Book Review: The Art of Visual Notetaking

When I take notes, it's a wall of text; periodically, I'll see pictures shared of others who create this visually appealing record of a meeting, filled with images that complement the text. We have the same information, but mine is harder to navigate.

Enter the new book The Art of Visual Notetaking. In it, Emily Mills shares her insights in how to gain the ability to take visual notes. She stresses the purpose of visual notetaking is to present information in a way that encourages retention.

Mills sprinkles the text with regular illustrations to convey points. She recognizes most might feel intimidated by their lack of drawing ability, so she offers drawing advice and exercises. Every step of the process is covered, from possible layouts to selection of writing utensils to steps that can be done in advance and how and when to add color and depth. There are even suggestions for individuals who may want to take visual notes professionally, as she does.

In addition to giving exercises to practice the various techniques of visual note taking, Mills also offers practical suggestions for getting experience in a low-pressure environment, including taking written notes from a previous conference or talk and converting them to incorporate visuals, as well as watching a youtube video like a Ted talk to allow opportunities to create content as it's being delivered.

I went from thinking I could never be able to take visual notes to finding scenarios in which I want to attempt it, based on the guidance Mills offers. For instance, I imagine playing around with visual notes when it comes to my reading log - cataloging highlights of a book with a notable quote or two, author or genre information, and my impressions. For those who bullet journal, I imagine these concepts would translate well to travel or journal spreads.

This practical book is a useful resource to those who are inexperienced but motivated to learn the skill of visual notetaking.

(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: The Printed Letter Bookshop

Katherine Reay's books all have a love of literature present, whether she is writing a new take on a classic or whether, as in The Printed Letter Bookshop, a bookstore is front and center and quotations are offered or titles are mentioned or alluded to.

The narrative fluctuates among three women who are lost and overwhelmed in the world, whether they realize it or not -- there's Madeleine, the high achieving young woman striving to become the next partner in her law firm; Janet, the divorced mom whose grown son sided with the father and keeps his distance from her; and Claire, the mom whose husband is often out of state for work and who is disconnected from her children, who opt for friends' homes over their distant mother.

The Printed Letter Bookshop is what brings these women together; it is a beloved location, but when Maddie, the newly deceased owner, fought sickness, the bookstore struggled, to the point where its continued presence in the community is in doubt.

At the center, our three protagonists have been given a book list from Maddie, each a curated list of titles that, when read, have a common theme demonstrating a way each woman can enhance and improve her life; "Maddie's books provided a trail, like breadcrumbs, leading me to who I want to be or maybe back to who I once set out to be..." Slowly, each character takes steps to change their lives for the better.

I have found Reay's work to be uneven - for example, I adored Dear Mr Knightley but found A Portrait of Emily Price lackluster. However, I was pleased with this title; it was a read that was a pleasant, light-hearted accompaniment for the close of this school year.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: Smash Poetry Journal

When I was teaching seventh grade English, most class days began with five minutes of writing. Students always had the option to write on a topic of their own choosing, but most preferred working with a prompt. I would brainstorm topics and then write them down so they could be used for other classes down the road. I was constantly looking for resources to save me time of drafting new topics every day.

I recently reviewed another volume of writing prompts -- geared towards fiction -- and was sorely disappointed in the quality of the text. So when I approached Smash Poetry Journal, I went in hoping for a successful execution but being level-headed after my recent disappointment. Author Robert Lee Brewer began a poetry blog in 2008; he began posting daily poetry prompts in hopes readers would share their poems to create interaction and accountability. This book grew from his practice of providing those prompts. I shouldn't have been anxious -- this book is excellent.

Poetry writing came more naturally to my mother and a couple of my siblings; when I sit down to do it, I enjoy the exercise, but it's not as fluid for me, and I don't have ideas bursting forth without concerted effort. I need to get alone and give myself time to think. Ideally, I've been steeping myself in poetry. Only then can I create an environment to write poetry, if I have inspiration.

As I was reading this book, I flagged the prompts that I wanted to return to in order to try my hand at some poetry again. I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I bookmarked an astonishing 70 of the 125 prompts (I've bought knitting books for only one or two patterns in the entire volume before, so finding so much to employ in an idea book like this is no small accomplishment). These are written in ways that get my creative juices flowing and my fingers itching to write and I anticipate spending a quiet lunch hour seeing what I create.

I highly recommend Smash Poetry Journal. This book is a strong addition for a teacher who wants to foster a poetry-writing environment in her classroom, or for the average individual -- like me -- who enjoys creating poetry but sometimes gets hung up on generating a topic or theme.

(I received a digital ARC from F+W Media via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: The Little Book of Rock Painting

I have several creative friends in my life, and as an excuse to gather us together, I scheduled a rock painting night. Had I ever done so before? Nope. But it seemed a perfect activity to relax us while we socialized and decompressed at what is a busy time of year for all of us.

I was searching websites for advice, and only after I'd picked up some rocks and some oil-based paint pens did I stumble upon The Little Book of Rock Painting. I couldn't resist looking into this title to learn about basics of rock painting. This book focuses more on using acrylic paints, but as I already had paint pens on hand, I was most interested in the delightful tutorials that were offered.

I am in awe of what this book allowed me to create. I was intimidated at the skill level of some of the projects, but I boldly jumped in and, due to the clear instructions and pictures, I was able to follow along and end up with beautiful rock art.

Here is a photo of my creations. I heartily recommend this book to offer basics on how to begin, but especially for the quality of the instructions, tutorials, and templates. I enjoy creative ventures but don't feel that I have innate drawing ability; however, this book taught me how to make it look like I am more skilled than I am! The spectrum of complexity is also welcome - I suspect my eight-year-old daughter, who is adept at art, could tackle the more detailed projects, whereas my five-year-old daughter would stick with some of the more basic ideas.

(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: Coffeehouse Knits

I began knitting around the time I was engaged to be married nearly 16 years ago (I brought my first project -- a ribbed scarf -- on my honeymoon for travel knitting). I intentionally developed my skills and am not intimidated to tackle stuffed animals, socks, shawls, or sweaters.

As my abilities and confidence have grown, I can also pinpoint ways knitting has brought dear people into my life through two specific examples. I had a knitting group form organically, starting with just two of us at a local coffeeshop and growing to around a dozen friends committed to meeting weekly and sharing the nitty-gritty of our lives together. When I was pregnant, I also joined an online due-date group within the Ravelry forums, and those initial shallow interactions about what we were making for our child(ren) or how our pregnancy was going have grown over the years to be an intimate group that doesn't hesitate to share about marriage difficulties, parenting struggles, job transitions, or moving opportunities. These friendships began over a shared love of knitting and grew deep.

Coffeehouse Knits was a visually engaging book to review, and it's framed around how public spaces like coffeeshops are natural gathering sites for knitting groups. The patterns within have names like Chai Latte Cowl and Latte Swirl Sweater. I've recently been turning my attention to creating cowls and shawls, so I was most drawn to the cowl and scarf patterns. Interspersed are essays reflecting on the value of knitting groups. I found the essays within a little uneven, but a couple later ones did connect with me and convey similar thoughts to the power of crafting to draw people together.

Coffeehouse Knits could be just the gift for a friend in your knitting group.

(I received a digital ARC from F+W Media via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: A Thank You Walk

When I was young, my maternal grandpa loved to take me on walks. One of his favorite stories he would recount to me when I was older was about the time I spotted a robin ahead of us on the sidewalk. I hunched down and watched it intently for several minutes, then I tried to waddle after it to get closer. It looked at me and, apparently not sensing a threat, let me approach. My Grandpa Claire was just tickled every time when he'd describe how we were practically nose to beak, studying each other.

I now have fond memories of taking my daughters walking around town. It began with exploring my Indiana neighborhood when I had only one daughter, who sometimes slept in the stroller during these excursions. Now I get to take both of my girls to my favorite Wisconsin trails. We might notice birds flying overhead or pinecones and acorns scattered on the ground. When we are along the river, there might be boats that catch our eye or conversations carried across the water that we pick up on. The slow pace of these walks allows us to seek out details we'd miss if we were rushing by in a car, and it gives us opportunities for conversations we might not otherwise have.

Bright Start -- A Thank You Walk is a short picture book that shows a mother and child enjoying each other's company while they take a walk. They notice the chirping birds at the feeder and the mom narrates how they are thanking them for the food. Through this modeling in other examples, at the close of the story, the young child helps a beetle turn upright and, as the insect flies away, the child declares that it is thanking them for intervening.

It is a darling, sweet read that enforces the special moments that can take place through a short walk and models how meaningful simple conversations can be in such a setting. And I'm thankful for the way it called to mind the special story my grandfather would tell me; he is now gone, and it was a treat to recall his joy when telling stories such as the one I shared above.

(I received a digital ARC from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: The Western Wind

The Western Wind is a rich story using the framework of 15th century England as its setting. John Reve is the priest of a small town, and we observe events in the days immediately before Lent.

When the richest villager dies, the priest and the dean are seeking out whether it was accidental or, if not, whether he was murdered or committed suicide. The story is told in reverse order - the first chapter is Day 4: Shrove Tuesday, the next chapter is Day 3, and so on. Even the chapter's sub-headings are mirror opposites. This technique suited the storytelling well. We gain more insight as we read the preceding day, filling in the blanks or unknowns that were mentioned in passing.

Due to the timing of the church calendar, as well as an offer of a pardon, we are witnessing the priest hearing confessions in each section, and through his words and actions, it's evident he dearly loves his village and wants to do what is best for them. I found the lists of confessions at times amusing, provocative, or heartbreaking:

"Father, I slept all day, I cut a hole in a wall to spy on a woman, I shovelled some of my no-good-clay onto my neighbour's plot, I stole the last spoonful of honey instead of offering it to my husband, I ate the lucky egg, I cursed my father, I swore, I snored, I farted, I doubted."

This is a well-written, thoughtful book that takes on themes of guilt, forgiveness, grief, and secrecy. When you finish, you will be tempted to read it again, this time in reverse (and, thus, in chronological) order and find someone to process it with you. It's a beautiful read.

(I received a digital ARC from Grove Atlantic via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

Many of my generation grew up with Fred Rogers' gentle presence on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, and I was delighted to learn of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood premiering when my oldest was a toddler. When I learned of a book about to be published that contained 75 songs, I was delighted.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is a welcoming picture book with both new and familiar songs. Some might present better if you know the tune, but the messages conveyed are valuable.

Charming illustrations sprinkle the pages, and the simple words are affirming and encouraging. Are the poems masterpieces? Maybe not, but they possess truths we need to hear in simple words anyone can grasp.

Repeatedly though these pages, Fred Rogers reminds us that we are enough, just as we are. That we are creative and bright. That we are amazing and can do and be our best. That we can and do have big feelings, but those strong emotions are worth naming and processing.

I found myself slowing down as I read, breathing deeply and becoming calm and peaceful while reading. This book is a gift to treasure, much as Fred Rogers' legacy is.

(I received a digital ARC from Quirk Books via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: I Owe You One

Something comes over me when fall starts to transition to winter and there's that noticeable anticipation of Christmas. For the rest of the year, I tend to be pretty snooty when it comes to movies. I love a captivating story with strong character development, more often a drama than a comedy. However, there is something about the genre of holiday movies that has me throwing all discernment to the wind. They are formulaic as all get out, I mock them mercilessly, and yet I keep coming back for more.

I found myself reflecting on this tendency I have to recognize how these stories are far from great and are the opposite of surprising, and yet for a couple weeks every year, I seek them out. There's a comfort in knowing all will end up well and nothing truly horrible will happen; any losses or shortcomings will be redeemed by the end.

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella has some of those similarities for me. Fixie is our protagonist. She's clever at solving problems and has a close relationship with her widowed mother as they run the family store. However, when her mom goes abroad and entrusts the store to Fixie and her siblings, tension arises. There's the brother with aspirations of greatness, who wants to take the comfortable store and the ordinary customers they have and transform them into something flashy, in hopes of catering to a new crowd, expenses and relationships be damned. There's the glamorous sister who is self-absorbed and all about projecting the right image. And then there's Fixie, whose weakness is her inability to stand up for herself since she feels inferior to her siblings. She lets an infatuation from her childhood steer her off course. Then there's a chance coffee-shop meeting, where Fixie, doing what she does best, earns an IOU from a stranger.

I couldn't help but get annoyed by specific plot points and anxious about business decisions. I Owe You One is predictable, it's not great literature, and the characters could accurately be called caricatures. Readers will easily spot the relationships that are strong and for the mismatched ones, readers will be quick to know the right pairings (and don't get me started on how frustrated I get when there's this clear longing and yet they stay with the miserable partner until circumstances change and there's no grieving the loss as they jump, without pause, into a new relationship). I have to suspend disbelief that some of the characters make the marked changes that they do. However, there was something delightful about turning off my brain and just going along for the ride as Fixie wrestles with what it means to put "Family First," both in who falls into the family classification, as well as what it truly means to sacrifice for them. I'd give this read 3.5 stars; pick this up if you want the equivalent of a story that won't stretch you but will resolve well in the end. Given the right mood, I can see myself seeking out another Kinsella title when I need a comfortable read.

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Random House in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)

Book Review: The Red Address Book

In The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg, Doris is an elderly woman who acknowledges her death is imminent. She has one great niece who is dear to her; as they live in different countries, their connections are limited to Skype sessions. While Doris values those encounters, she doesn't want Jenny to be unaware of the life Doris lived as a young woman, a life that spans countries, beginning with the circumstances that cause Doris to be sent away from home at a young age to work as a servant, only to be welcomed into the live mannequin world, filled with glamour and drudgery. Love, loss, and heartache follow.

Doris takes to typing up her life story, both in hopes Jenny will be able to come into possession of the stories and to fill her empty days. The story is framed by the entries in her red address book, nearly all of whom are deceased. Some individuals only warrant one chapter, others we return to repeatedly.

Both the flashbacks and the present-day sections are engaging and their juxtapositions give us pause as we try to make the transition, much as Doris experiences when she's deep in a captivating flashback, only to be returned to the present day with an impatient caregiver and the reality of her failing body.

The Red Address Book is a solid story. It may not linger with me after having completed it, but the experience was pleasant.

(I received a digital ARC from NetGalley and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for my honest review. I've used Amazon Affiliate links here; should you purchase through these links, I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.)