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Plant Folklore
Posted by Literary Titan

Plant Folklore is a collection of 120 stories that take the reader on a stroll through wild plants found in the hills of Appalachia. Each of these stories covers ancient myths, truths, and the history behind the origin & name of the plant.
Three sections are included in the book, the first being Spring Wildflowers, which includes a list, illustrations, and information about various flower species, with the descriptions of the multiple uses they served to early settlers in America. In addition to identifying each plant by its Latin name, the common names of the plants are also listed to dispel any uncertainty. Additionally, along with enhancing the interest of nature lovers, the pictures of flora and fauna in the book help distinguish between the different species while also clarifying the descriptions.
The second section focuses specifically on the wildflowers found in summers, which will particularly interest plant enthusiasts. In this section, you can find suggestions on precautions to take when planting flowers at home. There are 41 flowers listed here, including one native to America and one brought over by immigrants. It also mentions interesting myths and medicinal uses and warns of the toxicity of plants historically used in America in the early days. In the final section of the book, which addresses shrubs, trees, and bushes more commonly seen, the author reveals the shocking poisonous plants endemic to most people’s diets.
Throughout his book, author Connie Taylor’s knowledge of wild species is woven with folktales, cautions, origins, and blooming periods of flora and fauna. While Plant Folklore covers the fascinating wild plant species found in hills and forests, it also underscores the necessity of protecting them down the road.
As written in the introduction, the author of the book does not intend this book to become a guide to plant medicine. Instead, the author has causally related his knowledge of numerous plants, many of which were part of his childhood memories. A significant focus of the book is on conveying, in an engaging manner, the role that plants played during the early days in America. In addition to explaining the various beneficial medicinal uses of the native species, traded off with modern synthetics, there is a subtle admonition for modern men to disregard most of the native species as non-beneficial weeds.
Plant Folklore is a fascinating book that spreads across several genres. It is perfect for nature enthusiasts and anyone curious about different plants and stories associated with them.
Pages: 240 | ASIN : B07H6538QQ
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Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Tags: american history, author, Biological Sciences, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Connie L. Taylor, ebook, fiction, goodreads, history, kindle, kobo, literature, myths, nonfiction, nook, novel, Plant Folklore, plants, read, reader, reading, reference, short stories, story, writer, writing
Pages and Leaflets of North Oxfordshire
Posted by Literary Titan

Pages and Leaflets of North Oxfordshire: My Lineage Pre 1700-1959 by Angela Fortnum is a book on family lineage and history. Fortnum was born in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Throughout her life, she has taken up several roles. After completing her schooling, she worked in a bank, took early retirement, and did a health and social care course. However, it wasn’t until her mother’s death that her interest in genealogy was rekindled that ultimately led her to write the book that explores her ancestry, going back to her seventh maternal great grandfather (GGF) and finally concludes with her mother and herself.
Fortnums exploration started off as a simple curiosity about her history; it was only when she started with her research that she realized that there was a story to tell and decided to publish the book as we see it today for the interest of the family historians. The book explores the gradual transition over eight generations from agricultural laborers to self-employed to smallholders and a change in religious beliefs, which stays an essential theme throughout the book. Fortnum’s ancestors have worked in various occupations, been affiliated with different churches, and passed on numerous possessions down the family line, the original account of which has been provided wherever possible in the text.
The text is supplemented by original and unabridged documents. It also provides photos of the churches and directions for those curious and who wish to dive deeper into the local history. I would have liked to have seen topics of general interest or more details about the historical events from the ancestors’ perspective and the impact on their general routine. This insightful book is a fascinating family account filled with photos and historical documents.
Pages and Leaflets of North Oxfordshire: My Lineage Pre 1700-1959 would benefit those doing an in-depth academic pursuit of genealogy. It provides readers with examples of how to put together a family genealogy history and examples of what documents to look for.
Pages: 53 | ASIN : B07HMTFL3M
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Posted in Book Reviews, Three Stars
Tags: Angela Fortnum, author, biography, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, ebook, education, genealogy, goodreads, historical, kindle, kobo, literature, memoir, nonfiction, nook, Pages and Leaflets of North Oxfordshire, read, reader, reading, reference, writer, writing
Using Japanese Paper for Digital Printing of Photographs
Posted by Literary Titan

You may never understand the beauty of photography until you read Using Japanese Paper for Digital Printing of Photographs by Carl-Evert Jonsson. Carl-Evert Jonsson writes extensively on photography, focusing on Japanese paper for the digital printing of photographs. The author is intentional in his explanations and describes every detail for those not familiar with Washi.
The images in Carl-Evert Jonsson’s book tell a compelling story. The pictures are stunning, distinct, and aesthetically pleasing. The photos are classed into four groups; Places, Persons, Varia, and Mixed. Each of these categories tells a unique story that the reader connects with. I loved going through the images under Persons as one can see the different features in humans and how individual people are. Images of places are striking because of the locations the author drew his inspiration from. Varia and Mixed pictures are also eye-catching and impactful.
One of the best things about this book is that the author uses few words in the description and leaves the reader to form an opinion on the images without being influenced. Under the Mixed category, the image displaying the Notre Dame de Paris and the Vehicle. Brown ochre, primary blue was my favorite. Varia had a lot of impressive figures, but the image displayed Egg oil x1. Underneath: yellow ochre subjects were my best. The sense of illusion when one looks at the picture is satisfying. It feels authentic for a minute, then one feels a certain sense of imagination the next minute.
Carl-Evert Jonsson shares a personal touch throughout the book. Anyone reading this book will appreciate the author more as they keep flipping the pages. I loved reading the preface as the author gives a little background information about himself and the book. Carl-Evert Jonsson’s story is fascinating and increases one’s interest in photography. The author also enlightens the reader on techniques for digitally printing photographs on Japanese paper in the introduction. The short text was helpful, especially to readers that may not have been familiar with different photography techniques. The modest way of expounding on concepts and creativity displayed by the author is inspiring enough for one to delve into photography and related subjects.
Using Japanese Paper for Digital Printing of Photographs is a captivating book that photography students, lovers of nature, and individuals who fancy capturing objects and printing them will love. Any photography enthusiast will appreciate this work, especially the content under Places and Persons. Every image under this category was unique in its own way.
Pages: 54 | ASIN : B0998MKMTD
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: art, artwork, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Carl-Evert Jonsson, Digital Art, Digital Printing, ebook, educational, goodreads, kindle, kobo, literature, nook, photography, photos, printing, read, reader, reading, reference, Using Japanese Paper for Digital Printing of Photographs, writer, writing
Coaching Like a Champion
Posted by Literary Titan

Coaching Like a Champion: Eight Essential Building Blocks for Taking Any Sports Program to the Next Level is the ideal book for you if you are a coach or a trainer. The author gives a step-by-step guide on coaching like a pro and getting your players to reach their targets swiftly. In his book, Steve Miller gives direction, advises coaches, and uses real-life situations to expound on various topics. The author uses a warm and modest tone when talking about coaching. One can feel the enthusiasm Steve Miller has through his writing, and that he has vast knowledge on this subject.
In his book, Steve Miller wrote eight chapters, each focusing on elements that center on being the perfect coach. He discusses critical topics such as: communication, humility, accountability, mental toughness, passion, integrity, overcoming adversity, and never settling. One of the most vital subjects in the book is on communication, Steve Miller writes in-depth on how communication can either build or destroy a team. How coaches and players express themselves or exchange ideas is critical. The conversations in the locker room, pitch, or outside can determine the strength of a team. I found the author to be insightful, refreshing, and objective. The topic of communication is helpful not only to coaches but also to players.
Each of the chapters in the book has something that will enlighten the reader. How the author talks about experiences in the field and what he has observed over the years tell one that a lot of coaches need to have to be good in their craft. The topic of Mental Toughness was another favorite. While reading this chapter, I realized that it takes more than just physical strength to be a rated, first-rate player. The author has words of wisdom for coaches and gently lays down ways a coach can improve the player’s mental toughness while in practice. The author advises that coaches have a practical game plan. He also writes that by boosting players’ mental toughness, they can better their confidence, focus, composure, and performance.
By the end of the reading, the reader is well-versed in coaching and the crucial skills one needs to have as a coach. I loved most about the author’s ability to relate to what he was discussing. You do not need to be a coach to enjoy this book.
Coaching Like a Champion: Eight Essential Building Blocks for Taking Any Sports Program to the Next Level can help you advance your expertise in whatever field you are in. Self-Help and sports enthusiasts will equally find this book beneficial.
Pages: 70 | ASIN : B07MBFM19W
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Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Coaching Like a Champion, ebook, educational, goodreads, inspirational, kindle, kobo, literature, motivational, nonfiction, nook, read, reader, reading, reference, self help, special interest, sports, Steve Miller, technical, writer, writing
Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit
Posted by Literary_Titan

Six healing Qigong sounds details the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and how to use them for healing and total body wellness. What was the inspiration for writing this book?
As a Traditional Chinese medical practitioner and Qigong teacher, from my observation with my clients and myself, the six healing Qigong sounds with mantras work to unblock and strengthen the Qi flow in the Shen Qi Jing channels and the organs in the body. Sickness in the body, mind, and spirit is caused by Qi blockages in the meridians, and health or homeostasis is restored when Qigong sounds and mantras with movements are done properly as explained in the book.
What is a common hurdle people face when learning about healing Qigong sounds?
How you pronounce the sounds and mantras is the main problem together with feeling the Qi flow in the main channels and meridians. Feeling with your heart the sounds and mantras will help tremendously.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about Qigong sounds?
The common misconception is that learning Qigong sounds is hard which is not true. With consistent practice and understanding the techniques will heal most sickness. There is a saying how you feel is how you heal. When you feel relaxed, happy, and revitalized with Qigong sounds and mantras you will surely cultivate your self-healing, revitalized energy, and peace of mind.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I don’t have any plans yet in starting another book as of now since I have covered other health-related Chinese Medicine and Qigong healing topics in my seven books: Meditation and Qigong Mastery, Return to Oneness with the Tao, Return to Oneness with Spirit, Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery, Return to Oneness with Shiva, Oneness with Shiva and The Cure and Cause of Cancer.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
The Six healing Qigong sounds gently vibrate, and massage our internal organs, boost our immune system, clear stagnation and stale energy from our body, harmonize our emotions, balance our body and spirit creating a state of inner peace and radiant energy.
The sound Xu tonify Liver energy, Hoo replenish Spleen energy, Her nourish Heart energy, Si nourish Lung energy, Chui tonify the Kidney energy, and Xi revitalize San Jiao energy (the Traditional Chinese Medicine term for the hollow space inside the trunk of your body) that altogether cultivate the Three Treasures Jing, Qi and Shen and strengthen the Wei Qi field.
The Qigong forms with six healing sounds are illustrated in the book for your healing and spiritual awakening.
Ricardo B Serrano, Dipl.Ac., author of Six healing Qigong sounds, is a Wing Chun Qigong teacher and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner since 1980 in British Columbia, Canada. He has written seven books: Meditation and Qigong Mastery, Return to Oneness with the Tao, Return to Oneness with Spirit, Keys to Healing and Self-Mastery, Return to Oneness with Shiva, Oneness with Shiva, and The Cure & Cause of Cancer.
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Posted in Interviews
Tags: alternative medicine, author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Chinese Medicine, goodreads, health, Holistic Medicine, kobo, literature, non-fiction, qi gong, read, reader, reading, reference, Ricardo B Serrano, Self-Help, Six Healing Qigong Sounds, spirituality, tai chi, Wellness, writer, writing
Wild Colts Make the Best Horses
Posted by Literary Titan

Wild Colts Make the Best Horses- The Intrepid Life of Abigail Adams by Mary Rae Watry is an epic biography of an accomplished woman of American history named Abigail Adams. The former First Lady lived in an era when women were considered second-class citizens. But she armored herself with so much grit and passion and defeated all odds with flying colors. First, as a counsel to her husband, President John Adams, and later as a guru to her son John Quincy Adams, Abigail established herself as a leading lady in American politics.
Author Watry puts together beautifully every little detail of Abigail’s life; every major event is presented in such a way that the reader never has a dull moment connecting the dots. Watry has done a thorough job of detailing Adams’s family history by providing actual conversations, letters, and photographs. As a reader, it is effortless to navigate through the writer’s words and get a sense of the early years of American independence. Watry does a great job compiling, writing, and presenting facts in a straightforward manner.
Wild Colts Make the Best Horses- The Intrepid Life of Abigail Adams is filled with extraordinary details of Abigail Adam’s life. The writer has done her justice by presenting the information in a way that feels honest and relatable. The author’s hard work is visible as you read and think about such a great historical figure. Readers will appreciate that this awe-inspiring biography keeps the chapters manageable. The chapters are short, making it more appealing to tackle in piecemeal reading sessions; as in a classroom setting. Don’t get fooled by the number of pages; you will be amazed at how fast they finish.
For readers who want to know more about the personality, character, and compassionate life of Abigail Adams in the era when women had no say to anything outside the kitchen and their family, this book will provide details often left out of the history books. Like they say, there is a woman behind every successful man, which is so true in Abigail Adams’s life.
Wild Colts Make the Best Horses- The Intrepid Life of Abigail Adams With will appeal to readers of women’s history, political history, and women’s biographies.
Pages: 698 | ASIN : B0932JXZNG
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Posted in Book Reviews, Five Stars
Tags: american history, author, biography, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, ebook, goodreads, historical biographies, history, kindle, kobo, literature, Mary Rae Watry Mauch, nonfiction, nook, political history, politics, read, reader, reading, reference, story, Wild Colts Make the Best Horses, women's history, writer, writing
The Gentleman’s Guide to Cooking
Posted by Literary Titan

Who knew cooking would be so much fun, even for those that do not love cooking? In The Gentleman’s Guide to Cooking, Randy Motilall shares exciting and interesting ways of cooking. The author uses a variety of recipes to show his culinary skills. Have trouble making your favorite chicken curry? Bacon-wrapped shrimp? Peruvian Lomo Saltado? Or even Brazilian Cheese Bread? Randy Motilall has got you covered. The author guides readers through creating a satisfying meal and teaches readers the importance of experimenting with different cuisines of the world.
Randy Motilall not only teaches the reader how to make delicious foods, but he also shares tips on table etiquette. Many people are not aware of how to properly set the table for an elegant meal. Setting the table is the first thing your guests see and the backdrop to showcase the prepared meal. The author guides you on where and how to place the dinner plate, soup or salad bowl, wine glasses, various forks, knives, table napkin, salt shaker, among other things. In addition, there is an illustration of how to place different cutlery and how to use them. Finally, the author has categorized the various meals so readers will have distinct recipes for appetizers, drinks, bread, salads, soups, sides, entrees, desserts, what to have the following day, and extras. Every meal the author writes about is accompanied by pictures, encouraging you to try them out. The text combined with the beautiful images of the recipes made reading this book a wonderful experience.
After reading this book, cooking does not appear tedious at all. The foods shared in the book can take as little as 20 minutes for some. You can make a meal for one or a group, and it will still be delicious. With The Gentleman’s Guide to Cooking, you will feel like you have stepped into kitchens in Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, and many other parts of the world. The recipes are excellent, and the author shares personal stories and insights with the reader as he talks about the foods.
The Gentleman’s Guide to Cooking is filled with engaging language and humor. With this book, Randy Motilall may have targeted a specific demographic, but it can be recommended for anyone who enjoys spending their time in the kitchen preparing meals. In addition, readers who enjoy cooking, want to learn about cooking, and just love all things food will find the information and stories in this book and the recipes refreshing.
Pages: 176 | ASIN : B08XYV163C
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Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, cookbooks, cooking, cooking at home, ebook, education, food, food and wine, foodie, goodreads, hobby, home made, kindle, kobo, nonfiction, nook, Randy Motilall, read, reader, reading, recipes, reference, special interest, story, technical cooking, The Gentleman's Guide to Cooking, writer, writing
How to Educate Your Children in the 21St Century
Posted by Literary Titan

How to Educate Your Children in the 21St Century by author Clynie Huggins’s is an inspirational book that is a gem if you are a parent. The author talks about educating your child to be a better person in society. Clynie Huggins covers a variety of topics that parents often forget about when talking about their children. The concept of educating children just so they can build their careers should not be the only thing parents focus on. As a parent or educator, you should focus on bringing up a all-round child who will grow to be an adult that brings positive change in the community.
Some of the topics in the book that readers may find to be overlooked by both parents and educators, yet they are extremely critical in child-growth include equality, tolerance, development and kindness. The author discusses ways in which you can raise children to understand the importance of racial, and gender equality among other things. The author also touches on cognitive and emotional growth, an important factor that parents sometimes forget about as they focus on physical growth.
How to Educate Your Children in the 21St Century will give readers pointers on being the best parent they can be in this digital age. Huggins makes sure to include a section directed at expectant parents, an important group, as new parents often have no idea how to go about parenting, relying on the trial-and-error method.
This thought-provoking book is easy to read and comprehend. Clynie Huggins has an honest viewpoint showing not just the cute side of parenting, but the ugly side as well. The author writes about parenting as an overwhelming task and encourages those that have children to take it a day at a time as they raise their families.
How to Educate Your Children in the 21St Century is a fantastic reference not just for parents and teachers, but anyone that interacts with children in this modern age. A must read for those that want to raise a well-rounded child that can be successful in society, socially as well as academically.
Pages: 114 | ASIN : B07Z9WD2TY
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Posted in Book Reviews, Four Stars
Tags: author, book, book recommendations, book review, book reviews, book shelf, bookblogger, books, books to read, Clynie Huggins, ebook, education, goodreads, How to Educate Your Children in the 21St Century, kindle, kobo, literature, non-fiction, nook, novel, parents, read, reader, reading, reference, story, teachers, teen, writer, writing










