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Like many people who picked up Be Your Own Bestie, I first discovered Misha Brown through his videos online. What immediately stood out to me was his ability to be completely himself while confidently standing up to bullies. That kind of authenticity takes courage, especially for those of us who tend to be people pleasers.
As someone who struggles with worrying about whether others are upset with me, a lot of what Misha talks about resonated deeply. It took me a long time to realize that other people’s reactions are not always my responsibility, and hearing that message reinforced in such an encouraging way felt both validating and empowering.
Part memoir, part self-help, and full of Misha’s signature sass, humor, and heartfelt honesty, it was an easy and quick read. Throughout the book he expands on many of the stories and moments that made his social media videos so popular, sharing the experiences and lessons behind them.
I listened to the audiobook version, which Misha narrates himself, and I’m so glad I did. There’s something special about hearing an author tell their own story, and his energy and personality come through beautifully. I especially loved the way he talks about his relationship with his mom. As someone who also calls their mom when things go right, wrong or somewhere in between,I completely related.
At its heart, this book is a reminder to do the work. To put in the effort to heal, grow, and learn to treat yourself with the same kindness you give everyone else.
Be Your Own Bestie is a ray of sunshine filled with positivity, encouragement, and plenty of laughs. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery or looking for a motivating and uplifting self-improvement read, this is absolutely one to add to your list, even if you’re discovering Misha for the first time
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Sisters in Science is an extraordinary narrative that sheds light on the lives of four remarkable women—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—who defied the oppressive forces of Nazi Germany to leave a lasting impact on the world of science. Olivia Campbell offers a deeply researched and compelling account of their experiences, blending historical detail with a keen sense of storytelling.
This book takes readers into the tumultuous period of World War II, a time when the Nazi regime systematically persecuted individuals based on their religion, ethnicity, and political ideologies. For these four women—brilliant physicists and chemists—the stakes were particularly high. They faced not only the danger of persecution but also the erasure of their scientific contributions in a field dominated by men.
• Hedwig Kohn found refuge in Sweden, where she was able to continue her work in physics despite the challenges of exile.
• Lise Meitner, co-discoverer of nuclear fission, fled to Sweden and then to the United States, where her groundbreaking research would lay the foundation for future discoveries in atomic science.
• Hertha Sponer made her way to the United States and became one of the first female professors at Duke University, where her contributions to molecular physics broke barriers for women in academia.
• Hildegard Stücklen, though less known, played a vital role in advancing the fields of physical chemistry and spectroscopy during her exile.
What makes Sisters in Science truly stand out is its balance between detailed historical context and personal stories. Campbell doesn’t just focus on the challenges these women faced; she also celebrates their triumphs and enduring legacies. Their exile wasn’t just a flight for survival—it was a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.
The book’s pacing is excellent, weaving historical events with the personal journeys of each scientist. Olivia Campbell’s meticulous research is evident in every chapter, but she manages to avoid making the narrative feel heavy or overly academic. Instead, readers are invited to feel the urgency, despair, hope, and triumph these women experienced as they rebuilt their lives and careers in foreign lands.
What resonates most is the sheer humanity of their stories. These women were not just scientists; they were pioneers who refused to let an oppressive regime dictate their destinies. Their determination to pursue truth and knowledge, even in the face of unimaginable odds, is deeply inspiring.
Campbell also brings attention to an important issue: the lack of recognition for women’s contributions in science. While these four women achieved remarkable feats, their names are often overshadowed by their male contemporaries. This book is a much-needed acknowledgment of their place in history and a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—in achieving gender equality in STEM fields.
The writing is accessible yet rich in detail, making Sisters in Science an ideal read for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in history, science, or women’s studies. The inclusion of photographs, letters, and archival material adds another layer of authenticity and depth, helping readers connect with the women on a more personal level.
I cannot recommend Sisters in Science highly enough. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the vital role of women in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science lover, or someone simply looking for an inspiring read, this book will leave you enriched and in awe of the incredible resilience and brilliance of these women.
A special thank you to Olivia Campbell, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this incredible book. It’s a work that will stay with me for a long time.
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⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
The Rundown: that hot vet from Instagram wrote a book about his travels
Written and Narrated by Dr. Evan Antin
Where to start, where to start. As you’ll soon find out, I’m a sucker for a book written and narrated by the same person. There is just something about when an author reads their own work that gives it that little something…extra.
Dr. Evan, aka “The Hot Instagram Vet”, won over the social media audience by posing with all kinds of animals. But as he’ll tell you, he’s been doing it long before social media was a thing. In fact, he was on a study abroad program in Australia when he rented a car and set out to find some of the countries coolest reptiles.
The doc will take you to some of the most remote, inaccessible places in the world and bring it to life through not only the stories of the animals, but the people he meets along the way. His guides through the wilderness are invaluable as Evan tries to negotiate the social customs of the places he visits. At one point, he had to drink a blood clot from a freshly slaughtered goat in order to avoid a local faux pas. I’ll admit, I shuddered a bit at that one.
Not only is Dr. Evan a vet and an animal lover, but he is also a conservationist, trying his best to bring the plight of endangered animals all over the world to his viewers at home.
The only reason I knocked a star off of this one is that some of the chapters in the audio book ended abruptly. Sigh. Now I’ll have to get the physical copy and find out what happened in chapter 4 when he met the Kimono Dragon.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to embark on a world wide adventure from the comfort of their own home.
This audiobook was borrowed from my local library using the Libby App.
Feed The Bookworm 