books.
Non Fiction Review: Prayer
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
by Timothy J. Keller
by Timothy J. Keller
5 out of 5 stars
This book on prayer gives clear examples from history, hundreds of Scripture references, and inspiring ideas about prayer and how God draws close to us.
The topics include why we need to pray, how great and marvelous prayer truly is, what prayer is and is not, and how to truly encounter God and approach His throne. There are also chapters about traditional ideas of prayer, rules for how to pray, how to prepare our heart for prayer, the elements of confession and adoration that go into a prayer, and an analysis of The Lord’s Prayer.
The topics include why we need to pray, how great and marvelous prayer truly is, what prayer is and is not, and how to truly encounter God and approach His throne. There are also chapters about traditional ideas of prayer, rules for how to pray, how to prepare our heart for prayer, the elements of confession and adoration that go into a prayer, and an analysis of The Lord’s Prayer.
I especially loved the chapters about meditation, with advice on how to meditate on God’s Word and incorporate quiet meditation into your prayers along with petitions, thanksgiving, and confession. Continue reading
Book Review: Premeditate Myrtle
Premeditated Myrtle
by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author)5 out of 5 stars
by Elizabeth C. Bunce (Goodreads Author)5 out of 5 stars
Myrtle is the daughter of a Court Prosecutor, and follows her father’s cases with alacrity. She loves to read the Police reports and studies toxicology. When her next-door neighbor is murdered, Myrtle is sure she knows how to solve the case, but how is a Proper Young Lady supposed to adhere to the Rules of Etiquette AND have the freedom to run around town solving crimes? Only with the help of her redoubtable governess, Miss Judson.
One of the things that made me fall in love with this book is the incredible character development. I love how the main characters change their minds, discover new information, grow in their personalities and abilities, and suddenly realize that their relationships with other characters can be different.
I was fully invested in the character growth and the story from the very first page. The writing drew me in, and emotionally hooked me into the lives of the characters. I was massively curious about every clue. I couldn’t wait to read the next chapter and the next!
Picture Book Review: Allegro
Allegro: A Musical Journey Through 11 Musical Masterpieces
by David W Miles, Anita Barghigiani
by David W Miles, Anita Barghigiani
5 out of 5 stars
A little boy named Allegro is fed up with practicing piano. He throws his sheet music on the floor, and petulantly sits and thinks about music. He goes on a magical journey to discover new music and how beautiful music can truly be. Through all the different moods and styles of classical music, he learns to love and appreciate the emotions and sensations that music can offer to us. Continue reading
Non Fiction Review: Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety
Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety: Remedies and Rituals to Feel Calm and Refreshed
by Christina Anthis (Goodreads Author)
by Christina Anthis (Goodreads Author)
5 out of 5 stars
The first section in this book focuses on general information about essential oils, their uses, history, and how they are made. There is also information on other self-care practices that can lower stress and soothe anxiety to be done in conjunction with aromatherapy and essential oils. These include meditation, massage, reflexology, and setting up a calm space with pillows, candles, and soft music.
Then there is a section with more details about the 10 most common essential oils used in this book. This gives more specific information about the benefits of each oil, the applications and uses, and precautions for allergies or skin sensitivities. The oils include Bergamot, Cedarwood, Chamomile, Coriander, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, and Neroli.
Continue reading
Non Fiction Review: 14,000 Things to be Happy About
14,000 Things to Be Happy About
by Barbara Ann Kipfer (Goodreads Author)
by Barbara Ann Kipfer (Goodreads Author)
3 out of 5 stars
This is a stream-of-consciousness list of random things that we can be happy about.
Some of the things listed are wonderful little everyday things or special once-in-a-lifetime things. Some of them really touched my heart, and made me think, “Yes! I should be grateful and happy about that little thing.” Other things made me think, “Huh? Why would anyone be happy about that?”
Some of the things listed are wonderful little everyday things or special once-in-a-lifetime things. Some of them really touched my heart, and made me think, “Yes! I should be grateful and happy about that little thing.” Other things made me think, “Huh? Why would anyone be happy about that?”
Things I liked in the list:
“a party with a pinata”
“a baby in a floppy white hat”
“figuring out port and starboard” Continue reading
Non Fiction Review: No One Does It Like You
No One Does It Like You: 78 Illustrated Affirmations for Self-Kindness
by Amy Rose Spiegel, Catherine Willemse
by Amy Rose Spiegel, Catherine Willemse
2 out of 5 stars
These affirmations and positive sayings are paired with illustrations that uplift and inspire the reader! I love the poignant and thoughtful axioms. Some of them really made me think about life in a different way!
“Picture yourself as a little kid. Remember the promises you want to keep to that person.”
“Give people a reason to remember your conversations, whether you do that by speaking or listening.”
“Carve out your own world.”
However, there were a few sayings that sounded very strange to me, and didn’t make much sense. (And there were a couple with profanity in them.)
For instance, “Your ethics and politics are your architecture; build up those convictions and you’ll have built a life.”
Since when does politics become a part of your identity?
Non Fiction Review: You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job
You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job and other Reminders of Your Awesomeness
by Workman Publishing
by Workman Publishing
4 out of 5 stars
This book has 200 positive affirmations and encouraging sayings designed with beautiful graphics and fonts. The book is tiny, barely 4×4 inches, so it’s the perfect little pocket-sized gift.
Each page has a design with a quote or saying that lifts your spirits and gives you courage to face the day and go after your dreams. On some of the opposite pages there are recommendations for meditations, recipes, music playlists, inspiring books, and simple activities to make your day happier and more fulfilling. Continue reading
Picture Book Review: Willow the Wildcat
Willow the Wildcat
by Lynne Rickards, Kirsteen Harris-Jones
by Lynne Rickards, Kirsteen Harris-Jones
5 out of 5 stars
Two wildcat kittens follow their mother through a Scottish forest, learning to hunt for fish and mice. Their home den collapses, and the wildcat family must search for a new hole. The kitten siblings are getting into mischief, and squabbling and fighting the whole way. After escaping from a hungry kite and a grumpy pine marten, they finally find the perfect home and the kittens learn to work as a team instead of fighting all the time.
This cute picture book has lovely illustrations of beautiful Scottish countryside, as the wildcats travel through forests, across a flowing burn, into a meadow of grass, and find an old castle ruin. The illustrations use soft colors with sunshine on every page! I loved the art style and the way the illustrations added depth to the story by adding details and expression. Continue reading
Picture Book Review: The Phoenix of Persia
The Phoenix of Persia
by Sally Pomme Clayton, Amin Hassanzadeh Sharif
by Sally Pomme Clayton, Amin Hassanzadeh Sharif
4 out of 5 stars
Prince Zal is left for dead when he is a baby, and the magnificient Phoenix raises him with her own little chicks in her nest atop the mountain. She teaches him art, science, poetry, music, and history as well as how to survive in the wild. He grows up to find his true parents in the end.
I liked this traditional story from Iran with its message about the sanctity of all human life. The story is told with strong writing and vivid words.
I liked the art style of the illustrations with bold strokes and bright colors, but I didn’t like the faces of the characters. Their eyes are distorted, and their mouths are crooked, giving them a creepy look! The rest of the artwork is lovely, but all the people have weird faces. Continue reading
Luminous Libro 