books.
Myths and Misconceptions about Classics
Classic Adventure: https://youtu.be/YG_gobWQ8XU
Children’s Classics: https://youtu.be/t5Zat_TDzDw
Classic Poetry: https://youtu.be/TVtK0uIMC3o
Classic Mystery: https://youtu.be/1WkYQLrJD-k
Five Favorite Classics: https://youtu.be/chM4Gc32Zog
How I Read 200 Books Per Year
Book Review: The Evil Wizard Smallbone
The Evil Wizard Smallbone
by Delia Sherman
by Delia Sherman
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
Nick runs away from his abusive uncle, only to fall into the hands of an evil wizard! Nick is forced to become Smallbone’s apprentice, but the old man refuses to teach him any magic. Unraveling the secrets of the Evil Wizard Bookshop and the mysterious town of Smallbone Cove, Nick will have to outwit his master before an even more evil wizard, Fidelou, terrorizes and destroys the entire town.
I am delighted with this whimsical tale of wizardry! I love the enchanted town of Smallbone Cove and the rich history of the people there. I love how grumpy and enigmatic Smallbone is, because we slowly discover that he has a heart of gold underneath. I love the twisty plot with all kinds of weird surprises. I like the writing style too! There’s a lot of dry humor and snappy dialogue. Continue reading
Book Review: Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe
Ten Dumb Things Smart Christians Believe: Are Urban Legends & Sunday School Myths Ruining Your Faith?
by Larry Osborne
by Larry Osborne
4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
I loved how this book was organized. The writing style is clear and concise with a dry humor that kept each chapter interesting. I appreciated how the author carefully explained each concept with Biblical precepts and spiritual laws that are direct from Scripture.
I really enjoyed reading it, and now I want to read more from this author!
Classic Poetry Recommendations
How I Get Ideas for Video Content
Vlog Like a Boss Book: https://www.amazon.com/Vlog-Like-Boss-Online-Blogging/dp/1946114162/
Amy Landino: https://www.youtube.com/user/savvysexysocial/featured
5 Favorite Dickens: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2zX2TcSCSM
Let’s Talk Authors: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyxE4BGNkAaslTgSkU66aObvzH5Ia4VjG
Book Review: Birdwing
Birdwing
by Rafe Martin
by Rafe Martin
4 out of 5 stars on GoodREads
Ardwin is the youngest in his family, cursed with one arm that is a swan’s wing. He is feared and reviled by the world, and sets out to seek an adventure that will lead him to his true home. But he will never find peace until he learns to accept himself, wing and all.
This is a continuation of the fairy tale of the brothers who are transformed into swans and saved by their sister who weaves shirts of nettles to break the curse. One little brother’s shirt is unfinished, missing a sleeve, and that arm remains a swan’s wing.
I loved Ardwin’s character! He’s a very deep thinker, and he puzzles through many ideas about identity, instinct, belonging, love, and hate, and forgiveness. There are so many wonderful themes that he wrestles with, but he ultimately finds where he truly belongs.
The plot is wonderfully fantastical, full of wizards, enchantresses, talking animals, deep earth magic, and impossible plot twists that kept me guessing and wondering and perfectly in awe. Continue reading
Picture Book Review: Emiline
Emiline: Knight in Training
by Kimberli Johnson
by Kimberli Johnson
3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads
This picture book features Emiline, a little girl who is training to be a knight. She struggles with reading because she has dyslexia, but her teacher encourages her to do her best and rise to the challenge. When her fellow knights are in danger, Emiline is the only one who can lead the way to safety by reading the riddle on a magic door and opening the portal.
The story is simple and fun. The illustrations are soft and graceful. But I’m not particularly impressed.
The story is almost TOO simple. The illustrations are TOO soft. I would have liked a little more clarity in the artwork. And the plot needed some more depth. There’s a lot of “telling” instead of “showing”, and the dialogue could have been more polished.
It’s a lovely little book, and I enjoyed reading it. Emiline is completely adorable, and I admire her spunk.
Disclaimer: I received an ecopy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.
Luminous Libro 