non fiction review

Non Fiction Review: The Big Book of Bling

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The Big Book of Bling by Rose M Davidson
The Big Book of Bling: Ritzy Rocks, Extravagant Animals, Sparkling Science, and More!
by Rose M Davidson

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book gives amazing information and wacky facts about bling of all kinds, from gorgeous gems to flashy fish to colorful festivals around the world.
Not just about the diamonds and gold, this book talks about animals that use dazzling colors to attract a mate or fend off predators, the most expensive luxury items of the ancient and modern worlds, and the most extravagant palaces and mansions around the world.

There are caves that sparkle in the darkness with luminescence, showy waterfalls, armor from the middle ages, twinkling stars, stunning ice formations and glaciers, the most expensive cars, and the most iconic movie props of all time. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Nerd A-Z

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Nerd A to Z by Tamara J. Resler
Nerd A to Z: Your Reference to Literally Figuratively Everything You’ve Always Wanted to Know
by Tamara J. Resler, National Geographic Society (Contributor)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


If you are interested in being that person who knows the facts, has the smarts, and can problem-solve with the experts, then this book is for you. Full of information about science, arts, culture, geography, history, and technology, this book is the perfect encyclopedia of knowledge for the coolest people on earth- nerds!

At the very beginning of the book there is a flow chart quiz, “What Kind of Nerd Are You?”, so you can discover if you’re a scientist, a culture connoisseur, a tech expert, a genius at geography, or a designer. Once you’ve found out your special interest, you can take another flow chart quiz to find your niche within that subject. No matter if your interests are sports, music, art, science, virtual reality tech, cartography, zoology, genetics, or botany, there is a cool quiz to take and a whole book full of cool information on that subject! Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Brain Candy

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Brain Candy by Julie Beer
Brain Candy: 500 Sweet Facts to Satisfy Your Curiosity
by Julie Beer,  Chelsea Lin

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


“Have you ever wondered which is hotter: the surface of the sun or the core of the Earth?” This book is packed with crazy facts and wild information to satisfy even the most curious minds! There are factoids about history, science, animals, writing, music, outer space, food, sports, and of course the weird human body.

I love how colorful this book is! Each page is full of vibrant photos and bright text boxes with nuggets of wacky information.

I only wish that each fact had more data explaining about the information. For instance, “A five-story inflated yellow duck travels to city harbors around the world.” Why is there a huge rubber duck that travels around? Who owns it? What is its purpose? haha! I need more info! I guess I’ll have to google it. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Treasury of Bible Stories

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Treasury of Bible Stories by Donna Jo Napoli
Treasury of Bible Stories
by Donna Jo Napoli (Author), Christina Balit (Illustrator)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


These are retellings of Biblical stories from Genesis to Daniel as interpreted by the author, and reimagined with embellishments and dialogue. Starting with Creation, this book includes 28 Old Testament stories, ending with Daniel in the Lion’s Den. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Samson, Elijah, Job, Jonah, David, Solomon, Esther, and Ruth are all included with their struggles and failures, and the power of God in their lives.

The writing can be flowery at times, and the author takes a few little liberties with the history. However, there are also some really wonderful cultural and historical additions that enhance the stories as the reader learns about ancient cultures. I wouldn’t trust this as a source of my religious belief, but it is an enjoyable imagining of what Biblical times could have been like. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1

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Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1 by Donna Hoke
Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1
by Donna Hoke

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book has Trivia Questions in categories for US and World History, Arts and Literature, Food and Drink, and Animals and Nature. They vary from multiple choice questions, true or false, or putting a group of words into the correct order. Some groups of questions have a word bank of possible answers that you can choose from. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Restorative Yoga for Beginners

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Restorative Yoga for Beginners by Julia Clarke
Restorative Yoga for Beginners: Gentle Poses for Relaxation and Healing
by Julia Clarke

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book begins with an explanation of the restorative yoga style, and how it affects the body, calms the mind, and provides stress relief. Then some general information with Do’s and Don’ts about props, clothing, and how much time a restorative yoga practice should take.

The second section of the book gives details and instructions on performing each individual yoga pose. Each pose is listed with the benefits of the pose, and precautions for the elderly, injured, or pregnant women. There are also suggested time limits to hold the pose, and lovely illustrations in calm pastel colors demonstrating the pose. Continue reading →

NonFiction Book Review: Vegetarian Meal Prep Cookbook

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The Vegetarian Meal Prep Cookbook by Lisa Danielson
The Vegetarian Meal Prep Cookbook: Time-Saving Recipes and Weekly Plans for Healthy Eating
by Lisa Danielson

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This cookbook includes meal plans, recipes, and advice on how to prepare vegetarian meals ahead of time. With shopping lists, budgeting, tips on types of containers and equipment, and information about how to freeze leftovers, this book is the perfect guide to make vegetarian meals simple and easy when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.

The book begins with an introduction section with general advice and information on meal prepping. Part One of the book has Meal Prep Plans and shopping lists that cover meals for 8 weeks. Part Two has 75 vegetarian recipes, divided by Breakfast recipes, Lunch and Dinners, Sides, Snacks, Sauces and Dips. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: 5 Minute Mindfulness Meditations for Teens

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5-Minute Mindfulness Meditations for Teens by Nicole Libin
5-Minute Mindfulness Meditations for Teens
by Nicole Libin

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book begins with explaining what meditation is, and what it isn’t, assuring the reader that you don’t have to force happy, peaceful emotions or clear your mind of all thought in order to successfully meditate. It’s just about being present and aware in each moment, and finding acceptance no matter what thoughts or emotions come up.

One thing that I did not like about the explanation section is that it promotes some very leftist ideas and abnormal ideologies as though they are normal. “In a society where you’re judged and targeted for things you can’t control, like your sexuality, the color of your skin, or your body or gender identity…” “[Meditation] can’t do much about racism, homophobia, or sexism on a broad scale. But it can help you deal with all that…”
It seems silly to lump racism in with gender identity. They are completely different issues. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: Super-Quick Colorful Quilts

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Super-Quick Colorful Quilts by Wilkinson Rosemary
Super-Quick Colorful Quilts: 35 Vibrant Designs for Fast Quilts
by Wilkinson Rosemary

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This quilting book gives instructions for 35 gorgeous quilt designs. The illustrations and photographs clearly demonstrate each design, and the instructions are easy to follow through each step. There are some general instructions in the beginning of the book about how to choose fabric, cut shapes, add binding, and quilt by hand or by machine. This is excellent for beginners!

The quilt designs are divided into sections with “Fresh Colors, Vivid Colors, Bright Colors, Pastel Colors, and Primary Colors”, but each design could be used with any color or pattern that the quilter desires. Each design is shown with 5 different options for fabric alternatives and color schemes that match or work well with the type of design. Continue reading →

Non-Fiction Review: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound

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Playlist by James Rhodes
Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound
by James Rhodes, Martin O’Neill (Goodreads Author) (Illustrations)

3 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


James Rhodes writes about classical music and features seven revolutionary composers who changed the landscape of music forever. With chapters on Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Schubert, Rachmaninoff, and Ravel, this book outlines how music developed over time, and how each of these extraordinary musicians overcame the challenges of their era to create beautiful music that still resonates with musicians today.

I was really intrigued by the wild and colorful artwork depicting each composer, with elements of their time and items representing their music pasted into a chaotic blend. Bach is depicted with grand church buildings behind him, and Mozart has angels, flowers, and sunshine around his head like a halo. Chopin has a flaming heart on his chest, and a piano next to him being destroyed by sledgehammers. Rachmaninoff has butterflies and tigers, along with a diagram of a massive hand. (He had really huge hands; the bane of all pianists who try to play his piano compositions.) Continue reading →