I found Practical Pattern Making to be just as advertised. Very practical and simple with fun and modern designs. This pattern making instructional bo I found Practical Pattern Making to be just as advertised. Very practical and simple with fun and modern designs. This pattern making instructional book features lots of clear and easy to understand pictures. I look forward to trying some of the designs in the future....more
"In the mirror I saw a tilted, round face, craned upward to hide a potential double chin. I saw legs placed wide apart, with one hip jutted out so the"In the mirror I saw a tilted, round face, craned upward to hide a potential double chin. I saw legs placed wide apart, with one hip jutted out so the thighs didn't touch. I saw hands on hips and elbows yanked back to narrow my broad shoulders. I saw everything I did to avoid seeing myself. It was full body duck-face. It was the only way I knew how to look in a mirror.”
When I read the title to this book I was pretty intrigued. Like majority of females I have been on several diets in my life, whether I needed them or not. The idea of giving up dieting was refreshing for a dieting addict like myself. This books method for doing so is through the intuitive eating method. A phrase many of us have heard before, it seems almost too simple to work. Surely for a diet to work it has to be overly detailed, restrictive and laid out step by ten thousand steps? Not so.
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As expected this book is somewhat vague about intuitive eating because well...it's intuitive eating. It's about listening to your body and savoring your food and generally being mindful of what you eat and how you eat. Not exactly rocket science, but sometimes the simplest answer is the only answer. There is no diet layout in this book and it's more of a memoir with a large focus on intuitive eating rather than a “diet book”.
I did find a couple of contrary statements in the book, for example after her boss wrongly accuses her of wearing flip flops to work she angrily fumes to herself that she “ is not such an urchin to wear shower shoes to work!” But then literally on the very next page proudly proclaims that no one should be picked on for the shoes they wear. Not a direct contradiction but pretty close.
I also would have liked to have seen clearer progress. A before and after so to speak. However I understand the author's reasoning for not wanting to weigh herself, but it would have made it easier to see just how successful this type of eating was for her. At the end of the day though I suppose success is different for everyone, and if you are happy and healthy than that is all that matters. Sometimes self love is the best “diet” there is.
Random quote I enjoyed from the book: People say that food is the good girl's drug. But now I realize it was just one particularly cheap and sticky strain of my real drug of choice: distraction.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately I am unable to finish this book. The subject matter is just way too dark and graphic for me to handle. I It's not you, it's me. Really.
Unfortunately I am unable to finish this book. The subject matter is just way too dark and graphic for me to handle. I think that it's important to occasionally read emotionally difficult books, but when it comes to the Rwandan massacre there is only so much that I could handle reading about. Perhaps it's because I'm a new mother, but I found this book to be personally unreadable when it talked multiple times (in detail) about babies being murdered.
I find myself torn about this book, as I feel that it is important to show things how they really were, but I feel like perhaps the message could have been relayed with less graphic detail. Despite my issues with this book I did still find the writing to be of a very high quality and I think that someone with a thicker skin than me would really enjoy this. I would love to read more by this author, just something with a lighter subject matter.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I seem to be in a bit of a reading slump lately. Despite this book's cute cover, I did not enjoy it. I found it to be really corny. The overall story I seem to be in a bit of a reading slump lately. Despite this book's cute cover, I did not enjoy it. I found it to be really corny. The overall story read like a lifetime movie, and it really didn't help that the MC had the vocabulary of an 80 year old grannie. I didn't hate this book, but I was pretty indifferent, as is probably obvious by my lack of enthusiasm in writing this review.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Say you will is an adorable offering from Eric Walters, about an awkward boy creating a “promposal” for the girl he likes. As usual Mr. Walters writin Say you will is an adorable offering from Eric Walters, about an awkward boy creating a “promposal” for the girl he likes. As usual Mr. Walters writing is smooth as butter and his characters are realistic and lovable. For me personally, I did find the length of the novel a bit awkward, and felt it might have worked better as a short story. However for a middle grade book the length is probably ideal. Overall this is a fun and sweet story that will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Buy
Note: While this book is being marketed as YA, to me it felt a little young. I think kids between grades 6-9 would enjoy this the most.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Under the visible life, is a beautiful and complicated novel that touches the heart. The story is told through two narratives. I am normally not a fan Under the visible life, is a beautiful and complicated novel that touches the heart. The story is told through two narratives. I am normally not a fan of duel narratives but it works well in this novel. I did prefer Katherine's character, but Mahsa's narrative was good for adding drama and thoughtful dialogues. Some parts were tough to read due to the character's struggles, but I still couldn't put it down. Top notch book.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Whelp...that was adorable. I'm just going to go curl into a corner now and try to process my feelings. I am usually very picky about road trip novels Whelp...that was adorable. I'm just going to go curl into a corner now and try to process my feelings. I am usually very picky about road trip novels but I did like this one. The main character is quirky without morphing into a manic pixie dream girl.
The plot was a little sparse but still enjoyable,your typical coming of age novel. I thought that the portrayal of mental illness, and the stigmas surrounding it were well portrayed. Mim's relationship with her dad was unfortunately very realistic.
Overall this is a great book with whimsical yet believable characters and important life lessons. I would love to read a sequel to this. * fingers crossed*
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
My chest feels tight but its not from indigestion, it's because this book has taken my breath away! Okay that was supremely cheesy, but seriously this My chest feels tight but its not from indigestion, it's because this book has taken my breath away! Okay that was supremely cheesy, but seriously this book elicits a physical reaction. I'll admit that I don't read a lot of thrillers so if this one was ripe with cliches or stereotypes it would not be noticed by me.
What was noticed by me however was a (literally) nail biting mystery that tugged and turned me in a million different directions. I had a love/ hate...okay mostly hate relationship with the main character, but the benefit of such a frustrating and unreliable MC was that I was just as confused and intent on discovering the truth as she was. I loved this book, the only thing I didn't love was that I doubt that I will be getting any sleep tonight. 4/5
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Unfortunately this just wasn't for me. I am always loath to not finish an arc, but I felt that it was more fair then forcing myself through the booDNF
Unfortunately this just wasn't for me. I am always loath to not finish an arc, but I felt that it was more fair then forcing myself through the book and then rating it when I would no doubt be in a foul mood. I'm not going to say that this was a bad book, it just wasn't my cup of tea. The writing seemed more geared towards grade schooler's. As a 24 year old I am aware that I am probably not the target audience for YA, but this felt young even for that. Perhaps someone in the 12-13 age range would enjoy this more.
I am so late to the Hocking train it's not even funny. This was a fun light read that I had the pleasure of discovering. I enjoyed the characters for I am so late to the Hocking train it's not even funny. This was a fun light read that I had the pleasure of discovering. I enjoyed the characters for the most part, although my favourites had minor roles.
I also found the plot to be really very unique and interesting, but despite the promising storyline this book still fell into a lot of clichés. Some examples of this would be insta-love, love triangles, saviour of the Universe MC, amazingly gorgeous MC, stalker love interest ect ect.
Despite all of the little stumbles in this story at the end of the day I did enjoy this, I would just suggest a borrow rather than a buy.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This book was nothing like I expected, and I loved it! Ryan Gladney blew my mind with this amazing and sophisticated gem of a novel. This story touche This book was nothing like I expected, and I loved it! Ryan Gladney blew my mind with this amazing and sophisticated gem of a novel. This story touched my soul in such a way that I have to pause and wonder if it was fate that I won the giveaway for this. Sorry if my gushing induces any eye rolling, I am just so in love with this book.
Nine lives of Adam Blake is the kind of book that just makes everything click, and put everything in perspective. It's the kind of book that you devour late at night, and when you finish the last page and close the book, you stare in a daze wondering what the hell kind of magic just happened.
The writing is effortless and flows seamlessly. The main character is supremely relatable and the plot kept my interest, there was never a part of this book where I was bored or wondering when it was going to end, and for a book with a plot centering on a man who lives the same life over and over again that is very impressive.
I will definitely be keeping an eye on this author, my hat is off to him for this impressive debut. 5/5
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
While slightly Jerry Springer in nature, I did find this book to be an addictive read. I was not a big fan of the main protagonist, but the writing wa While slightly Jerry Springer in nature, I did find this book to be an addictive read. I was not a big fan of the main protagonist, but the writing was good enough that that did no deter much of my enjoyment from the story. I thought that the glimpse into the world of midwives was very fascinating and I appreciated the authors attention to detail.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy ( for fans of Call the Midwife), Borrow (for everyone else).
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
It is a rare talent for an author to weave a story that is mature enough for young adults and yet still appropriate for children, however Mr. Walters It is a rare talent for an author to weave a story that is mature enough for young adults and yet still appropriate for children, however Mr. Walters has succeeded in this task magnificently. I could not put this book down, I was up all night reading it, desperate to find out how Muchoki and Jatat's journey ended.
I can't remember the last book I read where the main characters were so loveable. This had me rooting for them the entire time. Jata is a little ray of sunshine that often had me chuckling, and Muchoki is just an amazing child with characteristics that many adults, including myself would be wise to try and copy.
I think that this book should be in every middle grade curriculum and I would strongly recommend this book to children and young adults alike. 5/5
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I am unsure how to rate this book, the subject matter was interesting but I found the writing to be too intelligent, in that even the most salt of the I am unsure how to rate this book, the subject matter was interesting but I found the writing to be too intelligent, in that even the most salt of the earth characters talk like seasoned intellectuals.
There were also a lot of chunks of this book that I found to be somewhat boring and overwritten. I did however really enjoy Sutton's chapters, this may be because I found that her narrative was the only one that matched the writing style.
Overall if you already have a liking for war fiction you may enjoy this, I think that this novel would be appreciated most by a patient reader. 2.5/5
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
While not a fan initially, this book grew on me. I thought that the subject matter was fascinating albeit hard to believe it was based on real life. T While not a fan initially, this book grew on me. I thought that the subject matter was fascinating albeit hard to believe it was based on real life. The author has obviously researched the Jewish faith extensively.
I enjoyed the main character although found her strict way of life hard to relate to, but still I could appreciate it. I did have a little trouble with all of the Jewish terms, with which I was not familiar with but the glossary at the end of the novel helps with this.
Overall I would recommend this book , although I would caution that unless you have an interest in ancient Judaism you may find this novel a little dry, however the mystical properties of this story may make up for it. 3.5/5
Note: I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
THAT ENDING! What amazing suspense. So much for growing my nails out. This book drove me crazy, I was so invested in the characters and I alway[image]
THAT ENDING! What amazing suspense. So much for growing my nails out. This book drove me crazy, I was so invested in the characters and I always felt that they were putting themselves at too much risk. It is possible that this made me frequently yell the following phrases(in public) " wtf are you thinking!", " why would you be so reckless", and "come on I know you know better than that".
I'm still left with a question at the end of the story, since I was not smart enough to figure everything out, but overall I loved this book. It was truly unputdownable and so much fun. 4/5
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
This is a well written book, but it did not influence my self control. I thought that the information was displayed in an interesting and simple forma This is a well written book, but it did not influence my self control. I thought that the information was displayed in an interesting and simple format and I enjoyed how the author attempted to get points across with real life stories.
I picked up this book hoping it would help me learn better self control techniques, and while The Marshmallow Test did cover this, it mainly focused on the effects of biology when it came to self control, and a large part was about how to rear your child to have better self control. I felt that the tips for adults were nothing more than common sense.
If you have a scientific interest in self control than I think this is a worthwhile read, but if you're looking for a book to help you achieve personal goals with control techniques I would keep looking. 3.5/5
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
This book was awesome. It follows the journey of very eccentric, and unfortunately cancer ridden Alice. Alice is awesome and hilarious, she feels real This book was awesome. It follows the journey of very eccentric, and unfortunately cancer ridden Alice. Alice is awesome and hilarious, she feels realistic but at the same time otherworldly. Possibly because she has a very mild case of Aspergers.
This type of MC has made quite a splash lately in many novels. I blame Sheldon Cooper. However unlike Sheldon, Alice's believability strains at time. I can understand how she might be oblivious to sarcasm but I was surprised at how she drew a complete blank on even the most common phrases.
However despite my small qualm (which may or may not be founded since I have never personally met someone with this syndrome) I really enjoyed this novel. I laughed out loud several times and I was really invested in all of the characters.
Really entertaining read 4/5.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Am I crazy if I find a stalker relatable? It's not that I find the want to stalk relatable, but he just seems like such a normal guy which is perhaps Am I crazy if I find a stalker relatable? It's not that I find the want to stalk relatable, but he just seems like such a normal guy which is perhaps what makes this novel so much more creepy then if you had some sketchy balding guy with a nasally voice who lives in his moms basement as the antagonist/protagonist.
I was glued to this book. It manages to be addictive, funny, clever and crass all at once and I love it. I would have liked for the ending to be more elaborated but overall this book is an A+ and a new favourite.
Heads up: There is a fair bit of sexuality in this novel
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I'll admit that I may have entered the giveaway for this book based solely on its cover.( I know, I know!) However it would seem that my shallow lust I'll admit that I may have entered the giveaway for this book based solely on its cover.( I know, I know!) However it would seem that my shallow lust for a pretty picture paid off because this book was amazing!
I read a lot of post-apocalyptic novels but not many thrillers. It's probably for the best though as I don't think my poor heart could handle an abundance of this type of perfected suspense. I literally bit my nails down to the quick while reading this, my heart hammered like crazy in my chest and I stayed up all night for two nights in a row to finish this.My advice, save this book for weekend reading unless you want to risk being late for work.
I really can't gush enough about this book. The cover, the plot, the characters are all perfection. The flotilla was so perfectly described that I swear this book even made me a little seasick :P
This story will be playing in my head for quite a while, what a wild ride. Thank you Colin for hosting this giveaway and for the hours of entertainment this book granted me. ...more
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