Julianna Photopoulos

Snakes: From Vipers to Boa Constrictors by Julianna Photopoulos is an attractive coffee table book that offers plenty of stunning photographs.

I have a definite weak spot for large format books, most of which fall into the broad heading of coffee table books. At one time (before Katrina) I had more than I could reasonably display at one time, which was just as I wanted. I like to change them out, move them around, and, if entertaining, choosing specific books that spark curiosity and/or conversation with and among the guests. This volume would be ideal (as long as none of the guests had a true phobia) because opinions about snakes tend to vary widely. I was the guy who took the class snakes home over breaks and holidays, and at one time had a pet boa until I just felt it wasn't ethical. Others can't stand them. And in a gathering of people you will often get some interesting stories. As you've likely guessed, one of the books I had back then was about snakes.

This volume does just what I want in a coffee table book that is primarily about showing the photographs and not teaching the reader about the animals. The captions offer enough information that you can look up more detailed information, and by not being too bogged down with text you may pique the interest in a young reader to investigate the topic, in this case snakes.

For those who do a fair amount of reading, books like this can also serve as a nice break from your heavier fare. Snakes may not be your ideal subject, but a book like this fills some of those moments when you just feel like you should have a book in your hands but don't want to get back into one of the more involved ones you may be reading. You may find yourself looking up some information to supplement the book, but it is usually from curiosity and not trying to figure out a complex problem. So relax and enjoy some fun and light reading/looking between your other books.

Highly recommended for the wonderful photographs of these beautiful and varied creatures.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (altro)

Cats by Julianna Photopoulos takes a look at beautiful felines around the world. Divided into broad chapters of Wildcats, Shorthair, Longhair, Behaviour, and Kittens. Each chapter is stuffed with gorgeous photos of various species and breeds of feline. Accompanying the photos is a plethora of information and trivia. Highly recommended, especially if you are a cat lover!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Amber Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.… (altro)

Cats: A Celebration of Our Feline Friends, from Julianna Photopoulos, is a beautiful coffee table book that is sure to delight cat lovers.

The photographs include everything from close-ups to action shots and are accompanied by informative captions that offer information about the breed and/or behavior. Together they make this volume both attractive and informative.

I admit that while I enjoyed the tidbits of information, I learned more than I expected, I am mainly interested in the pictures. And Photopoulos does not disappoint in that area. The captions, for me, just added to the pleasure of the pictures.

I am more of an animal person than specifically a cat person. I've had cats, dogs, birds, snakes, rats, fish, and several other animals. I lean toward preferring dogs but usually have both dogs and cats at the same time. There are a few breeds here that make me want to get too many cats, but I will let these pictures serve as pets by proxy.

Highly recommended for cat lovers, animal lovers, and those who like beautiful books to display. I'll also mention, as an aside, that Photopoulos also has a wonderful book on butterflies.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (altro)

Butterflies is a beautiful journey through the world of these stunning insects.

Butterflies are probably one of the few things in the world that can elicit a smile from most people, whether upon noticing one while outside or thinking about them while stuck inside. This book will assist with the indoor aspect. If you like rotating your coffee table books and watching which ones get the most attention from friends (or even family) I think you may find this one to be among the most popular.

As expected, the photographs are spectacular, from looking at the beauty of open wings to the close-ups of the many fascinating features of the butterfly itself. The captions offer a nice brief explanation and also key words in case you want to learn more. This is not meant to be a book for actually identifying butterflies in the field, I can't imagine lugging a book this size around for that purpose. This is meant to be a delightful addition to your library and, if you do display books, your decor.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.… (altro)