Nonfiction – The Mindful Librarian

To Be a Dark Horse

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…

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…

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…

The Way of Mindful Education: Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students, by Daniel Rechtschaffen

As a reader of professional materials for many years, I have come across sources that run the gamut from containing trite theory to practical, effective strategies. The beauty of The Way of Mindful Education:Cultivating Well-Being in Teachers and Students, by Daniel Rechtschaffen, is that the book covers every aspect of mindfulness in education in a…