Category: Books/Literature A Girl's Guide to Missiles: Growing Up in America's Secret Desert is a memoir written by journalist and author, Kelly McNamara. The book tells the story of her childhood growing up in Nevada, where she witnessed firsthand the development and testing of nuclear weapons during the Cold War era. Through vivid descriptions and personal anecdotes, McNamara provides insight into the impact of this period on both individuals and communities. One of the strengths of the book is its ability to convey the fear and uncertainty that permeated daily life in Nevada at the time. The author effectively captures the sense of unease that came with living near a nuclear testing site, as well as the ways in which this fear shaped her own identity and worldview. Additionally, McNamara does an excellent job of contextualizing the events she describes within larger historical and political frameworks, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the broader implications of the Cold War era. However, one potential weakness of the book is its focus on personal experience rather than broader social or cultural trends. While McNamara's memoir provides valuable insight into her own life, it would have been helpful to see more analysis of how the experiences she describes were representative of larger patterns within Nevada and beyond. Overall, A Girl's Guide to Missiles is a well-written and thought-provoking book that offers readers a unique perspective on an important period in American history. Whether you are interested in Cold War politics, personal memoirs, or simply looking for a good story, this book is definitely worth your time. Category: Toys/Games The Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher and Elite Force US Army Assembly-Free Multi Launch Rocket System Toy Missile Launcher with 14-Point Articulation Action Figure and Moving Missile Launch Pad for Indoor and Outdoor Play are both toys designed for children. The Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher is a simple toy that allows children to launch small rockets from a pad. The toy is easy to assemble, and the rockets can be launched in different directions with varying levels of force. While this toy may not provide much educational value, it could be a fun addition to any child's collection of toys. The Elite Force US Army Assembly-Free Multi Launch Rocket System Toy Missile Launcher is more complex and offers more features than the Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher. This toy allows children to launch multiple rockets at once, with each rocket having its own trajectory. The action figure can also be moved around on a moving missile launch pad, adding an extra level of playability. Overall, both toys are designed for children and offer some level of entertainment value. However, the Elite Force US Army Assembly-Free Multi Launch Rocket System Toy Missile Launcher may provide more educational value than the Marky Sparky Blast Pad Rocket Launcher due to its ability to launch multiple rockets at once and move around on a moving missile launch pad. Category: Historical/Political Left in the Dust: How Race and Politics Created a Human and Environmental Tragedy in L.A. is a non-fiction book written by journalist and author, James S. Goldberg. The book tells the story of the 1963 Watts Riots in Los Angeles, which were sparked by police brutality against African Americans. Through detailed reporting and analysis, Goldberg provides insight into the events leading up to the riots, as well as their aftermath. One of the strengths of the book is its ability to provide a nuanced understanding of the Watts Riots and their impact on both individuals and communities. Goldberg effectively captures the fear and anger that came with living in a city where police brutality was commonplace, as well as the ways in which this violence shaped the lives of those affected by it. Additionally, the author does an excellent job of contextualizing the events he describes within larger historical and political frameworks, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the broader implications of the riots. However, one potential weakness of the book is its focus on the negative aspects of the Watts Riots. While Goldberg provides valuable insight into the violence that occurred during this time, it would have been helpful to see more analysis of how the events he describes led to positive changes and progress in Los Angeles and beyond. Overall, Left in the Dust is a well-written and thought-provoking book that offers readers a unique perspective on an important period in American history.