book review

Non Fiction Review: Essential Pranayama

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Essential Pranayama by Jerry Givens
Essential Pranayama: Breathing Techniques for Balance, Healing, and Peace
by Jerry Givens

4 out of 5 stars


This book goes in-depth about the energy centers of the body and how the breath can move and create energy, soothing and refreshing the body. There are instructions for different types of breathing rhythms, and different postures for sitting or lying down as you meditate and breathe. I love how many details and explanations there are about different aspects of the breathe and lungs.

There are breathing exercises to try, with clear instructions and a list of benefits. There are exercises for an energizing breath, or for a calming breath. Some of my favorites are included like Alternate Nostril Breathing, Buzzing Bee Breath, and Ocean (Ujayi) Breath. There are breathing techniques for mental clarity, stress relief, and for better sleep through calming and cooling breathing. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Cultivating Calm: An Anxiety Journal

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Cultivating Calm by Brandi Matz MSW LCSW (Author)
Cultivating Calm: An Anxiety Journal
by Brandi Matz 

3 out of 5 stars


This book is divided into two sections: one with journal prompts and space to write, and one with meditations to try. Each page begins with an inspirational quote, and a short paragraph describing a situation or theme for you to journal or meditate about.

The themes include things like financial stress, being alone, being late, getting rid of clutter, taking an exam, family relationships, crowded spaces, conflict with others, housework, social media stress, fear of driving, fear of dying, and fear of public speaking, among many others.
Each of these are addressed, acknowledged, and then the reader is guided into a more productive and calm attitude, along with tips for dealing with each situation and handling anxiety in a healthy way. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: 60 Days of Faith for Women

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60 Days of Faith for Women by Cameron Trimble
60 Days of Faith for Women: A Devotional to Deepen Gratitude, Praise, and Prayer
by Cameron Trimble 

1 out of 5 stars


I’m very disappointed in this book. It’s extremely self-centered and full of the worst kind of heresy. Every devotional and journal prompt is completely focused on the self, instead of being focused on God. This book asks, “What do I think?” instead of “What God does say?”

There are Bible verses taken out of context, and lesson applications that don’t even match the topic of the Bible verse. The author doesn’t seem knowledgeable about theology or Scripture interpretation. (I graduated from a Bible college, so I know stupid when I see it.) Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: The Baby Sleep Plan

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The Baby Sleep Plan by Rebecca Michi
The Baby Sleep Plan: Sleep Train Your Way to a Happy and Healthy Baby Regular price
by Rebecca Michi

5 out of 5 stars

This book gives multiple ways to train your baby to sleep on a schedule with tips on what to do when it all goes wrong. This includes journal prompts, exercises, meditations to try, self-care activities, and guidance for finally getting a good night’s sleep for you and your baby.

I really like that this book includes several different styles of coaxing your child to sleep. Not all babies and parents are going to be the same or react the same way, so it’s perfect to have a variety of ideas to try and find what works for you. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Book: First-Time Mom’s Baby Memory Book

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First-Time Mom's Baby Memory Book by Emily Ramirez
First-Time Mom’s Baby Memory Book: Record Precious Moments and Memories
by Emily Ramirez

5 out of 5 stars

This baby book has quotes about motherhood, journal prompts about what baby is doing, and places to attach photos of baby and mom. I love how creative the writing prompts can be! This goes way beyond baby’s first smile or first steps.

The writing prompts include things like:
“The first time I really listened to my mama gut was…”
“Something you’ve done to show me how strong you are is…”
“The biggest mess you’ve made so far has been…”
“Something I hope for your future is…”
“A family tradition I’m excited to share with you is…”
“Some words you hilariously mispronounce are…”

Every page is covered in beautiful pastel designs with polka dots and colorful borders. The quote pages are especially cute with a whole page of color and a simple little drawing of a baby bottle, bib, rattle, cupcake, balloons, or something sweet. Continue reading →

Puzzle Book Review: Brain Candy

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Brain Candy! by Rockridge Press
Brain Candy!: A Challenging and Fun Maze Book for Kids
by Rockridge Press 

5 out of 5 stars

I had no idea this book would be so colorful and have so many different designs for the mazes! I am truly impressed with the variety of themes and artwork for each maze. Every page is so vibrant with all the colorful little details around the maze!

There is a maze designed like a huge man’s curly mustache! haha! There are mazes designed like robots, an airplane landing on the tarmac, a chicken crossing the road, geese flying through wind and clouds, a dog digging for a bone, a lost porpoise looking for its pod, a submarine diving for sunken treasure, and a maze that leads through the Empire State Building to the very top! Continue reading →

Journal Review: Holistic Self-Care Guided Journal

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Holistic Self-Care Guided Journal by Carley Schweet
Holistic Self-Care Guided Journal: Nurture Yourself, Expand Your Mind, Embrace Who You Are
by Carley Schweet

5 out of 5 stars

This book helps you to reconnect with your core self, grow in your courage and creativity, and engage in your relationships, all in baby steps that remind you to take care of yourself and reflect on what you truly need. This book has sections to “Nurture Yourself, Expand Your Mind, Get Creative, Move Your Body, Get Organized, and Embrace Your Community.” Each section has insightful journal prompts, affirmations, meditations, gentle activities, and inspirational quotes to get you motivated.

I’m truly impressed at how this book uses thoughtful prompts and deep themes to sweetly guide the reader into a better understanding of the many aspects of self-care. And yet it never feels too heavy! Each activity is a simple little thing, a cup of tea, a walk in the sunshine, listening to a favorite song. And yet the impact is immense because of the introspection that is happening. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Positive Thinking

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Positive Thinking by Katherine Flannery
Positive Thinking: A 52-Week Journal of Profound Prompts, Inspiring Quotes, and Bold Affirmations
by Katherine Flannery

4 out of 5 stars


This guided journal gives prompts for maintaining a positive attitude and managing difficult emotions. It is full encouraging quotes that are thoughtful and uplifting!

The layout of this book is not quite what I expected. It is laid out with one section for each of the 52 weeks, with one activity, journal prompt, or meditation to do each week. Week 1 is a journal prompt with some space for writing in a list of attributes and characteristics about yourself, and the encouragement to re-frame any negative thoughts about yourself into positive and compassionate thoughts. Week 2 is a prompt to draw a decorative mantra or affirmation of your choosing, and there is a breathing exercise to try. Continue reading →

Series Review: Sherlock Academy

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Sherlock Academy by F.C. ShawWatson's Case by F.C. ShawThe Holmes Brigade by F.C. ShawSherlock Academy by F.C. Shaw

Sherlock Academy
by F.C. Shaw

4 out of 5 stars

Rollie and his best friend, Cecily, have just been accepted into the prestigious Sherlock Academy. They have to solve clues to figure out their class schedule, learn the art of disguise, decode secret messages to find out their assignments, and analyze fingerprints in the class roster. But there is a deeper mystery hidden in the library of Sherlock Academy! Throughout each book, Rollie and his detective friends work to stop the evil mastermind, Herr Zilch, who leads Moriarty’s old underground ring of criminals.

I loved everything about these books! The characters, the plot, the mystery, the action, the school, the writing style… everything is wonderful!
Continue reading →

Journal Review: True You

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True You by Dr. Kelly Vincent
True You: A Self-Discovery Journal of Prompts and Exercises to Inspire Reflection and Growth
by Dr. Kelly Vincent,  Jacinta Kay (Illustrator)

4 out of 5 stars

This journal gives prompts for writing about certain themes including, self-awareness, values, identity, confidence, emotions, spirituality, health, family, relationships, community, career, passions, goals, life purpose, and dreams.

The most basic prompts say things like, “Today I’m grateful for…”, “Today I learned….”, “My biggest fear is…” But the journal quickly gets into more deep questions and more complex prompts about times when you had the confidence to stand up yourself, how you felt when you solved a difficult problem, and what relationships give your life meaning. Continue reading →