This is my first time doing Bout of Books. I’ve decided to tackle the huge TBR mountain with my name on it this year, starting with non-fiction books. Thanks J for introducing me to this challenge!

So I took a look at my TBR (specifically the non-fiction section) and decided to divide it into memoirs, self-help, writing craft, cookbooks, folklore, and miscellaneous. Most were recommended to me, so there’s a lot of overlap in subjects… And that turned out to be a bit of a problem: how many books about deep point of view do you really need to read to get it? This made me take a long, hard look at my TBR and I’ve made a list of books that will probably be removed.

Now for the books I read this week!

About the Book

Dear Novelist: Would you like your readers to live your stories, not merely read them? Deep Point of View anchors your readers inside the point of view character(s) of your novel. This handbook shows you how to perform the transformation from ordinary narrative to deep narrative in clear, easy-to-master steps. I invite you to sweep your writing to the next level with a technique that creates immediacy and intimacy with your readers and virtually eliminates show/don’t tell issues. My Best to You, Jill

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

A succinct explanation of what deep point of view is and how to use it properly. Interesting worksheets to use at the end of each chapter to get it right.

Another great tool in the author’s toolbox.

About the Book

All marketers tell stories. And if they do it right, we believe them. A good story is where genuine customer satisfaction comes from. It’s the source of profit and it’s the future of your organisation. This book shows how to discover and tell authentic stories that set you and your products or service apart from the competition.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

Purple cows, compelling stories, living your “lie” authentically, and being consistent are the pillars of good marketing.

In the decades since this book was published, these ideas have been used by others teaching marketing, so it’s no surprise that the lessons herein seem so familiar.

The author is really good at framing, using examples, and explaining why some things work while others don’t.

Unfortunately, I don’t feel like I’ve learned anything new.

A good reference when you need to know how to market.

About the Book

Internationally bestselling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire, and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

I was reading along, not quite happy with the author’s assertion about Resistance, but staying open-minded because this book has been lauded as a must-read. But when he asserted that ADHD, social anxiety and depression were all created by marketers and not real diseases, I stopped reading. I haven’t read something so offensive in a while.

DNF.

About the Book

Write. Publish. Repeat. The No-Luck-Required Guide to Publishing

In 2013, Johnny B. Truant and Sean Platt published 1.5 million words and made their full-time livings as indie authors. In Write. Publish. Repeat., they tell you exactly how they did it: how they created over 15 independent franchises across 50+ published works, how they turned their art into a logical, sustainable business, and how any independent author can do the same to build a sustainable, profitable career with their writing.

Write. Publish. Repeat. explains the current self-publishing landscape and covers the truths and myths about what it means to be an indie author now and in the foreseeable future. It explains how to create books your readers will love and will want to return to again and again. Write. Publish. Repeat. details expert methods for building story worlds, characters, and plots, understanding your market (right down to your ideal reader), using the best tools possible to capture your draft, and explains proven best practices for editing. The book also discusses covers, titles, formatting, pricing, and publishing to multiple platforms, plus a bit on getting your books into print (and why that might not be a good idea!). But most importantly, Write. Publish. Repeat. details the psychology-driven marketing plan that Sean and Johnny built to shape their stories into “products” that readers couldn’t help but be drawn into — thus almost automatically generating sales — and explores ways that smart, business-minded writers can do the same to future-proof their careers.

This book is not a formula with an easy path to follow. It is a guidebook that will help you build a successful indie publishing career, no matter what type of writer you are … so long as you’re the type who’s willing to do the work.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

I liked their funnel strategies and their no-nonsense approach to writing and publishing. Their humour got me through the book.

They mention “The War of Art” quite a lot: I’m not a fan of said book as it has harmful, offensive views about mental health (stating it’s not real). I get why they feel it’s the authority on Resistence, but I’m sure they could have written a chapter about it themselves.

A lot of tactics, as they had predicted, are of no use in 2022, but the strategies remain solid.

I learned a lot more from Joanna Penn’s non-fiction books, though (they mention her throughout the book with good reason).

There are good, empowering moments for indies in this book and has some relevance as a self-publishing guide almost a decade after publication.

About the Book

Not only did I finally finish reading this one, I also tried out some tasty recipes!

The highly anticipated cookbook from the immensely popular food blog Minimalist Baker, featuring 101 all-new simple, vegan recipes that all require 10 ingredients or less, 1 bowl or 1 pot, or 30 minutes or less to prepare

Dana Shultz founded the Minimalist Baker blog in 2012 to share her passion for simple cooking and quickly gained a devoted worldwide following. Now, in this long-awaited debut cookbook, Dana shares 101 vibrant, simple recipes that are entirely plant-based, mostly gluten-free, and 100% delicious. Packed with gorgeous photography, this practical but inspiring cookbook includes:

• Recipes that each require 10 ingredients or less, can be made in one bowl, or require 30 minutes or less to prepare.
• Delicious options for hearty entrées, easy sides, nourishing breakfasts, and decadent desserts—all on the table in a snap
• Essential plant-based pantry and equipment tips
• Easy-to-follow, step-by-step recipes with standard and metric ingredient measurements

Minimalist Baker’s Everyday Cooking is a totally no-fuss approach to cooking for anyone who loves delicious food that happens to be healthy too.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

An interesting cookbook with recipes that are quick and easy to make – and are all plant-based.

Recipes I enjoyed (photos on Instagram):

Breakfast: Carrot Walnut Bread

Appetizers and sides: Greek Kale Salad

Main Dishes: Simple Curried Carrot and Lentil Soup

Desserts: Dark Chocolate Almond Coconut Bites

There are interesting techniques and flavour combinations. But the main dishes seem to be heavily influenced by one cuisine and doesn’t leave much room for anything that doesn’t need cilantro.

For the most part handy to learn how to make flaxseed eggs and other pantry essentials from the first section of the book.

About the Book

I had originally planned to read it for a book club last year, but the schedule changed. I’m glad I got to it now.

Tired of the hero’s journey?
Frustrated that funny, romantic, and comforting stories aren’t taken seriously?
Sad that the books and movies you love never seem to be critically acclaimed, even when they sell like crazy?

The heroine’s journey is here to help.

Multiple New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger presents a clear concise analysis of the heroine’s journey, how it differs from the hero’s journey, and how you can use it to improve your writing and your life.

In this book you’ll learn:

* How to spot the heroine’s journey in popular books, movies, and the world around you.
* The source myths and basic characters, tropes, and archetypes of this narrative.
* A step-by-step break down of how to successfully write this journey.

What do Agatha Christie, JK Rowling, and Nora Roberts all have in common?
They all write the heroine’s journey. Read this book to learn all about it.

From Harry Potter to Twilight, from Wonder Woman to Star Wars, you’ll never look at pop culture the same way again.

With over a dozen NYT and USA Today bestsellers, and over a million books in print, popular genre author and former archaeologist Gail Carriger brings her cheeky comedic tone and over a decade of making her living as a fiction author to this fascinating look at one of the most popular yet neglected narratives of our time. The presentation she does on this subject sells for hundreds of dollars.

“I’m not sure how you can just rewire my brain to see the heroine’s journey like this and then expect me to make coherent, thought-out comments about the text when all I want to do is hold it in my twisted little grip while I shove it at people screaming like a madman and pointing at passages.”
~ Author Beta Reader

Gail Carriger uses the heroine’s journey to produce bestselling, critically-acclaimed books that genre blend science fiction, cozy mystery, young adult, urban fantasy, romance, historical fiction, and alternate history. In this non-fiction book she uses her academic background and creative writing skills to bring to life the archetypes, tropes, story beats, themes, and messages inherent in the heroine’s journey. Part treatise on authorship, part feminist literary criticism, part how to write guide, Carriger uses mythology, legend, and Gothic victorian 19th century literature to explore movies, screenwriting, books, and audience desires.

This is an excellent reference guide for genre fiction authors seeking to improve their craft or for readers and pop culture enthusiasts interested in understanding their own taste. It is the perfect counterpoint to The Hero with a Thousand Faces not to mention Save the Cat, Women Who Run With The Wolves, and The Breakout Novelist. 

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

An excellent book about writing a specific journey that celebrates relationships, community and love – no matter the genre you write.

If Wonder Woman is an excellent example of a woman cast in the Hero’s Journey, then Harry Potter is a great example of a boy/man cast in the Heroine’s Journey. Which just goes to show how different these journeys are and that they aren’t bound to physical gender.

I like how the author explained the journey, used examples from myth and pop culture, looked at different aspects, and compared the two journeys.

One of the best books on craft I’ve read in a while.

A must-have in every author’s library.

About the Book

In a life filled with meaning and accomplishment, Michelle Obama has emerged as one of the most iconic and compelling women of our era. As First Lady of the United States of America—the first African American to serve in that role—she helped create the most welcoming and inclusive White House in history, while also establishing herself as a powerful advocate for women and girls in the U.S. and around the world, dramatically changing the ways that families pursue healthier and more active lives, and standing with her husband as he led America through some of its most harrowing moments. Along the way, she showed us a few dance moves, crushed Carpool Karaoke, and raised two down-to-earth daughters under an unforgiving media glare.

In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her—from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world’s most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it—in her own words and on her own terms. Warm, wise, and revelatory, Becoming is the deeply personal reckoning of a woman of soul and substance who has steadily defied expectations—and whose story inspires us to do the same.

Check it out on Goodreads.

My Review

When the Obamas were in the White House, I never worried about America staring a nuclear war, genocide or international economic disaster. I didn’t know much about them except that they were educated and the perfect age to lead a country. Reading Michelle’s memoir taught me so much about them – and the struggles she had to overcome behind the graceful, smiling façade.

I loved that she tackled the issues of convenience food and lack of exercise the way she did – and from her own experience as a working mother dealing with the same issues.

The white dress she wore to the first inaugural ball is absolutely gorgeous! And as with all the photos shared in this book, a perfect accompaniment to the narrative.

“There’s power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there’s grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become.” Such a powerful end to the book.

An excellent read.

Have you read any of these books? What do you think of readathons? What does your TBR look like?

*FYI, my reviews are my honest opinion and if something bothers me, I tell it straight. How else will anything change? My opinions are based on being a voracious reader and book buyer, not an attack on the author.*