Tag: Inspirational

Books

Crazy Joy

Openly Bookish1 Comment

The cover is a patchwork of letters in bright colors. The topic of joy is an appealing one, especially in the times we are in. We do need more joy. I was excited to get to read this new title by MK.

I’ll be honest. I was in the headspace for a more in depth theological book on the subject. The category Christian Living does not equate to that. If you want Christianity light then this is the book for you.

MK shares some great stories from her life that show how she has found and implemented joy into her life. She makes some great points on what joy is and what it is not. MK also shares how happiness and joy are two different things.

I was hoping for some Biblical wisdom on the subject of joy. There was a tiny bit of it, but to be blunt I think you could easily share this book with a nonbeliever and they wouldn’t run. In plain language this book isn’t preachy or filled with Christianese verbiage. Actually there are a few swear words inside. Certainly I’m not innocent in that regard, but it did surprise me a bit.

I received a copy of Crazy Joy by Mary Katherine Backstrom from Worthy Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Thoughts expressed are strictly my own and my own choice. If you are looking for a somewhat lighthearted read on the topic of joy with a variety of life stories interspersed then I recommend this upcoming book, Crazy Joy.

Book Review · Books

Book Connection

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Some books you just soak up. I noticed this book at a local used bookstore, but it was a tad pricy hardcover, so I resisted. When I saw it at the library my eyes lit up. I just finished The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey. It was a gem filled with gorgeous photos, quotes and interviews with a wide range of individuals. Each section covers a different topic.

I’m not an Oprah groupie by any means, but this book she put together is so inspiring, convicting, educational and eye opening. I definitely want to secure my own copy so I can book tab it all over.

Thank you Oprah for opening your soul and allowing the world to see you fully as you are. You are a wonderful woman who blazes a path ahead for those of us learning to take our first independent spiritual steps.

Book Review · Books

(Extra) Ordinary (Women)

Openly BookishLeave a comment

If you need a book to inspire you to press on and not give up your dreams then I highly recommend the upcoming release: (Extra) Ordinary (Women) by Kristen Bartzokis. This slim volume showcases the stories of 10 ladies from different walks of life who overcame a variety of life challenges to become the successful women they are. Each women’s story is in depth and encouraging. I like that at the end of each chapter is a link to where you can help support causes that each lady supports.

This little book was a treat from page one. Each story held something I could relate to. Each chapter had tough parts to read. These women have been through life events that would cause the average woman to crumble, but they each soldiered on.

I received a complimentary ARC of (Extra) Ordinary (Women) by Kristen Bartzokis from KiCam Projects. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own. If you enjoy reading about women who have overcame adversity then you’ll want to add this to your personal library.

Book Review · Books

LaLa Lovely

Openly BookishLeave a comment

The title was different. LaLa Lovely. What kind of book would this be? Author, Trina McNeilly, compiles a collection of her essays about life and what it looks like to find beauty in life when all you feel you can see is pain. Her essays range from topics on friendship, family, creativity, self care, doubt, faith and more. Each chapter is graced with photos from her life. This book felt like a warm blanket on a chilly night. It keeps you warm, but eventually certain topics become too, hot, so you have to throw the blanket off and be honest with yourself. These essays are poetic, heart wrenching, inspiring and most of all written with love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Faith Words. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. If you love memoirs, or essays on the above topics you will treasure this beautiful book. Thank you for sharing your heart Trina.

Book Review · Books

Love Unleashed

Openly Bookish1 Comment

Love Unleashed by Rebecca Ascher-Walsh is a picture book that showcases different dogs that have been rescued and how they’ve impacted their owners. Each dog’s story is accompanied with photos of the dog and their owners. Every story is unique and inspirational. If you love dogs then this would make a great gift for the dog lovers in your life.

I was given a copy of Love Unleashed for free from TLC Book Tours care of National Geographic in exchange for my review. This book is gorgeous and if you haven’t adopted a dog yet you’ll be clamoring to after the last page is read.