Spirituality

Book Review: Braiding Sweetgrass

Author
Kimmerer, Robin Wall
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Braiding Sweetgrass, written by Robin Wall Kimmerer, is a deeply insightful and poetic book that blends Indigenous knowledge, scientific understanding, and personal narrative to offer a powerful vision of how we can heal our relationship with the natural world. Through a series of essays, Kimmerer shares her knowledge and experiences as a botanist and a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, encouraging readers to see the world around them in a new and more meaningful way. Through her personal experiences and reflections, she demonstrates the ways in which scientific knowledge and traditional Indigenous wisdom can be complementary and mutually enriching. Her discussions of plants, animals, and ecosystems are rooted in both Western science and Indigenous knowledge, offering a holistic understanding of the natural world that is both insightful and inspiring. he weaves together scientific facts, personal anecdotes, and traditional stories to create a narrative that is both informative and emotionally engaging. Her prose is rich with metaphor and symbolism, inviting readers to see the world in a new light and to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things. Additionally, her reflections on the importance of reciprocity, gratitude, and relationship-building are particularly insightful, offering a powerful alternative to the dominant narrative of human domination over nature. Overall, this book was a very fascinating and eye-opening read that has honestly impacted the way I view life, science, and nature together. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in environmentalism, Indigenous knowledge, or the intersections between science and spirituality.
Reviewer Grade: 11.

Reviewer's Name
Addison

Book Review: Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape

Author
Hill, Jenna Miscavige
Rating
3 stars = Pretty Good
Review

This book is very informative, albeit slow paced. I learned a lot about Scientology and its disturbing practices. If you're looking for a fast-paced nail biter of a memoir, this isn't it, but if you want to learn about what Scientology really is, then give this book a try.

Reviewer's Name
vfranklyn

Book Review: The Tao of Pooh

Author
Hoff, Benjamin
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

The How of Pooh?
5 stars: Explains Tao with little snips of Pooh.

The Tao of Pooh is a well-written book that captures the essence of Tao-ism using little snippets of the adventures of Pooh. I loved this book, because it explains the art of Tao in a simplistic way, which is very fitting, because Tao is the art of simplicity. The precepts of Tao are explained very well in this book. If you want to learn how to not overthink, and how to learn without learning, read this book. A final note, I may not agree with some of the things written in this book, but I still appreciate the Tao, and I hope you do too!

Reviewer's Name
Ethan

Book Review: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself

Author
Singer, Michael A.
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Wow...reading this book will take you on a spiritual journey unlike any other. If the idea of becoming more mentally and emotionally free, mindful, concious, happy and self-actualized interest you, then give this #1 New York Times Bestseller a read today!

Reviewer's Name
Alyssa

Book Review: Women Who Run With the Wolves

Author
Estés, Clarissa Pinkola
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

Centered around the "Wild Woman Archetype," Dr. Estes examines what it means to be a "Wild Woman," the expectations placed upon women in society and the consequences of ignoring the wild feminine nature within. The book certainly has a different approach to imparting knowledge and experience, but her tales of ancient myths and stories will make you feel as if you are sitting around a cozy campfire with an old friend. If you want to better understand the Wild Woman Archetype, an empowered and liberated side of women, I would recommend giving this classic New York Times bestseller a read.

Reviewer's Name
Alyssa

Book Review: The Power of Eight

Author
McTaggart, Lynne
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

McTaggert takes the reader on a science studies journey around the world with the power of intention. From small groups of only 8 people in virtual groups meeting weekly, to worldwide groups meeting over a specific set of days convention style, the fascinating studies of human consciousness and verifiable, measureable results are sure to intrigue and stretch the reader's imagination. The book is a few years old, but the impact and information are relevant for this minute, today. Many weekly clubs or groups have started up in person, online and around the world virtual that meet at a specific time and day every week to explore and record results of the power of beneficial intention.

Reviewer's Name
Janet

Book Review: Life Interrupted

Author
Shirer, Priscilla
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

This was an amazing book! It will help you look at life's interruptions in a whole new way. Your perspective on how to navigate those interruptions will be widened. If you're not sure how to navigate a life interrupted, then this book is for you. Don't wait...grab your copy and change your outlook!

Reviewer's Name
Holly B.

Book Review: The Science of Breath

Author
Ramacharaka, Yogi
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

In the Science of Breath, by author Yogi Ramacharaka teaches about
deep breathing. He teaches of the incredible scientifically-proven benefits
to health, spirit, and mind through this simple act of something we already
need to survive—breathing. Captivating and engaging, this book grips
readers and equips them with knowledge to improve their moods, health, and
life. This book is appropriate for ages 14 and up. Anyone with an interest in
lowering stress, or simply with an interest in the science of breath, would
enjoy this book.

Reviewer's Name
Rebecca D.

Book Review: It's Not Supposed to Be This Way

Author
TerKeurst, Lysa
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

This book was amazing. From a Christian standpoint, Lysa really gets into disappointments in the faith that I feel people are too shy to talk about. It is a very honest book with personal accounts of disappointments and fears. It isn't preachy, it is matter-of-fact. I have a hard time with general christian books because they can often times sugarcoat or completely ignore the stuff no one wants to talk about; so this book was very promising and refreshing!!

Reviewer's Name
Megan

Book Review: Thank and Grow Rich

Author
Grout, Pam
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

In her book 'Thank and Grow Rich', Pam Grout introduces readers to the benefits of practicing gratitude. While practicing gratitude does not, as Mrs. Grout states, make readers physically rich, the scientific benefits are vast. Outlining these benefits of increased health, greater happiness, and thus a more fulfilling life, Mrs. Grout encourages readers to join in the practice of gratitude.

This is a lovely book celebrating the practice of giving thanks. Filled with experiments and applications of gratitude, this book is very user-friendly. I would recommend this book to readers looking to improve their positive-thinking and gratitude habits. Ages 14 and up are appropriate for reading.

Reviewer's Name
Rebecca D