BookBunnies

Marshmallow reviews On Tyranny: Graphic Edition by Timothy Snyder and Nora Krug

Today Marshmallow reviews the graphic edition of Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny, originally published in 2017. The graphic edition was illustrated by Nora Krug and published in 2021.

Marshmallow reviews On Tyranny: Graphic Edition, written by Timothy Snyder and illustrated by Nora Krug. — Marshmallow reviews *On Tyranny: Graphic Edition*, written by Timothy Snyder and illustrated by Nora Krug.

Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you like reading books about current events and deep ideas about nations and history, then this is the book for you! If not, then this book is for you, too!

Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): This is a nonfiction book about the titular topic of tyranny. The dictionary defines tyranny as “oppressive power, especially oppressive power exerted by a government” and “a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler”. So On Tyranny is about oppressive government structures and how they come to be.

More specifically, the book is divided into twenty main lessons we can learn from the history of the twentieth century. Historian Timothy Snyder dives into what happened—in Europe mostly—during the twentieth century, examining the ways in which those past democracies were systematically replaced by tyrannical, manipulative dictators who seized control of their countries using several tactics some leaders are using today. Because I think these lessons are of utmost importance, I’ll put them here on this post for those who don’t plan on purchasing the book:

“Do not obey in advance. Defend institutions. Beware the one-party state. Take responsibility for the face of the world. Remember professional ethics. Be wary of paramilitaries. Be reflective if you must be armed. Stand out. Be kind to our language. Believe in truth. Investigate. Make eye contact and small talk. Practice corporeal politics. Establish a private life. Contribute to good causes. Learn from peers in other countries. Listen for dangerous words. Be calm when the unthinkable arrives. Be a patriot. Be as courageous as you can.”

Now, it’s simple to read these simple-sounding phrases and think, “I just learned everything this book has to offer.” But I cannot think of another book that I believe should be read more than this one. I think this book should be mandatory reading because it is an instruction manual for how to protect democratic governments. Democracy is the best way for peoples to govern themselves, but it can be vulnerable; it needs to be protected from enemies within and outside the borders of any nation that wishes to uphold democratic institutions.

The ideals of democracy, the book’s author conveys, are things that cannot be taken for granted. The people must be able to think for themselves, ask questions, and know when those in power are starting to sound a little too much like the tyrants in the history books. This book uses quotes, stories, facts, and nuanced, yet time-tested ideas to compellingly create the ultimate survival guide for a democratic nation. Telling us exactly what the downfall of a democracy would look like, this book offers its readers ways to prevent such an end.

Marshmallow is reading On Tyranny: Graphic Edition, written by Timothy Snyder and illustrated by Nora Krug. — Marshmallow is reading *On Tyranny: Graphic Edition*, written by Timothy Snyder and illustrated by Nora Krug.

Marshmallow’s Review: In case you couldn’t tell from my little sermon above, I should explicitly write out that I think this book needs to be read by any and every person who is a part of a modern society today. The book is a timely warning and a critical manifesto that we all need to read, now more than ever.

As one of the wisest humans I know once said, “Nothing in this world is free. Freedom is not free.” We all have a responsibility to protect the blessings that liberal democracy has given us. Various forces are trying to tear democratic nations apart and rebuild them into their own image, Frankenstein-like and through fear. This book looks at history and pulls from what happened in the past to show us how people were manipulated into submission so today’s people don’t fall for the same tricks.

The book is definitely written with an American perspective, and I expect that there will be some who disagree with the author’s political views on contemporary U.S. politics. However, the history presented is still relevant, to each and every one of us living today. We all need to know what mistakes people like us made when they thought nothing bad could happen in their country. We need to understand their mistakes to recognize when we might be about to make our own.

As is natural for all young bunnies, I love my country. If you love your country, too, then read this book so you know how to protect it.

Marshmallow’s Rating: 100%.

Marshmallow rates On Tyranny: Graphic Edition, written by Timothy Snyder and illustrated by Nora Krug 100%. — Marshmallow rates *On Tyranny: Graphic Edition*, written by Timothy Snyder and illustrated by Nora Krug 100%.

Caramel reviews Wishtree by Katherine Applegate

Both Caramel and Marshmallow have enjoyed reading many books by Katherine Applegate through the years. And they have reviewed them for the book bunnies blog. (Readers might enjoy Marshmallow’s reviews of The One And Only Ivan, Willodeen and Crenshaw, and Caramel’s reviews of The One and Only Bob, The One and Only Ruby, and The One and Only Family.) Today Caramel is talking to Sprinkles about Wishtree, first published in 2017.

Sprinkles: So Caramel, today we are talking about a new-to-us book by Katherine Applegate.

Caramel: Yep. It is named Wishtree and it is about a wishtree. A wishtree is a tree that people tie things to its leaves and branches to make a wish. A tree for making wishes. So It’s kind of like the name of the book.

S: Yes, I suppose it is very descriptive. So this is a book about a tree. How does that work? Wouldn’t that be kind of boring?

C: No, it is a tree that can talk, so it is interesting. And it is the tree telling its own story so you learn that the inside story of trees is really not boring at all.

S: Wait, the book is narrated by a tree? I have to read this book; it sounds fascinating!

C: Yes, it really is.

S: Okay, so please tell me more.

C: Okay, so, in this town there is this oak tree that has been there for two hundred years, and at some point the people who live there have started to think that if they write a wish on a piece of paper and tie it to the branch of the tree, it will grant their wishes.

S: Does it actually work?

C: Yes, but not because of magic or anything. The tree is not magical, but it can still help sometimes, because it has animal friends that help it to grant wishes.

S: So the tree has friends? That is cool. And they are not all other trees.

C: Oh no. It has many animal friends. There is a crow named Bongo, for example, that is the tree’s best friend.

S: Cool. So is the whole book about the tree and its friends then?

C: Yep, but this person whose garden the tree is in wants to cut it down, and its friends try to save it.

S: The tree’s animal friends?

C: Yes. And they do manage to save it in the end.

S: That’s good.

C: Yes. Then there is a child named Samar in town who is bullied because she is different from the others, because her family is Muslim and some of the other children do not treat her very kindly. So Samar is very lonely and she wishes for a friend. And then things get really tense but the tree and its animal friends find a really kind way to solve all the problems. Samar gets a friend and the person who wanted to cut the tree down remembers her great-great-grandmother’s first wish which came true and made the wishtree become a wishtree.

S: So all ends well then?

C: Yes, and you know I always like happy stories.

Caramel is reading Wishtree by Katherine Applegate. — Caramel is reading *Wishtree* by Katherine Applegate.

S: I do. Did you know that the author wrote this book after The One and Only Ivan, thinking that after writing through the eyes of a gorilla, writing through the eyes of a tree could also be fun?

C: No, but that is really cool!

S: I agree. Did you also know that some people tried to ban this book? Apparently because the tree says that it is both female and male so it has both genders, so people thought this was inappropriate for young readers. Here is an interview with the author about one such event.

C: Oh, well, that is interesting, but I disagree. It is a scientific fact that oak trees have both male and female flowers on them.

S: Apparently it is called monoecious. Even Wikipedia has an article on monoecy.

C: Hmm, I did not know the word, but I knew the concept. Some trees can reproduce just by themselves.

S: Of course Caramel, you and your facts! I am just happy I at least found a word that you did not know.

C: No I knew the word monoecious, the tree calls itself that in the book. I just did not know the word “monoecy”.

S: You continue to amaze me Caramel.

C: Yep, I am amazing, aren’t I?

S: Yes, but I would not call you very modest. Anyways, do you think this is a good place to end our review?

C: Yep, I think that would be a good idea.

S: Would you recommend Wishtree to other little bunnies?

C: Yes. It is a really nice story about friendship and kindness and also trees and how cool they are. And it has a happy ending. What is not to like? So yes, every little bunny should read it!

S: Okay, that is great Caramel. So let us wrap things up. What do you want to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel enjoyed reading Wishtree by Katherine Applegate and recommends it to all little bunnies who like the quiet of trees and find happiness in friendship. — Caramel enjoyed reading *Wishtree* by Katherine Applegate and recommends it to all little bunnies who like the quiet of trees and find happiness in friendship.

Marshmallow reviews The 50 States by Kana Kavon

Today Marshmallow reviews a beautiful large-format book, The 50 States by Kana Kavon, first published in 2021.

Marshmallow’s Quick Take: If you like books with beautiful images and illustrations with fascinating facts, then this is the book for you!

Marshmallow’s Summary (with Spoilers): Given the title, one could likely assume that this book is about the fifty states of the United States of America. And it is exactly that, but also so much more! There are seven sections which divide the states—and territories—up by their geographical location. They are as follows: the Northeast, the Southeast, the Midwest, the Southwest, the West, Noncontiguous States, and U.S. Territories. The Table of Contents itself hints that this book will be full of very aesthetically-pleasing visuals like drawings and photos! There are so many amazing, astonishing images of the natural beauty of the U.S. and almost every page (if not every page) has one such photo. There are also unique facts about state and territory that helps introduce the reader to each one. Every state has a two-page spread, and every territory has about one page. All are like collages with drawings and photos layered in a manner that is easy to absorb and understand for the reader. The state animal and the state flower for every state are shown, and cool historical tales are described. For example, did you know that the first Black, female millionaire (named Madame C. J. Walker) was an entrepreneur based in Indiana? I didn’t…until I read this book!

Marshmallow is reading The 50 States by Kana Kavon. — Marshmallow is reading *The 50 States* by Kana Kavon.

Marshmallow’s Review: I really loved reading this book! It is beautifully written with simplicity and clarity. But it is also beautifully designed and decorated! I found it very calming to read and also very eye-opening. I never knew how unique each state is. They all have their own character, their own history, and their own quirks that make American history even richer. I especially loved the images of the natural beauty found in each state. Being from only one, I’ve only ever been most able to appreciate the beauty of one. But this book showed me how there is beauty to be seen and appreciated in each and every state and territory. It was really nice that the territories were included as well, and the way each grouping of the states / territories was labelled by geography helped me place them better on a mental map.

I think books like these are eye-opening and help humanize people. During a time of unprecedented polarization, tensions between the American people are higher than ever. State lines have begun literally dividing us as a populace and animosity is growing as states become identified solely by which way they vote. This book helps show us that every state has something beautiful to offer to the great American Experiment and that is something we all need to appreciate in order to truly be able to come together as one indivisible nation with freedom and justice for all.

Marshmallow’s Rating: 100%.

Marshmallow rates The 50 States by Kana Kavon 100%. — Marshmallow rates *The 50 States* by Kana Kavon 100%.

Caramel reviews All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells

Today Caramel reviews All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells, written in 2017 and the winner of the Hugo Award for Best Novella in 2018. As usual, Sprinkles is taking notes and asking questions.

Sprinkles: So Caramel, today we are talking about All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries.

Caramel: Yep.

S: So tell us a bit about this book.

C: Sure. All Systems Red is about a SecUnit, a security oriented robot who is an augmented human.

S: What is an augmented human Caramel?

C: A person that is a mix between a robot and a human.

S: They used to call that a cyborg, I think. I guess “augmented human” makes it sound more like you begin with a human and modify them. Kind of scary to think about. Like the Cybermen of Doctor Who.

C: Yeah kind of, but this one is more, docile

S: Docile but he is called Murderbot! That sounds a bit violent.

C: Yeah, I think he calls himself that, as an ironic name, I think. Apparently, he went out of control and killed a lot of people some time ago, but now humans trust him again. He just calls himself Murderbot because he has dreams of being scary and powerful and so on.

S: Wait, so he has dreams or aspirations?

C: Yes, he is sentient. He also realizes at some point that he has free will. So he can override the commands he is being given, but chooses not to, because he does not want others to know.

S: Ooh, that is so interesting! So many questions! Is his free will coming from his human part? Or maybe the machine part is somehow capable of sentience and free will?

C: I don’t know, but I think it has something to do with some other SecUnits who attacked and one of them installed an override module to its neck.

S: So if nobody else knows of this, are we reading his own thoughts?

C: Yes. He is the narrator. I guess that is why it is called a diary after all.

Caramel is reading All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells. — Caramel is reading *All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries* by Martha Wells.

S: So what does he do with his free will? What does he want to do?

C: He mainly watches TV in his free time.

S: Oh, that is hilarious! Kind of like how when TV and the internet first came to be, people thought about all the amazing things we would do with these new tools, but almost everyone uses these to watch soap operas or post cat photos or funny dance videos.

C: Yes, it is sad in a way. He could be planning to rebel or build a free world for his kind or something grand like that, but all he wants to do is watch soap operas without being bothered.

S: But also realistic. I mean not everyone wants to be a leader or a revolutionary, but everyone enjoys funny cat videos.

C: Almost everyone. I’d rather watch funny bunny videos.

S: You are right of course. Bunny videos are so much better! Anyways, do you like Murderbot? Is he likeable? Funny?

C: Yeah, he is very funny. And he is laid back and he does not take himself seriously.

S: That is cool! Did you know that they are making a TV show about Murderbot?

C: No! But that sounds awesome! Can we put the trailer on this thing?

S: Sure, here we go:

C: Thank you! That does look cool! I think it is not only the book I read though.

S: Yes, there are a few followup books about Murderbot.

C: Ooh, can I read them?

S: Hmm, I am not sure if they were published as paper books but we can definitely look into it.

C: Yes, please let’s!

S: Okay, sounds like you did enjoy reading All Systems Red.

C: Yep, it was super cool.

S: Okay, then, we will figure something out. It seems like this is a good place to end our review. What do you want to tell our readers?

C: Stay tuned for more book bunny reviews!

Caramel enjoyed reading All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries by Martha Wells and is wondering if he can read the sequels as well. — Caramel enjoyed reading *All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries* by Martha Wells and is wondering if he can read the sequels as well.