Non-Fiction – Page 2 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope, Success, and Freedom

Title: How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope, Success, and Freedom
Author: Deedee Cummings
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Cummings Consulting
Source: iRead Book Tours
Format: Ebook
Release Date: September 10, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

How do you dream in a world that actively crushes dreams?

Everything you’ve been told about dreams is wrong. Our dreams have been hijacked. Dreams aren’t just fanciful thoughts; dreams are the very reason we’re here. Yet, we’re constantly told they’re impractical, a waste of time. How to Dream, by best-selling author, therapist, and entrepreneur Deedee Cummings, is your guide to reclaiming the power of your dreams.

In this inspiring and practical book, Deedee uses her expertise and the art of storytelling to help you turn your dreams into reality. Whether you’re just getting started or are well on your way, How to Dream offers doable steps and momentous mindset shifts that will make you unstoppable.

Drawing from her own journey and years of experience helping others achieve their goals, you will

Practical strategies to overcome self-doubt in a world filled with rampant negativityPowerful affirmations to fuel your successActionable steps to put your dreams in motionTechniques to develop a growth mindset and become unstoppablePacked with affirmations, strategies, and practical advice, How to Dream is the essential toolkit for anyone ready to take their life to the next level. If you’re struggling to find direction, seeking to reignite your ambition, or need encouragement to stay the course, this book will inspire you to dream bigger, push harder, find freedom, and create the life you’ve always imagined.

Don’t let another day pass without pursuing your true potential. It’s time to make your dreams a reality-starting now.

Review:

When we’re children, we’re encouraged to dream and told we can become whoever we want to be. However, when we get older, we’re told that we shouldn’t be dreaming and to find practical careers. This book gives great advice on how to find and follow your dream, even if it’s difficult.

I’m a writer, and it’s not easy. My dream is to make a living as a published author, but I’m not there yet. However, I’m not giving up. This book made me feel motivated to keep going, even though it’s difficult most of the time. This is a guide for how to find your dream, if you’ve lost your way, and how to set aside time to make it come true.

How to Dream is a great, motivational book!

Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign.

Favourite Quotes:

“When you find your purpose, you will feel connected to your life, this planet, and to your journey in a way that nothing will be able to replace.”

“Break the cycle of thinking of life as something that happens to you and make it something you actively create. Every day.”

Giveaway:

Author signed copy of How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope Success and Freedom
one winner
USA only
ends Nov 29

https://gleam.io/Y0qGe/how-to-dream-book-tour-giveaway

Have you read How to Dream? What did you think of it?

Review: Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author

Title: Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author
Author: Lucinda Halpern
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Hay House
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 6, 2024
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

A step-by-step guide from a New York literary agent that will show you how to create a winning concept, craft an irresistible pitch, and land your dream book deal.

In this practical, immediately actionable guide, Lucinda Halpern , founder of the prestigious New York agency Lucinda Literary, divulges what agents look for in authors and the shortcuts they use to get book deals but have never revealed—until now.

Lucinda has personally witnessed how dramatically writers’ lives can change when they publish their first book. But the path to literary success begins with knowing the answers to questions

With her unique 6-step method, Lucinda provides the tools and concrete strategies

Packed with interviews from best-selling authors, leading book editors from Penguin Random House, Simon & Schuster, HarperCollins, Hachette, and more, Get Signed is the indispensable roadmap you need right now to get noticed and become a published author.

Review:

This book is a step-by-step guide to how to sign with a literary agent. There are great tips on things that agents look for as well as examples of real query letters.

I’ve been querying my manuscript for four months without any luck. When I heard about this book on the Happy Writer podcast with Marissa Meyer, I had to get it. I’m definitely going to implement some of these tips in my query letter!

Get Signed is a great book for querying writers!

Have you read Get Signed? What did you think of it?

Review: The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy

Title: The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy
Author: Robert Hardman
Genre: Nonfiction, Biography
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Audiobook
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The dramatic story of the new king’s evolution over the past year from Prince of Wales to King Charles III, from one of the most acclaimed royal biographers writing today.

No British monarch has had a tougher act to follow.

Now, after seventy years of waiting and preparation, King Charles III is not just the head of the most famous family in the world. He is the custodian of a thousand-year-old institution which must redefine its place in the digital age while others insist on rewriting the past. With unrivaled access to the king, the royal family, and the court, leading royal authority Robert Hardman brings us the inside story on the most pivotal and challenging year for the monarchy in living memory.

From the death of Elizabeth II through to the ancient spectacle of the Coronation, from the rise of a new Prince and Princess of Wales to the latest “truth bombs” from the Sussexes, this is the story of the making of a monarch.

Review:

This book is about the King Charles III’s transition from Prince of Wales to King over the past few years. It gives details about Queen Elizabeth II’s death, funeral, and King Charles III’s coronation.

It was fascinating to read about the behind-the-scenes details of these important historical events. There were so many problems they had to solve that I hadn’t thought about, such as how the world leaders would travel to the events without causing too much traffic. This book made the new King and Queen seem so relatable through anecdotes about their every day lives. The Royal Family has entered a new era of being more open with the public, but it’s ironic that with the scandals of the past few weeks with the Princess of Wales, they seem to be hiding more secrets than ever.

I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by the author and it was great! It was read like a story, so it was easy to follow.

The Making of a King is a fascinating inside look at the new monarch!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for providing a copy of this audiobook.

Have you read The Making of a King? What did you think of it?

Review: Adventures in Time: The Six Wives of Henry VIII

Title: Adventures in Time: The Six Wives of Henry VIII
Author: Dominic Sandbrook
Genre: Nonfiction, History
Publisher: Penguin Books
Source: Purchased
Format: Paperback
Release Date: October 5, 2023
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Take a journey to a vanished world with the ADVENTURES IN TIME series – stories so exciting you won’t believe they’re all true.

Winter has come; and in a far distant land, a warrior queen is expecting a child…’Step through these pages into the Tudor a dangerous place, where one miss-step could cost your life. Through the eyes of Henry VIII’s six very different queens, from a brave Spanish princess to a wise English widow, historian Dominic Sandbrook takes us on a thrilling journey through the twists and turns of a dramatic age. For no one is safe from the wheel of it can take you from a golden throne to the Tower of London…The Adventures in Time series brings the past alive for twenty-first century children. These stories are every bit as exciting as those of Harry Potter or Matilda Wormwood. The only difference is they actually happened…

Review:

This book tells the stories of each of Henry VIII’s six wives. Each wife gets her own section of the book, which were proportionate in length as to how long they were married. It felt a little rushed at the end, but many things progressed quickly at the end of his life.

This is a great overview of the wives of Henry VIII.

Have you read Adventures in Time: The Six Wives of Henry VIII? What did you think of it?

Review: Histories of the Unexpected: The Tudors

Title: Histories of the Unexpected: The Tudors
Author: Sam Willis, James Daybell
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Atlantic Books
Source: Library
Format: Ebook
Release Date: November 7, 2019
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Histories of the Unexpected not only presents a new way of thinking about the past, but also reveals the world around us as never before.

Traditionally, the Tudors have been understood in a straightforward way but the period really comes alive if you take an unexpected approach to its history. Yes, Tudor monarchs, exploration and religion have a fascinating history… but so too does cannibalism, shrinking, bells, hats, mirrors, monsters, faces, letter-writing and accidents!

Each of these subjects is equally fascinating in its own right, and each sheds new light on the traditional subjects and themes that we think we know so well.

Review:

The Histories of the Unexpected: The Tudors gives a history of the Tudors that isn’t traditionally written about. Often history books are about the art, religion, and monarchy of the Tudor era. This book has chapters on monsters, toilets, rings, bells, and even cannibalism. It was definitely unexpected and entertaining!

If you want to learn some fun facts about the Tudor era, I recommend this quick read!

Have you read Histories of the Unexpected: The Tudors? What did you think of it?

Review: How to Survive in Tudor England

Title: How to Survive in Tudor England
Author: Toni Mount
Genre: Nonfiction
Publisher: Pen & Sword
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 25, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Imagine you were transported back in time to Tudor England and had to start a new life there, without smartphones, internet or social media. When transport means walking or, if you’re lucky, horseback, how will you know where you are or where to go? Where will you live and where will you work? What will you eat and what shall you wear? And who can you turn to if you fall ill or are mugged in the street, or God forbid if you upset the king? In a period when execution by beheading was the fate of thousands how can you keep your head in Tudor England?

All these questions and many more are answered in this new guidebook for How to Survive in Tudor England . A handy self-help guide with tips and suggestions to make your visit to the 16th century much more fun, this lively and engaging book will help the reader deal with the new experiences they may encounter and the problems that might occur.

Enjoy interviews with the celebrities of the day, and learn some new words to set the mood for your time-traveling adventure. Have an exciting visit but be sure to keep this book to hand.

Review:

This book explains how to survive in Tudor England (1485-1603) if you travelled through time back to that era. It started out with a reference to the show Doctor Who (which is about time travel) so I knew I would enjoy this book.

It was a fun read that tells you what to eat, wear, and how to behave. Almost all the chapters had a fictional interview with a famous person associated with that chapter, which was so funny. All of the interviews made me laugh.

How to Survive in Tudor England is an entertaining read for anyone interested in the Tudors!

Thank you Pen and Sword for providing a digital copy of this book.

Have you read How to Survive in Tudor England? What did you think of it?

Review: Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel

Title: Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel
Author: Jessica Brody
Genre: Non Fiction
Publisher: Ten Speed Press
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel, prolific author and story coach Jessica Brody presents a comprehensive story structure guide for anyone who wants to write a young adult novel by applying the famed Save the Cat! screenwriting methodology to the world of YA fiction. In this book, you will learn:

• The fifteen “beats” (or plot points) that are necessary for crafting a successful story with a compelling character arc —including the Opening Image, Catalyst, Fun and Games, Bad Guys Close In, Dark Night of the Soul, and Finale
• The ten universal story genres that will help you drill into what makes your type of story work, including those most commonly found in young adult novels like Rites of Passage, Superhero, Buddy Love, Institutionalized, and Golden Fleece
• Quirky, original insights and writing tips like “Save the Cat,” the “Shard of Glass,” and the “Dark Night Epiphany,” that help you craft a story that will thrill and captivate teen readers

Filled with practical advice, easy-to-follow templates, and “beat sheets” analyzing the structure of popular young adult novels such as Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows, John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars, and Lois Lowry’s The Giver, this book is the ultimate reference for anyone who’s ever dreamed of writing their own young adult bestseller.

Review:

Save the Cat! Writes a Novel is one of the best writing guides I’ve ever read! I was so excited when I found out that Jessica Brody was writing a new edition for Young Adult novels.

This book details the 15 “beats” of the Save the Cat method for plotting a novel. There is extensive information on the different genres, or story types, that are found in almost every young adult novel. There are also some “beat sheets” for popular young adult novels, such as Six of Crows and The Fault in Our Stars, so you can see how the beats work in novels you already know.

Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel is a must read for young adult writers!

Thank you Ten Speed Press for providing a digital copy of this book.

Have you read Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel? What did you think of it?

Review: The Woman in Me

Title: The Woman in Me
Author: Britney Spears
Genre: Nonfiction, Memoir
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: October 24, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

The Woman in Me is a brave and astonishingly moving story about freedom, fame, motherhood, survival, faith, and hope.

In June 2021, the whole world was listening as Britney Spears spoke in open court. The impact of sharing her voice—her truth—was undeniable, and it changed the course of her life and the lives of countless others. The Woman in Me reveals for the first time her incredible journey—and the strength at the core of one of the greatest performers in pop music history.

Written with remarkable candor and humor, Spears’s groundbreaking book illuminates the enduring power of music and love—and the importance of a woman telling her own story, on her own terms, at last.

Review:

Britney Spears was my favourite singer when I was a kid. I remember coming home from kindergarten and watching the music video for Baby One More Time when it premiered. I have so many memories of listening to her music throughout my life.

This book was amazing. I could hear Britney’s voice through the words. She’s led a rough life but she’s an incredibly strong person to have survived so much. Reading her story has just made me love her even more. She’s truly an inspiration!

I highly recommend The Woman in Me for anyone interested in music or memoirs.

Have you read The Woman in Me? What did you think of it?

Review: Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music

Title: Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music
Author: Rebel Girls
Genre: Children’s, Nonfiction
Publisher: Rebel Girls
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: March 7, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

TRUE STORIES OF WOMEN WHO RAISE THE ROOF!

This collection features 25 stories of extraordinary women in music—women who have moved hearts and minds with their lyrics, uplifted other musicians, and gotten people to jump, dance, and sing along with their music.

Belt out pop anthems with Lizzo, bang on the drums with Nandi Bushell, and write country hits with Dolly Parton. The women in this book come from all around the world. They play different instruments, experiment with new sounds, and stand out in their genres. But one thing is true of them They rock!

With a forward by iconic rocker Joan Jett and activities curated by Gibson Guitars, this book will have readers everywhere jamming out! Plus, scannable codes let you listen to more stories on the Rebel Girls app.

Review:

Rebel Girls Rock tells the stories of 25 women in the music industry. The women are musicians, singers, or music executives.

I was familiar with many of the women, such as Dolly Parton, Joni Mitchell, and Lizzo, but most of them were new to me. Evelyn Glynne is a Scottish drummer who is deaf. She creates music through feeling the thumps of the percussion instruments. Jody Gerson is the CEO and chairman of Universal Music Publishing Group, and works with artists such as Lady Gaga and Halsey. Laura Jane Grace is a trans punk rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist who found confidence through creating music. I loved learning about these inspiring women in music.

Rebel Girls Rock is a must-read for anyone interested in the music industry!

Thank you Rebel Girls for providing a digital copy of this book!

Review: Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains

Title: Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains
Author: Rebel Girls
Genre: Nonfiction, Middle Grade, Children’s
Publisher: Rebel Girls
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: Ebook
Release Date: February 25, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the world of Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls comes the historical novel based on the life of Junko Tabei, the first female climber to summit Mount Everest.

Junko is bad at athletics. Really bad. Other students laugh because they think she is small and weak. Then her teacher takes the class on a trip to a mountain. It’s bigger than any Junko’s ever seen, but she is determined to make it to the top. Ganbatte, her teacher tells her. Do your best.

After that first trip, Junko becomes a mountaineer in body and spirit. She climbs snowy mountains, rocky mountains, and even faraway mountains outside of her home country of Japan. She joins clubs and befriends fellow climbers who love the mountains as much as she does. Then, Junko does something that’s never been done before… she becomes the first woman to climb the tallest mountain in the world.

Review:

Junko Tabei was the first female climber to reach the summit of Mount Everest. She wasn’t an athletic child, but when her elementary school teacher introduced her to mountain climbing, she found her passion. She spent her entire life climbing mountains and setting records.

I always enjoy the Rebel Girls books because I learn so much from them. I had never heard of Junko Tabei before reading this book, but I’m glad to have learned about such an inspiring woman. Junko’s biography was in a narrative format, which makes it easy to read and remember. This book is appropriate for a middle grade reader, but I enjoyed it as an adult reader.

Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains is a great Rebel Girls book!

Thank you Rebel Girls for providing a digital copy of this book.

Category: Non-Fiction

Review: How to Dream: A Motivational Guide to a Life of Hope, Success, and Freedom

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Favourite Quotes:

Giveaway:

Review: Get Signed: Find an Agent, Land a Book Deal, and Become a Published Author

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Review: The Making of a King: King Charles III and the Modern Monarchy

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Review: Adventures in Time: The Six Wives of Henry VIII

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Review: Histories of the Unexpected: The Tudors

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Review: How to Survive in Tudor England

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Review: Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel

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Review: The Woman in Me

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Review: Rebel Girls Rock: 25 Tales of Women in Music

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What to read next:

Rebel Girls Lead: 25 Tales of Powerful Women by Rebel Girls

Review: Junko Tabei Masters the Mountains

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What to read next:

Madam C.J. Walker Builds a Business by Rebel Girls