Don’t Believe Everything You Think: A Journey to Freedom of Mind When I first picked up Don't Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering by Bryan E. Robinson, I was drawn in by the alluring promise of transforming my emotional landscape. Like many, I’ve been entangled in the web of my own thoughts—those nagging whispers of anxiety and self-doubt that often play on repeat. Little did I know, this book was about to offer me more than just a respite; it was...

Review of Scenes and Sequels: How to Write Page-Turning Fiction (For Fiction Writers) by Mike Klaassen As an avid reader and aspiring writer who often grapples with the elusive "page-turning" essence of storytelling, I was immediately drawn to Scenes and Sequels by Mike Klaassen. What is it that makes certain plots grip you, drawing you in until the early hours of the morning? Klaassen aims to bridge that gap between intention and execution, and I couldn’t have been more eager to dive into his insights. Klaassen’s exploration of scenes and...

A Dive into Love and Loss in The Second Story Bookshop When I first stumbled upon The Second Story Bookshop by Denise Hunter, I felt an instant tug at my heart. A small-town bookshop, a second chance at love, and tangled family dynamics? It sounded like the perfect combination for a cozy, emotional read. Little did I know, this novel would send me on an emotional roller-coaster wrapped up in the warmth of the literary world, inviting me to reflect on love, grief, and the complexities of relationships. The story...

Review of 100-Word Writing Habit: A Small Action With Big Results by David Kadavy As someone who has always been enchanted by the power of words, David Kadavy's 100-Word Writing Habit immediately caught my attention. This book addresses something that often plagues aspiring writers: the intimidation of large word counts. Kadavy, an English-class dropout who became a bestselling author, invites us to embrace the deceptively simple idea of writing just 100 words a day. It’s a refreshing reminder that even the most prolific authors started somewhere—often, with small steps. Kadavy...

Book Review: Lava Cake and Lies by A.G. Wooten When I stumbled upon Lava Cake and Lies, the first book in the Moonstone Bakery Mystery Series, I was instantly captivated not only by the mouthwatering premise of baking but also by the idea of a lawyer seeking solace in a quaint coastal town. A.G. Wooten's refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre had me thinking, "What if a talented defense attorney swapped their high-powered life for a rolling pin and some secret recipes?" Being a sucker for good food,...

A Journey Through Dystopia: A Review of The Long Walk When I first picked up The Long Walk, I was curious to see what lies beneath the pages penned by Stephen King, albeit under the pseudonym Richard Bachman. The premise—a brutal walking contest where 100 boys compete for their lives—tricked me into thinking I was diving into a thriller. Instead, I was met with a haunting exploration of humanity’s darkest corners—a twist that left me both exhilarated and introspective. In a grim, near-future America, we follow sixteen-year-old Ray Garraty, who...

Finding Freedom in the Pages of "Overdue" I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore the complexities of relationships, especially when they make us question the narratives we’ve crafted for our own lives. That’s why I was excited to dive into Overdue by Stephanie Perkins. It’s a delightful blend of introspection and romance that perfectly encapsulates the dilemma of finding comfort without losing oneself to it. At the heart of Overdue is Ingrid, a 29-year-old librarian whose life feels neatly boxed in—comfortable but suffocating. Enter her younger sister, whose quick...

Review: About the Authors: Writing Workshop with Our Youngest Writers by Katie Wood Ray As an avid supporter of childhood education and creativity, the moment I stumbled upon About the Authors: Writing Workshop with Our Youngest Writers by Katie Wood Ray, it felt serendipitous. This book promised a deep dive into the minds of our youngest writers, and as someone who has long believed in fostering creativity in kids, it tapped into a passion I hold dear. With Ray's experience and expertise, I sensed I was in for an...

Navigating the Waters of Writing with Ursula K. Le Guin: A Review of Steering the Craft As an aspiring writer, I often find myself wandering the expansive sea of storytelling, desperately seeking a map to guide me. When I stumbled across Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story by the incomparable Ursula K. Le Guin, I felt like I’d not only found a map but also a wise captain to steer my ship. Le Guin, renowned for her masterful storytelling, infuses this guide with...

Review of the Five Star Spiral Notebook + Study App, 4 Pack There’s something inherently nostalgic about spiral notebooks—their crisp pages waiting to be filled with knowledge, thoughts, and doodles. As a long-time lover of stationery, I was immediately drawn to the Five Star Spiral Notebook + Study App 4-pack. With its vibrant Amethyst Purple, Raspberry Pink, White, and Seaglass Green covers, I felt an irresistible urge to unleash my inner student (or perhaps my inner artist). The promise of a study app truly stood out for me. In...