Soft Magic

soft magic

by Upile Chisala

Publish Date: February 26, 2019

Andrews McMeel Publishing

This beautiful poetry collection is about self-love, power, depression, relationships, and understanding. It is geared toward women and perhaps teens or young adults of color. The words Chisala chooses are as beautiful as the ideas she aims to express. I recommend this book for poetry lovers. I suspect readers of color will find themselves seen and heard on these pages, and white readers can see the need for inclusive and “own voices” writing.

4 stars

Your Tarot Court

Your Tarot Court

by Ethony Dawn

Publish date: May 8, 2019

Llewellyn Publications

Wow! I had no idea there was so much to say (or in my case, learn) about the court cards. This book was really insightful in explaining the characteristics, archetypes, and values of each of the court cards. I liked that Dawn provided specific information about each card in all sorts of contexts, and she included spreads that I have never seen before. This was a surprising and fun find. I may buy a hard copy to keep with my cards so I can refer back to it easily.

4 stars

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls

by Anissa Gray

Publish date: February 19, 2019

Berkley Publishing Group

I finished this book three days ago and I am still thinking about it. The storytelling is somewhat fragmented, but that matches how the characters' lives are fragmented. In the beginning there were a number of characters to keep straight; this is something I struggle with, so I made a list. I can't decide if this book tries to tell too many stories or if the gravity of all the situations bring a necessary weight to the family. In any case, I liked reading about the various plights of these grown sisters and their loved ones.

3 stars

Stargazing at Noon

Stargazing at Noon

by Amanda Torroni

Publish date: February 12, 2019

Andrews McMeel Publishing

Torroni sticks well to the notion of stargazing throughout this poem collection. As she ponders topics of love, sometimes writing to the loved one, she returns to imagery of the cosmos, of lightness and darkness. She writes about mental health in nature metaphors. Not all of this poetry is as straightforward as that of Lang Leav, for example, but it is worth the energy to sit with it.

4 stars

Worry Less, Pray More

Worry Less, Pray More: A Woman's Devotional Guide to Anxiety-Free Living

by Donna K. Maltese

Publish Date: March 1, 2019

Barbour Publishing, Inc.

This is a decent devotional, with 180 undated entries. It is easy to read, though not very detailed. These are good for a super-quick hit read. If you want something more robust, skip this one.

2 stars

Love Looks Pretty on You

Love Looks Pretty on You

by Lang Leav

Publish Date: January 29, 2019

Andrews McMeel Publishing

The latest book of poetry by Lang Leav is every bit as wonderful as her previous books. I am a fan of Leav’s for her ability to make poetry accessible. She once again explores past love with this collection of poems, but she also delves into self-love through poems written to herself. I was able to relate to many of her passages. I have recommended her poetry books in the past, and I wholeheartedly recommend Love Looks Pretty on You.

4 stars

Hidden Heartbreak

Hidden Heartbreak

by Emma Lee

Publish Date: January 8, 2019

Andrews McMeel Publishing

This is a cute collection of cartoons about a relationship that ends in heartbreak and how the author looks back on the course of events. It was interesting how she included a few scattered pages that allow the reader to write or draw in their own experiences. I liked Lee’s illustrations and the observations she chose to include in this book.

3 stars