Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities

Wicked Plants: The Weed that Killed Lincoln's Mother & Other Botanical Atrocities
by Amy Stewart
Published by Algonquin Books
May 21, 2009

I had high hopes for this books as I am always looking for different ways NOT to die in nature. As it would happen, while it was a pretty book to look at with great illustrations (by Briony Morrow-Cribbs), I don't think that it is a practical guide to dangerous plants. The illustrations, for example, wouldn't help me differentiate the plants if I were out on a nature walk. Nor were the stories as fun as I had hoped. Though Lincoln's mother was undoubtedly killed by a villainous weed, her antidotes were more passing remarks than intriguing stories.  That being said, I'm still happy to own this book as it was an easy read and could help with dinner conversation some day.

For: trivia lovers
Not for: gardeners, cooks (don't want to give them any ideas)

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The Cat Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance

The Cat Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance
by Sam Stall
Published by Quirk Books
September 2, 2004

Though a little silly, I found this series of books to be extremely informative to first time pet owners, or just those considering getting a cat (or dog, see also: The Dog Owner's Manual: Operating Instructions, Troubleshooting Tips, and Advice on Lifetime Maintenance). Written as if explaining a new piece of technology or perhaps as an instruction booklet for a VCR, this fact-filled paperback lives up to its publisher's name of Quirk. While not an ideal gift for experienced pet owners, this book is a fun way to introduce these species to newbies (such as this blogger). The same publisher also has an owner's manual for babies that looks interesting while flipping through it, but I would recommend The Happiest Baby on the Block if you need a more serious approach to infant raising.