book review

NonFiction Book Review: The Fear Cure

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The Fear Cure by Lissa Rankin
The Fear Cure: Cultivating Courage as Medicine for the Body, Mind, and Soul 
by Lissa Rankin

4 out of 5 stars on Goodreads


I found this book really helpful and inspiring!
I like that there are useful and practical things you can do to learn and grow and become your best, most authentic self. It’s not just an inspiring theory, but a real tangible way to live with actual measurable goals to change your life and deal with your fears.

This book did not resonate with me as much as her other book, Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself, but I still found it really compelling, and I will be using some of the techniques to live a life without fear.

Non-Fiction Review: Absolutely Everything

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Absolutely Everything! by Christopher Lloyd
Absolutely Everything!: A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers, Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention 
by Christopher Lloyd (Goodreads Author), Andy Forshaw (Illustrations)
2 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
This history book is full of colorful illustrations and photos, and a lighthearted writing style.
I was immediately drawn to the beautiful cover and the gorgeous layout.However, I did NOT find the information to be reliable or accurate, and the conversational writing style was too cutesy and fake for me.
The author often cites things as fact which are only theories, or gives his personal opinion on events instead of relating them impartially. Many of his conclusions are erroneous, and I did not appreciate the silly introductions to each chapter.

I did love the beautiful illustrations and colorful photos!
I would not recommend this book for anyone who is interested in reading actual history rather than personal opinion and propaganda.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

Graphic Novel Review: Illegal

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Illegal by Eoin Colfer
Illegal 
by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano (Illustrator)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


A heartbreaking story about a young boy who follows his brother across the Sahara. They then travel in a leaking boat across the Mediterranean, in an effort to make a new life and reunite with their sister in Italy.

There are many sad stories of lives lost along the way, dodging violent gangs, forced to trust conmen who steal their money, and hiding from the police since they don’t have ID or travel papers.
A lot of their refugee companions die on the road, and the story is mostly serious and sad, but there are some light moments with humor and a blazing hope that spurs the characters onward.  Continue reading →

Book Review: Yin Yoga

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Yin Yoga by Kassandra Reinhardt
Yin Yoga: Stretch the mindful way 
by Kassandra Reinhardt

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This beautiful book gives practical meditation tips, breathing exercises, and yin yoga postures for beginner through intermediate yogis. It includes yoga sequences for 30-90 minute yoga practices, and instructions on how to modify each yoga pose to make it easier if you need a gentler posture, or to make it harder if you are ready for a deeper stretch.

I adore the gorgeous photos of each pose. The serene ocean in the background of each photo makes me feel soothed and calm. The golden light and beautiful seaside landscapes really enhance every yoga posture. Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Artemis Fowl

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Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novel (Artemis Fowl: The Graphic Novels, #1) 
by Eoin Colfer, Andrew Donkin, Giovanni Rigano (Artist), Paolo Lamanna (Artist)

2 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius, who discovers a way to infiltrate the hidden world of the faeries, and how to steal their gold. Holly Short is the only female police officer with the LEP (Lower Elements Police, the fairy law enforcement). Desperate to prove herself in the field, Holly will need all her tactical training to take on the young genius, but Artemis has his own secrets and outsmarts the faeries every step of the way.

I have always loved the Artemis Fowl stories, but this graphic novel does not do them justice. I did NOT like the art style. The colors are dark and brown and boring.
Continue reading →

Graphic Novel Review: Thornhill

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Thornhill by Pam Smy
Thornhill 
by Pam Smy

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This graphic novel follows two girls, Mary, an orphan in 1982, and Ella, a lonely girl who lives next door to the orphanage 20 years later. Mary writes in her journal about her life at the orphanage, and the terrible bullying she suffers from another of the orphan girls. 20 years later, Ella explores around the broken-down dilapidated orphanage, and sees a mysterious ghostly figure in a window.

This book was heart-breaking and disturbing and unutterably sad. The bullying at the orphanage is terrible, and poor Mary is so depressed and frightened. The black and white illustrations are beautiful and haunting.  Continue reading →

Comic Review: Batman and the Justice League

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Batman and the Justice League Vol. 1 by Shiori Teshirogi
Batman and the Justice League Vol. 1 
by Shiori Teshirogi

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Justice League done in a manga style? Yes, please!
A young boy from Japan comes to Gotham City looking for his missing parents, and becomes the unwitting victim of a devious plot involving the Joker. Only Batman and the Justice League can solve the mysteries of the boy’s missing parents, and the enigmatic power leaking from magical ley lines around the globe.

I enjoyed reading this manga of the Justice League!
However, I didn’t like some of the characters. Batman has never been my favorite, and I HATE the Joker. I can’t even look at his ugly face. But I liked the story and the other characters. I would enjoy reading it more if it focused more on Superman, who is a favorite superhero of mine. Continue reading →

Book Review: Aunt Jane’s Nieces in Society

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Aunt Jane's Nieces in Society by Edith Van Dyne
Aunt Jane’s Nieces in Society (Aunt Jane’s Nieces, #5) 
by Edith Van Dyne

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Beth, Louise, and Patsy are three cousins, who gain entry into fashionable society through their wealthy Uncle John’s influence. They discover that being part of the rich elite in New York City is not all parties, receptions, and dances. When Louise becomes involved with a questionable gentleman, the girls will need all of Uncle John’s help to save Louise from the despicable machinations of a desperate rogue.

I love this 5th book in the Aunt Jane’s Nieces series! The plot has lots of intrigue and action, and of course, the sweet nieces are adorable. I enjoy the simple writing style, and the wholesome storylines.
I found all the characters to be interesting and complex, especially the cold and mysterious socialite, Diana, who pretends to befriend our new young debutantes.

Graphic Novel Review: Cici’s Journal

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Cici's Journal by Joris Chamblain
Cici’s Journal: The Adventures of a Writer-In-Training 
by  Joris Chamblain, Aurélie Neyret (Illustrations)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodREads


Cici loves a good mystery! When she and her friends see an old man lugging paint cans through the forest, Cici will do anything to unravel the enigma of the painter. But when she ignores her friends, lies to her mother, and takes advantage of her writing mentor, Cici could lose everyone she loves if she doesn’t learn to curb her wild curiosity.
This edition includes volumes 1-2 of Cici’s story. Continue reading →

Book Review: Kitty Hawk #4

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Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic by Iain Reading
Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic (Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency, #4) 
by Iain Reading (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


Kitty is traveling through Ireland, when she is asked to help with a family treasure hunt that has baffled experts for generations. Kitty and Andrew team up to unravel clues left by Bruce Ismay, a famous survivor of the Titanic disaster. Their search leads them to the home of his grandson, Thomas Ismay, and the mystery of a painting of the tragic Titanic shipwreck. But Thomas Ismay wants the treasure for himself, and will stop at nothing to prevent Kitty and Andrew from following the clues. He stalks them at every turn, causing trouble, and threatening to derail the entire treasure hunt.  Continue reading →