I am a reader. I read to expand my worldview, to expose myself to new ideas and ideologies, and to share in the experiences of other people who have journeyed before me. In short, I read to grow. Whether it is fiction or nonfiction, I read between the lines to see the motives, learn the…
Category: Book Reviews
Grammar for a Full Life: How the Ways We Shape a Sentence Can Limit or Enlarge Us, by Lawrence Weinstein
So what in the world do the rules of grammar have to do with living your best life? This is likely not something you have ever asked yourself. At first thought it seems like one of those “What does ___ have in common with ___?” jokes. I was therefore surprised and delighted by Lawrence Weinstein’s…
Temporary, by Hilary Leichter: Amusing Musings about Work and Life
Coffee House Press publishes, “literary fiction, essay, poetry, and other work that doesn’t fit neatly into genre categories,” as per the blurb in the back of my latest read, Temporary, by Hilary Leichter. How fitting! The book, which kept me turning pages until my vision started to blur, had me simultaneously amused, depressed, and enlightened. …
Learning Versus Unlearning- A Takeaway from Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover
I recently finished the New York Times bestselling memoir, Educated, by Tara Westover. It is a book club’s dream title, as there are multiple themes and topics for discussion. The author delves deeply into family relations, mental illness, women’s roles, off-grid living, holistic medicine, and more. Like any good book, it made me think… A…
Zen Pencils: Cartoon Quotes From Inspirational Folks, by Gavin Aung Than
As any teacher can attest, it is often infinitely easier to manage and “teach” our students than it is to teach our family and friends. In my home, this is no exception. I have not-so-inconspicuously left books about mindfulness around my house so that my clan might pick them up and instantaneously become enlightened, and…
Looking at Mindfulness: Twenty-five Paintings to Change the Way You Live, by Christophe Andre
Looking at Mindfulness: Twenty-five Paintings to Change the Way You Live I love art. We can all appreciate some type of art as it is a reflection of the things that make us human. For myself, as a person with a passion for sketching since I’ve been able to hold a pencil, I have always…
Golden Sparkles: An Introduction to Mindfulness, by Catarina R. Peterson. Illustrations by Mateya Arkova
Golden Sparkles: An Introduction to Mindfulness What ARE “golden sparkles?” As the beautiful text by Catarina R. Peterson unfolds, accompanied by the whimsical illustrations of Mateya Arkova, the reader begins to understand that “golden sparkles” describes the sensation that fills our hearts during mindful interaction with the world around us. Golden Sparkles taps into the…
Meditation Is an Open Sky: Mindfulness for Kids, by Whitney Stewart with pictures by Sally Rippin
This book is a complete gem. Even though the intended audience is K through 3, I can see using this in my collection as an instruction manual for mindfulness for my middle schoolers (as well as their teachers!). The strength of this book is the fact that it provides a variety of actual mindfulness practices…
The Lemonade Hurricane: A Story About Mindfulness and Meditation, by Licia Morelli
This adorable gem-of-a -picture-book is the perfect introduction to mindfulness and meditation for the littlest learners. Beautiful, engaging artwork accompanies simple text in this book, providing for the perfect read aloud. The book invites opportunities for valuable discussion through the experience of Emma and her little brother, Henry. Emma, a mindful little girl herself,…
Master of Mindfulness: How to Be Your Own Superhero in Times of Stress, by Laury Grossman, Angelina Alvarez, and the students of Mr. Musumeci’s 5th Grade Class
Buy on Amazon: Master of Mindfulness: How to Be Your Own Superhero in Times of Stress Hats off to Mr. Musumeci’s 5th grade class of 2013 – 2014 (Reach Academy, Oakland, CA)! I wish I could give a copy of this book to everyone I know, both children and adults. This book, with a foreword…
The Mindful Librarian 
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