Published January 1st 2019 by Twenty-First Century Books
I've read a fair number of books about minimalism and simplicity so the content here wasn't anything I haven't seen elsewhere. So how does this book stand out from the rest? First, Living Simply is aimed at teenagers. I love that! The teen years are a perfect time to make decisions about how you want to live your life, before getting bogged down in all the stuff and bad habits. McGraw has done a nice job of covering the bases of living a simpler life, focusing not only on the physical "stuff" but also discussing the environmental and social impact of our daily choices, giving the reader a more global view of the part they play in the state of the world.
Thank you to Lerner Publishing Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Expected publication: March 5th 2019 by Shadow Mountain
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling along with the Ortons on their family adventure! Erik, Emily and their five children decide to learn to sail and this leads eventually to the purchase of a catamaran they rename Fezywig and a 5,000 mile adventure lasting nearly a year. Not every couple, let alone a family this size, could stand so much closeness; this family not only survives intact but grows through the shared experience and trials and joys along the way. The reader is treated to the whole experience, both the highs and lows. The Ortons travel to some amazing places, but also get stuck waiting on boat repairs and weather and have to rethink their plans and expectations. Through this process, they all learn to slow down and take life as it comes. There is no sugarcoating here. Life on a boat can be dangerous, but without risk, there is no reward. Living the life of a cruiser is not for everyone, but this family inspires with their willingness to break out of the mold and try on a new lifestyle.
Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I didn't realize this was the fourth book in a series when I requested it. Usually I don't jump in mid-stream but I'm glad I goofed and did this time because otherwise I would have missed this series. While I think reading the prior books first would provide more background on some of the characters and fill in a few holes, this book stood on its own pretty well. A mysterious town in the middle of nowhere in the Yukon full of mysterious residents was intriguing. Having driven the Alcan when moving from Alaska, I know just how empty so much of this area is and how easy it would be to hide out there. I really enjoyed the characters and I've already put a hold on the first book in the series at my local library to fill in those holes.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was really looking forward to this book. Having read and loved Harper's previous two books centered around Aaron Falk, I wasn't sure how this one would be as a stand-alone book. Happily, I was not disappointed. While I think I enjoyed the Falk books slightly more, I really enjoyed this one as well and would definitely recommend all three. The Lost Man unfolds slowly, but not in a bad way. The reader gets to know this family as secrets are revealed. As a reader of mostly nonfiction, there aren't many authors I really look forward to new books, but Jane Harper has won me over as a true fan.
The interview with the author and narrator at the end of the audiobook is a nice addition. Well worth a listen!
Mini Meadows by Mike Lizotte, Expected publication: February 19th 2019 by Storey Publishing, LLC
Beautiful photos and great information that even a beginner gardener can follow to create their own mini meadow. I've been looking for a way to make my own small property lower maintenance and I think this is the perfect solution. I've wanted a more natural landscape since my area is very hot and dry in the summers; keeping grass alive is a battle. I actually made a half-hearted attempt last year with wildflower seed, but now I see I went about it all wrong. I can't wait to turn my "hellstrip" and the hilly portion of my yard into lovely patches of wildflowers!
Thank you to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this beautiful book! All comments are my own, unbiased opinion.
Published February 12th 2019 by Rockport Publishers
Printmaking has always fascinated me, but I've not yet tried it myself. In Block Print Magic, Howard has covered all the tools necessary and outlined all the steps clearly to enable the reader to successfully get started and improve their skills in this craft. I love that she has included several DIY instructions for making some of the tools needed since a new hobby can be cost-prohibitive. Projects are clearly explained using both written instruction and numerous photos for easy follow-along. The included artist spotlights were a perfect addition, featuring some of the artists for whom printmaking is a passion. This book would be a great resource for anyone interested in printmaking!
Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group – Rockport Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Something a little different today. Not a book, but a documentary film.
I'm Fine, Thanks A feature-length documentary about a crew of filmmakers who criss-crossed the country talking to every day people about how they fell into lives of complacency (and most importantly, what they did to change their lives and create their own paths to happiness). (2012)
I actually watched this one back when it was first released in 2012 (or soon after anyway), but watched it again over the weekend. While this isn't my favorite documentary focused on people simplifying their lives, it is definitely worth a watch. Books and documentaries of this type always make me take a step back and look at my own life, questioning if I'm making the choices necessary to live the life I truly want... or am I just slogging through, doing what I'm supposed to do? One of my best decisions in the past several years was quitting a crap job with a horrible boss that all but outright demanded ridiculous overtime, opting for a company that never asks for overtime. While those overtime paychecks were nice, I didn't really have time to do much more than just use the money to pay down my mortgage. Paying off my home faster was a very good thing, but working 60-80 hours a week don't leave much time for anything else. I'm much happier working fewer hours and having less responsibility (and stress). I regularly dream of ditching the house and hitting the road on my own terms and I enjoy watching/reading about others questioning their current lifestyle and making changes (if necessary) to live a life more in line with their values. Live your own life, not one society has told you is the way to live.
The film can be found in multiple places, including available for purchase at the link above. I watched on Kanopy, accessed through my local library system. =)
