librosconcafe's reviews
276 reviews

Type X by M.A. Phipps

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

An exciting continuation of this series. You go much deeper into some of the characters and the overall storyline. I’m already ready to start the next one. 

Present Moment Wonderful Moment: Mindfulness Verses for Daily Living by Thích Nhất Hạnh

inspiring fast-paced

4.5

Helpful short meditations or mantras. It helps to take each one and focus on it by itself.

Living Buddha, Living Christ: 20th Anniversary Edition by Thích Nhất Hạnh

hopeful informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

A very refreshing, Inspiring work. It shows the interconnected-ness of our religions and how it’s important to learn from each other but also to practice the basics of our faith. I really enjoyed this read! 

Everyone Here Is Lying by Shari Lapena

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Super good!! The writing of Shari Lapena never disappoints. 

It’s great how she creates a mysteriousness between her characters. You’re unsure throughout who is telling the truth. And even after that, there are even more surprises. 

Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus Through the Spiritual Disciplines by David Mathis

informative inspiring fast-paced

4.0

I think it gives a general brief overview for any Christian to learn. I think, for me, it didn’t feel deep enough. I was familiar with everything mentioned and felt like I already had a grasp on what was mentioned. I wanted something deeper about Bible study, etc…but this wasn’t it. However, I think this would be really helpful for new Christians. 

I also think the author, at times, doesn’t give certain “worldly” practices their credit. For example, meditation can still be super helpful when not focusing on Jesus at all. By becoming more mindful, I in turn am more thankful to God and use my time better. So even though it’s not technically Christian, I still find myself giving thanks to God as a result of “worldly” mindfulness meditation practice. 
The same can be said about exercise. We are learning to be good stewards of our bodies which were given to us by God.

The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

This book was extremely difficult for me to get through. However, I don’t think it’s fair for me to give it a star review. I know it is a classic and loved by many, but the old language was hard for me to follow the plot. I had to constantly look up words that we don’t use anymore. The different characters were also hard and confusing to follow at times. Again, this is just me. I’m sure many have and will enjoy it for years to come.

The Cabin in the Woods by Sarah Alderson

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

It was a pretty good read overall. I would’ve liked to seen more going on at the cabin. However, it was a good thriller with topics that aren’t too often written about. It was also nice to read from an author I wasn’t familiar with. 

The Craving Mind by Judson Brewer

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

A really fascinating, interesting read. It helped me a lot to read more about my cravings and mindfulness to help that. 

Arriving at Your Own Door: 108 Lessons in Mindfulness by Jon Kabat-Zinn

inspiring fast-paced

4.5

A short, helpful book. Each one is just a page or so…so it’s probably best to read one a day like a devotion. 

Happiness: Essential Mindfulness Practices by Thích Nhất Hạnh

hopeful inspiring fast-paced

4.75

A helpful book full of wisdom. The chapters are short though, so it may be better to read a little each day.