, and scholars. Each page was created in collaboration with the world's premier scientists, geographers, and cartographers and is populated with the most up-to-date information available, making this book the most beautiful and authoritative visual atlas available today.

Purchase Links:
National Geographic | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

 

The Visual Atlas of the World is a beautiful collection of photographs, charts, maps, and information that makes it a must-have for anyone who enjoys geography or those who enjoy books about the world. I loved this book for lots of reasons. The pictures are gorgeous and interesting - there are no pages without some sort of picture, whether color photos or satellite images. The maps are incredibly well defined and show a lot more than I expected. I haven't looked into geography for quite awhile and this is a real treasure trove of information. The cartography is very detailed and descriptive and includes several different types of information per map. I could sit and look at this atlas for hours at a time. Anyone who reads this book will learn so much from its pages - every country around the world and even beyond the world with the moon and outer space. I can't recommend this book highly enough to every type of reader, as it's a phenomenal piece of work and should be admired by everyone. Definitely for those interested in geography, maps, sociology, teachers and students, and those who love to keep learning.