non fiction book

Book Review: Smart Brevity

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Smart Brevity by Jim Vandehei

Smart Brevity: The Power of Saying More with Less
by Jim Vandehei, Mike Allen, Roy Schwartz

3.5 out of 5 stars

People are lost in an ocean of words, and if you want your message to be heard and understood, brevity is the key. This book gives advice on how to streamline your words, so that you can communicate most effectively.

I really like that this book helps you to explore why your message matters. If you know your ‘why’, then you can boil down your message to the most important points that you want people to remember. If you can get the “one big thing” to stick in people’s memories, then you have won the battle. A few short words can be truly powerful.

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Book Review: A Book That Loves You

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A Book That Loves You by Irene Smit

A Book That Loves You: An Adventure in Self-Compassion (Flow)
by Irene Smit, Astrid van der Hulst, Editors of Flow magazine

4 out of 5 stars

This beautiful book has postcards, stickers, small posters, removable journal booklets, and a dozen other adorable things included! You can write lists, read poetry, make a collage, write in your thoughts, or make a paper flower. There are articles about slowing down, treating yourself with compassion, finding meaning in your life, and enjoying solitude.

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Non Fiction Book Review: God in the Dock

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God in the Dock by C.S. Lewis

God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics
by C.S. Lewis, Walter Hooper (Editor)

4 out of 5 stars

This collection of essays and letters from C.S. Lewis covers a wide range of topics, including Christmas traditions, miracles, vivisection, morality, dogma, and prayer.
He talks about how a God who is good can allow pain in the world, briefly summarizing concepts from his book “The Problem of Pain.” He talks about the common man of his day and their objections or misunderstandings that keep them from believing in Christ. He talks about the decline of religion in Britain, and the Christian truths hidden in pagan mythology. He answers questions, refutes common mistakes of his contemporaries, and responds to criticisms from his fellow intellectuals.

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Book Review: Supercade

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Supercade by Van Burnham

Supercade: A Visual History of the Videogame Age 1985-2001
by Van Burnham

4 out of 5 stars

This book gives a comprehensive history of the development of videogames in the 1980s and 90s. I love that this book begins with a quote from George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old… we grow old because we stop playing.”

The chapters are separated by year, going through each major game that was released that year. We get to learn about Super Mario Bros., Oregon Trail, Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?, Prince of Persia, Legend of Zelda, and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.
I remember playing some of these games! Ah, those were simpler times. I lost count of how many times I “died from dysentery.” The nostalgia is strong with this book!

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Non Fiction Review: Tarzan, Jungle King of Popular Culture

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Tarzan, Jungle King of Popular Culture by David Lemmo

Tarzan, Jungle King of Popular Culture
by David Lemmo

3 out of 5 stars

The fictional character of Tarzan heralded the beginning of the superhero archetype in literature. A man who is more than a man; stronger, faster, smarter, and capable of super-human deeds of courage and glory.

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Non Fiction Review: The Breathwork Companion

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The Breathwork Companion by Margaret Townsend

The Breathwork Companion: Unlock the Healing Power of Breathing
by Margaret Townsend

5 out of 5 stars

Your breath is a powerful tool to nourish your body and mind. Simple breathing exercises can unlock the healing instincts of your nervous system, and relieve stress and anxiety. You’ll sleep better, find more energy, and be able to stay calm in difficult situations. Conscious breathing can build up your immune system and help reduce inflammation in the body.

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Book Review: Calm for Moms

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CALM for Moms by Denise Marek

CALM for Moms: Worry Less in Four Simple Steps
by Denise Marek (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars

Everyone worries, but there are ways to combat those negative thoughts and find calm! This book dives deep into the cognitive distortions, mental habits, and mistaken beliefs that keep you worried and stressed. You’ll learn how to let go of your worries, corral those chaotic thoughts, and cultivate peace in your life.

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Non Fiction Book Review: Planet Narnia

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Planet Narnia by Michael Ward

Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C.S. Lewis
by Michael Ward (Goodreads Author)

5 out of 5 stars

There is an underlying theme that connects all of the books of the Chronicles of Narnia, influencing the tone of each story, the imaginative elements of the plot, and the roles the characters play. This thread woven through the entire series is the medieval mythology of the cosmos, a subject which fascinated C.S. Lewis.

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Book Review: Stress Less

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Stress Less by Kate Hanley

Stress Less: Stop Stressing, Start Living
by Kate Hanley (Goodreads Author)

4 out of 5 stars

This book gives little tidbits of advice about reducing stress, living with kindness and compassion, and finding ways to alleviate tension. Most of the advice is commonplace, but presented in a fresh way that makes you think a little differently about it.

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Book Review: Complete Book of Meditation

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Llewellyn's Complete Book of Meditation by Shai Tubali

Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Meditation: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Techniques for Calming Your Mind and Spirit
by Shai Tubali (Goodreads Author)

1 out of 5 stars

I had to DNF this book because the philosophy of meditation did not at all line up with my personal beliefs. There were several ideas in this book that actually felt dark and scary to me, and that go against Christian teachings about meditation.

There was one practice that encouraged you to leave your personality behind when you meditate. “I am no longer my name or my person.” That seemed very strange and scary to me.
When I meditate, I am MORE myself in Christ, not less. I am MORE of a person how He created me to be, and my name is MORE who I am because I belong to Christ. I understand that author is trying to get you to shift your perspective, but it was not in the right direction.

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