Shannon's Review - Shaman, Healer, Sage by Alberto Villoldo Ph.D.

Title: Shaman, Healer, Sage
Series: Not at the moment
Author: Alberto Villoldo Ph. D.
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Lauren Dong
Genre: Non-Fiction, Spirituality, Holistic Medicine
Publisher: Harmony
Received: bought
Release Date: December 2000
Pages: 243
Rating:



Author Alberto Villoldo Ph. D Official Websites:



Website:
https://thefourwinds.com/

Blog:
https://thefourwinds.com/blog/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/AlbertoVilloldo

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/albertovilloldo

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/albertovilloldo_thefourwinds/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Author, Dr. Villoldo, writes about how his path in life led him to be a healer that heals with energy medicine.

I enjoyed reading this and it was written in a nice quick flow. The doctor’s history with the many different communities where he practiced energy healing with was interesting.


If you are looking for a book that teaches you how to be a healer then this is not the best book. To be honest I don’t remember too much of the lessons. The author does have his own classes but for myself, I don’t have that kind of money. It is not a bad read, I just wanted to learn more about how I can become a healer and this made me like it might be out of my reach.


I would read more books by the author just because this was well written. It might be good for someone who is researching holistic healing but they have read nothing about the subject before.

Shannon's Review - Hand Shadows by H.S. Books

Title: Hand Shadows
Series: Not at the moment
Author: H.S. Books
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction,
Publisher: H.S. Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: August 2019
Pages: 52
Rating:



Author H.S. Books Official Websites:




Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

This book’s only item needed is a light or flashlight to create the different shadow puppets with the readers' hands.

There are so many different animals to make with one's hand in this book. There are a couple that looks a little difficult. I could see my nephews enjoying the results.

I really wished there were descriptions or writing of some sort with the pictures. Maybe the author could have come up with a story going into each puppet.

It is a short book and I hope to try making these hand puppets with my own nephews. Maybe I will make my own story with the pictures.

Shannon's Review - American Rose by Karen Abbott

Title: American Rose

Series: Not at the moment
Author: Karen Abbott
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Lynn Buckley
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography, History
Publisher: Random House
Received: Bought
Release Date: December 2010
Pages: 353
Rating:


Author Karen Abbott’s Official Websites

Website:
https://karenabbott.net/

Blog:
https://karenabbott.net/blog

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorAbbottKahler

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AbbottKahler

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/abbottkahler/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

American Rose is a part memoir of Gypsy Rose Lee and part history of burlesque. Chapters jump back and forth into the life of Gypsy and the rise of The Minsky brothers theatres of burlesque.

I have always been a fan of the musical Gypsy which was written about the real-life actress/ burlesque star. I learned so much about her and her family. She not only had acted in movies but wrote 2 mystery books, and had a child. Every time she tried to leave burlesque she would always find herself back. Although the musical based on her life had its bright moments I think the truth is Gypsy went through much more dark times than this book expanded on.

I was less interested in the rise and fall of the Minsky brothers and their theatres. Yes, Gypsy’s history does cross with theirs but I just never cared about their struggles. Even though I learned so much about Gypsy’s life there were parts of her history that were so strange and shocking but were only glanced over. For instance, it was rumored Gypsy’s mother Rose and possibly Gypsy herself killed a homeless man. How can you just nonchalantly mention killing someone and then go back to Gypsy house parties? It was so shocking.

I might read more about Gypsy and maybe the books she wrote. I am still very curious about the fact Rose and Gypsy might have been serial killers.

Shannon's Review - Albert Einstein by Aimee Hawk

Title: Albert Einstein
Series: Inspired Inner Genius #1
Author: Aimee Hawk
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Irina Katsimon
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Biography,
Publisher: Independent Book Publishers Association
Received: Bought
Release Date: April 2021
Pages: 29
Rating:



Author Aimee Hawk’s Official Websites:





Website:
None found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:

This is a child’s introduction to the life of Albert Einstein. We learn what he disliked about school and how it was taught. He was an intelligent person and learn differently than most. As an adult, he achieved much in the field of science and won very prestigious awards.

I like the fact this does not shy away from the fact Einstein quit school and then returned able to learn at his own pace. I have a few intelligent friends who quit school and then became successful on their own. Most books would leave the fact that he quit even though the fact is he does return to learning.

It is a nice introduction for children but I feel like more could have been added about Einstein’s history.

I like the fact that this is a series of books about famous individuals like Albert Einstein. I will look forward to seeing more from the series. I think children will enjoy this series as well.

Shannon's Review - Crafty Superstar by Grace Dobush

Title: Crafty Superstar
Series: None found
Author: Grace DoBush
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Corrie Schaffeld
Genre: Non-Fiction, Business, Arts, Crafts
Publisher: North Light Books
Received: Bought
Release Date: December 2009
Pages: 159
Rating:




Author Grace Dobush’s Official Websites:




Website:
https://gracedobush.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
None Found

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/gracedobushtogo

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/gracedobushtogo



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Crafty Superstar is an introduction to creating, working, and promoting your own craft store.

I have had an Etsy store for 10+ years but my sales are low. I had bought this years ago and hoped it would help me get more traffic. The book is pretty general. I had pretty much-done everything it had said.

It took me a while to get to this book so it is a little outdated. In fact, there is a newly updated book I would like to look at. I am not sure what would have made it better. I feel I need more info on how to sell on stores like Zazzle and CafePress or how to promote them and how to sell those products at craft fairs. The book had little about that but not enough.

The book was written well but is really for the person who is really starting out. So not for me now

Shannon's Review - The Margaret Mitchell Encyclopedia by Anita Price Davis

Title: The Margaret Mitchell Encyclopedia
Series: None
Author: Anita Price Davis
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction, Author, Encyclopedia, Margaret Mitchell
Publisher: Macfarland & Company
Received: Free for an honest review
Release Date: 2013
Pages: 233
Rating:




Author Anita Price Davis’ Official Websites:





Website:
None Found

Blog:
None found

Facebook:
None found

Twitter:
None found

Instagram:
None found



Shannon’s Thoughts:


This Encyclopedia gets into big and small details about author Margaret Mitchell’s life and death.


I am a big fan of Margaret Mitchell and her only book Gone With The Wind. I have read the book many times. When I was younger I looked for anything I could find about Mitchell which at the time was not much. This has so much info and even though it is an encyclopedia it is very easy to digest.


The downside to this book is that it will only appeal to fans of the author. I mean I can’t imagine anyone who is not a fan would read this.


I liked this book more than I thought I would. I thought being an encyclopedia it was going to be too dry. I kinda wish some of my other favorite authors had their own encyclopedias.

Shannon's Review - If You Were Me And Lived In...Mexico by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In… Mexico...
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In...
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Carole P. Roman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Countries, Social Studies, History, Mexico
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Received: Free from the author for an honest review
Release Date: March 2013
Pages: 28
Rating:



Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:



(borrowed from goodreads.com)


Website:
http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog:
http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/caroleproman/




Shannon’s Thoughts:

Part of the educational cultural “If You Were Me And Lived In…” series. This book introduces the reader to Mexico.

I have reviewed other books in this series and what I really like it gives you a little info at a time, which lets the reader process the new words and places.

I wish I had kids of my own to get a sense of how these books are perceived through their eyes and mind. I can only go by what my inner child likes.

Kids and older readers will enjoy learning about Mexico, and even if they know some Spanish (like me) it is still fun to learn the things I do not know.

Shannon's Review - If You Were Me And Lived In... Portugal by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In… Portugal
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In…(#10)
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Carole P. Roman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Childrens, Picturebook, Countries,
Publisher: Carole P. Roman
Received: From Publisher For Honest Review
Release Date: May 2014
Pages: 32
Rating:


Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:


(borrowed from goodreads.com)


Website:
http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog:
http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/caroleproman/




Shannon’s Thoughts:

The 10th installment of If You Were Me And Lived In series is about Portugal. The reader learns common names parents name their children born in Portugal. As well as learning how to say Mother, Father, and Grandmother in Portuguese. Also learn the local sites, foods, and holidays.

I enjoy these books as an adult, even though they are for children. They give just the right amount of information. It does not overload your brain and makes you curious for more about the country. So for me, it is a nice introduction to read before I read an adult book about the history of Portugal.

I have done a few reviews from this series and there is a formula the author uses to teach about countries. Not a bad thing just an observation. I did feel like this book did more questions like “Do you know what this Portuguese word means?”. At first, my brain came up with many answers and confusion because... I forgot there is a glossary of the meaning of words in the back of the book. Doh!

I still think these are great books and really helpful for children and adults.

Shannon's Review - Plains Indian Mythology by Alice Marriott And Carol K. Rachlin

Title: Plains Indian Mythology
Series: Not Known
Author: Alice Marriott and Carol K. Rachlin
Illustrator/Book Cover Design:
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, Mythology
Publisher: Plume
Received: Bought
Release Date: October 1977
Pages: 192
Rating:



Author Alice Merriott and Carol K. Rachlin Official Websites:


(Both authors have passed away and there are no website)



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Plains Indian Mythology is a book of stories some passed down orally. The stories are grouped in 4 sections; The creation of the world, tales that teach ways of behavior, stories on Europeans visiting North America, and yarns from the current day.

I thoroughly love reading about mythology from different colonies and histories of how the world was created. It is interesting how so many different countries and races can have similar but yet different stories. This also happens with the many opposed plains Indians.

The newer tales were not as intriguing as the creation of mythologies. They did not seem like a story it just like someone babbling.

I continue to read lore of different colonies and the magic and folklore because it has made me realize how alike all humans are. Plus mythology is fun.

Shannon's Review - Mario And The Hole In The Sky by Elizabeth Rusch

Title: Mario And The Hole In The Sky
Series: Not At The Moment
Author: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Teresa Martinez
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Biography, History, Science,
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 40
Rating:




Author Elizabeth Rusch’s Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.elizabethrusch.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/authorelizabethrusch/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/elizabethrusch

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/lizrusch/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Mario And The Hole In The Sky are about scientist Mario Molina's discovery of the ozone layer deteriorating. The Ozone layer is very important to all humans on this earth we would not be here without it. Mario has spent a lifetime on how to heal the ozone before it is too late. This book tells his story.

I was surprised that I had not heard of Mr. Molina. As I grew up I heard plenty about how we as the world found out the ozone had a hole in it. We were told to not use certain products, and to carpool so there would be fewer fumes. I never really wondered who was the first person to figure this out.

After the story, there is an epilogue that describes what Mr. Molina is doing now and the awards he has won. The epilogue is interesting but it is written differently than the biography that was just read.

I think this is an excellent book for children to read who may have to do research for a report on scientists or on the science of the earth. It is very informative and a good start. It a joy to learn new things and a bonus when it is an illustrated kids' book.

Shannon's Review - If You Were Me And Lived In... Norway by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In… Norway
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In…(#4)
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Carole P. Roman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Childrens, Picturebook, Countries,
Publisher: Carole P. Roman
Received: From Publisher For Honest Review
Release Date: September 2013
Pages: 32
Rating:




Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:





Website:
http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog:
http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/caroleproman/



Shannon’s Thoughts:


Here is the 4th book in the If You Were Me And Lived In series. This edition is about Norway, a country in Northern Europe.

Even though these are for children I am surprised by how much I did not know. I did not know like Alaska in the USA that Norway has days where the Sun never sets. Even learning Norweigan words is fun. I like that there is not so much information that it overwhelms me.

I think some of the books in this series could have sequels because I am sure that there is so much more information on each country it can not fill a 32-page picturebook.

I have more from this series to read and review. I hope to do them soon and I hope this series continues.

Shannon's Review - The Superlative A. Lincoln by Eileen R. Meyer

Title: The Superlative A. Lincoln
Series: None At the Moment
Author: Eileen R. Meyer
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Dave Szalay
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Picture Book, Poetry, Biography
Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing
Received: Free For Honest Review
Release Date: November 2019
Pages: 48
Rating:














Author Eileen R. Meyer’s Official Websites:


Website:

https://www.eileenmeyerbooks.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/eileenmeyerbooks

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Writer_Meyer

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/eileenmeyerbooks/




Shannon’s Thoughts:

One of the most loved presidents of the USA, Abraham Lincoln, lived in a time of hardship but overcame many obstacles to become the great man we know him as. Author Eileen Meyer adds tidbits of Abraham’s history after a quaint rhyming poem on every page turn. Written for children but even this adult learned some new facts.

The art by David Szalay and whimsical poetry make this book fun and interesting. Some of the facts about the president are well known but I found a few I did not know. Not only was he the tallest president he was also a farmer… but not a good one.

There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this book. It is nice to look at, the wordplay brings joy and I learned about a person that is part of my country’s history.

I would probably recommend this book for ages 7 and up. Of course, the “and up” in my mind definitely includes adults. After all, an adult wrote this and probably learn new things writing this as well.

Shannon's Book Review - If You Were Me And Lived In...Brazil by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In… Brazil
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In (# 17)
Author: Carole P. Roman
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Kelsea Wierenga
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children’s, Picture Book, Places, History,
Publisher: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
Received: From author for an honest review
Release Date: July 2016
Pages: 32
Rating:

Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:

Website:
http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog:
http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/caroleproman/


Shannon’s Thoughts:
The 17th installment to the If You Were Me And Lived In… series. This time we learn about living in Brazil. It is fun learning new words in Portuguese and viewing famous landmarks included with the cute illustrations.

In this edition, I enjoyed guessing which Portuguese words for cheese, milk and other terms. I don’t remember the other books in this series having you guess. It is easy to find out what was right by looking in the glossary in the back of the book.

The only downfall with these books is they are too short...for adults which is not who they are written for.

This book and the others in this series are wonderful for inquisitive children who want to learn about the world they live in.

Shannon's Book Review - Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder

Title: Mountains Beyond Mountains
Series: None
Author: Tracy Kidder
Illustrator/Book Cover Design: Unknown
Genre: Non-Fiction, Biography, Medical History,
Publisher: Random House Trade
Received: Purchased
Release Date: August 2004
Pages: 333
Rating:







Author Tracy Kidder Official Websites:





Website:
https://www.tracykidder.com/

Blog:
None Found

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/officialtracykidder/

Twitter:
None Found

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/tracy_kidder/



Shannon’s Thoughts:

In this non-fiction semi biography of Dr. Paul Farmer who has gone to great feats to helps those afflicted with TB and other life-threatening diseases in 3rd world countries.

The way author Tracy Kidder describes Dr. Farmer scheduled his time and hours from country to country sounded exhausting. Dr. Farmer’s drive is something I think most people wish they had, including myself. He seemed to have great persistence and drive to not only heal and help so many but to also encourage others to do the same.

This was my first book by Tracey Kidder and the book was interesting but the way the book was written was almost like a list of what Dr. Paul Farmer had done with his life. I feel I wanted more descriptions of people and situations not just “This guy was great at this.”. For me, this was a long-winded story with no actual story.

Even though I did not enjoy this book it does not mean I would not try another book by this author. I read this as part of the Life’s Library book club and to be honest, I do not read that much non-fiction so maybe this, not a book I was going to like even if it was written differently.

Shannon's Review - If You Were Me And Lived In...Turkey by Carole P. Roman

Title: If You Were Me And Lived In...Turkey
Series: If You Were Me And Lived In...
Author: Carole P. Roman
Genre: Non-Fiction, Children, Picture Book, History, Turkey
Publisher: CreateSpace
Received: From author for review
Release Date: November 2013
Pages: 28
Rating:





Author Carole P. Roman’s Official Websites:




Website:
http://www.caroleproman.com/

Blog:
http://caroleproman.blogspot.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarolePRomanAwardWinningAuthorAndBooks/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/caroleproman

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/caroleproman/


Shannon’s Thoughts:

Another addition to If You Were Me And Lived In series. This time we learn about living in the country Turkey. The reader is introduced to what common boys and girls' names are. We learn Turkish names of common items like money, mom and dad. The lite children's picture book is full of facts and cute illustrations.

I do enjoy these series of books because it is like a beginner's class on countries I don’t know much about. I don’t have my own children but my inner child tells me she would have liked these books as well.

My only reservation is I feel that there could be more to learn but I think that is the adult in me. Maybe the amount of information is just right for a child.

I think this series will be really helpful for kids once they reach age fo social studies classes and have reports to do.

Shannon's Review - We Crossed A Bridge And It Trembled by Wendy Pearlman

Title: We Crossed A Bridge And It Trembled
Series: None
Author: Wendy Pearlman
Genre: Non-Fiction, History, War
Publisher: Custom House
Received: From Life’s Library Book Club
Release Date: June 2017
Pages: 352
Rating:



Author Wendy Pearlman’s Official Websites:




Website:
None

Blog:
None

Facebook:
None

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Wendy_Pearlman



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Collected stories of people who have lived in Syria during the horrific civil war. It is a first-hand account of the real-life suffering of those that have survived.

Rating a book like this is hard because the accounts in this book are real and terrible. The stories are not to be taken lightly. Many people died and had they not have this book would not have to exist.

I feel like the formatting of the stories could have been better. I read this a bit ago and honestly, I do not remember much… but I think that is because of how I have trained my mind to get over the dark side of my illness. I try to let the negative go and move on. That does not mean I think what these people went through should not be ignored.

This is a book that I wish did not exist. I do remember it was a tough read and very real encounters.

Shannon's Review - The Bridge Ladies by Betsy Lerner

Title: The Bridge Ladies
Series: None
Author: Betsy Lerner
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Biography, Autobiography
Publisher: Harper Wave
Received: Paperbackswap.com
Release Date: April 2016
Pages: 320
Rating:






Author Betsy Lerner’s Official Websites:



Website:
https://betsylerner.com/

Blog:
https://betsylerner.com/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBetsyLerner/

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/betsylerner



Shannon’s Thoughts:

Author Betsy Lerner records her time learning to play bridge so she can connect with her mother and her friends. She learns things about the women in her life, and she tries to use this knowledge to understand her relationship with her mother.

I read this book for book club. It is not something I would normally pick. There was so much potential for revelations for the author as she learns some of her mother’s history. The hope for some poignant feelings about the ladies was the only reason I kept pushing through to the end.

Sadly there was no great confession or a new bond between mother and daughter. None that I could see or felt.

Since I was able to finish means the writing still flowed for me but as a story, there was nothing interesting here. I have no interest in the people that are written about and the game bridge sounds even harder than I thought.