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hannahleelovestoread's reviews
613 reviews
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
This fascinating book is, for one, a crash course in herbalism and holistic medicine as a whole. However, it also tackles a larger and more complex topic: the potential intersection of Eastern (i.e., holistic) and Western medical traditions. As author Astrid Brown puts it so succinctly, “[W]ellness through holistic practices is not just about treating symptoms. Instead, it is about understanding your body, mind, spirit, and the world.” In easy-to-read language, the book details the rich history of herbalism in particular. Because of my Cherokee ancestry, I was especially interested in the holistic concepts discussed which originated with Native American belief systems (e.g., the notion that even plants are occupied by spirits). Ultimately, Brown laid out logical arguments before reaching a conclusion with which I strongly agree: to achieve the best results, medical professionals should be willing to apply practices from both Eastern/holistic and Western traditions. I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about science, health, and/or wellness.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
This highly motivating book, as the title suggests, introduces the STELLAR method. An acronym for Self, Leadership, Talents, Excellence, Leading Always/Leveraging Alignment, and Roadmap, the method in question is applicable not only to readers’ careers but also the other aspects of their lives. STELLAR is the brainchild of the book’s author, Linda Chung, based on her years of experience as a corporate mentor and business coach. Even though there are complex psychological concepts at play behind STELLAR’s formation, this book offers an explanation of its benefits in an easy-to-read format. I love that readers are encouraged to use these benefits — along with factors such as talent, skills, and knowledge — to fulfill their individual potential. As author Chung explains, “The world is waiting for your unique contribution, for the value you can uniquely bring.” I highly recommend this book to all readers seeking encouragement and motivation in any aspect of life.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Audrey and Rhett are the most unlikely of couples who meet in the most unlikely of ways: on the roof of Audrey’s building after her carefully assembled future with her wealthy fiancé falls to pieces in one afternoon. To Audrey’s embarrassment — and Rhett’s delight — they keep running into each other afterwards. Audrey is considering accepting a promotion and starting over in a city closer to her well-to-do parents. But after a few dates with Rhett, she can’t deny that they have chemistry — or that he makes her feel like who she always has been under the facade her family has created.
This was a low-spice, heartwarming romance with likable and well-developed characters. The descriptive details of the setting and character traits in the story are such that, while there are a few stereotypical elements present, this book stands out from any other I’ve read this year. The dialogue is snappy and engaging without being unrealistic. I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait to read its sequel and more of Katherine Bitner’s work.
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Alcohol
Minor: Cursing, Violence
Make Every Day A WINSday: Overcome Your Obstacles | Re-Brand Yourself | Win Every Day Of Your Life
Lisa Fri, Freddy Fri, Shae Frierson
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
This fascinating memoir takes readers through author Freddy Fry’s unlikely life: his misfortunes, his mistakes, and his determination to better himself are all presented with refreshing clarity. I found it particularly touching that he refers to his mother, who passed away when he was young, as his guardian angel. It is after writing of her death that he beautifully describes the uniqueness of the grief process per individual. Fry’s abiding love for his children and his innate desire to provide for them is another prominent and heartwarming theme present throughout the narrative, as is his passion for listening to; making; and sharing music. It seems that in this book, the overarching theme is love in any and every capacity — including love for oneself, especially combined with the ability to self-reflect and change course when necessary. Fry certainly takes his own advice, and his book makes it clear how readers can, as well. I found this story delightful, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone.
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse
Minor: Death of parent
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Embrace Me Forever, the third and latest installment in Alessa Kelly’s Hartley Brothers series, is a simultaneously thrilling and breathtakingly romantic read not to be missed. In it, young and brilliant computer scientist Georgia-May has written a code which her sinister employer considers priceless — and he will stop at nothing to monopolize access to it. To protect herself and the ones she loves most, Georgia-May adopts a new identity. When a sudden and urgent need for financial assistance drives her to seek employment with the Hartley brothers’ firm, Georgia-May meets private investigator Simon Blake — who, despite his default suspicions of her, cannot fight the undeniable chemistry between them.
The lingering suspense throughout this novel kept me on the edge of my seat; there was always danger lurking around the corner. Simultaneously, however, Blake’s protective nature was breathtakingly romantic. Furthermore, the deep dives into his and Georgia-May’s painful pasts and their vulnerability with each other made the love between them feel powerfully genuine. My thanks to the author for graciously providing me with an advanced reader’s copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily. For readers in search of a spicy, suspenseful protector romance, I highly recommend Alessa Kelly’s Embrace Me Forever.
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Torture, Violence, Murder
Minor: Vomit
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Body shaming
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
I found this book — which reviews both the basics and many more intricate details of the U.S. military’s standard method of vocational testing — thoroughly educational. I confess that I knew very little about the ASVAB beforehand. However, this book taught me all I needed to know; I learned, for example, precisely how potential service members’ tests are scored and how the results are used to match them with appropriate vocations. The four sections of the test — arithmetic reasoning, mathematics knowledge, reading comprehension, and word knowledge — are all vital areas of information for any even moderately successful adult. I learned so much from the academic sections of the book; I never knew, for example, that the Milky Way was a spiral galaxy, or one characterized by its spiral arms ”with a flat, disk-like appearance with a central bulge.” I also discovered point, insertion/deletion, and chromosomal genetic mutations as well as reviewing Newton’s laws, the laws of thermodynamics, and more. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the ASVAB and to all lifelong learners.
Overcoming Health Issues Through Alternative Remedies: One Man's Journey Into Better Health and Much More
DID NOT FINISH: 21%
This book promotes demonstrably false and harmful information.
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Out of all the stages of a human being’s life, perhaps the most emotionally charged is adolescence. For most people, the teenage years are a fun and exciting time of self-discovery, but they can also be a period of rash anger, intense loneliness, and poor impulse control. This book carefully examines the causes and effects of these common circumstances and then proceeds to offer practical, effective solutions. I was particularly fascinated by the science-based element of this text; I learned, for example, that the amygdala is the section of the brain responsible for monitoring threats to one’s survival, and I discovered that the “stress hormone” cortisol controls one’s trauma responses. The detailed instructions on how to reframe unhelpful cognitive distortions such as catastrophizing and black-and-white thinking made the book particularly accessible. As the author herself says of her work, it is an invaluable tool to struggling individuals, “providing a way for them to find their way back to themselves and the powerful potential that lies inside them.” I absolutely agree, and I recommend this book to everyone who has ever dealt with overwhelmingly powerful emotions.
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I was looking for a way to glean advice from an expert on mindfulness techniques and the benefits of personal growth when I came across this book. Known as an Inner Mind Architect, author Brad Wegner has made it his life’s work to help others “build a mindset that fosters growth, clarity, and unshakable resilience.” When I saw that the bite-sized chapters of his book were alphabetized by title name, the Virgo in me was hooked. Wegner writes about his basic advice on acceptance, words, and so much in between in a fun and easily digestible format. For example, in the “Responsibility” section, Wegner advises that human beings are responsible for their own words, thoughts, and decisions, but not those of others. He also offers practical advice to those such as perfectionists like myself by, for instance, encouraging us to embrace the 90/10 rule (aim for 90% perfection instead of 100%). I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking profound life advice in an unintimidating format.