Hagseed by Margaret Atwood

I thought that this was a great adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. I have never read the original, but did read a quick overview so I would have a basic understanding of the story. Atwood deftly brings this story to the modern era. Her take on revenge, retribution, and a haunting past are mesmerizing and will leave readers in awe.  I also really enjoyed the cover.

3/5 stars.

 **I received a free copy of this book from www.bloggingforbooks.com  in exchange for an honest review.**

Walking on Water by Madeleine L'Engle

I have loved Madeleine L’Engle from the minute I first read A Wrinkle in Time. I, too, am Episcopalian and share many of her beliefs and understanding about faith, religion, and God. This set of essays focusing on art and artists and their duties to showcase the beauty of God’s creations. She often interwove many of the qualities of each and showed how beautifully they complement each other. This book inspired me to look at the world, and my faith, a little differently.

**I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kristin Schatz

This is such an awesome book. It is a beautiful book with an excellent cover. I love the colors used and the fact the individual is in black and white. It looks very artistic. It's also a nice weight with good binding. The inside flap also features a map that shows where the women lived.

The content of this book is really good as well. It covers so many unique women throughout time and space that have changed the world. There were women I had heard of like Malala, Marie Curie, Venus and Serena Williams, and Frida Kahlo just to name a few. There were also several women with whom I was unfamiliar including: Madres de la Plaza de Mayo, Marta, and Poly Styrene just to name a few. Each section gave a brief overview of who the woman was and why she was important.

I think this is a great introduction to famous women. It would be great in a school library and would spark many discussions.

I give this book 5/5.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from Blogging for Books.*

Mindfulness: a Journal

I have been wanting to implement the practice of mindfulness into my every day routine and this journal provided a great way to do that. I really enjoyed the introduction which talked about ways in which we can take time to enjoy the mundane activities of everyday. I particularly like the idea of enjoying the "small things." For instance, really focusing in on the dishes you are washing, intentionally folding clothes, baking with love, etc.

Each day leaves a spot for you to put t he date and asks you a question or gives you a task to complete. The first one, obviously, is "Why do you want to practice mindfulness?" I thought it was great that each day gives you plenty of space to write out your thoughts.  I look forward to putting many of these ideas into practice.

5/5

*I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

26 A to Z Postcards, from Angelfish to Zebra by Wee Alphas

I received these postcards from Blogging for Books in exchange for a review. These did not disappoint! They were adorable and whimsical. They were brightly colored and I enjoyed seeing the various animals chosen for each letter. I particularly liked the illustrations of the jellyfish and vulture. It made two semi-repulsive animals look totally adorable. I also enjoyed the nod to fantasy and every little girl’s fantasy by having the letter “U” be represented by a unicorn. These would be perfect to send to small child for any number of occasions. They would even be cute to frame and hang in a bedroom, library, or office.  

Overall, I would give them 5 stars.

"Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch

While I originally picked this book because of its bright orange cover, I could NOT put this book down! It was a page turner that kept me guessing. I loved the search for the answer to the all the big questions: What makes me me? What would happen if I had chosen a different path? Are there an infinite number of mes out there living moments I wish I could (or never have to)? This book is part sci fi, part mystery, part thriller. Ultimately, though, it is about one man's search for love. Not the fleeting lust so many of mistake for love, but a love that has grown, been tended, and has become very foundation of the individual. I recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of such books. I give it 5/5 stars.

**I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

Punderdome

Punderdome is a fun new take on the ever popular Cards Against Humanity. While it is a little more kids friendly, it certainly did not disappoint. The game requires players to pick two cards and link them together with a pun. This game is for the fun, witty, and humorous in your family. This is a game I can see myself playing many times and with many different people.

**I received a copy of this from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review**

The Catholic Catalogue

The Catholic Catalogue is a great resource for both Catholics and non-Catholics. I am a mainline Protestant and very much enjoyed seeing how ;aspects of my faith can be incorporated into daily life. the part on daily prayer was especially helpful to jumpstarting my prayer life and Lenten intentions.

The Catholic Catalogue comes in a nice hardback cover that will surely last through many readings, allowing the reader to use it day after day and year after year. My only complaint, and this purely personal preference, is the pastel cover. I wish that they had used more vibrant colors, especially for the cover.  

**I was sent this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an unbiased review.**

The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper

The Very Good Gospel by Lisa Sharon Harper is not my typical read. I usually shy away from evangelical, overly religious seeming books. But, I chose this book because she is a writer for Sojourners magazine. I was not disappointed. 

I enjoyed her fresh take on faith, church, and redemption.  It was refreshing to hear from an evangelical beliefs that I hold as a  mainline Protestant. it was quite evident throughout this book that her beliefs on structural and political (in)justice, peacemaking , and living faithfully aren't just beliefs, but the way she chooses to live her life. Her long history of being an active part of change, including a 21 day fast, increase her credibility on this topic.

Overall, I would say I very much enjoyed this book and will definitely be picking this book up on occasion when I feel called to do so. I would give this book 4/5 stars.

**I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**