Nonfiction: The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide To Making Travel Sacred

The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker's Guide To Making Travel Sacred

I read this book because I love travel, yes love, not like. I also understand that travel changes people over time and in itself can be a very spiritual experience. The author of this book, Phil Cousineau, also understands this point and has traveled many places all over the world in a spiritual journey. 

Throughout the book he gives advice on people wanting to make a spiritual pilgrimage, and gives details on what happened to him. There are photographs that show popular pilgrimage sites, as well as quotes from famous travels from before. I give this book 5/5 stars because the author shows personal experience along with details from other travelers. He gives advice but doesn't talk down to the reader.

"Geared toward the modern-day pilgrim looking for inspiration and spiritual tools for the road, The Art of Pilgrimage weaves stories, myths, parables, and quotations from famous travelers of the past with practical suggestions and accounts of people on the sacred way today." Book description from Goodreads. 

                                        

                                      

                                     Good Day and Good Reading

Books I'll Be Posting In The Future

Hello :)

I haven't been posting that often recently and have decided that my blog needs a little more direction. I was posting just any nonfiction or fiction book reviews. 

From now on my reviews will be on books of the spiritual nature. These might be fiction, or nonfiction. They might be new age or Christian, Muslim or Hindu books. The books will be literature pertaining to spirituality, whatever the religion or stance may be.

I'll try to post at least one or two posts a week in the near future.

Good Day and Good Reading

Fiction Book of the Day: Bunnicula

Bunnicula by Deborah and James Howe

I read this book dozens of times when I was growing up. My school library might have well as let me buy it how often it was checked out to me. It is technically a children's book, but I bet young adults would like it, too as the story is very interesting.

"Before it's too late, Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household -- a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits...and fangs!"   Description by Goodreads

 

 Good Day and Good Reading

Everything Guide to Writing Nonfiction

The Everything Guide to Writing Nonfiction by Richard D. Bank

I bought this book a few years ago because I want to write. I thought it would be helpful getting ideas on how to write articles, maybe even have advise on how to get published. It does. And it has much more. It has chapters on different types of nonfiction like biographies, parenting and family, religion and spirituality, previews, and even opinion pieces. It is organized in a nice fashion and has a section towards the back about how to sell your work or get published. 

"Everyone wants to be a published writer. But only a few manage to break into print. In this guide, Richard D. Bank provides expert advice to help you reach your goals of writing and selling articles, essays, and books. Featuring step-by-step instructions covering all aspects of writing, including how to:
Master the elements of creative nonfiction
Conduct interviews and take accurate notes
Find your unique voice
Develop good research and editing skills
Write with authority and confidence
Sell writing to periodicals and publishers
Whether you want to write an intimate memoir, a magazine story, or a scholarly article, you?ll find all you need to see your bylines in print."   Description by Goodreads.

                                

                                             Good Day and Good Reading

Nonfiction book of the day: Country Diary Herbal

Nonfiction Book of the Day: The Country Diary Herbal by Sarah Hollis

I got this book at my local library and love it. I've checked it out many times and enjoy it for many reasons. 1st, it has gardening tips and advice for pretty much any herb. It has an A-Z reference of all the herbs mentioned in the book (they are in alphabetical order all through). It has drawings instead of pictures, which I find both an advantage and disadvantage. A drawing points out the main details you should see in the plant, ex. the color of the leaves, the shapes of the stalks, or how bushy it grows to be. However the obvious drawback is that you're not actually seeing the plant, so therefore the colors can be off, and if your plant isn't doing the best it may not look anything like the image in the book.

In general I'd rate this book at something of a 6-7 out of 10 for an herb book. I've only read a couple others that have surpasses this one in the amount of herbs listed which is why this has such a good review.

Couldn't find a review on goodreads or Amazon for this book.   

                                 

Good Day and Good Reading

Fiction book of the day: Goa

Goa by Kara Dalkey

This is the first book in a series called Blood of the Goddess. I've actually just started reading it but so far it is great. When I completely finish it I'll post my "official" review, aka how well I liked it when it was done.

Here's the description.

"Set in India in the 1500s, Goa is the first volume in a rich fantasy trilogy by the author of Eurayle. Thomas, a young English apothecary's apprentice, has been sent to collect rare herbs in Africa and India. During the his travels, he encounters an alchemist who has possession of a mysterious powder that can restore life to the dead." Description by goodreads.

                                                    

Good Day and Good Reading

Nonfiction book of the day: On Writing

On Writing A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

Everybody's heard of Stephen King. His novels either scared you silly, or the movies made from them, or you thought he was a lunatic and refused to read or watch anything to do with him. However, even if you don't like him you have to admit his writing skills are very good, especially to have gained so many avid readers. 

On Writing is his book geared towards writers. It is his advice on what to do, and not to do, and what he has done and what he wished he done.  Anyone out there who wants to be a writer, even if you don't want to write horror or even fiction, this is a book to read. It has information for anyone looking to write.

" "If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time or the tools to write." In 1999, Stephen King began to write about his craft -- and his life. By midyear, a widely reported accident jeopardized the survival of both. And in his months of recovery, the link between writing and living became more crucial than ever.
Rarely has a book on writing been so clear, so useful, and so revealing. "On Writing" begins with a mesmerizing account of King's childhood and his uncannily early focus on writing to tell a story. A series of vivid memories from adolescence, college, and the struggling years that led up to his first novel, "Carrie, " will afford readers a fresh and often very funny perspective on the formation of a writer. King next turns to the basic tools of his trade -- how to sharpen and multiply them through use, and how the writer must always have them close at hand. He takes the reader through crucial aspects of the writer's art and life, offering practical and inspiring advice on everything from plot and character development to work habits and rejection.
Serialized in the "New Yorker" to vivid acclaim, "On Writing" culminates with a profoundly moving account of how King's overwhelming need to write spurred him toward recovery, and brought him back to his life.
Brilliantly structured, friendly and inspiring, "On Writing" will empower -- and entertain -- everyone who reads it." Description by Goodreads.

                                   

                                              

                                                  Good Day and Good Reading

Fantasy: 3 titles

The Golden Compass by Phillip Pulman

       This is the first book in his series called His Dark Materials. The books take place in a parallel universe, where your soul walks beside you as a daemon. The main character Lyra is a young girl who wants to save her friends, and understand the olythieometer (I think I spelled that wrong).  All the books in the series are amazing but this starts it all out. 

A good book for young adults, or even adults.

  

 

Talon of the Silver Hawk by Raymond E. Feist

       This is the first book in the series Conclave of Shadows. I have not read the other books but I flat love this one. 

"Evil has come to a distant land high among the snow-capped mountains of Midkemia, as an exterminating army wearing the colors of the Duke of Olasko razes village after village, slaughtering men, women, and children without mercy. And when the carnage is done, only one survivor remains: a young boy named Kieli. A youth no longer, there is now but one road for him to travel: the path of vengeance. And he will not be alone. Under the tutelage of the rescuers who discovered him, Kieli will be molded into a sure and pitiless weapon. And he will accept the destiny that has been chosen for him ... as Talon of the Silver Hawk.

But the prey he so earnestly stalks is hunting him as well. And Talon must swear allegiance to a shadowy cause that already binds his mysterious benefactors -- or his mission, his honor,and his life will be lost forever."    The description is from Amazon.

 

The last book is Fire Bringer by David Clement-Davies. I've read his other series called The Sight and loved it, before I read this. I figured I wouldn't like it cause it is about elk, and I am more of a wolf person but I still gave it a shot.    To say I like this book is an understatement. I know I've read it four times since the first. 

"Young buck Rannoch was born on the night his father was murdered and into a herd of deer where hunger for power has gradually whittled away at all that is true and good. He knows he must escape to survive. Chased by stags, with their fearsome antlers sharpened for the kill, he begins a treacherous journey into the unknown, and ahead of him lies a shocking and formidable search for truth and goodwill in the shadow of the Great Mountain. One day he will have to return to his home and face his destiny among the deer to fulfill the prophecy that has persistently given them hope: that one day a fawn will be born with the mark of an oak leaf on his forehead and that fawn's courage will lead all the deer to freedom. Filled with passion and a darkness that gradually, through Rannoch's courage in the face of adversity, lifts to reveal an overwhelming feeling of light, Fire Bringer is a tremendous, spirited story that takes the reader deep into the hearts and minds of its characters as they fight for their right to live in peace."  The description comes from Goodreads.
If you like the Warriors series, Guardians of Gahoole, even the Incredible Journey this should be a book you like.

Good Day and Good Reading

National Audubon Society ID books

There are many books by the National Audubon Society, most of which are identification books for anything and everything.

I have read, and own, at least a dozen books by the N.A.S. and all the books that I've read are very good at doing what they are intended for, identification. They do not have a ton of information about the items in mention, but they help you look up a plant, animal, rock, shell etc. and then know what you have and can start your search to learn more.

Many of the N.A.S. books look like this.  A book that can fit in a large pocket, or in a backpack easily, and has a leather (or faux leather) cover. They always have color images with real pictures not drawing.  I used to use them for animal identification when I was in high school. 

I'd highly recommend these books to anyone who is interested in learning about animals, or being able to know what the animals are.

Good Day and Good Reading. 

Vlademir Tod Chronicles

The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, written by Heather Brewer.

I started reading this series after I bought one from the school's book fair. I was hooked after the very first. Since then, I've read each of them, and I would rather not give any "spoilers". 

If you like vampire books, but don't want excessive romance or violence it is a good series. I liked the way the plot developed and how the characters changed. 

Here is the description of the first book

"Vlad has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school. Thirteen-year-old Vladimir Tod really hates junior high. Bullies harass him, the principal is dogging him, and the girl he likes prefers his best friend. Oh, and Vlad has a secret: His mother was human, but his father was a vampire. With no idea of the extent of his powers, Vlad struggles daily with his blood cravings and his enlarged fangs. When a substitute teacher begins to question him a little too closely, Vlad worries that his cover is about to be blown. But then he faces a much bigger problem: He’s being hunted by a vampire killer."    The description comes from Amazon.

If you like the first one I promise the next ones will not disappoint. 

Good Day and Good Reading.