Misleading title

Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation

By: Heather Dawn Godfrey

Genre: Nonfiction/Self Help

Pages: 160

Published: 2018

Read:  March

3 out of 5 stars

I feel the title of the book is very misleading. I was expecting to learn which essential oils are best for mindfulness and meditation, the purpose, and the use of each scent. While this was slightly covered, the book primarily dealt with the history of essential oils, how they are made, and how to apply them. It was more a science lesson on essential oils. It’s not that it didn’t cover useful information, but it wasn’t what I was looking for or expecting from this book. I enjoyed the last chapter the most – Wellness Techniques – Relaxation, Exercise and Nutrition. 

Important Topic, but have read better

The Girls at 17 Swann Street

By: Yara Zgheib

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mental Health

Pages: 384

Published: 2019

Read:  March

3 out of 5 stars

This book was OK. I believe eating disorders is an important topic and often overlooked in fiction books. However, I felt this book was somewhat unrealistic. My biggest issue was believing Emm would be in the house for 4 entire years. She would have been moved to a halfway house or similar establishment. Plus, I never felt she still had a serious enough eating disorder to justify the length of stay. She was portrayed as recovered, helpful and encouraging to the other girls. I felt it was a cop-out by the author. The girls were distant and as the reader I was never able to connect with them. I would suggest Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson or for a different take on institutions I highly recommend Good Kings, Bad Kings by Susan Nussbaum (5 stars).

Oh the discussions you can have....

Little Faith

By: Nickolas Butler

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Pages: 336

Published: 2019

Read:  March

4 out of 5 stars

My 3^rd favorite of Butler’s books, it is SO good! He has such a magically way of describing Wisconsin (in all his books) that you are truly in the center of it. This book was a welcoming departure from Butler’s other novels. I definitely felt a Jodi Picoult vibe and glad to see I wasn’t the only one. I finished this novel at 1:30 in the morning and oh was so mad at the ending, but then while I laid there thinking about it the ending made much more sense. Butler left many open ends involving many discussion points. Someone needs to hurry up and read this, so I can discuss this book.

BEST Book in a LONG time!!!

You are a Badass Everyday

By: Jen Sincero

Genre: Nonfiction/ Self-Help

Pages: 224

Published: 2018

Read:  February

5 out of 5 stars

This is a pocket-size inspirational and motivational guide “sequel” to Sincero’s first book, You are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life. If you are a reader, I suggest you start with the first book, however if you don’t read much, but looking for a positive change in your life do yourself a favor and read You are a Badness Everyday! This book will change your life; it has made me more mindful and at peace since I picked it up. It is filled with daily quotes, inspirational stories, and positive tasks to complete. I have a copy by my bedside and randomly read a chapter every morning. The passages range from a single quote to a 3 page story. BEST BOOK I’VE READ IN A LONG TIME AND MUCH NEEDED AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE.

Pride and Prejudice Remix!

Pride

By: Ibi Zoboi

Genre: YA Multicultural/Remix

Pages: 285

Published: 2018

Read:  February

4 out of 5 stars

A remix of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. BTW, I love the wording of “remix” versus “retelling”. I have not read Pride and Prejudice (I know, my bad), so I did not catch any of the similarities between the books except for the twist on names of the characters. After reading, I did look up plot summary to see if the stories progression was similar. The remix (retelling) was done well. This was the only remix I can remember reading that changed the ethnicity of the characters. I felt that was very clever and definitely will appeal to non-Caucasian teens who will be able to connect with the characters easily. I did appreciate the story, it was entertaining and very well written. Kudos to Zoboi!

A LGBTQ+ graphic novel

The Prince and the Dressmaker

By: Jen Wang

Genre: YA graphic novel/ LGBTQ+

Pages: 284

Published: 2018

Read:  February

3.5 out of 5 stars

This graphic novel had everything going for it. A captivating story line, gorgeous artwork, a timely plot twist. Prince Sebastian is supposed to be looking for a bride, but he has a major secret he is hiding. To aid in his secret, he hires a low life seamstress who is about to get fired to design him exquisite gowns. They become true friends and both benefit greatly from this meaningful relationship. However, as the story comes to a conclusion, it feels rushed and unrealistic; even for this time and age. Due to the nature and development of the characters that Wang created, the unmasking would not have been that easy for young Sebastian.

An Empowering Novel

The Poet X

By: Elizabeth Acevedo

Genre: YA Realistic Fiction

Pages: 368

Published: 2018

Read:  December 2018

4 out of 5 stars

I love how REAL this book is. I think all readers (especially teens), no matter their ethnicity, will be able to relate to some aspect of this book. The reader gets to know and understand the ins and outs of Xiomara’s thoughts and feelings. With the book portraying a poet through the use of poetry the authenticity of story is enhanced. As a reader, one can feel that Acevedo carefully chose every word written and the powerful meaning behind it. All readers will resonate with every beautiful sentence. Acevedo writes about how to be a girl, a sister, a daughter and a teen in today's difficult world.

It’s an important read for everyone.