non fiction

Non Fiction Review: The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person

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The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person by Amanda Cassil
The Empowered Highly Sensitive Person
by Amanda Cassil

5 out of 5 stars

As a Highly Sensitive Person, it is such a relief to have a book like this! It describes the HSP experience so clearly, and gives real and practical ideas for navigating the strong emotions and overwhelming sensations that come with having an HSP brain.

There is a quiz you can take to determine whether or not you are an HSP. The quiz says that if you score a 14 or higher, then you are an HSP. I scored a 24! I am extremely sensitive, and it’s always been a struggle. I’ve felt misunderstood my entire life, and have spent years telling myself, “Why can’t you be like other people? Why does this bother you so much? Why can’t you just let it go?” This book spoke so compassionately to my frustration and emotional pain, as well as my physical struggles. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Stretch

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Stretch by Scott SonensheinStretch: Unlock the Power of Less – and Achieve More Than You Ever Imagined
by Scott Sonenshein 
3 out of 5 stars

I picked up this book because the author has co-written the new Marie Kondo book, Joy at Work. I wanted to check out other books by this author before I read Marie Kondo’s new book.
I was disappointed.

The writing is much too verbose, taking forever to make a clear point. Every chapter is FULL of stories; true stories, anecdotes, business stories, and examples of people who succeeded or failed. Then the author uses the example from the story to illustrate their point about being resourceful with little instead of grasping for more. Continue reading →

Picture Book Review: All about Weather

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All About Weather by Huda Harajli MA
All About Weather: A First Weather Book for Kids
by Huda Harajli MA

5 out of 5 stars

This children’s picture book describes all different types of weather, and gives some simple scientific information about temperature and cloud types. I like the writing style that is perfect for a child’s level of understanding.

The illustrations are adorable! Full of bright colors, each page draws the reader in. The clouds are smiling, and the children are playing in the rain.

There are even questions to answer in the text, prompting the reader to choose the right accessories for a rainy or cold day. Should I wear boots or sunglasses? Should I carry mittens or an umbrella? I like that the book gets the reader involved, and encourages children to think carefully. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Healing through Nutrition

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Healing through Nutrition by Eliza Savage
Healing through Nutrition: The Essential Guide to 50 Plant-Based Nutritional Sources
by Eliza Savage

5 out of 5 stars

This book has recipes for healing foods of fruits, grains, herbs, coffee and tea, and dozens of vegetables. The sections are divided by the type of food, with information about the benefits of that food, it’s healing power, and medical conditions that it will help.

The recipes are simple with easy instructions and common ingredients. There are also variations on the recipe in case you want to add or substitute something. I really like how the recipes are organized, and the design and layout is easy to navigate. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: Prayer

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Prayer by Timothy J. Keller
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
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.

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 →

Non Fiction Review: Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety

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Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety by Christina Anthis
Essential Oils for Soothing Anxiety: Remedies and Rituals to Feel Calm and Refreshed
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

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14,000 Things to Be Happy About by Barbara Ann Kipfer
14,000 Things to Be Happy About
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?”

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

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No One Does It Like You by Amy Rose Spiegel
No One Does It Like You: 78 Illustrated Affirmations for Self-Kindness
by Amy Rose Spiegel, Catherine Willemse (Illustrations)

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?

Continue reading →

Non Fiction Review: You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job

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You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job and other Reminders of You... by Workman Publishing
You Are Doing a Freaking Great Job and other Reminders of Your Awesomeness
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 →