Books, Reviews

Go For It! A Celebration of Dreams // Book Review

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I recently celebrated my nine year wedding anniversary. Because I’m an active dreamer, my husband decided to surprise me with a few goal setting gifts. This book was one of them.

I’m not sure how many page this small hardcover has since they are not numbered. The book itself is about 6×6 inches.

It has many inspirational/motivational quotes on moving forward, setting goals, staying positive and achieving your dreams. A good handful resonated with me enough that I’d like to print them out and hang them in my office.

I think this could make a nice graduation gift. Alternatively it could make a good gift for someone who needs a pick me up or is starting a new endeavor.

Something worth noting is that it contained several quotes from the bible. The last quote in the book being “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 This felt like a really heavy handed note to end off on.

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Books, BookTube, Cookbooks, Reviews, Reviews, Videos

Secrets of Skinny Cooking by Victoria Dwek & Shani Taub // Book Review

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I’m convinced the social media “story” feature was created to take pictures of food. It’s so we can share what we’re eating in the moment without having to delete hundreds of food pics later. There’s something to be said about photographing a thoughtfully plated dish. My husband and I have gotten into arguments over him picking food off my plate before I’ve captured the perfect shot. He should know better by now.

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Books, Reviews

If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Aged Men by Matthew Inman // Book Review

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My first introduction to the Oatmeal was many moons ago when I was learning web design. The comic I first stumbled upon was about building a website with a difficult client. It was honest and accurate which made it hilarious. Many years later I purchased 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth and Other Useful Guides. It has remained in my bathroom to educate guests while they drop the kids off at the pool. I enjoy Matthew Inman’s art and humor which is why I jumped at the chance to preview his latest work.

If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Aged Men is a short gift book about Matt’s two dogs, as middle aged men. Does that sound weird? It is. That doesn’t stop Inman from personifying his dog into two old dudes, and he does it well. So much so that I was immediately reminded I’m more of a cat person. :adds How to Tell if Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You to wishlist:

Fans of the Oatmeal will enjoy this. I laughed out loud at least once. So the real question is, would I buy this as a gift for a friend? Yes. Would I buy it for myself? Probably not. I’d rather spend money on one of Inman’s longer books.

You can pick up If My Dogs Were a Pair of Middle-Aged Men in Hardcover or for Kindle/Comixology on Amazon.

 

 

 

This book was received as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. This post contains an affiliate link. You can read more about my official disclosure policy here.

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Books, BookTube, Reviews, Reviews, Videos

Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel // Book Review

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The audiobook for Sleeping Giants was so amazing I decided to borrow Waking Gods from the library to listen to along side the text. Unfortunately, I didn’t end up enjoying it as much. It contained a lot more action, which sounds great, except it literally didn’t. There was an emptiness surrounding some of the heavier action scenes which made events feel like they were taking place inside a vacuum. Eva’s voice was supposed to be that of a child but sounded exactly like an adult playing a child. It took me out of the story every time she spoke. Despite this, I’m still interested in the story and will be picking up the next book. It’s not that I disliked it, I just didn’t love it.

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Books, BookTube, Reviews, Reviews, Videos

The Drive To Learn by Cornelius N. Grove // Book Review

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Around this time last year I was teaching my first college course on campus. We’d been getting an influx of international students, but this was the first time I had so many East Asians in my class. They sat next to each other and behaved similarly in class — quiet but attentive. I found myself questioning the clear differences between them and my American students. Were they self-conscious about speaking English? Did I not interest them as a teacher? How come they never raised their hands to answer questions? It was because of questions like these that I jumped at the chance to review The Drive To Learn: What the East Asian Experience Tells Us about Raising Students Who Excel by Cornelius N. Grove.

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Books, Reviews

Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau

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I write long reviews and I cannot lie…..

Last month I read the young-adult fantasy, “Dividing Eden”. I will confess that part of the reason I took it home was because of it’s gorgeous cover.  I mean, look at that.

Did the story inside live up to my expectations? Keep reading to find out!

Dividing Eden by Joelle Charbonneau:

*Note: For those who are new to my reviews, I don’t include or write synopses. You can find much more elegant and concise synopses on the official book page or site, then come back here. 🙂 I try to give spoiler warnings, but I’m not perfect, so tread carefully.

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