book review

Book Review: The Star Dunes

Posted by

0

The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit
The Star Dunes (Explorer Academy #4)
by Trudi Trueit (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars


Cruz is in Africa searching for the missing clues his mother left behind for him to find after her death. The explorers help a family of mountain gorillas in Uganda, and then follow the clues to a desert region of Africa. The evil Nebula organization is breathing down their necks, and Cruz is devastated when one of his friends is targeted.

I loved this plot! There is plenty of action and suspense. I never knew what was going to happen next! I really loved that Lani is finally part of the team! She is such an interesting character.

The exotic locations are amazing, and I loved learning about different conservation efforts in Uganda and Namibia and all the national parks.

Continue reading →

Manga Review: Silver Spoon

Posted by

0

銀の匙 Silver Spoon 1 [Gin no Saji Silver Spoon 1] by Hiromu Arakawa
銀の匙 Silver Spoon 1 [Gin no Saji Silver Spoon 1]
by Hiromu Arakawa, 荒川 弘

4 out of 5 stars

 

Hachiken attends an agricultural high school even though he has no interest in pursuing an agricultural career. All his classmates come from farming backgrounds, and are eager to learn so they can take over their family farm someday. Poor Hachiken has to wake up early every morning to take care of livestock, clean out the stables, and gather chicken eggs. His classmates are used to early morning hours, but Hachiken is exhausted.

This manga is hilarious! It was so fun learning about how to care for animals along with Hachiken.

Continue reading →

Classics Review: The Odd Women

Posted by

0

The Odd Women by George Gissing
The Odd Women
by George Gissing

4 out of 5 stars

The Madden sisters are growing older, poor and unmarried, and ignored by society. Their younger sister, Monica, is still young and pretty, and they hope that she will marry well. She meets a Mr. Widdowson and contemplates marriage with him as a way to escape the horrors of being a spinster like her sisters.
Rhoda Nunn is another single lady who finds herself in the middle of a flirtation with an intellectual man, all while passionately avowing the most extreme feminist ideals and criticizing the institution of marriage.

I loved so many things about this book! The writing is incredible, and really pulls you into the story. The plot kept me wondering, and every emotional scene was glorious. It’s all about deception, ambition, betrayal, addiction, love, manipulation, jealousy, and pride. It’s not a happy book, but a very interesting and engaging read. Continue reading →

Book Review: Meditations on Christ

Posted by

0

Meditations on Christ by Benjamin W. Decker
Meditations on Christ: A 5-Minute Guided Journal for Christians
by Benjamin W. Decker 

2 out of 5 stars

This book has written prayers, meditations, and journal prompts for Christians with a Scripture verse at the beginning of each section.

Although the title is “Meditations on Christ”, every section is all about the fruit of the spirit listed in Galatians. Christ is certainly mentioned in each prayer and meditation, but the title is misleading, since the meditations do not focus primarily on the person of Christ. A better title would be “Meditations on the Fruits of the Spirit.”

This book does have a few weird ideas though, such as making an altar with some candles and “an image of Christ”. That sounds like idolatry.

There are many references to the “children of God” and how “we are all family in the Kingdom of God.” Except we aren’t.

Continue reading →

Book Review: The Toughest Sudoku Puzzle Book

Posted by

0

Toughest Sudoku Puzzle Book by Cristina Smith
Toughest Sudoku Puzzle Book: 200+ Puzzles to Sharpen Your Brain
by Cristina Smith, Rick Smith

5 out of 5 stars

This book begins with advice on various strategies for completing sudoku puzzles, and gives some advanced techniques to try out. The puzzles are separated into sections for Tough, Tougher, Tear-Your-Hair-Out, and Extra Credit.

There are also some variations of sudoku puzzles that are explored, like diagonal sudoku, consecutive, jigsaw sudoku, killer sudoku, chain, skyscraper, and butterfly sudoku. Most of the puzzles in this book are the normal style of puzzle, but there is an extra credit section with some of the variations of sudoku puzzles

Continue reading →

Book Review: Self-Care Check-In

Posted by

0

Self-Care Check-In by GG Renee Hill
Self-Care Check-In: A Guided Journal to Build Healthy Habits and Devote Time to You
by GG Renee Hill

5 out of 5 stars

This book gives you some journal prompts and activities to do that help to promote self-care and happiness. I really love how the prompts guide you through difficult questions, to find what will bring you the most balanced life and a sense of well-being. How to set self-care boundaries, how to say no to others, how to be confident with spending your money, how to trust your own instincts, and many more issues are explored in a calm and caring way.

This book encourages self-acceptance, slowing down to reflect, making positive changes with baby steps, and designing a life that is full of wellness and joy!
Each page has three sections: Reflect, Focus, and Do. There are one or two sentences about an issue you can Reflect on, then a prompt to Focus on what you really need and what would make that issue better, and finally an activity to Do that will help you to realize your self-care goals. Continue reading →

Cookbook Review: The 21-Day Intermittent Fasting Weight Loss Plan

Posted by

1

21-Day Intermittent Fasting Weight Loss Plan by Andy DeSantis RD MPH
21-Day Intermittent Fasting Weight Loss Plan: Recipes, Meal Plans, and Exercises for a Healthier You
by Andy DeSantis RD MPH, Michelle Anderson

4 out of 5 stars

The book begins with an introduction section with general advice and information on fasting, its health benefits, and how to plan fasting for your body type and nutrition needs. There are some physical exercises you can do to lose weight with illustrations that show how to do the exercise.

This book provides meal plans for 21 days, and 75 recipes to help readers lose weight and easily cook delicious meals. There is a list of pantry essentials to help you put together your grocery shopping list. One chapter has tips for creating a long-term routine, what to do about snacks, how to establish dietary patterns so that your body knows when to be hungry. Continue reading →