non fiction

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 →

Cookbook Review: The 30-Minute Ayurvedic Cookbook

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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

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

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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

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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 →

Non-Fiction Review: Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff

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Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff
by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

The everyday things around us have fascinating histories of genius, inspiration, happy accidents, tradition, and ancient legends. How were zippers, scissors, candles, velcro, pockets, skateboards, hair dye, and chewing gum invented, and how have they changed over the years? This book tells the incredible origin stories of hundreds of everyday items, holidays, games, foods, and sports.

The colorful photos and illustrations bring each entry to life, as the reader dives into the history and legends of common-place items. The colors are bright and energetic, and draw your attention. The design of each page is calculated to spark the reader’s interest! Continue reading →

Non Fiction Book Review: The Book of Kings

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The Book of Kings by Caleb Magyar
The Book of Kings: Magnificent Monarchs, Notorious Nobles, and Distinguished Dudes Who Ruled the World
by Caleb Magyar, Stephanie Warren Drimmer

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads


This book gives short bios on more than 100 amazing men who were (and are) leaders of nations, artists, inventors, revolutionaries, writers, scientists, astronauts, and shapers of their culture. Even fictional kings, comic book heroes, and mythical men are included, as figures of our imaginations that have influenced the way we think about men in power.

Each short biography shows how each incredible man came to gain fame and renown for his accomplishments and position. Every page includes beautiful photographs and illustrations, showcasing the history of the era in which these kings lived. Continue reading →

Non Fiction Book Review: The Book of Queens

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The Book of Queens by Stephanie Warren Drimmer
The Book of Queens: Legendary Leaders, Fierce Females, and Wonder Women Who Ruled the World
by Stephanie Warren Drimmer

5 out of 5 stars on GoodReads

This book gives short bios on more than 100 amazing women who were (and are) leaders of nations, artists, inventors, revolutionaries, writers, athletes, scientists, designers, and shapers of their culture. Even fictional queens and mythical women are included, as figures of our imaginations that have influenced the way we think about women in power.

Each short biography shows how each incredible woman came to gain fame and renown for her accomplishments and position. Every page includes beautiful photographs and illustrations, showcasing the history of the era in which these queens lived. Continue reading →