Review of Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life by Zena Hitz From the moment I stumbled upon Lost in Thought: The Hidden Pleasures of an Intellectual Life, I felt the stirring of something deeply familiar. Zena Hitz's exploration of learning not for the sake of prestige or approval, but for pure love of knowledge, resonated with my own experiences in academia. Here I found an unexpected companion in Hitz, who invites readers to embark on a journey toward the rich inner life that so many...

Review of Preschool Learning Activities - Tracing Books for Kids Ages 3-5 As a parent, I often find myself on the quest for educational tools that can both engage my little ones and help them cultivate essential skills. When I stumbled upon Preschool Learning Activities - Tracing Books for Kids Ages 3-5, I was immediately drawn in by its promising title and delightful presentation. From the first glance, I could tell this was more than just a workbook; it was a gateway into a world of creative learning. This tracing...

Review of The Index of Self-Destructive Acts by Christopher Beha When I first stumbled upon The Index of Self-Destructive Acts, the title and its association with baseball statistics instantly piqued my interest. As someone who appreciates the rich metaphors that sports can bring to life, I was eager to dive into a narrative woven around America’s favorite pastime, crafted by Christopher Beha. Unfortunately, while the book presents itself as an exploration of baseball, it morphs into a weighty examination of personal failings and deeply flawed characters. At the heart...

Review of The Sugar Haus Inn: A Love's Journey in Sugarcreek Novel From the moment I laid eyes on the title, The Sugar Haus Inn: A Love's Journey in Sugarcreek Novel, I felt a wave of curiosity wash over me. Perhaps it was the allure of a quaint Amish backdrop, or the promise of romance intertwined with secrets that awaited me. As someone who enjoys stories steeped in community and love, I was eager to dive into this work by Serena B. Miller, an author whose ability to...

Unleashing Imagination: A Reflection on How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy by Orson Scott Card As a lifelong lover of both science fiction and fantasy, I’ve often wondered how authors create those expansive worlds brimming with magic, technology, and complex characters. Enter Orson Scott Card, the genius behind Ender’s Game, and his illuminating guide, How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy. This book immediately caught my attention, promising to unlock the secrets behind crafting speculative fiction, and I found myself both eager and anxious to dive into its...

Review of The Business of Being a Writer, Second Edition by Jane Friedman When the idea of turning my passion for writing into a sustainable career began to take root, I felt an intoxicating mix of excitement and apprehension. How do writers navigate this complex world of publishing? Enter Jane Friedman: an industry expert and beacon for aspiring writers, whose latest edition of The Business of Being a Writer is exactly what I didn’t know I needed. Friedman's approach to writing is incredibly refreshing; she respects the art form while...

Review of Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within by Natalie Goldberg As a writer who often wrestles with self-doubt and the looming specter of the blank page, I was drawn to Natalie Goldberg’s Writing Down the Bones like a moth to a flame. This iconic book, marking its 30th anniversary, has been a companion to many aspiring writers over the years, yet I had only recently discovered its treasure trove of wisdom. Listening to Goldberg's calming voice in the audiobook edition made me feel as though I...

A Journal for Every Thought and Dream: The CAGIE Lined Journal Review As someone who has dabbled in journaling for years, selecting the right journal can feel akin to finding the perfect pair of shoes—it needs to fit just right, and if it doesn’t, you’ll never wear it. That’s why the CAGIE Lined Journal for Men caught my eye. With its soft cover, elegant design, and practical features, I was eager to see if it could inspire me to pursue my journaling journey once and for all. Upon first glance,...

Finding Musicality in Words: A Journey Through Bliss in Triple Rhythm by Martin Bidney When I first stumbled upon Bliss in Triple Rhythm--A Toolbox for Poets: Nine Ways to Shape A Word Song, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement ripple through me. Martin Bidney's name was one I recognized, and the notion of exploring poetry through the lens of triple rhythms felt like unearthing hidden gems in a treasure chest of language. As an avid poetry enthusiast, the idea of revitalizing ancient stanza forms made my...

Book Review: Story Genius by Lisa Cron I have to confess: the moment I stumbled upon Story Genius by Lisa Cron, I felt an electric buzz of excitement. As someone who's dabbled in writing and experienced the crippling realization of a narrative that goes nowhere, Cron's promise of using "brain science" to craft stories that resonate deeply was irresistibly attractive. I’ve always believed that writing should be both an art and a science, and this book opened a door to deeper understanding—one that I never knew was there. Story Genius...