Librocubicularist- April 2016

I have only read a fraction of what I normally do this month. Between December and March, I've read 20-30 books a month but this month I've only hit 9. I feel like I don't have much to choose from for reviews right now.

I blame our pets.

We really thought that our cats would at least get used to the Gil more quickly than this. We even hoped that they might eventually become friends and cuddle and hang out. Right now, Curry is the only one who will even tolerate Gil and some days even he isn't sure about the situation. Baldur and Carmel both still hiss and hit at him anytime he gets too close. (Although it is sometimes helpful for keeping him off the couch.) As we continue to work on his training and he calms down I still hope they will get closer.

While they are usually pretty mild the disagreements between our pets are both the reason and the inspiration for my short reading list this month.


Catify to Satisfy by Jackson Galaxy

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This book discusses different ways that cats claim ownership of a space and how to translate that into creating a home where they feel safe and comfortable. There are tips for creating safe spaces like catios for your cats to enjoy the outdoors as well as devise a series of shelves for a cat highway around the house. It also includes information about choosing the right litter box for your cat and how to integrate them into your house in a way that lets them be accessible to the cats but unobtrusive to humans.

I also read the precursor to this book Catification: Designing a Happy and Stylish Home for Your Cat (and You!).

Be the Dog: Secrets of the Natural Dog Owner by Steve Duno

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Be the Dog discusses how to train your dog by working with their natural instincts instead of fighting against them. All dogs have certain instincts some common to all dogs and some more specific to the breed. If you know that your dog was bred for hunting small animals in burrows then they have a need to dig and you can work to find ways for your dog to fulfill that purpose without destroying your lawn by giving him an approved spot to dig.
It also stresses that the more you work to teach your dog, the better behaved he will become. Learning more commands means your dog is smarter and will become better able to understand the consequences of his actions. There is a list of basic commands and tips for teaching them as well as suggestions for activities to help your dog feel like he's a contributing member of the pack.


Charm Love Friendship Bracelets: 35 Unique Designs with Polymer Clay, Macrame, Knotting, and Braiding * Make your own charms with polymer clay! by Sherri Haab

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The projects in this book take traditional friendship bracelets and embellish them by adding charms and chain. The first section has tips for working with polymer clay to make your own charms and bead as well as detailing different kinds of knots you can use. After that, the book contains instructions for lots of different bracelets using all sorts of materials including chain, rhinestones, and charms. My favorite design is the one using handmade polymer clay roses. While I haven't tried any of the projects yet I found the book inspiring.