Non Fiction Review: Ultimate Trivia, Volume 1

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

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

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

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

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

Playlist by James  Rhodes
Playlist: The Rebels and Revolutionaries of Sound
by James RhodesMartin 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

Cookbook Review: The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook

The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook by Danielle Martin
The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook: Healing Recipes for Total Wellness
by Danielle Martin,  Annie Martin (Photographer)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

“With the proper diet, medicine is of no need; with an improper diet, medicine is of no use.”

This book explains the theories behind Ayurvedic medicine, and gives advice on eating for your body type or “dosha”. The first section gives a little history about the origins of Ayurveda and how this system can stimulate the body to heal itself. Then the three “doshas” are introduced with a quiz to help you determine your type. Kaphas are sluggish and compassionate. Pittas are energetic and ambitious. And Vatas are restless and imaginative. They each also have physical characteristics and common health problems that result from their body type and personality type.

The next chapter gives advice for eating according to your “dosha” and how certain foods can worsen common ailments for your type or can heal those problems. Eating a healthy diet at regular meal times can balance the “digestive fire” and help your body respond well to food, embracing nourishment for every area of your health. Continue reading

NonFiction Review: The 4-Week Fast Metabolism Diet Plan

The 4-Week Fast Metabolism Diet Plan by April Murray, RD
The 4-Week Fast Metabolism Diet Plan
by April Murray, RDLeila Page, RD

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book gives a well-rounded plan for dieting and resetting your metabolism to have a healthy body.

The first section talks about lifestyle changes like moderate exercise and eating healthy foods, but also places a strong emphasis on sleep as a way to lose weight because it balances your hormones and allows your body to rejuvenate itself while you rest. This section also explains how the metabolism functions and why it is such a factor in our weight.

I really loved how this chapter includes herbs and spices that you can include in your food, like turmeric to reduce inflammation, green tea to help lower blood sugar, reishi mushrooms to balance hormone levels. And there are vegetables and meats that help to boost the metabolism like beets, broccoli, salmon, eggs, and lentils. Continue reading

Cookbook Review: Easy Cake Cookbook

Easy Cake Cookbook by Miranda Couse
Easy Cake Cookbook: 75 Sinfully Simple Recipes for Bake-and-Eat Cakes
by Miranda Couse,  Annabelle Breakey (Photographer)

4 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This cookbook is perfect for beginner bakers who want simple recipes! The cakes are easy to make, and look amazing. The instructions are simple to follow, and the cakes don’t require a lot of fancy ingredients. Even though the recipes are uncomplicated, the cakes look rich and delicious!

There are sections for bundt cakes, loaf cakes, coffee cakes, little mug cakes, and even cakes baked in a skillet. With an entire section just for toppings like frosting, whipped cream, ganache, and glaze, this book has everything you need to create delicious cakes! Continue reading

Non-Fiction Book Review: Don’t Read This Book Before Dinner

Don't Read This Book Before Dinner by Anna Claybourne
Don’t Read This Book Before Dinner: Revoltingly True Tales of Foul Food, Icky Animals, Horrible History, and More (Don’t Read This Book)
by Anna Claybourne, National Geographic Society (Contributor)

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

Have you ever wondered how much mucus your sinuses make every day? Or what types of insects various cultures around the world consider to be delicious cuisine? Or how much pee rodents are leaving in the walls of your house? Wonder no more, because this book covers a multitude of disgusting and disturbing facts about the gross things of the world.

With sections about rats, toads, plants, insects, germs, food, mold, skunks, mummies, and dozens more, this book will definitely gross you out! Heed the warnings, and do NOT read it before eating! Continue reading