Happiness Is Listening to Your Dog Snore – Humorous and Inspirational Dog Quotes to Celebrate Our Canine Friends by Sandra Murphy

January 24, 2022 By 1 Comment


Happiness Is Listening to Your Dog Snore – Humorous and Inspirational Dog Quotes to Celebrate Our Canine Friends by Sandra Murphy
Publisher: Untreed Reads
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational, Contemporary, Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

From Afghans and Akitas to Yakutians and Yorkies, and everything in between, there’s a very special connection between dogs and their owners. Our four-legged friends put smiles on our faces, comfort us when we’re down and make us laugh with their antics. They aren’t just “man’s best friend” but a terrific companion to women, children and anyone in need of the perfect companion.

Bestselling author and editor Sandra Murphy (Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Fiction Inspired by the Songs of the 60s, From Hay to Eternity) has compiled a collection of quotes celebrating canines; our furry friends who bring so much joy to our lives. Some quotes will be familiar, many will be new, but all remind us how wonderful it is to have dogs in our lives.

Dogs make the world a better place.

One of the things I liked the most about this collection was the way the author separated all of the quotes out in various sections. The first portion was dedicated to humorous quotes, while later ones included themes that ranged from inspirational to what the author’s peers at Untreed Reads thought about dogs. It was nice to know what to expect from each section before I read it, and it also made it easy to flip ahead or back to a specific theme if needed.

As much as I enjoyed reading these quotes, there were times when I found them repetitive. The same themes and ideas were repeated over and over again in the various sections. It would have been nice to have a wider range of thoughts on the topic as dogs are creatures almost everyone loves. Had this been the case, I would have happily gone with a much higher rating as the concept itself was well worth checking out.

Some of my favorite sections were the ones that pondered what the world might look like through canine eyes. For example, one quote discussed whether the writer’s dog might have given them a name and, if so, what that name might be. That was exactly the sort of content I was hoping to read about! It’s fascinating to gaze into the eyes of a dog and try to figure out what they’re thinking about.

I smiled as I read Happiness Is Listening to Your Dog Snore.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Once ‘a Pun’ a Time – a Guide to Reading and Telling Jokes for Kids by Wolf Cub Chlo

January 18, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Once ‘a Pun’ a Time – a Guide to Reading and Telling Jokes for Kids by Wolf Cub Chlo
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Children’s (0 – 6 y.o.), Middle Grade (8 – 12 y.o.), Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

What do you get when you mix a 6 year old with a global crisis? If you twirl around, click your heels three times while chanting “there’s no place like home,” you get a jokes for kids book! Tired of reading the same boring books?

Want to read something funny and learn a secret at the same time? Then you’ve come to the right place! Read silly jokes for kids in part I and learn the secret joke formula in part II.

Funny joke books for kids help:
* increase reading comprehension
* decrease depression and anxiety
* spark creativity
* create endless hours of fun and so much more

“Once ‘a pun’ a Time – a guide to reading and telling jokes for kids:
contains colorful illustrations on every page
short read to keep the attention span of young and reluctant readers
introduces readers to homophones and common puns
teaches readers how to tell their own silly jokes also known as dad jokes
is small in size and can be carried in: backpacks, gift bags, totes perfect for subway rides, airplane travels, long road trips and bored days at home.

If you need something lighthearted and cheerful, look no further!

I couldn’t stop chuckling at the puns the author shared in the beginning of this book. She had a playful sense of humor that I think would appeal to adults who like dad jokes just as much as it does for the kids that it was originally written for. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy some silly wordplay every now and again?

My favorite section was the one that showed kids how to come up with their own jokes. It clearly explained how homophones could be used to make people laugh. I also appreciated the pictures it shared and the space it gave the audience to make up their own jokes about what was happening in those scenes. Everything was presented so logically and simply that it could be understood by younger kids just as much as it could the older ones.

Occasionally, the author clarified what she meant in parentheses after finishing a sentence or section. I liked the fact that she put so much effort in making sure her audience understood what she was truly trying to say. While I did interpret nearly all of them in the way she was hoping I would, it’s definitely a good idea to clarify. That’s a sign of a good writer, and I look forward to seeing what else she writes in the future as she grows older.

Once ‘a Pun’ a Time – a Guide to Reading and Telling Jokes for Kids was a delightful read.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , ,

Coloring the Zodiac by Christina Haberkern

January 5, 2022 By Leave a Comment


Coloring the Zodiac by Christina Haberkern
Publisher: Plume
Genre: Non-Fiction, Young Adult (14 – 18 y.o.)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Cholla

There are twelve signs in the zodiac and twelve ways to celebrate the radiance of the stars, as well as the incredible history and symbolism behind each sign. Illustrator Christina Haberkern shares beautiful, intricate, fun-to-color pages influenced by the latest trends in fonts, design, and pop culture, with more than forty pages to color. The symbol, character, and constellation of each sign will be featured, along with pages of pure celestial, decorative, and pattern designs.

Are you a fan of astrology? Do you sit down and check your horoscope daily? If so, then this is a great coloring book for you. Even if you’re only a casual student of astrology or simply randomly curious, you can still enjoy this fabulous book celebrating all twelve sun signs. There’s something for everyone inside these pages, no matter your artistic abilities.

Coloring the Zodiac gives you a lot of options when deciding what to choose first. For each sign you get several pages with different aspects of the signs. Symbols, images, affirmations, and even quotes from some famous reps for your sign abound in this book. The illustrations are easy enough to color but detailed enough to make your artwork really stand out when it’s complete. The artist does an excellent job of capturing what is truly representative of each sign with her drawings.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when I picked up this book. Adult coloring books can be very hit or miss at times. However, I was very pleasantly surprised by what I found in this one. All the drawings called to me, not just those for my sign. I could relate to the pages dedicated to my sign and see my family and friends in the others. Another bonus is that it’d be suitable for younger audiences as well, teens and tweens would have fun coloring in the designs as well as adults. The next time you’re feeling a bit stressed or restless, grab your colored pencils and this book and have fun. I know that’s how I plan to spend some time in the very near future – it’s written in the stars.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , ,

Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley

November 26, 2021 By 1 Comment


Lady and the Tribe by Brenda Billings Ridgley
Publisher: Whole You Media
Genre: Non-Fiction (self-help)
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

Wives, mothers and career women – we have all fallen victim to the silent epidemic that is, literally . . . letting ourselves go. Not the weight-gain, makeup-free, yoga-pants routine. Little by little, we have allowed our preferences, interests, and individuality to slip away until we no longer recognize ourselves outside of our role as wives, mothers, or professionals. Who we are has become what we do.

In the process, our friendships have become the casualty of a “busy life” and lack consistency and depth. We have a gaping hole inside us that longs to be filled. How do we reclaim who we really are and fill this empty space that seemed to appear from nowhere?

The answer lies in our Tribe. Our best friends see us more clearly than we see ourselves and are representations and extensions of our individuality. They are our companions, cheerleaders, and counselors—always in our corner. They are the branches of our tree of life that lift and support us, so we can flourish. Our Tribe is the family with whom we choose to live our life . . . with no strings attached.

Lady and the Tribe is a blueprint for building deep connections. As you read, you’ll be swept away on a journey of friendship as the author shares her own personal stories and those of other women. In the process, you’ll discover how to find, nurture, and deepen friendships and create a Tribe culture that is unique to you.

I’ve just moved to the other side of the country and left all my friends and family behind. So when I saw this book pop up for review, I grabbed it since I’d love to have a new “tribe” of women friends here where I live now.

I honestly wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from this book, but I really did enjoy it. It started out a little slowly, with quite a bit of citing of studies that showed how much women need friendship and support, etc., but stick it out because it’s worth it. The author shares about her own journey and how she came to know who was in “her” tribe and whose tribes she was part of. It was interesting to see the different descriptions of the types of people you are friends with and it all made sense as I read. It made me realize that there are, in fact, friends for a season (or a reason) and we shouldn’t feel badly if we lose touch with those. And it made me recognize the few women I’ve become such good friends with that years and distance don’t matter.

My only actual criticism of this book was that, well… I’m a “doer” and a maker of lists and very type A, and I wanted more instructions on HOW to build my tribe. LOL! I was so excited at the one time she actually made a list of questions that I could write down and answer, which I did diligently and thoroughly. And when that was done, I had my journal ready for more. And it didn’t happen. (Aside to the author: maybe a workbook would be in order for people like me?)

Those of you who live a little less rigidly than I and maybe don’t love routine and to-do lists in the same passion as I do, who prefer reading others’ experiences as an illustration of how to do something should absolutely enjoy this book. And I can whole-heartedly recommend it.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Shift Into a Higher Gear: Better Your Best and Live Life to the Fullest by Delatorro McNeal

November 19, 2021 By 1 Comment


Shift Into a Higher Gear: Better Your Best and Live Life to the Fullest by Delatorro McNeal
Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Kick fear-based living to the curb and discover exactly how to manifest the life of your dreams!

Is there another level of life that you want to live? Are there goals you’ve been struggling to achieve? It’s time to stop settling for excuses and start achieving excellence!

With nearly two decades of experience working with high achievers globally, peak performance expert Delatorro McNeal II is passionate about teaching people how to live life full throttle. As a motorcycle enthusiast, McNeal uses powerful biking metaphors to vividly illustrate how to reject the monotony of living on cruise control. Packed with interactive exercises, compelling questions, and thought-provoking analogies, this book teaches you the methodology and the psychology to bring the best out of yourself! Each of the twelve chapters starts with the word Shift and invites you to make a simple but profound change that will accelerate your results and expand the horizons of your possibilities. You’ll discover how to

• Lean into the curves of life and business
• Sever your dependency on the “kickstands of life”
• Put your weight into the changes you desire most
• Steer the flow of your emotional states
• Shift your core relationships to invite the right posse to your biker club
• Drive defensively to avoid the potholes that stop most people from succeeding

From the introduction all the way through to the conclusion, this book is a transformational seminar on paper. Join Delatorro McNeal as he takes you on the personal development journey of a lifetime.

I don’t even know where to start so I’ll start by saying this is a book you will definitely want to not only read but study and keep handy. And to think this was a book that I picked at random with the preconceived notions that I wouldn’t enjoy it… Boy was I wrong. While reading I texted two friends to share the book’s title and told them that the author’s writing style and message are so inspiring and I also posted a comment on Facebook. I read the book in one sitting and was so thankful for no interruptions.

This book will be a staple for anyone…for business, finances, personal, relationships…just life in general. This is an amazing book that shares great pointers and thought provoking questions that will stick with you well after you finish reading.

I love the motorcycle riding to life concept. I’ve ridden motorcycles before but never would have compared riding a motorcycle in any way similar to having life goals and accomplishing them. I love the layout of the book, along with the thought provoking questions. The author didn’t just write for reading pleasure he wrote so that the readers can receive the message as well as making sure readers take action. I related his writing style to what I imagine it feels like being present at one of his conferences.

Each chapter starts off with a catchy sentence and then is followed by in depth details. The questions, examples and quotes made me pause and meditate on how I can put into action giving 1% more each day, and not just living life but experiencing it. I enjoyed every chapter! I can’t even pick a favorite because I took away a lot from the entire book. I like that he wasn’t wordy, his message is to the point and that he gives practical guidance and various learning exercises that opened my mind to reflect as a consequence I can see myself on the right track to reach my fullest. I love the conclusion at the end of the book and how it gives a snippet of the information included in each chapter. I’m sure I’ll be using this for a quick reference for now on.

I am thankful for the fresh pair of 3-D lenses. A collection of words that help me to live life actively, with intention and purposeful. There is so much I took from this book that I can implement into my life furthermore shifting into a higher gear. To name a few nuggets: no matter what I want it will require my best effort, to also recognize that small changes are just as potent as huge changes and each morning I’ll be asking myself “Will I be better today than I was yesterday?”.

I can’t recommend this book enough!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Psychology of Music by Susan Hallam

November 5, 2021 By 1 Comment


The Psychology of Music by Susan Hallam
Publisher: Routledge
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

How does music affect our moods?

What is the best way to develop musical skills?

How does the definition of music vary between cultures?

The Psychology of Music explores the important impact music has on our everyday lives, and its influence on society, groups and individual people. It demonstrates how music can benefit our intellectual functioning, and health and well-being, and examines musical ability as both a gift and something that can be developed through learning and practice.

Music can enhance our understanding of humanity and modern life and The Psychology of Music shows us the significance of music, and the power it can have over our behaviour.

Do you like music and psychology? This book addresses both. The subjects are intertwined in an informative way. Going through these pages, readers will learn about things like mood and music, musical skills (Is talent natural or developed?), perfect pitch versus relative pitch, music defined in different parts of the world (What constitutes music?), how does music affect learning in other fields, and much more.

This book is enlightening and entertaining. Some of its contents will seem to offer intrinsic knowledge, but some will offer surprises.

This is a great way to see music in a different light but also to see humanity in one as well. Music is a strong presence in life, so this book will give something valuable to readers.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Divorce Bucket List by Jennifer Harris

October 29, 2021 By 4 Comments


Divorce Bucket List by Jennifer Harris
Publisher: Self Published
Genre: Non-Fiction
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Poppy

Divorce Bucket List is a practical and heartfelt guide that effortlessly blends meaningful exercises and reflections with author Jennifer’s personal experiences through the trials and challenges of divorce. Written as a way to empower others to rebuild their lives as they work through the trauma of a divorce, this illuminating guide explores Jennifer’s harrowing journey through divorce, revealing her creation of her Divorce Bucket List – and how it helped her emerge into a happier, healthier, and more emotionally fulfilling chapter of her life.

Perfect for anyone who feels lost, alone, or broken as they struggle through divorce, Divorce Bucket List will help you rediscover yourself and your values, overcome your fear of the future, and learn to love again. With a blend of real-life anecdotes, reflections, and exercises to encourage you to apply a Divorce Bucket List to your unique situation, Jennifer’s story will inspire you to move past your divorce and make the most of this exciting new time in your life.

This book was very timely for me — my husband asked for a divorce a month or so prior to me requesting to review.  I’m so glad I picked it up!  It’s not super long, but it’s honest and interesting and I love all the journaling suggestions. Honestly, I wish there had been more.   I went out and bought a brand new notebook just to work through this… I did all the different exercises and some of them actually sparked other journaling which was really helpful and cathartic.

The author goes through her own experiences, with honesty and doesn’t pull punches.  She tells about the ups and downs as she worked through getting past her divorce.  Some of it didn’t apply to me (I’d been married so long, our children were grown, for example, and she discusses things like having to learn to be away from her children when they were with their dad), but overall it was a solid book to give ideas for building back a life.  And that’s something I think anyone going through a divorce, particularly when they weren’t the one who wanted it, could use.

It’s not a miracle worker… I’m still devastated and broken, honestly, because that doesn’t end in a few months. But it gave me tools to use to help work through the feelings I have and to find the “me” I lost.  It helped me realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and that the end of a marriage isn’t the end of a life.  There’s more and it can be really good.

So if you need help after divorce to find an even keel, Divorce Bucket List might help you.  I think it’s worth giving it a try!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

101 Self-Development Statements and Questions by Kenneth Liddane

October 21, 2021 By Leave a Comment


101 Self-Development Statements and Questions by Kenneth Liddane
Publisher: A Helping Mind
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Are you struggling to find answers regarding your own thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviours?

These 101 Self-Development Statements and Questions are intended to provide
you with the opportunity to explore and identify your unconscious self.

Broken down into 21 categories, you are sure to find answers that no one else can provide.

After all, the answers are always within!

It’s never too early or too late for self-improvement.

I appreciated how open-ended these statements and questions were. It was clear to me that the author did everything he could to avoid making any assumptions about his readers that would hinder them from exploring the ideas he introduced to them. Because of this, I would feel completely comfortable recommending this book to people from all walks of life and from a wide variety of ages and perspectives. While it seemed to be written primarily for adults, I could see how younger readers could get just as much out of it if they were interested in self-development.

In a review of a previous book by Mr. Liddane, I mentioned the need for another round of editing for that work. I’m pleased to say that I saw a big improvement in his writing between then and now. While I did notice some punctuation errors here that I wish had been caught before publication, it was really nice to see how he’s grown in this area. I hope that I will be able to give his next submission a five star rating as I enjoyed everything else about it.

One of my favorite things about reading this author’s thoughts had to do with how well-rounded they were. He asked his audience to probe every angle of his topics, from taking note of their own faults to making lists of ways they could improve their relationships with others. This was something that expected readers to be highly self-aware while also providing opportunities to improve that skill for anyone who thought they could be better at it.

101 Self-Development Statements and Questions was a helpful and thought-provoking read.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Rock Me on the Water: 1974-The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics by Ronald Brownstein

October 8, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Rock Me on the Water: 1974-The Year Los Angeles Transformed Movies, Music, Television, and Politics by Ronald Brownstein
Publisher: Harper
Genre: Historical, Non-Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Los Angeles in 1974 exerted more influence over popular culture than any other city in America. Los Angeles that year, in fact, dominated popular culture more than it ever had before, or would again. Working in film, recording, and television studios around Sunset Boulevard, living in Brentwood and Beverly Hills or amid the flickering lights of the Hollywood Hills, a cluster of transformative talents produced an explosion in popular culture which reflected the demographic, social, and cultural realities of a changing America. At a time when Richard Nixon won two presidential elections with a message of backlash against the social changes unleashed by the sixties, popular culture was ahead of politics in predicting what America would become. The early 1970s in Los Angeles was the time and the place where conservatives definitively lost the battle to control popular culture.

Rock Me on the Water traces the confluence of movies, music, television, and politics in Los Angeles month by month through that transformative, magical year. Ronald Brownstein reveals how 1974 represented a confrontation between a massive younger generation intent on change, and a political order rooted in the status quo. Today, we are again witnessing a generational cultural divide. Brownstein shows how the voices resistant to change may win the political battle for a time, but they cannot hold back the future.

Looking for a feast for the eyes that revolves around the year 1974? Then look no further.

This book is a bit of a mishmash concerning the things that happened in 1974. It’s heavy on pop culture and politics. The writing is easy and this is a quick read. Check it out if you’re interested in music, film and television from that year.

I have to admit there are times when the author gets a bit heavy on politics. There is a certain flair revolving around the election of Jerry Brown. That said, it’s not bad. Just a lot of information. The book is made up of chapters labeled as each month of 1974. There are touches on music – namely the west coast sound, Jackson Brown, Linda Ronstadt and the Eagles – television – All in the Family and MASH – plus films, including the work of Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson, and the emergence of women writers and producers. It’s a lot more balanced than I initially thought it might be and was an interesting read.

Conservativism shows up as well as the change in the world from more of a young person mentality to a ‘family hour’ one where pop culture was encouraged to consider the family hour when creating content. I do like how the author contrasted the movements and showed both the minuses and the pluses to both.

If you’re looking for a long-form overview of the year, how the year and happenings within influenced the future and want to read about the music, films, politics and television of that time, then this is the one for you.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Speed Reading: Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour by Kam Knight

October 6, 2021 By Leave a Comment


Speed Reading: Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour by Kam Knight
Publisher: MindLily.com
Genre: Contemporary, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

This has become the go to book for students, teachers, educators, professionals, and home-school parents & children to rapidly improve their reading.

It offers simple tips to not only accelerate reading speed, but also comprehension and memory.

Unlike other books that merely teach you to skim & scan, this book taps into your brain and eyes’ amazing power to naturally read more words in a shorter time.

Very impressive read. I am sure it took a lot of effort on the author’s part because the book is well organized and broken into sections in a certain order that allows for organized learning. There are five sections and each section has three chapters that provide numerous tips and insight to help improve reading speed, comprehension and memory. The various techniques make sense and will require effort on the readers part. Readers will have to be hands on with the training techniques and definitely have to put the advice into practice. I appreciate the tips and will definitely work on adding the methods when I am reading. As the author stated “speed reading is about increasing habits that speed you up while decreasing habits that slow you down.”

The author not only gives tips but he makes sure the reader understands and absorbs what’s been written, as well as being able to recall what’s been learned. He gives a deeper dive into the art of reading. A lot of useful information on previewing before the reader starts reading, methods to use for different reading materials, space reading and using visual range in addition to various eye exercises. He offer advice on what questions readers should ask while reading so that they can get the bigger meaning or purpose of what is being read. Again a lot of information that never crossed my mind and will surely make me a better reader and also be able to comprehend what I’ve read. The author explains each technique by defining it, explaining it along with illustrations and practice drills that the reader can perform.

Reading faster and retaining more information deeply affects many aspects of life so why not give the useful concepts a try. I am sure you will find several useful tips that will help you with your quality of reading. I highly recommend this book!

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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